Europe and the Mediterranean

On a clear winter night in Lapland you have the chance to view the most magnificent light show that nature has to offer, the Aurora Borealis. The sight of the lights shimmering and dancing across the night sky will be etched in the memory of all those who are lucky enough to witness it.

The phenomenon of the Northern Lights has fascinated the Sámi people for centuries and there are more than 20 folk tales that attempt to explain their existence.

In many parts of Lapland the lights are known as the Firefox. Legend has it that the tail of a running fox brushing against the powder snow causes the sparks in the sky. It is also said that the Arctic Sea contains so many fish that the sun’s light is reflected off their scales and creates the patterns in the sky.

Today’s science means that we now know that the displays we see are caused by electrically charged particles in space hitting the earth’s atmosphere. When they collide with oxygen and nitrogen particles they emit excess energy as light.

Although the lights can be seen from northerly parts of the United Kingdom the occurrences are rare and the intensity of the displays tend to be low. The further north you travel the better your chances of viewing the lights so all the destinations in this brochure provide great opportunities to see the lights.

Locations

New destinations such as Nellim at 68.5° North and the magnificent ICEHOTEL® at 67.5° North provide areas free from large amounts of light pollution and can experience magnificent shows.

The optimum time for viewing the lights is between 9pm and 1am in the morning. Be careful not to go to bed too soon or you may miss out.

The intensity of the displays can vary and may start with a small stationary glow or arch in the night sky before building into a spectacular show.

The lights are a purely natural phenomenon and therefore cannot be guaranteed whichever destination you choose. However, the further north you travel and the further away from man-made light you are, the better your chances.

Many of the destinations offer night time and overnight safaris that will give you the perfect opportunity to spot the Aurora as you go deep into the darkness.

Lying on a reindeer skin in deep snow, watching the sky shimmer and drinking hot berry juice is an excellent way to spend part of your holiday!

Whatever you believe about the Aurora Borealis there is no more spectacular experience on Earth than sitting in a winter wonderland watching the lights dancing across the sky. It is truly magical!

If this example is not exactly what you are looking for please Request a Personal Quotation or contact us and we can discuss ways of tailor-making the perfect holiday for you.

Day 01- Saturday 25.08
Arrive at Cairo International Airport .Meet & assist by our representative- transfer to your hotel. Check in & Overnight in Cairo at the Movenpick Pyramids Hotel

Day 02- Sunday 26.08
Meet your English Tour Guide, start your day tour by visiting one of the lasting seven wonders, The Three Pyramids, Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerionos. Then visit the Sphinx Monument; guarding the royal burial chambers and temple of Cheops. After that, you will proceed to Sakkara., built for the 3rd Dynasty Pharaoh Djoser by the architect Imhotep. Then you will visit Memphis, the capital of the Pharaohs during the old kingdom, built by King Menes and is located 24 kilometers southwest of Cairo. Back to the Hotel & Overnight in Cairo.
( Breakfast )

Day 03 – Monday 27.08
Meet your English Tour Guide, and start your day tour by visiting The Egyptian Museum, housing the largest collection of ancient monuments in the world, including the golden treasures of Tutankhamen. After that you will visit the Coptic Cairo: includes the hanging church which was built in the 4th century over the southern gate of the fortress Babylon & dedicated to the Virgin Mary& some other old churches .Then proceed to visit the Citadel of Salah El Din, which is one of the world's greatest monuments to medieval warfare, as well as a highly visible landmark on Cairo's eastern skyline & the complex includes the Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali . Then you will have a walk at Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Back to the Hotel. Overnight in Cairo.
( Breakfast )

Day 04- Tuesday 28.08

Check-out from hotel. Then transfer to Cairo domestic airport for leaving to Luxor. Upon arrival to Luxor. Meet & assist at airport by our representative - transfer to your Nile Cruise MOON GODDESS. Embarkation before lunch. Lunch on board . Cross to the west bank to visit the valley of the kings Queens , queen hatshepsut temple & the colossi of memnon & luxor temple .dinner & over night in Luxor .
(Breakfast)

Day 05 – Wednesday 29.08
Break fast on board . visit karnak temple . Lunch on board . sail to edfu . dinner & over night .
( Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner )

Day 06 –Thursday 30.08
Breakfast on Board. Visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu. lunch on Board. Sail to kom ombo. Visit the Temple shared by the two Gods Sobek and Harories in Kom Ombo. Sail to Aswan. Dinner on Board . Over night in Aswan .
( Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner )

Day 07- Friday 31.08
Breakfast on board. Visit the high dam , the granite quarries , unfinished oblesik & the philae temple . Lunch on board . evening ,sail on the nile by felucca around kitchener's island & agha khan mausoleum . Dinner on Board . overnight in Aswan.
( Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner )

Day 08- Saturday 01.09
Breakfast on board . Disembarkation . Transfer to the Pyramisa Isis Hotel and Spa, Aswan . check-in . over night in aswan .
(Breakfast+ Lunch + Dinner)

Day 09 – Sunday 02.09
Breakfast at hotel . Day free at leisure . Over night in Aswan
( Breakfast )

Day 10- Monday 03.09
Breakfast at hotel . Check-out & transfer to Aswan Airport for leaving to Cairo . Upon arrival to Cairo . Meet & assist & transfer to your hotel, Movenpick Pyramids Hotel . Check-in . over night in cairo .
( Breakfast )

Day 11 – Tuesday 04.09
After breakfast check-out & transfer to Cairo International Airport for your final departure .
( Breakfast )
End of Program

If this example is not exactly what you are looking for please Request a Personal Quotation or contact us and we can discuss ways of tailor-making the perfect holiday for you.

Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich cultures of northern Italy, Greece and Croatia on a 7-night cruise through the Eastern Mediterranean.

After touring Milan and Como in the picturesque Italian Lakes region, your first port of call is Bari. Here, whimsical round houses with cone-topped roofs dot the landscape like chanterelle mushrooms. Then it’s on to the island playgrounds of Santorini, Mykonos, and Corfu, characterized by vibrant blue waters, gorgeous beaches, and whitewashed villages.

Soak up the sun, taste delicious fresh seafood, and browse the colorful markets for souvenirs. Next you'll travel to Dubrovnik, Croatia, an interesting ancient city built on a peninsula and protected by a 1,000-year-old wall. After exploring this city, sail to enchanting Venice. Here meander through the romantic canals, have a cappuccino in St. Mark's Square, and see the sites including the Clock Tower, the Doge’s Palace, and the famous Bridge of Sighs.

Day 1: Arrive Lago Maggiore, Italy - Tour Begins

Your tour begins in the picturesque Italian Lakes region of Lago Maggiore. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Today dinner is included.

Day 2: Milan - Como - Lago Maggiore

Travel to cosmopolitan Milan for a panoramic tour featuring the Duomo (Cathedral), one of the most magnificent late gothic structures ever built, and La Scala, the world’s most famous opera house. Next, travel to Como and enjoy some time at leisure to soak up the lakeside atmosphere of this beautiful resort town.
Today breakfast is included.

Day 3: Lago Maggiore - Venice - Board Cruise Ship

Following breakfast, depart for Venice. Your exciting 7-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise begins today. While on board the MSC Armonia all of your meals will be included: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Early this evening you will set sail for Bari, Italy.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 4: Bari, Italy

This afternoon you dock in Bari. Perhaps you will spend the afternoon exploring the medieval streets and Romanesque churches, including the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, built to house the body of Saint Nicholas, now known throughout the world as the man behind the legend of Santa Claus.
Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 5: At Sea

Enjoy a full day at sea to sit back, relax by the pool and enjoy all of the amenities available on board your cruise ship.
Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 6: Santorini - Mykonos, Greece

Arrive on the beautiful island of Santorini. In 1500 BC, a powerful volcano erupted and caused the central part of the island to sink into the sea. Could this be the lost city of Atlantis? Enjoy some leisure time to soak in the breathtaking views of this beautiful island and delve into the mysteries of ancient Santorini. Your next stop is the fashionable island of Mykonos. Enjoy an evening stroll through Mykonos town, where picturesque windmills dot the landscape along with the beautiful beaches, whitewashed houses, and an endless line of boutiques and chapels. Depart late this evening to sail overnight to Piraeus.
Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 7: Piraeus, Greece

Dock this morning in Athens' bustling port city of Piraeus. The choice is yours today as various optional shore excursions will be offered to visit Athens and its many sights, including the Acropolis, the National Archaeological Museum and the historic district known as the Plaka. After an exciting day in the Greek capital, depart Piraeus this evening for the Ionian Islands.
Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 8: Corfu, Greece

Corfu is the perfect image of island splendor. Beautiful coastline and magnificent gardens make Corfu a veritable island paradise. Perhaps you'll visit trendy Corfu Town, or join a shore excursion to the Palace of Achilleion, once the residence of Empress Elizabeth of Austria. The island's glittering beaches also beckon those looking for a more relaxing afternoon.
Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 9: Dubrovnik, Croatia

This morning you dock in Dubrovnik where you have the opportunity to explore this ancient city, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic". Set on a peninsula, this beautiful city is surrounded by a 1,000-year-old protective wall. Take plenty of time to explore the treasures of this marvelous city. Later in the afternoon, set sail for enchanting Venice.
Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 10: Venice - Disembark Cruise Ship - Milan-Malpensa

Your morning disembarkation is followed by a visit to Venice's St. Mark’s Square, a bustling hub of quintessentially Italian activity and events. A local expert provides a walking tour featuring the Clock Tower, St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the famous Bridge of Sighs. Depart Venice mid-afternoon. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a fun-filled, memorable trip.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 11: Milan/Malpensa Tour Ends

Your tour ends today.
Today breakfast is included.

If this example is not exactly what you are looking for please Request a Personal Quotation or contact us and we can discuss ways of tailor-making the perfect holiday for you.

Celebrate the life and genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on this tour through some of Europe's loveliest cities.

In the grand city of Vienna, see where Mozart composed the famous "Marriage of Figaro" as well as the opulent Schoenbrunn Palace, where he entertained the royal court at the age of six! Enjoy a special concert at the site of the "musical contest" between Mozart and Salieri and visit Prague, a unique city that dazzles its visitors with a beguiling mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

A private concert and backstage tour at the Estates Theatre, where Mozart first performed "Don Giovanni," is the perfect way to cap off this magnificent tour.

Day 1: Arrive Salzburg, Austria - Tour Begins

Your tour begins in historic Salzburg, one of Europe’s most beautiful and romantic cities. A special evening awaits you with a candlelight dinner concert at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in Central Europe. Hear Mozart’s most popular compositions presented by local artists dressed in stylish historic attire.
Today dinner is included.

Day 2: Salzburg

Venture through the Old Town with a local expert who provides a leisurely-paced walking tour highlighting Mozart's birthplace and the residence square where Mozart played and composed for the archbishops. See St. Peter's Church where Mozart's E Minor Mass was played for the first time and visit the cathedral where Mozart played religious compositions for many years. The rest of your day is at leisure for you to explore Salzburg's charming historic area.
Today breakfast is included.

Day 3: Salzburg - Salzkammergut Region

The morning is dedicated to discovering the majestic Austrian Alps and Salzkammergut, a region known for its breathtaking scenery, traditional villages, pristine lakes and lush fertile valleys. Visit St. Gilgen, where Mozart’s mother lived and his sister later resided. Enjoy exploring the charming lakeside towns of St. Wolfgang and Fuschl and while in Mondsee, don’t miss famous sights from the “Sound of Music.”
Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 4: Salzburg - Linz - Vienna

Depart Salzburg and travel along the banks of the Danube to the Imperial city of Linz. A local guide provides a city tour featuring the Old Town and the baroque Main Square, one of Europe's largest open squares. View the Mozarthaus, where Mozart composed his Linz Symphony, and the new cathedral, Austria's largest. Your tour concludes with a visit to St. Martin's Church, founded in 799, before ending in the grand city of Vienna. Tonight, enjoy a marvelous dinner at the truly unique Marchfelderhof Restaurant.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 5: Vienna

Today you visit the magnificent and opulent Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg family. Mozart entertained the royal court at Schoenbrunn when he was only six years of age! The tour concludes with a visit to the Treasury for a close up look at the priceless Crown Jewels, symbol of Austria's ruling dynasties. The rest of your day is at leisure to take in the essence and ambience of the city.
Today breakfast is included.

Day 6: Vienna

Gain a true understanding of Mozart's exceptional musical genius when you join a local expert on a leisurely paced "In the Footsteps of Mozart" walking tour. Featured sites include St. Stephen's Cathedral, location of his wedding and funeral; the Mozart Memorial; and the Graben, where Mozart lived the last ten years of his life. Next, see the Mozarthaus where he composed the famous "Marriage of Figaro." Dinner this evening is followed by a special concert at the Schoenbrunn Palace Orangery, site of the "musical contest" between Mozart and the court composer Salieri.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 7: Vienna - Cesky Krumlov - Prague

Travel through the picturesque countryside to the Czech Republic and Cesky Krumlov, one of the most charming and romantic locations in all of Europe. Enjoy time to explore the town's medieval streets, riverbanks and castle. Continue on to the capital city of Prague, known as "The Golden City". This lovely, historic city boasts more than 500 towers and steeples, as well as many beautiful parks and gardens.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 8: Prague

Prague offers visitors a beguiling mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture that is Colourful and unique, unlike any other city in the world. Begin your day with a walking tour of the city featuring the 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle, the former Royal Palace, the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Colourful Golden Lane. Proceed to the 14th-century Charles Bridge, one of Prague's loveliest and most characteristic sights with its 16 arches and 30 statues.
Today breakfast is included.

Day 9: Prague

Explore the Old Town Square before viewing Tyn Church and its magnificent towers, the unique Astronomical Clock, St. Nicholas Cathedral and the Town Hall. Next, visit Prague's Jewish Museum and historic cemetery. Founded in 1478, it is Europe's oldest surviving Jewish cemetery. This evening, celebrate the end of a wonderful trip with a farewell dinner at one of Prague's finest dining establishments.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 10: Prague - Tour Ends

Your tour ends this morning, leaving you with wonderful memories of your unforgettable experience in Mozart's musical cities.
Today breakfast is included.

If this example is not exactly what you are looking for please Request a Personal Quotation or contact us and we can discuss ways of tailor-making the perfect holiday for you.