Te Nile and amazon with ITC

The Nile, Egypt

Oberoi Zahra

Offering the most spacious accommodation on the Nile and the exceptional standards of service and hospitality that Oberoi Hotels and Resorts is renowned for the elegant Oberoi Zahra is the perfect way in which to unravel the mysteries of five thousand years of Egyptian culture. The 25 Luxury Cabins are elegantly appointed and feature large windows through which you can marvel at the changing scenery. For a little additional space and comfort choose one of the 2 Luxury Suites, each equipped with a separate living room, private terrace and Jacuzzi. Dining on board is an international experience and, as you would expect, the cuisine is a la carte and offers daily variety and choice.

Small enough to ensure a level of exclusivity and comfort that is unmatched in the region, at the same time the Oberoi Zahra is large enough to offer a variety of facilities. She has the only full service spa on the Nile, featuring four therapy rooms, and there’s surely no finer way to enjoy a spa treatment than while enjoying uninterrupted views of the Nile. The little things have been thought of too and one special treat is to use one of the on board telescopes to take in spectacular views of the Egyptian night sky. Choose to sail from Luxor to Aswan or vice versa on a 7 night itinerary, with shore excursions en route to a variety of magical sites. The Oberoi Zahra has arranged private docking, making for a relaxed experience each time you disembark and each excursion is by luxury coach and is accompanied by an English speaking Egyptologist.

Prices start from approx. £2500 per person however for an exact cost do let me know as ITC Classics will package this up for you. To book call ITC Classics 01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk

Amazon, Peru

Aqua Expeditions

Aqua Expeditions is the first adventure company to introduce five-star luxury cruises on the Peruvian Amazon. The 24-passenger M/V Aqua launched in 2008 and due to high demand M/V Aria (capacity of 32) launched this year. Each generously sized cabin comes with king-size bed, sitting areas and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, that provide an incredible viewing experience. The service is superb, the food gourmet with a Peruvian flair and the wine list the very best South America has to offer - but it’s the access into the world’s last great wilderness that makes it truly ultimate. Three- four- and seven-night cruises leave from Iquitos and sail through the Pacaya Samiria National Park, which is the size of Belgium, and a place where you can see squirrel monkeys, pink dolphins, Caimans and a rich bird life. Fish for piranhas, enjoy night river trips and visit the riberenos (riverside villages cut off from modern life) and smell of air in a world without pollution, because this is one of the last pristine places on earth, and fear not: Aqua Expeditions is as green as they come. Listed by Condé Nast Traveler US as a ‘World Saver’ (using travel to improve the planet) whether in education, poverty, wildlife, preservation and health, Aqua is on the ‘doing it all’ list!

Prices start from £4799 per person. To book call ITC Classics 01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk