Flats in Luxor and Sail the Nile both operate tour companies in the Luxor region of Egypt, appealing to the independent traveller who wants to get to see the Egypt behind the tourist trail. They have now decided that they will operate as a joint venture to provide a seamless transfer between sailing holidays and land-based tours of Egypt.
Michael Campbell-Smith, the founder of Sail the Nile, said, "I am very pleased to be in association with Flats in Luxor. With their wide client base and excellent reputation they are a perfect complement to my customers who wish to have more than a sailing holiday in Luxor." He went on, "Cruising the Nile can be quite disappointing. Having read the advertisements and perused the brochures, it comes as something of a shock to find yourself in a huge and ugly floating hotel, often tied up against others 10 deep, and to be shepherded and organised along with dozens of chattering tourists into seeing what your 'guide' wishes you to see, usually dictated by the sailing schedule, and distance from the ship.
"In contrast, it is still possible to explore little known ancient sites with a personal guide, your own boat, captain, crew and chef. There are many interesting places to visit which the tourists never see, because they are either not permitted to do so, or the 'guides' themselves have never been there. In others, such as Silsila, the cruise boats are forbidden to stop, and as the only access is by water, the only way to get there is with your own boat. And when you do moor there for the night, underneath the speos of Horemheb, it is magical with the sun setting, and the myriads of water birds coming down to rest.
"These holidays are not for everyone. A pioneering spirit is required to get the best out of what is still an adventure, and river sailing is nothing like offshore cruising. To start with, no one can get sea sick! Winter is the best time for a holiday in Upper Egypt, when the nights are cool, and daytime temperatures are similar to a good English summer."
Jane Akshar, co-owner of Flats in Luxor, said, "We are delighted to extend this offering to our clients. We cater mainly for independent travellers and they will much prefer this form of Nile Cruise. Our guests like to get close to the real Egypt and now we can offer this on water as well as on land."
Sail the Nile (http://www.sailthenile.com/) was founded by Michael Campbell-Smith, who also founded Liverpool Yacht Club. A part time resident of Luxor he decided to combine his knowledge of sailing with his love of Egyptology and the result was Sail the Nile.
Flats in Luxor (http://www.flatsinluxor.co.uk/) is owned by Jane Akshar and Mahmoud Jahlan, recommended by the Lonely Planet and Rough Guide. It provides unique independent holidays and tours to visitors to Egypt. Whether you want a full holiday arranged or just a camel trip in Luxor they can help you. Jane is also the author of the popular blog http://www.luxornews.net/ , which is hosted by Tour Egypt the premier guide on the web to holidays in Egypt.
Enquiries to
Jane Akshar
Flats in Luxor
www.flatsinluxor.co.uk
+20 103 564540