Egypt

For more than 3,000 years Egypt has captured imaginations as the seat of one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Paradise lies beneath the waves in the underwater corals garden of Fury Shoals. With the Red Sea acknowledged as the best place to dive in Egypt, its numerous reefs provide ample opportunities for both novice and experienced scuba enthusiasts. Explore sunken wrecks, encounter dolphins, and move among shoals of brightly coloured fish of every description. The Brothers are a pair of marine park protected islands that are popular spotting sites for hammerhead, tiger, reef and whale sharks, and with two well-known wrecks to explore, you can really have it all in a single dive.

Waters of a different kind form the Siwa Oasis. One of the country’s most isolated and lushly verdant desert oases, close to the Libyan border and surrounded by shimmering towers of sea salt, at first sight it appears to be a mirage. The area is home to over 300 clear water springs, hot springs and salt mining pools perfect for a buoyantly refreshing dip. For a different perspective on Egypt’s vast desertscape, book a hot air balloon excursion over Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. Start early to catch the most spectacular sunrise as you float effortlessly over the serpent-like Nile and vista of ancient temples.

The resort town of Marsa Alam is home to sandy beaches and blue seas that attract visitors from around the world. It’s also the beating heart of Egypt’s kitesurfing community with the Blue Lagoon reef, which catchs the wind all year long, the hotspot for experienced thrill seekers. A more laidback ocean experience characterises a visit to Tawila Island. Pristine beaches, clear waters and gently rippling palm trees set the scene for picture perfect relaxation. Dive off the yacht into cool waters where you can snorkel amongst dolphins and sea turtles, or simply lie back and revel in this paradisiacal idyll.