DISCOVER DUBAI, LEBANON, SYRIA, JORDAN, ISRAEL, EGYPT.
37 days/34 nights accommodated

LIBYA EXTENSION AND SHORTER PART TOUR OPTIONS AVAILABLE

Following completion of another highly successful Middle East tour from 16th December, 2008 to 14th January, 2009 I am delighted to offer another opportunity to explore this fascinating area.

The Middle East is the cradle of civilisation and is still in the news daily! 5,000 years of history to absorb with every day a different experience. Experience it for yourself and understand the world we live in as well as the past. History is still being made here

Escorted (subject to minimum of 10 travelling) by Stephen Greenfield, many times visitor to the Middle East.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS TOUR IS GUARANTEED TO OPERATE AT THIS PRICE FOR A MINIMUM OF 4 PASSENGERS AND WILL BE ESCORTED FROM AUCKLAND FOR A MINIMUM OF 10.

INDEPENDENT DEPARTURES (non escorted from New Zealand but locally hosted in each country) CAN BE ARRANGED ANYTIME AT THE SAME PRICE FOR A MINIMUM OF 4 PASSENGERS AND THE ITINERARY MODIFIED TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS.

Depart Auckland Friday December 10, 2010,- Return Saturday January 15, 2011.
Includes Christmas Eve in Bethlehem and Christmas Day day in Jerusalem
Tour cost per person: 2 per room $15,500. Single room $19,700
Depart Cairo Friday 7th January arriving Auckland sunday 9th January. Cost per person $13,900 2 per room. $17,300 single room

PART TOUR OPTIONS
1. DAMASCUS - JORDAN - ISRAEL - EGYPT ONLY (Libya extension option)
27 days/23 nights accommodated. Depart Auckland Saturday afternoon 18th December, 2010 aboard Emirates A380 for Dubai arriving sunday morning and connecting to Damascus. You will be met and transferred to our Damascus Hotel. Meet your group and escort this evening.
Tour cost per person..$12,300 2 per room $15,600 single.
Depart Cairo friday 7th January arriving Auckland Sunday 9th January.
Tour cost per person.... $11,200 2 per room $14,200 single room

2. JORDAN - ISRAEL - SINAI - CAIRO
20 Days/17 Nights accommodated. Depart Auckland tuesday evening December 21 for Dubai and Amman joining the group on the way to Petra. Depart Cairo Friday 7th January for 1 night in Dubai and arrive Auckland Sunday 9th January.
Tour cost per person ....$8,980 2 per room $10,900 single

3. DUBAI, LEBANON, SYRIA, JORDAN.. 17 days/
Travel with the group as far as the Israel border (friday day 15) then return to Amman airport and fly to Dubai for 1 night departing saturday arriving Auckland Sunday 26th December. Tour cost per person .. $9,700 2 per room. $10,950 single room

4. EGYPT AND LIBYA.. 23 days
Depart Auckland sunday afternoon 2nd January, 2011
Return Auckland midday Tuesday 25th January
Fly to Cairo via Dubai and join our group on arrival from Mt Sinai.
Tour cost per person...2 per room $9,900. Single room $11,600

5. EXTENSION TO LIBYA INCLUDING LEPTIS MAGNA. See end of this page for details.

Please Note: We are flexible! If you wish to join for some other option please contact us for availability and quote.

BRING YOUR FRIENDS AND SAVE!!!
"FRIENDLY FOUR".. Four people reserving and travelling together save 3% each
"SUPER SIX".. Six people reserving and travelling together save 5% each.

Itinerary Day 1. Friday. AUCKLAND DEPART
Depart Auckland at 6.45pm aboard Emirates Airlines A380, largest passenger plane in the world.

Day 2. Saturday. DUBAI ARRIVE... (D)
Arrival in Dubai is scheduled for 5.30am. Transfer to the Radisson SAS Hotel. Please note that we cannot guarantee room availability before 1pm. Sightseeing this morning includes the Creek, Gold Souk, Spice Market, Palm Island, the Dubai Mall and the observation tower on the 124th floor of the Dubai Burj Khalifa tallest building in the world, and museum. The afternoon is free. Your hotel is situated on the Creek and within walking distance of the main Gold Souk and market. This evening enjoy dinner at the Hyatt Revolving restaurant high above Dubai.

Day 3. Sunday. DUBAI - BEIRUT. (BD)
Free time before transferring to the airport and flying to Beirut late afternoon. Transfer on arrival in Beirut to our hotel.

Day 4. Monday. BEIRUT (BD)
This morning we tour Beirut including the Lebanon Museum, Martyrs Square, the Corniche, and residential areas. The afternoon visit the world famed Jieta Grotto.

Day 5. Tuesday. BAALBECK. (BD)
Today visit the famous temples of Bacchus and Baal and the huge acropolis and fortified city of Anjar.

Day 6. Wednesday. BEIRUT - BECHARRE. (BD)
Drive to the beautiful ancient Phoenician town of Byblos to visit the port and castle and climb high into the mountains to Becharre. Visit the Gibran museum and one of the last remaining stands of ancient cedars of Lebanon.

Day 7. Thursday. BECHARRE - LATTAKIA. (BD)
Descend the mountains to the Mediterranean coast to the ancient port of Tripoli. Explore the narrow alleyways and colourful souks of the old city and see its mosques, Madrassahs, and crafts people. Cross into Syria and visit the amazing Crusader Fortress at Crac de Chevaliers. Continue to Lattakia.

Day 8. Friday. LATTAKIA - ALEPPO. (BD)
Visit Ugarit, the most important city on the mediterranean coast between the 16th and 13th centuries BC then on to see the amazing 4th century church of St Simeon and arrive in the fabulous city of Aleppo which is now the 2nd most important city in Syria.

Day 9. Saturday. ALEPPO - HAMA - CRAC DE CHEVALIER - PALMYRA. (BD)
Visit the Citadel, Omayad Mosque, Museum, and Souks. We drive south to Hama to visit the most famous Norias waterwheels which have been turning uninterrupted for almost a thousand years. Continue to the amazing oasis town of Palmyra, highlight of any visit to Syria. Walking among the ancient ruins in the moonlight will be a special experience.

Day 10. Sunday. PALMYRA - DAMASCUS. (BD)
Explore the ancient city this morning including the museum, Temple of Baal, and Arch of Triumph. This afternoon drive to Damascus.

Day 11. Monday. DAMASCUS. (BD).
Our full day sightseeing includes Merjeh Square, Sultan Saladin's Mausoleum and 17th century Azem Palace, Umayyad Mosque, Hamidieh Bazaar, the street called 'straight', and Eastern gate of St Paul.

Day 12. Tuesday. DAMASCUS - AMMAN. (BD)
Drive south to ancient Bosra, once the main city of the Roman province of Arabia. See the great theatre and well preserved ruins then cross into Jordan to visit Jerash, founded by Alexander the great in 322 BC. Explore the amazingly preserved ruins including the theatre and hippodrome and continue to Amman.

Day 13. Wednesday. AMMAN - PETRA. (BD)
Tour Amman including the Citadel housing some of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and theatre before driving to Mt Nebo from where Moses viewed the promised land and to Madaba to see the Mosaics in the Church of St George. Continue down the Kings Highway to the ancient city of Petra, carved into the rock and regarded as one of the world's architectural wonders.

Day 14. Thursday. PETRA - DEAD SEA. (BD)
This morning tour the amazing ancient city of Petra and you have time to climb to the Monastery if you wish. This afternoon drive to our resort on the shores of the Dead Sea and you have time for a swim. Mud treatments are also available for extra cost.

Day 15. Friday. DEAD SEA - JERUSALEM (Christmas Eve) (BD)
Drive to the Jordan river and cross into Israel where we will be met by our Israeli guide. Visit the caves at Qumrun where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found and drive up the hills of Judea to Jerusalem arriving mid afternoon. This afternoon visit the Wailing Wall at the start of Shabbat before journeying to Bethlehem for a carol service in the Church of the Nativity.

Day 16. Saturday. 25th December. JERUSALEM. HAPPY CHRISTMAS (BD)
Optional christmas service at the Church of your choice this morning. This afternoon visit the Israel Museum where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed and to see the model of old Jerusalem. Also visit the exterior of the Knesset with its giant Manorah.

Day 17. Sunday. JERUSALEM (BD)
Free morning to explore at your leisure or attend a service at the church of your choice. This afternoon enjoy a panoramic view of Jerusalem from the Mt of Olives and visit the Church of all Nations and Garden of Gethsemane. Explore the old city to walk part of the Via Dolorosa and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Also visit the Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock (subject to permission on the day).

Day 18. Monday. JERUSALEM. (BD)
This morning visit Yad va Shem Holocaust museum and the Garden Tomb. The afternoon is free to explore at your leisure with an optional visit to the Commonwealth war cemetary, including the New Zealand section.

Day 19. Tuesday. JERUSALEM - GALILEE. (BD)
We drive north through the Jordan Valley to visit ancient Biet Shean and on to the Galilee area for 2 nights at a Kibbutz guest house on the shores of Lake Galilee. This afternoon gain an introduction to Kibbutz life.

Day 20. Wednesday. GALILEE (BD)
Today we visit the Golan Heights, Caesarea Philippi, Beth Saida, Capernaum including St Peter's house and an ancient Synagogue, Mt of Beatitudes, Tabgha and the 2000 year old Galilee boat at Knof Ginossar, Also visit Tiberias and gain an introduction to Kibbutz life.

Day 21. Thursday. GALILEE - HAIFA (BD)
Visit Nazareth, Megiddo (including the excavations at Tel Megiddo), the ancient Crusader town of Acre, and Mt Carmel. Overnight in Haifa.

Day 22. Friday. HAIFA - CAESAREA - NEGEV (BD)
Visit the ancient Roman port city of Caesarea. See the aqueduct and ampitheatre. Continue through Tel Aviv with a short tour to the ancient and charming town of Jaffa (Joppa). After exploring the town we continue south through Ashdod and Ashkelon to visit the New Zealand WW1 war cemetary and monument. Overnight at a kibbutz guest house in the Negev.

Day 23. Saturday. NEGEV - MASSADA - EILAT. (BD)
Continue to the amazing fortress of Massada. Ride the cable car and explore the ruins including Herods Palace. Continue to Timna and Solomons Mines and see the replica of the original Tabernacle. Continue to the port and resort city of Eilat for overnight.

Day 24. Sunday. EILAT - MT SINAI. (BD)
Explore Eilat before crossing into Egypt and drive to Mt Sinai. Accommodation at Catherine Plaza Hotel near St Catherines Monastery. St Catherines town is 1600 metres above sea level - the summit of Mt Sinai 2285 metres above sea level.

Day 25. Monday. ST CATHERINES - CAIRO. (BD)
Up early for those who wish to climb Mt Sinai on foot (camels available for hire to take you 80% of the way - xtra cost approx USD30) and watch the dawn rise over the desert. Return to our hotel for breakfast and drive to Cairo. Accommodation at the Pyramisa Hotel near the Nile Corniche and Egyptian museum.

Day 26. Tuesday. CAIRO. (BD)
Visit Memphis, ancient capital of Egypt, and Sakkara famous for its early step pyramid and explore the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx including a visit to the museum housing a funerary boat. This evening enjoy the Sound and Light show at the Sphinx.

Day 27. Wednesday. CAIRO - ALEXANDRIA. (BD)
This morning drive to Alexandria and this afternoon tour the city including the museum, Pompeys Pillar, theatre of Kom ed Dikka, the Citadel, and the Catacombs.

Day 28. Thursday. EL ALAMEIN - CAIRO (BD).
Visit El Alamein for a visit to the museum and war cemetary and drive back to Cairo.

Day 29. Friday. CAIRO. (BD)
Sightseeing includes the Coptic "Hanging Church" and the amazing Egyptian museum including the treasures of Tutankhamen. Depart Cairo by train at 8pm. Two berth air conditioned sleeper cabins provided. Airline style dinner provided to the cabins.

Day 30. Saturday. ASWAN ARRIVE. (BD)
Enjoy the rural scenes between Luxor and Aswan from the train this morning. Box breakfast served on board. Arrival in Aswan is scheduled for 8.15am and transfer to the Isis Island resort on its own island in the Nile River, a 2 minute ferry ride from Aswan town. Visit the Aswan High Dam, Temple of Philae, Unfinished Obelisk, and a Papayrus Institute. Time to relax and enjoy your resort or explore Aswan town.

Day 31. Sunday. ABU SIMBEL - JOIN CRUISE (BD)
Drive to Abu Simbel to visit the amazing monuments and return to Aswan. This afternoon enjoy a Felucca cruise on the Nile and visit to Kitchener Gardens before boarding our cruise ship, home for the next 3 nights. Sail this afternoon.

Day 32. Monday. KOM OMBO AND EDFU. (BLD)
Visit the twin temple of Sobek in Kom Ombo then cruise to Edfu. Visit the Temple of Horus and continue our cruise down the Nile.

Day 33. Tuesday. LUXOR. (BLD)
Arrive Luxor this morning and visit the amazing temples of Luxor and Karnak. Remain on board tonight.

Day 34. Wednesday. LUXOR (BD)
Disembark this morning and visit the West Bank including the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon. Overnight in a hotel in Luxor and this evening enjoy the Sound and Light show at the Karnak or Luxor Temple.

Day 35. Thursday. LUXOR - CAIRO - DEPART (B)
Fly back to Cairo and connect to Dubai arriving just after midnight. Transfer to a hotel near Dubai airport

Those going to Libya remain in Cairo at a hotel tonight.

Day 36. Friday. DUBAI ARRIVE AND DEPART.
Arrive Dubai just after midnight. Depart mid morning aboard Emirates A380 for Auckland

Day 37. Saturday, 15th January. AUCKLAND ARRIVE
Arrival in Auckland is scheduled for early afternoon.

Full Tour cost includes:
** Round trip economy class air fares, ** 34 nights accommodation - 26 nights at first class hotels, 3 nights Kibbutz Lodge, 1 night guest house (Sinai), 1 night train, 3 nights de luxe Nile cruise.
** Most meals as indicated by each day (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner),
** Comprehensive sightseeing with local english speaking guides. ** Services of tour escort from Auckland subject to a minimum of 10 travelling.

ADD LIBYA - SIWA (Egypt), TOBRUK, APPOLONIA, CYRENE, PTOLEMAIS, BENGHAZI, SABRATHA, TRIPOLI, LEPTUS MAGNA.

Day 36. Friday. CAIRO - SIWA. (BD)
Drive across the desert to the beautiful oasis town of Siwa, still retaining much of its Berber heritage.

Day 37. Saturday. SIWA. (BD)
This morning we take a 4WD safari into the towering sand dunes of the Great Sand Sea. This afternoon enjoy the leisurely pace of the Oasis and see the remains of the Temple of Amun and Fortress of Shali.

Day 38. Sunday. SIWA - TOBRUK. (BD)
Explore Siwa before driving to the Libyan border town of Umsaad. A further 140km brings us to Tobruk.

Day 39. Monday. TOBRUK - RAS AL HILAL - ATHRUN - APPOLONIA. (BD)
Tour Tobruk this morning including the WW2 cemetaries and drive along the coastal road towards Al Bayda. Visit the churches in Ras al Hilal and Athrunen en route. Overnight in Appolonia at Shahat Resort.

Day 40. Tuesday. CYRENE EXCURSION. (BD)
Appolonia (Marsa Sutra)was founded in the 7th century BC in the Graeco-Roman period as a harbour for Cyrene. During the 5th century Appolonia was the most influential town in Cyrenecia. This morning tour Appolonia, and this afternoon Cyrene.

Day 41. Wednesday. APPOLONIA - QASR LIBYA - PTOLEMAIS - BENGHAZI. (BD)
Visit the former Bishopric of Qasr Libya then on to Ptolemais founded in the 3rd century BC. Visit the remains of the Basilica and Ampitheatre as well as the museum and triumphal arch. Continue to Benghazi.

Day 42. Thursday. BENGHAZI - SABRATHA. (BD).
Fly to Tripoli this morning and tour Sabratha, founded in the 6th century BC, and famous for its ivory trade. Visit the Roman Theatre and well preserved Mosaics. Accommodation in Tripoli.

Day 43 Friday. TRIPOLI (BD)
Tripoli, the capital of Libya, started as a Phoenician settlement in the 7th century BC. We tour the city including the National Museum, Mosque of Ahmed Karamalli, and the old town with its lively alleyways and bazaars.

Day 44. Saturday. LEPTIS MAGNA (BD)
Our full day excursion to Leptis Magna, (some 90km from Tripoli) will be a major highlight. Visit the theatre, baths, Nymphaeum, port, markets, and museum before returning to Tripoli. Leptis Magna is one of the best preserved Roman cities in a brilliant location on the shores of the Mediterranean. It was founded in the 7th century BC although only came to prominence under Emperor Augustus (27BC-14AD). It quickly became one of the leading ports in Africa.

Day 45. Sunday TRIPOLI - DUBAI. (B)
Free time until departure for Dubai this afternoon. Transfer to a hotel near the airport. Day 46. Monday. DUBAI DEPART

Depart mid morning with Emirates for Auckland.

Day 47. Tuesday. 25th January, 2011. AUCKLAND ARRIVE.
Arrival at Auckland is scheduled for early afternoon.

Total tour cost per person - 47 days
2 per room: $17,900 Single room $20,400

DISCOVER DUBAI, LEBANON, SYRIA, JORDAN, ISRAEL, EGYPT, LIBYA.
Travel Notes

Pre-reading

Please take time to do some pre reading and getting the history into perspective. Once on the road we will be assailed with facts and figures daily and the more we understand before going, the greater the enjoyment and the more we will see how it all fits together. For a basic travel guide Lonely Planet is best (They have a Middle East edition which covers every country we go to). For serious insights into the area we do recommend reading more widely. To obtain the best from Israel some knowledge of the Bible is a great asset. I will be providing basic country and historical outlines but these will be by no means exhaustive.

Climate

Expect temperatures between 15-35 degrees on the April and November tours which makes spring and Autumn comfortable times to travel through the area. Expect some rain and a fold up umbrella is recommended.

Packing

As always those who travel light travel easiest! Clothing is casual throughout with a good 'smart casual' set for evening dinners and some shows.

A good pair of walking shoes are essential as we cannot appreciate the glories of the ancient cities without walking among the history. It is worth packing a swim suit if you want to experience a swim in the Dead Sea. A few hotels have swimming pools but not many.

Please make sure that bags are lockable.

We will be visiting a lot of churches and other holy sites during the tour. They do expect a reasonable standard of conservative dress, e.g. sleeved blouses/dresses for the ladies.

A head scarf is needed for the ladies also in some places.If you wish to climb Mt Sinai a torch is needed. A very limited number are available in the Sinai but if you have a small one that will last for about 3 hours we recommend you take it.

Please note that tea and coffee are not usually included as part of lunches and dinners in the Middle East. A small kit to bew up in the room has been most popular with some people. You need to supply your own tea bags, coffee sachets, and creamer.

Health

Be healthy before you come is the best advice!

We recommend keeping your basic vaccinations up to date for Diptheria, Tetanus, Polio, and Hepatitis A, B, and C. An anti diarrhoea injection is advisable and anti diarrhoea pills are essential.

I will have a general health kit but I suggest you pack your own favourite brands. If you are on any special medication please bring enough for the whole journey. If it may be suspect for customs officials etc please bring a note from your doctor.

Basic health precautions are essential along the way in personal hygiene, not drinking tap water, etc. As we stay at first class hotels throughout we do not usually have a problem.

We recommend taking a supply of antiseptic wet wipes.

Biggest health problems are always encountered in Egypt.

Electricity
Electricity supply is 220 volt in all countries.
Adaptors are necessary. A round 2 pin plug covers all countries except Dubai although some points in Lebanon have a flat 2 pin plug! Dubai uses a 3 pin UK style plug.

Insurance
Travel Insurance is essential. Please check the exclusions. We can arrange this through Mike Henry or you are welcome to arrange your own but we need a copy of the details.

Money

US dollar notes are still best and just exchange what you need in each country. ATM's are available in all major cities except in Syria and Libya - carry enough cash to take you through there.

Dinner and breakfast are paid for each day so you only have to buy lunches, drinking water, tea, coffee, juices, and other beverages with lunches and dinners, and other small items. $NZ100 per person per day would be more than ample for most, you can get by on half that. All the main sightseeing attractions are included however there will be some optional tours and evening shows offered along the way.

Tips

A fact of life. Where meals are included at the hotel you do not need to tip except where drinks are ordered. Taxis, restaurants where you may choose to eat separately, etc all expect to be tipped, usually 10-15% of the bill.

An allowance of $250 is needed for tips on the main 26 day tour in addition to your tour cost. If this tour is escorted this will be paid to your escort with the final balance and they will pay all your 'official' tips to guides, drivers, and cruise company. If the tour is unescorted you will keep the money and pay them direct.

SAFETY A very important issue on this tour!!

I presume everyone has read the Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel advisory on their website www.mfat.govt.nz and has made a conscious and informed decision to come on this tour. If I thought there was a major risk I would not of course be going myself or take others to the area. However it is a volatile area of the world and there is some risk. I will give more advice along the way on such matters as keeping off the public buses and out of night clubs in Israel etc. Rest assured millions of tourists visit these countries each year without harm.

The local governments and tourist industry have a vested interest in keeping us safe as tourism is so important to the economies of the area. I will accept the advice of local guides in individual situations and it may be necessary to make some adjustments to the itinerary along the way if local problems flare up. However you have to make the decision yourself to come - and then relax and enjoy the area! Rest assured I and our agents will do all possible to make sure the tour is trouble free.

Our refund policy in the event the tour has to be cancelled through safety issues is that your tour cost can be transferred without penalty to any other CONNOISSEUR HOLIDAY we operate,or receive a full refund of your tour cost less the $500 non refundable deposit which may be refundable through insurance (check your policy for details)