Recent Visits
See some of the most magnificent monuments and treasures of the Ancient World when you explor Egypt on this exclusive tour.
You’ll see the awesome Great Pyramids and Sphinx before setting sail down the Nile on the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV . As you cruise the Nile more highlights of Egypt will drift into view and your boat will pull in so you can explore them fully. Let us take you to the Valley of the Kings, Tutankhamun’s final resting place, and many other imposing temples and necropolises that still have the power to amaze and inspire after more than 4,500 years.
Holiday Length: 6 Days
Day 1: UK – Cairo
You will be met as you land in Cairo and transferred to your hotel. You can relax and refresh in your city-centre, riverside hotel, where you’ll be staying for three nights. It’s the perfect spot from which to take in the city and surrounding areas.
Day 2: Cairo
Cairo has so much to offer visitors. Your private Egyptologist will take you on a trip to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, which houses macabre mummies and exquisite treasures found in Tutankhamun’s tomb. After, head to the bustling Khan el-Khalili Bazaar and get ready to haggle over rugs, food and spices. After sunset, there’s the option to see the light show at the pyramids.
Day 3: Cairo
Start the day by heading south of Cairo to Memphis and the Step Pyramid of Djoser, thought to be the oldest stone structure in the world. Then it’s off to the Great Pyramids themselves. At Giza Plateau you’ll also see the iconic figure of the Sphinx still standing guard. You could pop into the Solar Boat Museum, which houses
Day 4: Cairo – Aswan
After a flight to Aswan it’s time to climb on board: your Nile cruise on the opulent Sanctuary Sun Boat IV awaits. After lunch you can explore the laid-back city of Aswan, once one of the most strategically important locations in Ancient Egypt. After lunch, you can visit the Unfinished Obelisk – an unfinished project that still lies half hewn from the rock at the nearby granite quarries, before returning to your boat for dinner.
Day 5: Aswan – Kom Ombo – Edfu
Start the day with a boat trip out to Philae Temple, located on Agilkia Island. Later, back on board, you can learn how to knock up some tasty Egyptian treats with the resident chef. While you’re eating, the Sun boat IV will travel to the crocodile god Sobek’s Temple of Kom Ombo in Edfu. You can also visit the Temple of Horus, dedicated to the falcon-headed god
Day 6: Luxor
While you breakfast, Sun Boat IV will sail towards Luxor, where you’ll spend the day exploring the banks of the Nile. Disembark on the East Bank, and an Egyptologist will take you around the Temple of Luxor and Temple of Karnak, which took over 1,000 years to build. On the West Bank, there’s the Valley of the Kings and the Colossi of Memnon to explore.
Day 7: Luxor – UK
After leaving the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV for the last time, you’ll be driven to Luxor International Airport for your flight home. On the other hand, there are many fascinating ways you can extend your stay and we’d be delighted to help you with these.
Best time to go: October to May
Price: From £1,895pp
The price shown is a guide – based on two people sharing and generally includes economy flights. Your holiday will be tailor-made to suit you and there are many factors that can influence the price, such as standard of accommodation, class of flight and time of year. Please do provide us with your chosen dates and we can provide a more accurate cost – 01428 658777
NB: Gemma took a very similar trip in October 2017. She stayed 2 nights in Cairo at the Four Seasons First Residence followed by 3 nights cruise on the Sun Boat IV – similar to above. This itinerary would be from £1,775pp
Last week Forbes Magazine featured Haslemere Travel in an article on the global luxury travel market. Being classed, as one of “The 12 most influential luxury travel designers in the world” is an absolute thrill for the entire team and something we have worked extremely hard to achieve. Haslemere Travel is the only UK based agency in the list! Please do follow the link to read the article in full.
But how does this affect our valued and loyal clients?
We have always prided ourselves on our network of hotel connections. We travel continuously; not only to guarantee that our knowledge is up to date, but also to ensure we know all the top hoteliers and property owners around the world. Being recognised as one of the most influential luxury travel designers in the world means our bookings will always be fast-tracked to the top of the VIP list, providing that when upgrades are available, they are given to Haslemere Travel guests. When complimentary amenities are available, these are yours too and for no other reason than you book through us and we know the right people, who value our business and our VIP clients.
From weekends away, to multi-generation groups and year-long itineraries, we plan holidays of all sizes and budgets. Your next holiday adventure is only a phone call away – 01428 658777.
Haslemere Travel is delighted to announce that it will be hosting the first “Haslemere Travel Literary Evening” on Thursday, May 18th, as part of this year’s biannual Haslemere Festival.
The exclusive event will have a Russian theme, with three exciting women speakers set to entertain guests. Anna Pasternak (great-niece of Boris Pasternak, the Nobel prize-winning author of Dr Zhivago) will be talking about her new book “Lara: The Untold Love Story that inspired Dr Zhivago” – the tale of the true, heartbreaking love affair between Boris and Olga Ivinskaya.
Carnival Films are currently developing Lara with Liz Trubridge, producer of TV phenomenon Downton Abbey, for a major, six part TV series. Excitingly, as part of this stimulating evening, Liz Trubridge has also agreed to talk about how she is bringing the book to the TV screen.
The chair of the evening will be Val Hudson, former editorial director of Harper Collins and Hodder Headline, who is a published author herself and the author of the Bowatching series of teen novels; A Simples Life, the best-selling ‘autobiography’ of the cravat-wearing, Russian meerkat Aleksandr, as well as the extraordinary story of ‘Arthur: the dog that crossed a jungle to find a home’.
The event will begin at 7.30pm (ending c 9.30pm) at the Haslemere Educational Museum and will include refreshments during the interval, as well as the opportunity to purchase paperbacks and have them signed by the two authors.
On the night, Haslemere Travel will also be launching some exciting, exclusive special offers for tours to Russia, in partnership with luxury tour operator Kirker Holidays.
And finally, there will be a fund-raising raffle at the event in aid of the Museum, with a wonderful first prize of a luxury spa day for two with a scrumptious cream tea at Guildford Harbour Hotel.
Please note: This is a ticket-only event. To purchase tickets (March 1st onwards) which cost £15 (wine included) call 01428 642161 or email: [email protected]
National treasure Joanna Lumley OBE FRGS is the leading Appeal Patron for Grange Park Opera’s ‘Theatre in the Woods’ in Surrey, the first new opera house to be built in the UK for decades.
Happily, it is not far from our shop in Haslemere, so we grabbed the chance to catch up with Joanna to ask about her travels, love of music …and black trousers
As an author, actress, TV presenter and former model, has overseas travel always played an important part in your life?
Yes because I was born in a suitcase leaving India at the age of one and living in Hong Kong and Malaysia until I was eight. Long sea voyages punctuated my childhood and left me with a longing to keep moving.
What do you never forget to pack on your travels?
Black trousers, a torch and books.
Which passport stamp are you most proud of?
Pretty keen on my Mongolian one.
Do you have a favourite destination you return to as often as possible?
I loved Ethiopia, where I made part of a documentary, with a passion, and plan to return as soon as I can
Where would you like to go next…?
India again: filming but also savouring the fabulous variety of that stupendous country.
Who is your dream travel companion?
My husband; but I mostly travel now with a tiny film crew. We have become best friends and I love working with them.
Music plays a big part in your life too…why is it so important to you?
I was born listening to the greats… Mozart, Beethoven, Dvorak, Chopin… on a wind-up gramophone in the Far East. I would suffocate with no music in my life.
What persuaded you to take on the role of Patron for Grange Park Opera (GPO)’s appeal for its exciting, new Theatre in the Woods?
It was the easiest decision I have ever made. I love what GPO does, and how it behaves: all are welcome and their standards are sky-high. The Theatre in the Woods is stunningly attractive and will be a new wonder of the glorious Surrey countryside.
What are your ambitions for this extraordinary new opera house, currently being built in 350 acres of Surrey countryside surrounding 15th century mansion West Horsley Place?
It will be utterly magical: the combination of the majesty of that ancient house and its grand spreading gardens, and the music and dance that will take place in the Theatre in the Woods will be unbeatable.
GPO initiatives such as £35 tickets for the under-35s seek to encourage the young to sample opera – do you recall your first performance? Grace Bumbry singing Aida in about 1964… awesome.
When the curtain rises on 8th June 2017, sum up in three words what you will be feeling…?
Thrilled, proud and happy.
If you could cast your perfect opera, who would perform and what would it be?
Maria Callas and Jussi Bjorling in Tosca. Hearing Callas singing Vissi d’arte is a masterclass in both singing and acting; she was truly as good as it gets. She knew exactly how to portray passion, despair, love and hatred, and Puccini’s music is sublime. Jussi Bjorling had a voice I would swim oceans to hear. A giant.
And if you had to describe yourself as a character in an opera, who would it be and why?
I would rather like to be the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro: although she has a rather wretched time with a scoundrel of a husband, she has an aria so lovely that whenever I hear the music beginning I start to sob hopelessly.
For the 10th year running, Haslemere Travel are delighted to announce that we have been hand picked by Belmond, a collections of iconic hotels, trains and river cruises, as one of a select few UK Travel Agents to join their exclusive ‘Bellini Club’.
The invitation-only Bellini Club has been developed to forge a closer relationship between Belmond and the very best agencies throughout the world, in order to not only grow the brand, but to provide the agencies clients with EXCLUSIVE benefits, not available anywhere else.
As a Haslemere Travel client, when booking any of the Belmond hotels, trains or cruises (please see below) you will receive:
- Complimentary upgrade at the time of check in, subject to availability.
- VIP amenities and a personalised welcome from the General Manager.
- When spending over 5,000 US dollars on an Belmond experience, you will receive a 500 US dollar gift voucher to be redeemed on a future Belmond reservation – terms & conditions apply.
- Complimentary high-speed internet access with any room type booking
- The hottest deals available in advance.
- Exclusive journey’s, master classes and offers.
A little reminder of the collection:
Europe
Belmond Grand Hotel Europe – St Petersburg, Russia
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo- Sicily, Italy
Belmond Hotel Caruso – Ravello, Italy
Belmond Hotel Cipriani – Venice, Italy
Belmond Hotel Splendido – Portofino, Italy
Belmond La Residencia – Mallorca, Spain
Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons – Oxfordshire, UK
Belmond Reid’s Palace – Madeira, Portugal
Belmond Villa San Michele – Florence, Italy
Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea – Sicily, Italy
Belmond Afloat in France – Burgundy, Languedoc
Belmond British Pullman – UK
Belmond Royal Scotsman – Edinburgh, Scotland
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – Europe
The Grand Hibernian – Ireland
Belmond Cadogan – London
Asia
Belmond Governor’s Residence – Yangon, Myanmar
Belmond Jimbaran Puri Bali – Bali, Indonesia
Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor – Siem Reap, Cambodia
Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao – Luang Prabang, Laos
Belmond Napasai – Koh Samui, Thailand
Belmond Road To Mandalay – Ayeyarwady River, Myanmar
Eastern & Oriental Express – Singapore-Malaysia-Thailand
North America
’21’ – New York, New York
Belmond Charleston Place – Charleston, S.C.
Belmond El Encanto, Santa Barbara, California
Belmond The Inn at Perry Cabin – St. Michaels, Maryland
Caribbean & Mexico
Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada – San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Belmond La Samanna – St. Martin, French West Indies
Belmond Maroma Resort and Spa, Mexico
Belmond Cap Juluca – Anguilla
South America
Belmond Copacabana Palace – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas – Iguaçu National Park, Brazil
Belmond Hotel Monasterio – Cuzco, Peru
Belmond Palacio Nazarenas – Cuzco, Peru
Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado – Sacred Valley, Peru
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge – Machu Picchu, Peru
Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel – Lima, Peru
Belmond Hiram Bingham – The Andes, Peru
Belmond Andean Explorer – Peru
Belmond Las Casitas – Peru
Southern Africa
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel – Cape Town, South Africa
Belmond Safaris – Botswana
The ultimate travel curator and connoisseur, Belmond embraces a global collection of 45 iconic hotels, trains and river cruises. Their diverse portfolio brings together some of the world’s most thrilling journeys and destinations.
You’ll find Belmond in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia. The great travel experiences range from Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice to Rio’s Belmond Copacabana Palace, from the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train to Belmond Grand Hotel Europe in St Petersburg. Journey across the Andes, through IndoChina and around Italy’s most famous sights.
Masters of the art of hospitality, Belmond are known for adding inspiration to celebratory occasions of every kind, from discreet dining to takeovers of entire hotels.
LEISURE TRAVEL SALES CONSULTANT
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our award winning team in Haslemere, Surrey.
- Full time, experienced, leisure travel sales consultant – to start as soon as possible.
- Working hours – Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:30
- Share on the Saturday rota 09:30 to 13:00, with a half day in lieu the following week (approx 2-3 per month)
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Travel sales consultants are expected to travel at least twice per year, on educational visits, to experience new hotel and destinations – usually 1 x short haul + 1 x long haul – These trips are fully funded by Haslemere Travel
- Training opportunities in the form of conferences, networking and dinners hosted by our top suppliers
- Competitive salary with an additional annual bonus (performance dependent)
- A variety of travel related benefits
To apply for this position, please submit you CV, a summary of your destination & product experience and covering letter to Gemma Antrobus – [email protected]
- Applicants must be able to travel to Haslemere (GU27) each day
- Applicants must have the correct passport and visa requirements to work in the UK
- Be confident in selling leisure travel in a face to face environment and have a good telephone manner
- Have a good knowledge of the independent, luxury travel market
- Understand how to plan holidays bespoke to clients requirements
- Computer literacy is imperative and knowledge of the GDS (Gal) is a bonus, but not essential
More than 30 deserving young people, aged from 12 to 19 years-old and from all areas of Surrey, were rewarded on Sunday 10th May at the Surrey Young Superstars 2015 awards, receiving their trophies and certificates from celebrated round-the-world yachtswoman and Just a Drop patron, Tracy Edwards MBE.
The ceremony took place at Guildford’s Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel and was organised by the team at Haslemere Travel, in partnership with the county’s largest voluntary youth organisation representative, Surrey Youth Focus.
The awards showcased the many achievements of young people in Surrey, as well as raising awareness of Just a Drop.
The 2015 award categories and their winners are:
Caring Superstar: 14 year-old Ronnie Barley
Individual Fundraising Superstar (5-12 years): (now 13 year-old) Josh Bryan
Individual Fundraising Superstar (13-19 years): 17 year-old Luke Kitterman
Volunteering Superstar (Individual): 19 year-old Samuel Wong
Volunteering Superstar (Group): Surrey Heath Youth Council
Enterprise Superstar: Epsom & Ewell PHAB youth club
Courageous Superstar: 14 year-old Bella Symons
The overall winner of the top award, Superstar of the Year, was Ronnie Barley, who also received an ‘Adopt An Animal’ prize from the Surrey Wildlife Trust.
Gemma Antrobus, managing director of founder and joint awards organiser Haslemere Travel said: “Now in their third year, once again Surrey Young Superstars was a wonderful showcase for young people in Surrey – demonstrating their community spirit, unsung bravery and hard work. The judges were hugely impressed by the record number of entries we received and the Haslemere Travel team wish many congratulations to all of the worthy winners.”
Surrey Youth Focus CEO, Cate Newnes-Smith said: “The event was a fantastic celebration of the positive and inspiring achievements made by young people in Surrey. Voluntary youth organisations from across the county put forward nominations, and we would like to encourage all those supporting young people to get in touch via surreyyouthfocus.org.uk to find out how they could be involved next year.”
Surrey Young Superstars 2015 Mini Movie Clip – Watch Now!
Keep up to date with Surrey Young Superstars news……
@SurreyYoungStar / @HaslemereTravel / @SurreyYF
https://www.facebook.com/surreyyoungsuperstars2015