On the 10th October, 6 lucky agents will travel to Cape Town for an “Amazing Race” experience, staying at a private five star retreat. They will then journey to Knysna, in the heart of the ‘Garden Route’ to be pampered. Then it’s off to Shamwari for a “Safari School” – an incredible hands-on opportunity to encounter South Africa’s wild and diverse fauna and flora first hand from a rangers perspective. The Fam Trip finishes in Johannesburg, for an insight into South Africa’s history.

To enter, agents must have made at least one booking with Goway’s AFRICAExperts. To register, agents must complete the online quiz, and for each additional booking with AFRICAExperts, they will receive another entry into the draw.

Goway’s AFRICAExperts will be announcing the lucky 6 successful applicants in September. For travel options to South Africa, visit www.goway.com or consult their extensive 68-page travel planner for Africa and the Middle East, or call 800-245-0920.

Israel, together with the Middle East countries of Jordan and Egypt, is the fastest growing destination in Goway’s AFRICAExperts portfolio. There is also a trend towards combining one or more countries in this area. Goway’s fully escorted Middle East Treasures tour perfectly combines Egypt, Jordan and Israel. “This itinerary, new to our ‘Holidays of a Lifetime’ brand, was introduced this year due to popular demand” said Moira Smith, General Manager AFRICAExperts.

Goway offers a chance to visit Israel with The Holyland Experience. The tour starts and ends in Tel Aviv and includes: Tiberias, Capernaum, Banias, Nazareth, Beit Shean, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Dead Sea and Massada.

For more information on these and other travel ideas please call 1-800-245-0920, or email info@africaexperts.com or visit www.africaexperts.com.

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Pictured from left to right, Jervin Randria – AfricaExperts, Frank Lin – Goway Groups, Sarah Munoz – Recommend Journalist, Tommy Stephens – Pacesetter Travel, Judi Hnybida – Gypsy Travel, Pene Hollingworth – Goway Tourleader.

“Jordan truly offers an incredible vacation experience” commented Marketing Manager Emma Cottis, “In a relatively small country the contrasts are spectacular. In a 7 to 10 day vacation, visitors can experience the bustling cities of Amman and Aqaba, the expansive red desert, the pink carved facades of Petra, the natural therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea, Bedouin Culture and sites of Biblical importance, plus much more!”

Petra, which has long since been the Kingdom’s jewel in the crown, saw an almost 50% increase in visitors in the first quarter of 2010, as reported by the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB). However, the biggest growth in visitors to date is Mount Nebo with an 88% increase, followed by Madaba’s map with a 72% increase.

“It is great to see that visitors are exploring beyond Petra and including destinations such as Jerash, the Desert Castle Loop and the Baptism site at Bethany” continued Cottis.

Goway offers a range of options for travellers bound for Jordan, including their Middle East Treasures 21-day escorted tour which combines Jordan with Egypt and Israel. This escorted experience is one of Goway’s signature “Holidays of a Lifetime” which are led by the best Tour Directors in the business and include virtually everything, as well as unique experiences such as staying at a Luxury Bedouin-style camp at Wadi Rum. The experience is priced at $8999CAD ex Toronto and includes all airfares, accommodation, touring and entrance fees.

For those with less time, Goway’s 7-day Serenity Seeker program incorporates all of the highlights, staying in a choice of first class or deluxe hotels, travelling with an English speaking driver/guide in a private car. Prices start from CA$1188.

For more travel options, visit Goway’s website, or consult their extensive 68-page tour planner for Africa and the Middle East, or call 800-245-0920.

Friday June 11 marked the historic occasion of the kick-off of the first FIFA World Cup held in Africa. The opening game between South Africa and Mexico was watched around the world by billions of people, and Goway’s AFRICAExperts included. Until the month long tournament is over, “Football Friday” will be the order of the day in the Africa department with the team proudly wearing their Bafana Bafana (South Africa) shirts.

“This incredible event is really showcasing South Africa as the world class destination that it is” said Moira Smith, General Manager of Goway’s AFRICAExperts. “South Africa has spent millions of Rand on infrastructure which translates to improved roads, hotels, airports and venues. There really has never been a better time to visit.”

For travel options to South Africa, visit Goway’s website or consult their extensive 68-page tour planner for Africa and the Middle East, or call 800-245-0920.

East Africa, in particular Kenya and Tanzania, is filled with a kaleidoscope of landscape, wildlife and people that are infinite in variety. Boundless stretches of savannah are dotted with herds of game and every herbivore you can think of. There are many places to see here such as: Olduvai Gorge, Ngorongoro Crater, Samburu National Reserve, Aberdares National Park, Kigio Wildlife Conservancy and Serengeti. Witness a lion or cheetah stalking through tall dry grass or be enchanted by warriors dancing in the warm sunset.

Explore the best of both Kenya and Tanzania on Goway’s 14 Day East Africa Deluxe Safari. The balloon safari over the Mara is normally an optional extra. Goway is offering a 10th August departure which includes a FREE balloon safari (valued at $500 per person) This classic overland tour follows a circular route incorporating all the major parks and reserves in both countries.

Moira Smith, General Manager of AFRICAExperts, says: “What is particularly impressive about this vacation is that this trip takes place during peak season when the chances of seeing the migration are high.”

Goway’s 40 Trips for 40 weeks promotion includes the opportunity to win a trip to Kenya. For more information on these and other travel ideas please call 1-800-245-0920, or email info@africaexperts.com or visit AFRICAExperts.com.

Departures are allocated a specific Fun Theme which is incorporated into the experiences. These themes provide an opportunity to highlight aspects of the destination.

Sample themes include “Lifestyles and Native Culture” which may introduce the indigenous peoples such as the Zulus and Xhosas on the 20 day Magic of Africa tour to South Africa, Botswana and Victoria Falls. The “Cuisines and Food” theme includes trying an Aussie Meat Pie “Floater” on the 22 day Waltzing Matilda tour of Australia and New Zealand. During theSplendours of China 18-day tour, the “Cuisines of the Region” theme offers the opportunity for travellers to try Sechuan, Shanghainese, Hot Pots and other types of Chinese food. And for travelers on the 17 daySplendours of South America tour to Chile, Argentina and Brazil, one of the themes, “Lifestyles and Native Culture” introduces Spanish and Inca Civilizations and the story of the Rio Carnival

Goway’s professional North American Tour Directors accompany the groups and know these destinations intimately, having been there repeatedly. For more information on Goway’s Holidays of a Lifetime, visit the website at Goway.com/hol, or request a copy of the South Pacific, Asia, Africa or Latin America travel planners by calling 1-800-387-8850, or by visiting Goway.com/brochure.

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.