NOTE: THIS LOT INCLUDES FLIGHTS
(BOTH INTERNATIONAL RETURN FLIGHTS EX: LONDON HEATHROW, AND NATIONAL FLIGHTS IN EGYPT)

THIS JOURNEY IS FOR A FIXED DEPARTURE ON 31 DECEMBER 2008

• Now, sit back in your chair... drop your shoulders... breathe deeply and think on this:
   
• You are reclining on the deck of a beautifully crafted wooden ship under sail on the Nile.  This is a 'Dahabiyya' and luxuriating aboard, you'll be wafted by gentle breezes as you gaze over the banks of the Nile - with the ancient lands of Egypt gently slipping by. 
  

• This is how sophisticated travellers of the late 19th century elegantly cruised the Nile and discovered Egypt... and in fact, it's still how sophisticated travellers cruise the Nile. 
   
• And there's no longer any need to day-dream.  With a well-placed bid here, you could be sashaying aboard yourself, taking a special someone along to enjoy the ride and soak up the atmosphere.

• Travel experts Bales Worldwide have revived those elegant days of travel with their exclusive collection of luxuriously appointed Dahabiyyas on the Nile.  The interiors are decorated in a colonial style with oriental and Egyptian touches while each of the spacious 6 cabins (yes, there are only 6!) are individually decorated with period furnishings. 

• From the dahabiyya's airy decks you will have the chance to enjoy Egypt at a leisurely pace, to drink in the landscapes, and peruse the monuments and villages on the riverbanks.
   
• Your journey will start with your flight from the UK to Cairo where you will spend your first three nights at Oberoi's historic Mena House Hotel.  While you are here in Cairo you could take the chance to explore a little - perhaps go haggling at the Khanalkhalil bazaar for gold, silver or a nifty camel saddle or two...  Or maybe visit the incredible Cairo Museum of Antiquities.  Or take in the Pyramids at Giza and the Sphinx... literally a stone's throw from your room at the superb Mena House.
  
  Or who could blame you if you just want to stay put in your hotel and soak up the atmosphere in this legendary hotel.
  
      
  
• On Day 4 you will fly to either Luxor or Aswan (depending upon which departure option you'd like) and board your luxurious Dahabiyya for 7 nights cruising.  You will take in Luxor,  Karnak and the Valley of the Kings.  As well as Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, the High Dam and Philae... Yes, all the highlights are covered!

• For excursions, you will have the services of expert guides and on board, the crew will take care of your every need.  The onboard chef will concoct delicious regional cuisine for you to enjoy on deck under the stars... or there might even be a picnic or barbecue on the riverbanks or islands that dot the Nile... that's the beauty of a cruise that only takes a maximum of 12 discerning passengers... these sorts of truly unique experiences can be arranged.
   
• What is more, being a small vessel, with private moorings along the Nile banks, mean that you will enjoy tranquil riverside settings and even the possibilities of gentle evening strolls before dinner and turning in for the night.

Don't be left behind... get bidding now!