The Festival of Light includes 70 innovative artists from Israel and abroad, who integrate technology and beauty with 44 km of electrical wire. Many special attractions and exhibits will be showcased along with a Virtuosi performance combining dance, theatrics, acrobatics and special pyrotechnic effects. The Symphony Orchestra, along with internationally renowned lighting designer Avi-Yonah Bueno will be opening the event with a massive concert performance at the Sultan’s Pool. Last year’s event brought 250 000 visitors from around the world to observe this truly unique event.

“Jerusalem is a must see destination and people should visit for at least two days to get a real taste of all of the rich history,” states Emma Cottis, Marketing Manager at Goway. In February, Emma travelled to Israel and visited Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth and Galilee to review Goway’s product.

Goway offers a chance to visit Israel with The Holyland Experience 8 day trip Experience package starting from CA$1581. Tickets are available for the “Festival of Light” performances. The tour starts and ends in Tel Aviv and includes: Tiberias, Capernaum, Banias, Nazareth, Beit Shean, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Dead Sea and Massada. During the 5th day of this itinerary, you can observe the Old City of Jerusalem by day and return by night to view an amazing urban transformation at the Festival of Light.

You can even have a chance to win a trip to Israel in Goway’s “40 Trips for 40 weeks” promotion. For more information on these and other travel ideas please call 1-800-245-0920, or email info@africaexperts.com or visit AFRICAExperts.com.

On Goway’s Downunder 22 day escorted tour, The Waltzing Matilda starting at $9539 pp from Vancouver, the themes cover Animal and Plant Life which is very abundant, Food and Wine, a natural theme for the area, the Geography and History of both countries and the Lifestyles and Native Culture.

On Goway’s 20 day Magic of Africa tour visiting South Africa, Botswana and Victoria Falls and starting at $10,529 pp from Toronto, the most obvious theme is Animal and Plant Life. There is also the Geography and History and the Lifestyles and Native Culture.

On Goway’s 21 day Middle East Treasures tour to Egypt, Jordan and Israel, starting at $8979 pp from Toronto, the themes reflect the region by offering Geography and History plus Lifestyles and Ethnic Culture.

For Goway’s Asia tours, the 16 day Splendours of China and Tibet, starting at $5349 pp land only, the 17 day Splendours of India starting at $4679 pp land only and the 14 day Splendours of Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos), starting at $4939 pp land only, the themes that naturally lend themselves to this part of the world are Cuisines of the Region, Geography and History and Lifestyles and Ethnic Cultures.

The returning passenger from any Goway tour will hopefully not only be more knowledgeable about certain aspects of the destination but will have had fun learning about them.

For more information on Goway’s escorted tours and the FUN THEMES, request a copy of the Africa and Middle East, South Pacific or Asia brochure by calling 1-800-387-8850 or by visiting Goway.com.

The 6 or 7 night cruise takes in all the must see sights on the Nile. Each boat offers eight spacious cabins, as well as a lounge, bar and library, creating a relaxing club atmosphere. There is a barbecue area and Jacuzzi as well as comfortable lounge chairs on the sun deck, where guests can rest and watch the shores of the Nile pass by. The tastefully furnished and decorated cabins with huge panoramic windows and luxurious bathrooms are equipped like first class hotel rooms. Twelve crew members offer the maximum sixteen guests a flexible travel and sightseeing program as well as a la carte meals and beverages of their choice. To ensure absolute tranquillity, each DAHABIYA has its own tow boat ensuring that neither vibrations nor engine noise disturb the guests.

Dahabiyas were used by pharaohs, pashas, emirs and sultans. Cleopatra and Caesar spent nine months sailing in one and Napoleon explored Upper Egypt on one. These river sailboats were also common in Egypt in the days of the monarchy when aristocrats and sophisticated travelers loved to cruise the Nile in Style.

Today only a few dahabiyas are in operation. In comparison to the other ways to travel, dahabiyas are the ultimate luxury offering an exceptional ambience, allowing passengers to sail as it was once done. Prices start from $2372CA for a 7 day cruise.

“The Shongololo Express already offers excellent value for money considering it includes accommodation, sightseeing and two meals a day,” said Moira Smith, General Manager AFRICAExperts. ‘It’s like cruising Africa….by Rail!”

The Shongololo Express travels by night, maximizing sightseeing opportunities during the day. It is an unique South African cruise-train that carries its own fleet of mini vans which are used to take passengers on daily guided sightseeing drives.

The train operates two 17-day trips. The Good Hope starts in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town, or vice versa, and is a comprehensive tour of South Africa that includes all of the great sights including Kruger National Park, Zululand, the Drakensberg Mountains, Klein Karoo, the winelands and the spectacular Garden Route.

Six countries are visited on The Southern Cross route that starts in Johannesburg and ends at Victoria Falls, or vice versa. The route passes through Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana and includes visits to Kruger National Park, Bulawayo, Matobo National Park and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, and Chobe National Park in Botswana.

The Shongololo Express uses classic 1950’s carriages with accommodation in four two-person categories: Emerald, Commodore and Gold cabins have ensuite facilities, Ivory cabins have shared facilities. The train has a dining car, lounge and bar cars and breakfast and dinner, prepared on board, are served daily.

“Typically, single travellers may pay up to double the twin share rates for vacations,” commented Moira Smith, AFRICAExperts General Manager, “and our offer is a great getaway for travellers that prefer to travel alone and meet new friends from around the world” The World in one Country tour allows visitors a glimpse of South African wildlife, scenery, traditional cultures of old as well as the dynamic South Africa of today. From wildlife reserves that teem with birdlife and excite with sightings of the infamous “Big Five” to modern cities, world renowned wine farms, ancient forests and the arresting beauty of rugged coastlines to long stretches of warm waters and golden sands. This tour encompasses a huge slice of South Africa hospitality, culture and sights.

Prices start from $3,262CA and single passengers save up to $720 per departure. This is valid for new bookings for travel before 31October 2010, but excludes the World Cup Soccer period 01Jun10 to 31Jul10.

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Goway’s AFRICAExperts is pleased to announce the appointment of Yael Marom to the reservations department. “Yael brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the department,” commented Moira Smith, AFRICAExperts General Manager. “Having lived in the Middle East and travelled to our key destinations, she complements our current team of experts.”

Yael was born in Israel, raised in Canada but moved back in early adulthood for a few years to reacquaint herself with her roots. The travel bug bit several years ago and she found herself traipsing around the world as often as possible. 2009 was spent mainly in Africa, the continent that stole her heart with its magnificent beauty, powerful energy and friendly people. Her fondest memories are of climbing and quad biking the sand dunes in Namibia, feeling the breezes of both the Indian and Atlantic oceans simultaneously in Cape Point, spotting the “Big Five” in Kruger, abseiling down Table Mountain, stepping inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, playing backgammon with the locals in Cairo, viewing the magnificent Baha’i Gardens in Haifa and swimming in all 4 seas of Israel; the Red, the Med, the Dead and the Sea of Galilee

With multi-generational travel on the increase, Goway has identified a need for child-friendly experiences. “The accommodations we include offer excellent value, specifically discounted rates for children, meals, child care services, and more importantly they offer a great experience not only for children, but for the entire family” commented Moira Smith General Manager of AFRICAExperts. “We offer a great range of trips to Africa, including beach holidays, safari experiences and city stopover packages that include exciting interactive activities for children of all ages.”

Popular itineraries to South Africa include a stay in Cape Town and a visit to a game lodge. AFRICAExperts ensures that the children get the most from their wildlife experience by offering specialized game drives for children, expert baby sitters and educational experiences. In Cape Town activities include the opportunity to view the “Big 7”; whales, great white sharks and the renowned big five. Visits to see the penguins at Boulders Beach, the Spier Cheetah Rehabilitation Centre and the Two Oceans Aquarium can also be included.

Three specific Southern Africa itineraries for family travel offer special activities for children and start from CA$1836 per person.

Fun in the Sun is a 9 Day itinerary from Cape Town to Johannesburg and features 2 nights at Kwa Maritane Lodge which is nestled on the slopes of an ancient volcano and offers incredible game drives to spot Africa’s “Big Five”

Little Paws includes the Cheetah Rehabilitation Centre as well as Shiduli Private Game Reserve which features an informative childrens program.

For more information or to order the 2010 AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST travel planner, call Goway’s AFRICAExperts at 1-800-245-0920, email info@africaexperts.com or visit www.africaexperts.com

Some of the new travel experiences introduced for 2010 include:

* A new 21 day Middle East Treasures Holiday of a Lifetime due to increased interest in the Middle East. This comprehensive, fully escorted tour includes the highlights of Egypt, Jordan and Israel and offers many special experiences that are unique to Goway. Prices start from $8979CAD per person sharing from Toronto.

* Three Southern Africa itineraries for families offer special activities for children. These were introduced as multi-generational travel is on the increase as parents and grandparents take their children along. Prices start from $1836CAD per person.
o Little Paws
o Fun In The Sun
o The Big “7″ – Whales, Sharks and the “Big 5″

* Victoria Falls, Hwange and Lake Kariba: a 6 night itinerary including 2 nights in Victoria Falls, 2 nights Hwange and 2 nights Lake Kariba, the perfect extension to a South Africa vacation. Prices including return flights from Johannesburg start from $2877CAD per person.

* The East Africa Safari is a comprehensive and competitively priced 14 day itinerary that takes in all the highlights of Kenya and Tanzania. Prices start from $5051CA.

* 6 and 7 night unique Nile cruises on luxurious Dahabiyas. These upscale sailing boats carry just 16 people, ensuring a unique and exclusive experience. Prices start from $2372CAD for a 6 night cruise.

For more information or to order the 2010 AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST travel planner, call Goway’s AFRICAExperts at 1-800-245-0920, email info@africaexperts.com or visit www.africaexperts.com

“What is unique about this event is the diversity of the products represented’, said Moira Smith, General Manager of AFRICAExperts, “From luxury lodges to luxury rail, from Gorilla Trekking to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, if you’re interested in visiting Africa, we have an expert to assist.”

Goway will host the following special Africa events:

South Africa and Surrounds
Thursday 01 October, 2009
InterContinental Toronto Centre,
225 Front Street West,
Toronto, ON M5V 2X3
6pm – 9pm
Enjoy an informative presentation on Southern Africa, meet the experts and be eligible to win a superb South Africa trip valued at $10, 000.

Goway Africa Day
Saturday 03 October, 2009
Toronto Science Centre,
770 Don Mills Road,
North York, ON M3C 1T3
10:00am – 5pm
Attend lectures on Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Morocco, Namibia, South Africa, Train travel in Africa, Gorilla Trekking and more. There is an opportunity to participate in a fun interactive drumming experience and to meet the experts from over 10 African countries. Parking is included and attendees will receive a 20% discount on entrance to the Science Centre. Attend and be eligible to win prizes to Southern Africa, East Africa and Egypt.

Travel Agents are invited to bring along any clients interested in visiting the represented countries to both events. Registration is FREE with advance registration at www.goway.com/venues or by calling 800 245 0920.

Goway’s current promotion offers free accommodation at a selection of private lodges. ”No matter your budget or interests, we have a special offer to suit”, commented Moira Smith, General Manager of AFRICAExperts by Goway. “We have negotiated some fantastic savings at some of the best lodges in Southern Africa, and at select private lodges, you can also enjoy a Cape Town stopover for free”.

AFRICAExperts $uper$pecial offers include:

Stay 4 nights at Singita Lebombo or Sweni (Kruger National Park) and pay for only three nights. This represents a savings of up to $1324CAD

Stay 3 nights at Pumba Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape and only pay for two nights. A savings of up to $600CAD

Stay 2 nights at Shamwari Lobengula or Eagles Crag (Eastern Cape) and get two free nights at Cape Town One&Only, a savings of up to $950CAD

Stay 2 nights at any Shamwari Game Lodge in the Eastern Cape or Jock Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park, and receive 3 nights free at any of the exclusive Boutique Last Word properties in Cape Town or Franschhoek. Save up to $622CAD