Your partner in Travel around the world

Hi There,
We are pleased to enclose the fourth issue of our Newsletter for you to view. 

Fall has arrived and with Christmas just around the corner we have enclosed some wonderful ideas to get you away before, during and after the big day. Take a look at what is on offer and feel free to let us know if there is something we can assist you with.

If there is anything you would like to see added in our newsletter please let us know we will happy to include it.

Feature Tour

Travel with Avril & Khaled

Owners of Euro World Travel and A-Z Tours International

“Flavor of Egypt” Escorted Tour from Vancouver

Jan 18^th – 4^th Feb, 2007 – 18 Days/17 nights, including flight Vancouver – Cairo return
(We can arrange from other destinations including air)
Deluxe $3,895 CAD per person double occupancy,
Single Supplement $675 CAD

Cairo/Alexandria/Oasis/Nile Cruise/Abu Simbel/Hurghada/St. Catherine’s

A tour you will never forget. This is a trip of a lifetime, an opportunity to see the famous historic sites, the History of Christianity, A Nile Cruise, and time on the Red Sea to relax, it is ALL OF EGYPT

Sightseeing and more:

Cairo (Pyramids – Sphinx - Solar Boat Museum)
Camel Ride (optional) – Nile Dinner Cruise – Papyrus Institute - Perfumery – Sakkara step Pyramid
Carpet School – Memphis (Ramses Statue & Alabaster Sphinx)
Giza Sound and Light Show – Alexandria (Roman Amphitheater – Catacombs – Citadel)
Egyptian Museum (King Tut’s Treasures) –Aswan (Felucca Sail – Botanical Gardens - Philae Temple –High Dam) Abu Simbel (Ramses and Nefertari Temples) – Nile Cruise (Kom Ombo & Edfu Temples)
Galabia Party - Luxor (Valley of the Kings – Temple of Hatshepsut Luxor & Karnak Temples – Colossi of Memnon) – Karnak Light and Sound Show.
Hurghada on the Red Sea (Bedouin Safari & Boat Ride out the Coral Reefs – 1001 Arabian Night Folkloric Show)
Cairo (Coptic Churches -Citadel – Mosque – Khan El Khalili Bazaar)
St Catherine’s (Mount Sinai – Monastery – Moses Springs) – Pharonaic Village – Time for shopping.

Included:
Visas - Escorted throughout from Vancouver - All Transfers.
Baggage Transfers - Deluxe A/C transport.
Deluxe Hotels with Breakfast, Hotel taxes and service.
Nile Dinner Cruise - Felucca/Launch, AbuSimbel.
Sightseeing throughout with entry fees as mentioned.
Services of an English Guide/Egyptologist.
Nile Cruise with Full Board - 2 Light and Sound Shows.
Lunches, Packed Lunches & All meals are included.
Sleeper Train Cairo/Aswan on H/B Basis.
 
Not Included:
Items of a personal nature -Incidental Tips.
Drinks of any kind - Gratuities for Driver and Guide.
Any additional requests.
Options noted - Cancellation & Medical Insurance.

A full itinerary available upon request.
All scheduled activities as shown in the itinerary will be included but may need to be rearranged to accommodate the Nile Cruise, local circumstances etc.

Specials

All inclusive Puerto Vallarta for 1 week leaving November 4th, 2006, from Vancouver, all inclusive, starting at $798 CAD plus taxes per person. Other departure cities available, contact us for details.

Excellent deal in Cuba at Prestige Club Barceló Marina, upgrade to ocean view room, all inclusive, from Vancouver starting at $668 CAD plus taxes per person. Other departure cities available, contact us for details.

Book early your Alaska 2007 cruises and save! New for 2007 Alaska Norwegian is launching the first and only ship with garden villas and courtyard villas - "PEARL". Be first to sail on this beautiful ship!

Celebrate NCL’s exciting National Cruise Vacation Month.

All month long they’re giving you a FREE two-category upgrade when you book an NCL cruise. We’re talking any cruise, anywhere they go. Great, huh? And that’s not all. Because each week, they’re upping the ante with hot deals, huge onboard credits and great savings on select products.

Christmas Vacations

ChristmasMarkets of Central Europe draw more people every year. The festive atmosphere, aroma of roasting chestnuts, sausages and fresh baked goods permeates the air, as you stroll the decorated boutique-lined streets and browse locally hand-made quality crafts, toys, wood carvings, and delicate ornaments. This year, begin your holiday season with a wonderful centuries-old tradition, the Christmas Market.

8 Day Alpine Christmas Markets
Munich, Salzburg & Vienna From $1,199 per person.

This 10-day air-inclusive Christmas vacation is a best, seller among our Christmas vacations. Enjoy two-night stays in Munich, Prague, Budapest, and Vienna in centrally located hotels. Sightseeing with Local Guides includes all highlights: visits to Munich's Marienplatz, Prague's Hradcany Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, Budapest's 13th-century Matthias Coronation Church, and Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral. A stop is made in Bratislava, the economic and political center of Slovakia. There's plenty of time to visit the Christmas markets in all cities, and an entire day is at leisure at the end of your vacation in Vienna. Departure 1218 is in Vienna on Christmas Eve. Departure 1221 is in Prague on Christmas Eve. Notes: Christmas markets operate from late November until December 25. Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

Christmastime in Munich & Easter Europe

10 days including Air/9 days land only
From $2,276US per person, air inclusive.
From $1,369US per person, land only.

A wonderful nine-day vacation in two famous regions: Bavaria and Alsace. Two nights in Munich with guided sightseeing includes famous Marienplatz. Next enjoy two nights in Strasbourg where a Local Guide takes you through the lovely La Petite France district; and delight in two nights in Nuremberg, well known for children's toys and gingerbread, and home to Germany's finest Christmas market. Stops will be made in Ulm to admire the cathedral with the tallest spire in the world (at 528 ft.), and in Heidelberg to take pictures of the red-walled castle. A highlight is a visit to Rothenburg, hometown of Christmas decorations and world-famous Kathe Wohlfahrt's Christmas Village. Departure 1220 is in Nuremberg on Christmas Eve. Notes Christmas markets operate from late November until December 25.

Winter Packages in Canada

Quebec City…Dazzling in winter
Charlevoix for ski or spa
6 Days/5 Nights - Daily Departures

Your Package Provides:
3 Nights accommodation at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac
2 Nights accommodation at the Fairmont Manoir Richelieu
Quebec City Sightseeing tour
Admission to the “Ice Hotel
Three day Budget compact car rental with unlimited mileage
Two breakfasts & two gourmet dinners at the Manor Richelieu
Tips and service charges on included meals
Hotel and car taxes and GST on applicable services

5 nights - Nov1 - Dec 21, 2006 & Jan 1 - 30, 2007 – From $755US per person
5 nights - Dec 22, 2006 – Jan 2, 2007 – From $845US per person.

Canada by Rail with Jasper
8 Days/7 Nights

Tour Highlights include:
Guaranteed Departures
Airport Transfers
Four Nights accommodations
1 Night - Fairmont Royal York
2 Nights – Fairmont Jasper Park
Lodge
1 Night - Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Three Nights total aboard VIA Rail -
Silver & Blue Class in a private
bedroom. Two Nights are from
Toronto to Jasper and one night
from Jasper to Vancouver. Access
to the domed viewing cars and all meals aboard the train
Meals aboard the train
Hotel taxes and GST on applicable items
Maps and destination information
Tour departs on Monday or Wednesday.
7 nights - Dec 18 - Dec 27, 2006 – From $1,625US per person
7 nights - Jan 1 - Jan 29 & Apr 4 - Apr 25, 2007 – From $1,585US per person.

Africa

Wings over Botswana, Dec 19 - 29, from $6,630

Highlights of Kenya, Dec 21 - 30, from $4,080

This is a small group size tour with a maximum of 18 passengers, allowing more flexibility to customize individual activities.

Snows of Kilimanjaro, Dec 20 - 30, from $4,345
Take a trek to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain. At 19,457 feet, Kilimanjaro dominates Tanzania’s northern border with Kenya.

East Africa

A Family Adventure Dec 21 - Jan 4, from $8,070 adults, $5,870 child
Kenya and Tanzania’s most exciting game parks and reserves in a single safari, planned to keep travelers of every age interested and energized.

Highlights of Tanzania, Dec 14 - 23, from $3,780
Small group size with a maximum of 18 passengers, allowing more flexibility to customize individual activities
Home to the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and the renowned Serengeti plains, Tanzania is a treasure trove of wildlife in an unspoiled terrain.

Wings Over Tanzania, Dec 18 - 27, from $6,060
Small group size with a maximum of 18 passengers
Air travel adds to the time available for game viewing, and also offers a "hawk's-eye-view" over some of the world's most stunning aerial panoramas.

Tanzania Hemingway Safari, Dec 18 - 30, from $7,240
A classic tented safari in a style and standard set by famous safari pioneers like Ernest Hemingway and Denis Finch-Hatton.

South & Central America

Highlights of Costa Rica Dec 20 - 28, from $3,250
Explore the incredible beauty of one of the world’s most biologically diverse countries — where unique varieties of plants and animals thrive and multiply.

Wonders of Chile, Argentina & Brazil Dec 25 - Jan 7, from $8,570
Stunning mountain scenery, tropical waterfalls, rambling vineyards, sleepy alpine towns, sensuous ocean-side cities and the height of European culture.

India

Ski Vacations

Aspen - Skiing  4 nights at the Aspen Meadows Resort

Located on forty acres in Aspen's historic West End offering the finest alpine views available in the region and only a few blocks from downtown; however, for your convenience a complementary Aspen town shuttle will take you to the Gondola or to and from Aspen airport. You will find a modern design with floor to ceiling windows and balconies and gorgeous views in a all Suite Hotel ranging from 600-1200 square feet. For entertainment and a social atmosphere there is full service bar on site. Enjoy a complete Health club, weight room, half court gymnasium and personal trainers for your workout needs or an outdoor heated lap pool and tennis courts. Relax after skiing all day in the Jacuzzi that overlooks the Roaring Fork River and Red Mountain, in the steam room or get a massage.

Complimentary Shuttle to Lifts
4 Nights Lodging Junior Suite
3 of 10 Day Lift Ticket
Complimentary Airport Shuttle 

Italy – Cortina Skiing

7 nights at the Menardi Three Stars

On the edge of resort, ski bus available to lifts. Wellness center, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, bar, sun terrace, fireplace, hair dryer in bathroom, safe in room, non-smoking rooms. Package rates from $1,146 per person for 7 nights lodging and airport transportation (mid season). Meal plan: buffet breakfast and dinner, Standard room, double occupancy.

7 Nights Lodging, Hotel room
Daily Breakfast and Dinner
Roundtrip Airport Transfers

Travel Hints & Tips

• Be sure to take out adequate medical insurance to cover hospital treatment or medical evacuation. Overseas medical costs can be expensive and private health insurance may not cover you outside your country. 
• Make sure that your travel insurance covers cancellations, baggage loss, dental or anything else you wish covered.
• Read up on your destination so you are well prepared for the differences in culture etc. 
• Make sure you have any necessary visas for the country or countries you are visiting — be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry.
• Leave contact information with family back home and provide your main contact with itinerary and emergency contact info.
• Leave any surplus credit cards or personal info that you will not need at home.
• Carry additional copies of your passport with you and store separately to your passports.
• Ensure you have your medications with you and place in your carry on luggage unless current security measures prevent it.
• Carry additional prescriptions and a copy of any Opticians prescription in case of broken glasses or lost lenses.
• Avoid drinking local water and stick with bottled water, your system will not be used to the change and this is the most common cause of illness when traveling.
• Don't carry illicit drugs. In some countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand, drug offences carry the death penalty.

Before you go Checklist

MONTHS AHEAD

• Part of the fun of any holiday is planning ahead. Decide on your destination and start to research your various options.
• Check your passport is up to date and has at least 6 months on it after your return date. 
• Decide on your mode of Transportation and remember that if flying the further ahead you book the lower the price of the flight. Exceptions to this are charter flights where last minute deals are available at good rates.
• If you have medical problems check with your doctor and his advise on where you will be traveling to.
• Have any required vaccinations.
  

2 - 3 WEEKS AHEAD

• Check with your credit card company and let them know where you will be traveling so they will allow purchases in that destination, some companies protect you to the point where your card is hard to use out of your home area.
• Make sure your ATM PIN is a numbered one as many overseas machines do not have lettered keyboards. 
• Make sure you know your PIN numbers
• Make arrangements for any animals and plants that need to be tended to in your
  absence.
• Automatic light timers to switch on and off in the evening are a good investment for your home in your absence.
• Check your driver’s license and insurance and if it will cover you while traveling.
• Check cameras, purchase new batteries if necessary, and film.
• Make an arrangement with a neighbor, friend or relative to check your home periodically.
• If a friend or neighbor cannot collect your mail, make arrangements for it to be held at the Post Office.
• Arrange for lawn care or snow removal. Ignoring these areas will make your house stand out in the neighborhood and announce to everyone that you are gone.
• Arrange for someone to start your car during very cold or very hot weather.

1 - 2 WEEKS AHEAD

• Reconfirm all your reservations.
• Get traveler’s checks or foreign currency from the bank or check with your agent on how you can obtain on arrival.
• Put any valuables such as jewelry not required while traveling in a safety deposit box.
• If you will be using your car have it checked and serviced ready for the trip.
• Reduce the amount of fresh items you buy at the grocery, such as milk, fruit and other
  perishables to reduce waste when you leave.
• Decide on which suitcases you will take.
• Launder or dry clean your clothing so it is ready to pack.
• Make sure you have clear luggage tags and that you remove any old flight tags from your luggage.
• Make sure you put identification inside your luggage to ensure it can be identified if the tag comes off.
• Make copies of your passports.
• If you have a monitored alarm system, notify the company that you will be away and to treat any alarms as real.
• Check prescriptions for necessary refills; bring a list with the drug’s generic name listed since the brand names available can differ in other areas.
• Pay any bills that become due in your absence.

1 - 2 DAYS BEFORE

• Pack your luggage and check the weight is within the allowable range.
• Check your windows and doors are all secure and that plants are thoroughly watered and moved out of the sun if necessary.
• Dispose of any refrigerator items that might spoil.
• Cancel your newspaper delivery.
• Provide your contact person with the itinerary and emergency numbers. 

DAY OF DEPARTURE

• Adjust your thermostats for the time of year.
• Leave shades or drapes as you normally do.
• Lock all doors and windows including basement & garage.
• Unplug computers/TV's etc that may be affected by a power surge. 
• Set any automatic light and radio timers. 
• Forward your phone to your cell or to the person taking calls in your absence.  
• If taking your vehicle pack it inside the garage so it does not become obvious that you are leaving.

A-Z TOURS INTERNATIONAL – personal travel services – http://www.a-ztravel.com

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OUR PERSONNEL:

Avril has been in the industry for many years, having worked for 7 years with Regal Tours International and owning her own Country Inn on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. Avril worked both as an Innkeeper and a Tour Wholesaler and holds an Internationally recognized CHA (Certified Hotel Administrator) accreditation. She worked on the G7 conference, hosting the President's wives luncheon, co-chaired an Atlantic Canada Showcase and International Travel Trade Show, managed 450 volunteers for the Tall Ships Visit in July 2000, and was previously awarded Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia. Avril founded the Country Inn Association in Nova Scotia and has been involved in numerous volunteer activities throughout Atlantic Canada both on a Local and National basis. 

Having an office in Egypt and key Partners in other countries strengthens our programs, allowing us to negotiate better rates and enabling us to have onsite ability to resolve any problems. The partnership between us brings to you a strong background and expertise in all aspects of Tourism, from the minute day to day details of operations, to guiding, escorting, planning, marketing and sales, between us we cover it all. We are both actively involved in the website design and maintenance - keeping the site up to date and user friendly while at the same time having immediate contact with the clients. 

Khaled is an Egyptologist, Archaeologist, a licensed guide for Egypt, and brings his expertise to the company, specializing in customized, personalized tours to Egypt and other destinations. We have developed strong specialist programs in Egypt and have added India, Jordan, Turkey, the Middle East, Atlantic and Central Canada to our inventory of specialty tour destinations .........while at the same time, marketing and selling popular worldwide tours of other Tour Wholesalers and developing our Travel Mall as a one stop shop for all Travel requirements.

Khaled Azzam, Eng.

Theresa Freeman originally from England and having worked for 13 years with a Travel Agent in the UK before I moved to Nova Scotia, Canada. I joined the A-Z Tours International team as Travel Consultant in 2001. I now specialize in International and USA Destinations and can service clients from anywhere in the World for both escorted group and independant programs. Please don't hestiate to contact me, I look forward to assisting you with all of your International Travel plans  theresa@a-ztours.com

Carol Lomond Hirtle originally from Port-Aux-Basques, Newfoundland I now live in Nova Scotia and have worked in the hospitality industry since 1979. I joined the  A-Z Tours International team as a Travel Consultant in 2001. I now specialize in custom programs to Egypt and Jordan as well as other North African and Middle Eastern destinations. A-Z Tours has become renowned as specialists in Egypt and I look forward to helping you plan and book your custom program to Egypt, which for many is a trip of a lifetime. Please contact me for more information at carol@a-ztours.com

Nicole Corkum originally from Newfoundland I now live in Nova Scotia,Canada. I joined the A-Z Tours International team as a Travel Consultant in 2003.  I now specialize in Programs to Canada as well as assisting both Theresa and Carol. We offer a unique, customized, Vacation Planning Service to Canada in addition to the normal escorted tours. I look forward to working with you on your trip to Canada - please don't hesitate to contact me. nicole@a-ztours.com