Oberoi Zahra: The famous Oberoi Hotels and Resorts run 3 cruise ships in Egypt; the Zahra is the luxury Nile cruise from Oberoi. River Nile cruises on Zahra continues for 7 days, the ship starts from Luxor and goes up to Aswan. The biggest attraction of this cruise ship is on-board spa, where you can enjoy all the services that in-land luxury spa will offer. Some other specialties of Zahra are: a gym, swimming pool, private docking zones, library and medical services whenever required. You will be accompanied by Egyptologists, who can speak English fluently. For German and French people, Egyptologists knowing their language are arranged if informed in advance.

Sonesta Cruises: As many as 5 luxury Sonesta cruise ships operate along River Nile. Out of them, 4 vessels are of contemporary style. The 5th one i.e. Sonesta Amirat has been designed following the features of Egypt’s luxury dahabiya vessel that used to sail during the early part of 20th century. These 5 Sonesta cruise ships also sail from Luxor to Aswan. The duration of the cruises ranges between 3 and 7 days. The amenities offered during the trips vary from one ship to the other. However, usually all these cruise ships include facilities like spa services, on-board restaurants, swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Besides that, tours guided by Egyptologists are organized daily. If you want to know about the specific amenities offered by each of these 5 Rive Nile cruise vessels, browse the official website of Sonesta.

Ships such as Pacific Princess, Ocean Princess, Dawn Princess, Star Princess and others have all included Egypt again in the list of ports to be called on the itineraries. The first Egypt call for Princess will be scheduled in May 15 t h.

The situation in Egypt is considerably calmed down compared to the wide spread protests held earlier in the year. The tourist areas, at least are unaffected. This was stated by Jan Swartz, executive vice president of Princess Cruises. He welcomed the passengers to enjoy the country’s wonders.

Port Said and Alexandria are the two Egyptian Ports that will be called at in the 2 day Egypt experience that is part of the twelve day Holy land trips. The ships will depart right from May 7th to 15 Nov, 2011. The passengers that have already booked will be contacted with the information on the revised itineraries.

The fact which makes The Oberoi Philae – Nile Cruiser, a special and best in its sphere is its offering of ports of call on Nile and guests have a voyage through the landmarks of Egypt’s ancient civilization, which in itself is a remarkable feat. The voyage begins from any of these hallmark destinations of Egypt that is from Luxor or Aswan and cruises through Pharaonic dynasties spanning thousands of years.

The Cruise liner is all done in elegant interiors, having teak paneling, European antiques for décor, parquet floors, and Oriental carpets creating an ambience of opulence and luxury. Beautiful settings and impeccable services coming together for making this voyage a discovery of ancient civilization but with modern and contemporary living.

With a Philae restaurant, onboard, guests are expected to be dressed formally for dinner that serves continental and delicious delights of Egyptian menu.

The Lounge Bar serving ranges of beverages, from sundowners, wines, chilled champagne and along with cocktails and soft drinks. The Lounge Bar is place to be at any time of the day, for young and happening crowd is in here and in evenings, it is venue for the grooving and rocking discotheque.

On the deck of the luxurious Oberoi Philae, for relaxing and soaking up sun for your skin, sun loungers are there as well as teak parasols which are around swimming pool for some skin watching and if you feel like swimming. And people who like to maintain their regimen and are fitness freak they will be gaining here with taking pains in state of the art gymnasium.

RECREATION

• Out-door plunge pool
• Lounge Bar
• Library
• Sundeck
• Daily Sightseeing
• In-door fitness centre

SERVICES

• Hair Salon
• Wheel chair
• Laundry
• Gift Shop
• Medical Service (on call)
• Valet Service
• Same day ironing service
• Private docking area in Aswan and Luxor

The Oberoi Philae accommodations:

• Elegant cabins with air-conditioner: 58
• Suites: 4

Amenities Features:

• Mini bar
• Television
• Radio
• Telephone
• Personal locker Safe
• Private balcony

Mind blowing idea of itinerary of Seven Days and sic Nights Sailing from Luxor:

Day 1:

• At 12 noon, get with Embarkation
• Buffet-Lunch
• Then set Sails to Quina.
• Have Afternoon-Tea.
• Sumptuous A la Carte Dinner
• Overnight at Quina

Day 2:

• Buffet Breakfast
• Visiting Temple of Dendera by a bus
• Buffet-Lunch.
• Sail to superb destination of Luxor
• Afternoon-Tea
• Special Egyptian food Buffet-Dinner
• Overnight at Luxor

Day 3:

• Buffet-Breakfast
• Free time in Morning for Fun and Enjoyment
• Buffet-Lunch
• Visit Karnak Temple as well as many other famous Luxor Temples
• Afternoon-Tea
• Cocktail-Reception
• A la Carte Dinner
• Egyptian Music and Dance performances
• Overnight in Luxor

Day 4:

• Buffet-Breakfast
• Visit West Bank: Sightseeing of :
  • Valley of the Kings
  • Deir El Madina,
  • Madinet Habous
  • The Colossi of Memon
• Buffet-Lunch
• Sails to Essna
• Afternoon-Tea
• Special Black and White formal dress Dinner
• Egyptian performances of Music and Dance
• Overnight at Essna.

Day 5:

• Sails to Edfu.
• Buffet-Breakfast.
• Visit Temple of Edfu
• Buffet-Lunch
• Sails to Komombo
• Afternoon-Tea.
• Visit Temple of Komombo
• Egyptian Special Buffet-Dinner.
• Fantastic Galabiya  rocking Party
• Overnight at Komombo

Day 6:

• Sails to Aswan
• Buffet-Breakfast
• 10.00 am: Arriving at Aswan
• Buffet-Lunch
• Sightseeing:
  • The High Dam
  • Old Dam
  • The Unfinished Obelisk
  • Philae Temple.
• Afternoon-Tea.
• A la Carte Dinner.
• Special Evening with traditional music and dance.
• Overnight at Aswan.

Day 7:

• Buffet Breakfast
• 8.00 am: you get for Disembarkation
• Wait then
• A Visit to Botanical Garden by Felucca.

Oberoi Philae cruising of River Nile will leave you enthralled with the pleasures and lavishes of luxury of five stars and remarkably take you through voyage of ancient Egypt where you can take glimpses of the glory and grandeur of the great Pharaohs and experience one of the most ancient civilizations.

The river has been inseparable from Egypt for thousands of years. Most cruises halt at all the important cities Egypt has to offer. Most cruises have vast spaces of oceans and seas, with the next point of attraction only at the next port. However, a cruise down the Nile will leave you mesmerized with a range of sights. The next point of attraction could be just around the bend.

The pleasures of this cruise are simple and rustic in nature. Little has changed in Egyptian cities in the last couple of centuries.

Besides the simplicity of the pleasures, the grandeur of the Pyramids too cannot be matched. The Cairo Museum, Valley of the Kings, and the Sphinx are included in most tour itineraries. The ancient temples and sites line the banks of the river.

Get a glimpse into the pharaonic antiquities of Egypt. Despite the chartered flights that reach the southern regions of Egypt, a trip through the Nile will always be popular. The temples and tombs located along the banks of the river demand to be explored.

Combine the cruise with a stay in Luxor or Cairo. El Gouna and Sharm El Sheikh are two popular resorts near the Red Sea. Do not shy away from creating your own tour itinerary.

Cruising has its own advantages. With cruising, you avoid the stop and go feature of land and air tours. The antiquities along the banks of the river have been a part of Egypt for thousands of years. One such feature is the mud-brick homes of the Egyptians. Also, do not be surprised to witness wooden plows and donkeys being used as a means to travel. Watching 5000 years of civilization from the comfort of your deck is the most fascinating aspect of the cruise. I do not think travelers can ask for anything more.

The most common cruises last for three to seven nights. The shorter tours include Luxor and Aswan, while the longer ones include Dendera.

The Nile cruiser is often called the floating hotel. Some of the larger boats are equipped with swimming pools, hot tubs, night clubs, and restaurants. Some even include library services. The size of the rooms depends on your budget, so make a wise move. Some rooms even have an attached suite. Luxurious cruises have the feature of cameras enabling you to view the countryside from the comfort of your television.

Private baths, cocktail parties, and belly dancers are restricted to the upscale and larger boats. Enjoy sumptuous, buffet style meals on board most cruises. The cuisine is a blend of the local and international.

The tours suit every budget and have something for everyone. This is because of the fierce competition between tour operators.

It’s not a scene of a movie but actually such market exists in Tangier port which connects the old Tangier to new Tangier. And to walk and see the chaos around you, will be tiring as well as exciting. The market makes the way through from modern city to the narrow streets of the historic place.

The port of the Tangier is located on the Mediterranean Sea which is also major of morocco. The port is divided into two groups because of its face-lift construction: the old port will be always be for the ferries and the new port is meant for the commercial ships

The port is always filled with chaos and bustling of the tourists, traders and vehicles because it is near by the market. Even though Tangier is an industrial centre and port, it is vastly depended on the tourism. The beaches of tangier are also exotic and stunningly beautiful to watch.

Well outside tangier area the only near by destination is the city and the Hercules caves which is nine miles, west to the city. The Grottoes of Hercules is an archaeological, mythological and historical place. The caves have Greek mythological story behind it, it is said that Hercules came to Tangier to complete his task of killing evil and bad kings and at night he took rest here in these caves. The place also has very fine-looking scenery around it. One shouldn’t miss to visit these caves!

Dar el Makhzen is situated in Kasbah. It looks like a palace and was constructed by the Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. Kasbah is the highest point where the Medina and Strait of Gibraltar can be viewed. It has two fantastic courtyards which are ornamented by the wooden ceilings, marble fountain and Arabesque. Now it has turned into museum but still has that grandeur look.

The famous graveyard of behind the St Andrew Church is resting place for some well known historical generals and bankers. Some don’t tombstones do not have the deceased name but a brief about that person which will make you wonder about their lives. Some tombstones are of Major Henry Twentyman, one of the best is the grave of ‘Dean’ who was a London’s renowned drug dealer.

Once you come here just be careful about the touts’, thugs and fake guides don’t trust any guy coming to you to show the place. If you come around such people who won’t leave you alone try to catch a taxi.

While shopping be alert of thugs selling you fake articles. If you want a good deal, dress like a local, avoid t-shirts, pants, don’t look like tourist, and try to mix in crowd. The language mostly spoken there is Spanish then English, then French.

The best way to come here without any hustle and bustle is by flight. Tangier-Boukhalef Airport is just 7.5 miles away from the city. And from city the port is two kilometers away. The visitors coming and leaving should carry complete entry and exit card.

ONCF trains are well connected throughout the Europe and also to Morocco. As for the buses CYM are closer by the port and you will get buses from airport too. Spain and Algeciras port are closer by to the Tangier port by just 1 or 2 hours. You will get ferry on hourly basis from 7 am to 9 pm.

You will find hotels of all rates near medina and other places. If you have a budget then you will find rooms ranging, fifty Dirham to three hundred Dirham. The mid range hotel will cost you three hundred and sixty five Dirham to four hundred and twenty Dirham. If you want live there in king size then you will find 4- stars and 5- stars hotels, plus villas with great view and other facilities like swimming pools, slides, gardens, etc.

But the city, Tunis, is now the modern metropolis with more than 2 million populations. This city attracts tourist from all over the world because of its mix culture of Arab and African and it is even open-minded compared to North African neighbors. But the Arabic there is interspersed with French because it was colonized by the French. The city is divided into two sections: old Arab town and Ville Nouvelle which was created by the French.

The port, La Goulette, is just six miles away from the downtown of Tunis. The most convenient way to travel in Tunis City is by TMG trains which are an outstanding metro system. The port’s name is drawn from the ‘gullet’, the strait where the city is situated. The place is secured, safe and convenient to travel by train because it’s well connected to all destinations.

Tunis is full of excursions, counting trips such as eye-catching uptown community of Sidi Bou Said, resorts of the Cape Bon Peninsula, the old port of Bizerte to the north of Tunis and various ruins of Utica Thurburbo Majis. It feels good to visit and see the country side places but what if you have just one day for sight seeing, and most worthwhile places are just around Tunis.

The foremost to begin with is the Ancient Carthage which was destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC to end the Third Punic War. Luckily, some ruins and bits of the Roman Era still exist in the huge archaeological place such as Roman theater and bath. The baths here are among the biggest Roman public bath that can be visited in the Mediterranean region. The Carthage is also enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

The next place is the National Museum which is at top of Byrsa hill with stunning upper view of entire Carthage. The museum show informative details of the Carthage and displays some rare artifacts found at the place. It is opened daily, timing: 8 am to 7 pm.

The old medina which dates 18th century BC is the appealing for most of the tourist and the new Medina is the western side of the Tunis which was made by the French. The easy way for cruisers to the Medina is via the Bab Bhar / Porte De France from its eastern side, just less than a mile from the train. You can wander throughout the day watching the mazes and colorful marketplace in Medina. But best places to see are Zitouna Mosque and the Dar Ben Abdullah museum.

The Zitouna Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Tunisia. The building dates from 8th century BC and some of the columns resembles from the Roman structure. The Dar Ben Abdullah museum was formerly a palace which is now turned into museum. The museum exhibits the local culture and history of the place. They also have remarkable costume collection.

The other sightseeing places are the markets also known as souks which aren’t as famous as Istanbul but you will find variety of things that will interest you. There are two biggest markets; Souq el Attarine market, is famous for Fezes, means red cap and the Grand Souq Des Chechias market which is famous for its perfume.

Other final destination is the Bardo Museum which has splendid collected works of roman era mosaic, gathered from different places in Tunisia. Just as the most of the palaces turned into museum, this museum is also was grandeur palace of its time. To reach this place, you have to catch line 4 railway of TMG train system.

If you are still spared with time, there are two more places you can visit; Tourbet el Bey is a tomb of Ottoman Bey who was once a ruler of the land which is now known as Tunisia. The tiles work and architecture of the tomb are very impressive it features eastern architectural style. And other is Dar Lasram palace which is well known for its vastly multi-colored tiled courtyard.

Besides sightseeing in Tunis, something as prize to take home from here will be hand- made pottery and ceramic products, silver and leather. As the craftsman here are highly considered for their products.

The beaches to the south of Tunis are good to swim in. Due to the long coastline, the water sports are also interesting to experience. Near the port, there is a Carthage Golf course of eighteen holes facility made for the golf lovers.

Safaga is a little town settled in the Luxor city of Egypt. It’s a small port situated on the red sea coast, attracting passionate water sport adventurer towards it. It’s mainly famous for kite surfing and wind surfing and in 1993 it had also hosted Red Sea world wind surfing championship.

But except for the water sports, Safaga has some great diving spots offering offshore reefs of Panorama reef, middle reef and Abu Kafan. The sight of variety of under water life is equal to the sites of Ras Mohamed. The spot where great tragedy of Salam Express took place is now home for thriving under water life – blue spotted stingrays, angel and butterfly fish, frog-fish and also many corals and reefs have grown on the ship making a beautiful stop for the scuba divers.

The wrecking of Salem Express ship is one of the greatest tragedies in the Egyptian history where approximately five hundred pilgrims died while returning from Mecca to Safaga.

Due to the size of the barrier of panorama, the diving is divided into three dives– south plateau, east and west drop offs. The reefs of panorama are also the largest reefs in Safaga. With the frequent currents the corals and gorgonians thrive in Panorama and also numerous grottos and overhangs can be found here. This place is great to watch Barracudas and white tip reef sharks closely; even hammerheads and manta rays can be found.

Abu Kafan is almost three hundred meter long and contracted reef plateau. Just a jump into the water and go along with the south currents towards south, you will see extraordinary and beautiful wall of soft and black corals, giant fans and gorgonians.

If you want to dive somewhere less crowded then you should espy Hal Hal. It is known to be a virgin spot because most of the divers don’t choose it as it’s away from the coast. But the Hal Hal makes a good diving experience for the divers, eighty meters under water you will get to see Tunas, Sharks and Barracudas.

The scuba diving is one of the liveliest experiences here. Safaga, just for the Scuba –Diving, is a small tourism industry which attract tourist all the year around as rain fall is absent in Egypt and while winter temperature can be compared to northern Europe’s summer and in summer its very hot.

The highlight of the Safaga cruise is a day trip to Luxor. Luxor has many different ancient temples which are differ in size and its positioning. It is the nearest tourist place from the port. It is approximately 124 miles away from Safaga which will only take two hours. Buses are available and you can also rent cars from Safaga.

Luxor temple is the one of the ancient and largest temples in Egypt. Initially known as Thebes, was built on the east bank of the river Nile in 1400 BC. The temple has many works of art such as colossus, well preserved Sphinx, first pylon, red granite obelisk and many more.

Mortuary Temple of Hatsheput

It is considered as incomparable monument of ancient Egypt. The specialty of this temple is that it is built underneath the cliff at Deir el Bahari on the bank of west Nile close to Valley of the Kings. The view of this temple so impressive and beautiful with cliff around it and the temple looks like carved out the hill.

The Karnak temple situated near by Luxor is the most visited places in Egypt. The one of the attraction is in Karnak is the Hypostyle hall which is around fifty thousand square feet. The hall consist of 134 huge pillars each weight approximately seventy tons. Standing between these pillars will make you feel just a speck in the place.

Another place is the Valley of the Kings on which archeological and Egyptological exploration is carried out. The place is called Valley of Kings because from eleventh century to sixteenth century (BC), many tombs and chambers were built for the kings here. Some tombs and areas are closed for the perseverance reason and some are restricted to certain distance. You will need to buy tickets for the entry then and there.

There are many more places you can visit if you get the time like Queen Nefertiti’s tomb, The Eastern Desert and Mons Claudianus.

Note for the travelers: DO NOT wear revealing clothes especially to the religious places. Tourists have pay for taking photographs inside the tombs, pyramids and museums. If you want to tip in hotels and restaurants then put 10 per cent to 12 per cent tip and divers expect tip from the tourists at least 10 per cent.

Shopping and Cuisine

Shopping of handicrafts, pottery, copper ware, embroidered carpets and clothing, silver jewelry can be done at this place with great offers and major credit cards are also accepted at some of the places. The Souk (market) is an open air market where bargaining is a common practice but in some of the upscale stores prices are fixed. The local currency here is dirham but most of the cards are also accepted at some places but beware of the constant vendors and guides as they will try to push you in shopping and tours. At the Agadir cruise there is wide range of cafes, restaurants, shopping, sporting activities etc. Roast mutton, touajen tagine and harira are the traditional dishes here which are served here, even the French and international cuisines are also served in many restaurants. Choose the best restaurants and get the taste of freshly cooked meat with lots of different beverages. The cruise offers you the best services for you and your family there is something for every one this grand Agadir cruise.

Places of Interest

It is a beach vacation with long and sandy beaches. Swim in the ocean, and soak yourself in the sun. The water sports can also be enjoyed here all round the year. The nearby costal areas are the best surfing spots. The village of Berber with many crafts shops and the ruins of the old fortress with destroyed historic center are the nearby places. Activities like camel riding, sport fishing, golfing, tennis etc can also be enjoyed at this place. There are many nightclubs where you can reach at the end of the day to relax and enjoy the nightlife in Morocco. Other places include the Inezgane, The Old Kasbah, Berber Arts Museum, Marrakech day tour, Taroudant tour etc.

How to reach and where to stay

British Airways and Virgin Express fly daily to AI Massira Airport and this is the convenient way to reach Agadir. There are many connecting flights to most of the European cities. You can also get there from taxi and buses from all the cities of Morocco. The cruises here are available on the port of Agadir and the Mediterranean cruises are also available for the tourists. The accommodation is available for all kinds of budgets. There are many five star and two star hotels, beach resorts, private beaches, etc with all the necessary services and all are located nearby the city center. There are many family hotels with restaurants serving European and Moroccan cuisine available.

One of the cities in Egypt named Sharm el- Sheikh has long stretched and beautiful beaches with clean and crystal clear, blue water you have ever seen and the sand so soft and white feels like you are walking on flowers petals. Once you visit there you won’t regret it! It is situated in the Sinai Peninsula, on the coastal strip between the Red Sea and Mount Sinai, making it a paradise for the scuba diving and excellent marine life.

Initially Sharm el – Sheikh was not a city but a town of fishing community. The port of the city first functioned as a naval base for the Egyptian navy and in mid 80’s it became the civilian port. Because of its favorable condition like landscape, climate, marine life and flora and fauna it became main industry for foreign and domestic tourism.

Due to the transformation of village into the city it has led to many developments such as luxurious hotels like the Regency hotel, Hyatt hotel and many more exits here, shops outlets, entertainment like clubs, pubs, etc. you will never get bored staying here, for each time zone from morning to night there are other things to explore here.

Sharm el-sheikh has a worldwide status for its scuba diving sites like Ras Mohamed and Tiran Island. The experience will be unforgettable once you dive into the water, seeing diverse form of corals and reef, rare colorful fishes some you can touch too, manta rays, sharks and the most beautiful memory of swimming with dolphins will just get stored in your memories treasures.

Sharm el – Sheikh Beaches also offers water sports and it’s very adventurous to try the following sports once under guidance such as water skiing, wind surfing and kite surfing.

The visit is not completed until you go safari in the deserts. You got see the colored Canyon which is outstanding rock formation and one of its kinds in the world. While going in the desert you will realize while sightseeing, greenery is not the only thing you need to look out for. The deserts rock formation in the desert varies from rocks type; sandstone to lime stone, granite and veins of basalt. It’s a good place for the rock climbers and you want to see the unusual sunrise then you have to climb the Mount Moses.

The other sights if you are religious or curious enough to travel; Saint Catherine Monastery and Mount Sinai which is just 3 hours away from the port. It is said that, it’s on this mountain Moses received 10 commandments and the mountain was founded by the Saint Catherine in sixth century. To reach there you need to walk or hire a camel.

In night many bars and clubs open up to welcome exhausted tourists. Many tourists will get surprised by the modernized clubs and pubs. The best to go partying is at Na’ama bay which is known for organizing excellent evening merrymaking event.

Here you will get buses and mini buses to get around the place and main cities are connected by the road. The major airport at sharm’s is Ophira International Airport. There also a commuter terminal for yacht, sailboats, cruise ships and planned ferry service to Hurghada and Aqaba are also available.

It also makes a beautiful and romantic cruise destination. It is also a famous tourist spot in west Morocco. It only manages the maritime trade. Thousand of sightseers come to see the port while exploring the city of Casablanca.

Hassan II mosque is nearby the Casablanca port. The total area covered by the port is approximately six hundred and five hectors. To speak about another aspect of the port would be that it economically, it earns around thirty eight percent of revenue of the city.

One of the biggest mosque in Casablanca and third largest mosque in the world, Hassan II Mosque was building in 1989. It’s a magnificent erection of the mosque which was made by getting inspired by one of the Quran verse, “the throne of God was built on water”. The mosque mostly lies on the surface of Atlantic water. When you kneel down while prayers you can actually see the water under the surface of the floor because the floor surface is made up of glass. Moorish influence can be seen on the mosque and the architecture is much similar to the Alhambra. Non-Muslims are only allowed to enter while guided tour.

The old medina is the residue of part of the Muslim area. It’s the one of the places in Casablanca that belongs to the pre-historic era. In 1975, a terrorizing earthquake came and caused large amount of harm destruction to the Muslim town. In nineteenth century the town was rebuild so the place has now a very fascinating architectural combination- Arab-Islamic and western structural design style. Initially there were four stonewalls and now there is now just one left standing. Once you cross the old gate of medina you will see huge bustling market where number of stalls sells food, artifacts, jewellery, cloths, etc.

Another place you can’t miss out to go to is the Jewish Museum because it’s the only museum you will find in any Muslim country. It is situated in the suburb of Oasis, three miles away from the city of Casablanca. It has a huge collection of historic religious books, costumes, Sacramental ornaments and other things that each Jewish have been following till now.

Sacred Heart Cathedral is a fine worshipping place for the Christians. It was made in 1959, after French settled here. The interior of the church has been neglected and now it’s in the process of restoration. Still the church is worth seeing once for its stained glass.

You shouldn’t miss out going one of the public hammam which are comparable to the Turkish style.

Casablanca is the main port that handles trade so you shouldn’t leave the opportunity to go some near by market areas for blankets and carpets, brass, silk, silver, wool rugs, etc. and try to bargain there and beware of the fake artifacts and other things, from the Far East.

Notes for the travelers

Try not to wear revealing cloths at beach, for both men and women. Sexual relationship outside the marriage is liable to be punished by law but hardly enforced.