Archive for July, 2009
Late Holidays Offers From Lastminute.com
Posted by: | CommentsLondon Departures
Sri Lanka from £965: Prices for a seven night holiday staying at the five star The Blue Water Hotel on an all-inclusive basis. It has a sublime setting in extensive palm shaded grounds which lead directly onto a lovely beach. Providing a wonderful setting for a relaxing holiday it is an excellent jumping off spot for exploration of the islands interior, mature reserves and game parks. The price also includes two free massages per person per stay and return flights departing daily from London Gatwick in August. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Nile Cruise, Egypt from £499: Prices for a seven night cruise on the five star M.S. Da Vinci on a full board basis. Take a journey of discovery and visit some of Egypt’s finest ancient monuments along the banks of the Nile, including those at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan and the Valley of the Queens at Luxor. The price includes flights departing from London Gatwick on 27th July. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Costa Dorada, Spain from £478: Prices for a seven night holiday at the three star Tophotels Molinos Park on an all-inclusive basis. The Tophotels Molinos Park is surrounded by pine trees in Cap Salou and is located in an elevated position commanding wonderful views across the Mediterranean and the resort of Salou. The hotel is situated close to the beach and has plenty of shops, bars and restaurants close by. The price includes return flights departing from London Gatwick daily from 28th July. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Akayaka, Turkey from £489: Prices for a seven night holiday at the four star Yucelen Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. Akyaka, on the Turkish coast and is just a fifty minute drive from Dalaman airport, has a rugged backdrop of awe inspiring mountains, surrounding acres and acres of pine forests, crystal clear freshwater river and streams, abundant flower filled gardens and exquisite Ottoman style architecture. The price includes return flights departing from London Gatwick on 27th July. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Kyrenia, Cyprus from £395: Prices for a seven night holiday at the four star Riverside Holiday Village on a self catering basis. Situated on the north coast of Cyprus, Kyrenia has miles of natural beaches, and a mild climate to create an idyllic Mediterranean town. Bounded to the north by the sea and to the south by the greenery of the Besparmak (Fivefinger) Mountain range, it offers the most magnificent scenery on the island. The price also includes local transfers and return flights departing from London Gatwick on 25th July. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Manchester Departures
Mombasa, Kenya from £582: Prices for a 14 night holiday at the four star Vasco da Gama Hotel on a full board basis. Mombasa is an island linked to the mainland by causeways and bridges. Shelley Beach, the nearest, is reached by the Likoni Ferry. There is plenty to do including tennis, squash, golf (in the Nyali area), deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, windsurfing and sailing. The price also includes return flights departing from Manchester on 21st August. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Makadi Bay, Egypt from £595: Prices for a seven night holiday at the five star Makadi Palace on an all-inclusive basis. From the very first moment you enter the hotel lobby, you will be captivated by the beautiful surroundings, striking Moorish décor and palatial ambience this hotel exudes. Add to this the impeccable service and views across the Red Sea and you will naturally want to relax. The price also includes local transfers and return flights departing from Manchester on 28th July. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Birmingham / Midlands Departures
Costa Blanca, Spain from £334: Prices for a seven night holiday at the three star Flamingo Playa Apartments on an all-inclusive basis. The attractions in this area are extensive, and the main attraction is the beautiful, long, golden, sandy beach, which is one of the best in the Mediterranean and is well equipped with parasols and sunbeds for hire along with its wide variety of watersports on offer. The price also includes local transfers and return flights departing from Birmingham International on 28th July. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Algarve, Portugal from £328: Prices for a five night holiday at the three star Parque Mourabel Oasis on a self catering basis. The resort is set amongst the backdrop of some breathtaking scenery and is divided with pine woodland. The resort boasts two excellent, shimmering sandy beaches called Marina and Falesia, which are home to plenty of watersports and crystal clear waters. The price includes return flights departing from East Midlands Airport on 31st July. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Newcastle Departures
Turkey from £339: Prices for a seven night holiday at the three star Dante Club Apartments on a self-catering basis. The most European of the Turkish resorts, Marmaris has a sophisticated Riviera feel to it. The town is set in a huge, sweeping bay and surrounded by dramatic, pine covered mountains. The seafront is lined with palms and a long, narrow sand and shingle beach. The price includes return flights departing from Newcastle on 28th July. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Qawra, Malta from £459: Prices for a three night holiday at the four star Soreda Hotel on an all inclusive basis. The Soreda Hotel is situated in the famous resort of Qawra in Malta. It consists of rooms designed to offer guests comfort and services. It is a perfect choice for those looking for relaxing and joyful vacations. The price also includes local transfers and return flights departing from Newcastle on 31st July. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Glasgow Departures
Kos, Greece from £589: Prices for a seven night holiday at the five star Pestana Bay Hotel on a half-board basis. Situated on the eastern coast of the island, Kardamena is the liveliest resort on Kos — truly a non-stop action holiday base and not for the faint hearted. The price also includes return flights departing from Glasgow on 13th August. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Austria from £459: Prices for a seven night holiday at the four star Garden Hotel Tummlerhof. Located high in the Inn Valley, the picturesque resort of Seefeld is a popular year-round resort, partly due to its stunning mountain scenery. Its original Alpine charm is greatly enhanced with an attractive traffic-free village centre. The price also includes return flights departing from Glasgow on 1st August. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Bristol Departures
Maderia from £329: Prices for a seven night holiday at the three star Hotel Forte Charme on a bed and breakfast basis. Approximately one kilometre from the Hotel Dom Pedro Garajau is Ponta do Garajau with a fine miradouro, this is a wonderful spot to watch the sun go down and have great views west to the bay of Funchal. The Garajau coastline is a conservation area and was one of Europe’s first underwater nature reserves, providing sanctuary for whales, dolphins and seals. The price also includes return flights departing from Bristol on 1st August. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Switzerland from £459: Prices for a seven night holiday at the three star Hotel Sonne on a half-board basis. Interlaken is set between the sparkling waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and enjoys a magnificent setting on the banks of the River Aare with the snow-capped peaks of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger forming the perfect backdrop. The price also includes return flights departing from Bristol on 1st August. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
The World's Largest Open Air Museum
Posted by: | CommentsNo visit to Egypt is complete without time in Luxor, home to Ancient Egypt’s Golden Age. Egypt’s seat of power from 2,100 to 750 B.C., Luxor is sometimes referred to as “the world’s largest open-air museum.”
During the height of the dynastic era called The New Kingdom, the city’s population reached 1 million. For those key 400 years — from 1567 to 1085 B.C. — Egypt’s power and wealth, and its tremendous cultural achievements, were unrivaled throughout the world.
Everything about life in Ancient Egypt rotated around religion. Take government. The pharaoh, who ruled, was held to be a living god. And the ruling caste was populated by powerful, learned priests whose roles expanded well beyond religion as we think of it. They served as doctors, architects, astronomers, policymakers and more.
Karnak Temple is arguably antiquity’s greatest shrine. It covers more than 100 acres and took more than 1,300 years to build. The celebrated centerpiece of Karnak, the so-called Hypostyle Hall, alone takes up 60,000 square feet. It contains 134 stone columns, each 80 feet tall and 33 feet in diameter. The sight of gigantic stone slabs forming the ceiling of this hall held our little band in awe as we stood below them and tried to imagine ancient engineers tackling the challenge of placing them so perfectly.
Karnak comprised a stunning array of temples, chapels, pylons and obelisks. Eighty thousand men worked there as priests, guards, administrators, servants and laborers. Buried under sand in the dry Egyptian climate for more than 1,000 years, it is among those sites along the Nile that have miraculously survived more or less intact. Even bright colors found on temple columns and walls date from the original construction more than 3,000 years ago.
A mile-long path, once lined on both sides by uninterrupted rows of sphinx statues, leads to Karnak’s satellite site, Luxor Temple. While smaller and more compact than Karnak, Luxor Temple is no less majestic. One enters by an 82-foot-high granite obelisk and three gargantuan, breathtaking statues of Ramses II wearing his signature headpiece and triangle-shaped skirt. Once paired with Luxor’s obelisk was its sister obelisk, which in 1829 was moved to Paris to become the famous centerpiece of the Place de la Concorde.
We were happy to have a full day to visit the sprawling temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor, and another full day to cross over to the west bank of the river to explore the legendary Valley of the Kings.
The valley is, in fact, a labyrinth of concealed passages tucked into a zone of myriad canyonlike formations. Here, the tombs of pharaohs were carved into cliffs below a mountain closely resembling a pyramid. The pyramid form had by then become a critical feature of proper pharaonic burial, not least to link the ruler’s body and spirit back to its source, the life-giving sun.
Earlier pyramids, such as those of Giza, had attracted ancient tomb-raiders. But the Valley of the Kings offered a natural “mountain pyramid,” as well as nooks and crannies where rich treasures, buried with the pharaohs to accompany them into the afterlife, were less likely to be discovered by thieves.
In the end, few tombs escaped cunning robbers — most of the excavated prizes, including those in the tomb of the boy-pharaoh Tutankhamun, best known as “King Tut,” are now in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Most of the tomb walls present scenes from the Book of the Dead, whose mix of magic spells, warnings and prayers was used to prepare the dead for their journey through the underworld and into the afterlife. But scenes of the pharaohs as living, historic people add arresting layers of intimacy in these narrow, subterranean spaces.
Carved into a major cliff on the west bank is the extraordinary mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt’s great female pharaoh.
It is an imposing series of multicolumned terraces that rise from the desert floor to meet the mountainside. Daughter of one pharaoh, and widow of another, Queen Hatshepsut successfully ruled Egypt for 21 years. Although other women of Ancient Egypt reigned as regents, essentially holding power until a male ruler was equipped to take the throne, Hatshepsut was the only female to rule as an actual hereditary pharaoh.
The most astonishing artworks in Hatshepsut’s temple are not those of rulers or famous members of their entourage. Lovingly painted are countless species of birds and fish encountered by the queen’s court on Nile expeditions. These lively scenes shimmer with delicate details and brilliant colors, reminding us that ancient artists observed life on the Nile with remarkable skill and undeniable delight.
For more information about travel to Luxor, visit Explorer Travel>>
Article original published by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Fantastic Winter Destinations From Easyjet
Posted by: | CommentsThere is so much good news in store for this winter! easyJet lets you discover magnificent Toulouse four times a week, go diving at Sharm el Sheikh twice a week or go for a walk in Copenhagen four times a week. Discover also the three new daily new connections to Barcelona and those to Paris Orly four times a day. No excuses for not spending a pleasant weekend in Barcelona or to lose yourself in Montmartre.
easyJet offer you each of these destinations for departure from Geneva at less than 60 Swiss Francs.
Starting in October, easyJet still flies to Rome, but will change the airport to Fiumiciono.
You can book yourEasyjet flight, hotels and transfers at Explorer Direct>>
Dead Sea moves up in 7 Wonders competition
Posted by: | CommentsThe Dead Sea moved forward in the international Seven Wonders of Nature competition on Thursday — now the only Israeli site among the 77 worldwide contenders.
Tourism Minister Stas Meseznikov announced an international campaign for the Dead Sea to win the competition, by emphasizing the uniqueness of this natural wonder.
Prior to this last cut, Ein Gedi, the Rosh Hanikra rock formation, and the Red Sea Reef were also among the nominees, and Israel was the leading nation in the Middle East, ahead of Lebanon, Egypt and Iran. This time, the Dead Sea is the only one to move forward.
The competition aims to raise awareness of conservation issues and bring increased tourism to protect these wonders for the future generations.
The Dead Sea, sitting some 420 meters below sea level, is shrinking at an alarming rate.
Gura Berger, public relations spokesman for the Megillot Dead Sea Regional Council, said that “part of the idea behind listing the Dead Sea for this competition was to raise international public awareness about this bad situation. I believe that winning is to be able to tell people that the Dead Sea is vanishing at a rate of more than a meter a year.”
Berger said the municipality had organized a rock festival dedicated to helping the Dead Sea and “calling people to vote,” as well as the “Tour of the Dead Sea” campaign and many other events.
“Winning in such a competition means a lot [not only] in terms of tourism, but also about caring for the environment,” said Berger. “If we win, it means that we care where we live… and this is the real victory.”
According to Amnon Lieberman, media adviser to the tourism minister, there is “no doubt [the nomination] will increase tourism and attract public attention from all over the world. This competition will allow us [also] to emphasize why the Dead Sea is so unique.”
Asked whether he was optimistic about the final nomination of the Dead Sea, Lieberman said, “This candidacy is still lasting after a year. It has already been through two phases, and I hope that we will get to the final phase.”
The voting for the final round will begin July 22 at www.new7wonders.com, and is expected to continue into 2011.
Other sites competing for a spot as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature include the Great Barrier Reef, the Grand Canyon, the Galapagos Islands, Niagara Falls, Mount Fuji, the Black Forest, the Maldives Islands and many others.
Late Deals from Lastminute.com 17 Jul 09
Posted by: | CommentsLondon Departures
Costa Del Sol, Spain from £395: Prices for a seven night holiday at the 3 star Casino Royal AI on an all inclusive basis.The largest and liveliest resort in the region it attracts both families and groups of holidaymakers. Boasting five sandy beaches Lloret de Mar is perfect for sun worshippers as well as those seeking something a little livelier and has a great range of water sports on offer. The price also includes return flights departing from London Gatwick on 22nd July. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Dubai from £569: Prices for a five night holiday at the five star Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa on a bed & breakfast basis. The ‘Touch of Arabia’ is ever-present in the Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa in Dubai. The luxurious five-star hotel exudes an overwhelming sense of Arabian hospitality — an embodiment of the warmth of contemporary Dubai and the levels of service associated with Habtoor Hotels. The price also includes local transfers and return flights departing daily from London Gatwick from August. Kids also go free. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Pattaya, Thailand from £685: Prices for a seven night holiday at the five star Dusit Resort on a room only basis. Pattaya — Thailand’s capital of fun. A top tourist destination with excellent accommodation, quality food, superb golf courses, watersports and a nightlife that is legendary. The price includes return flights departing from London Gatwick daily from August. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Taba, Egypt from £399: Prices for a seven night holiday at the five star Marriott Beach Resort on a half board basis. Egypt’s luxurious resort area of Taba Heights is set in a quiet secluded area and offers access to an unspoilt region on Egypt’s Red Sea coast. Lying west of Cairo, the northern shores of the sea are rich in coral reef habitat. There are a number of undiscovered diving spots nearby or you could simply grab a snorkel and discover the thriving underwater wildlife for yourself. The price includes return flights departing from London Gatwick on 25th July. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Altinkum, Turkey from £399: Prices for a seven night holiday at the five star Club Aegean on a self catering basis. Altinkum means ‘golden sand’ and when you see the beach, you will know why. This is a relaxing resort with days spent by the pool or on the beach. The price also includes local transfers and return flights departing from London Gatwick on 27th July. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Manchester Departures
Tunisia from £459: Prices for a seven night holiday at the five star El Mouradi Palace on a bed and breakfast basis. Port El Kantaoui is situated in the Gulf of Hammamet, Tunisia near the larger towns of Monistir and Sousse. The town offers a striking marina surrounded by cafes, bars and excellent shopping in stylish boutiques. Dazzling white buildings and lush sub tropical hotel gardens combine to offer cosmopolitan sophistication.The price also includes return flights departing from Manchester on 25th July. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Cyprus from £310: Prices for a seven night holiday at the three star Amore Apartments on a bed & breakfast basis. A modern, purpose-built resort on the east coast of Cyprus, Protaras will appeal to those that like home comforts on their holiday. The resort features British bars with sports TV and karaoke, a choice of restaurants serving international and local cuisine, as well as a few discos. The price also includes local transfers and return flights departing from Manchester on 29th July. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Birmingham / Midlands Departures
Majorca, Spain from £408: Prices for a seven night holiday at the three star Club Hotel Belsana on an all-inclusive basis. An ideal base to explore the island of Majorca, Porto Colom is a charming harbour resort lined with waterfront cafes, bars and restaurants. The beach has fine, golden sand where windsurfing and scuba diving is available. The price also includes local transfers and return flights departing from Birmingham International on 15th July. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Turkey from £359: Prices for a seven night holiday at the three star Albatros Apartments on a self catering basis. The most European of the Turkish resorts, Marmaris has a sophisticated Riviera feel to it. The town is set in a huge, sweeping bay and surrounded by dramatic, pine covered mountains. The seafront is lined with palms and a long, narrow sand and shingle beach. The price includes return flights departing from East Midlands Airport on 29th July. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Newcastle Departures
Madeira, Portugal from £329: Prices for a seven night holiday at the three star Hotel Dom Pedro Garajau on a bed & breakfast basis. The peaceful resort of Garajau offers the perfect haven for holidaymakers wanting to enjoy the beauty of the island in a secluded resort surrounded by lush countryside. The price includes return flights departing from Newcastle on 27th July. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Lake Garda, Italy from £399: Prices for a seven night holiday at top four star hotel on a half-board basis. The bustling resort of Garda is on the Eastern shore of Lake Garda, where the lake broadens and the scenery becomes more gentle. Garda has a backdrop of hills, covered with olive groves, cypress trees and the famous Valpolicella vineyards. The price also includes local transfers and return flights departing from Newcastle on 8th August. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Glasgow Departures
Madeira, Portugal from £459: Prices for a seven night holiday at the four star Pestana Bay Hotel on a bed & breakfast basis. The town and port of Funchal are central attractions on the Ilha de Madeira. The port is architecturally pleasing with the added feature of decoratively paved streets. Visitors to the island are usually fascinated by the impressive rugged beauty of its peaks in comparison to the lush semi-tropical vegetation around its coastline.The price also includes return flights departing from Glasgow on 10th August. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Rhodes, Greece from £559: Prices for a seven night holiday at the three star Summer Dream resort. The Summer Dream is situated in the picturesque region of Theologos on the island of Rhodes, only 500 m from the sea and 25km from the city of Rhodes. Lush green gardens are surrounding the 2nd & 3rd floor buildings where comfortable accommodation is offered. Perfect view towards Aegean Sea.The price also includes return flights departing from Glasgow on 29th July. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Bristol Departures
Costa Brava, Spain from £528: Prices for a seven night holiday at the three star Hotel Los Pinos on an all-inclusive basis. Santa Susanna can be found along the Costa Maresme in the northern Spanish region of Catalonia. It’s a popular holiday destination amongst both Spaniards and tourists. It’s full of entertainment and a there’s a wealth of major attractions within easy reach. The price includes return flights departing from Bristol on 28th July. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
Lake Garda, Italy from £369: Prices for a seven night holiday at the three star Hotel Forte Charme on a room only basis.This is now one of the most fashionable and sought after resorts around the lake building on its rich 15th century heritage as a health resort for wealthy Venetians. Its location means that Torbole enjoys some of the most spectacular views of the lake. Nowadays, it’s a bustling resort with lots going on and the tour operator’s representative can arrange excursions to the mighty Dolomites, Venice and Verona. The price also includes return flights departing from Bristol on 1st August. To book, go to www.lastminute.com
