SAFAGA Egypt From Safaga you can explore the lavish tombs, temples and palaces of the pharaohs in the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, Karnak and Luxor (once Ancient Thebes). The huge and magnifi cent Karnak Temple complex is awe-inspiring. The rich detail in the wall paintings of the tombs depicts the unworldly lives of the Pharaohs and will take your breath away. Safaga is also close to the Egyptian beach resort of Hurghada and the clear waters along this coastline are rated among the world’s best sites for diving.
SALAVERRY Peru Salaverry is a region rich in archaeological sites. When the Chimu people arrived they built the world’s largest adobe city – Chan Chan – home to over 60,000 inhabitants. Once a wealthy city, Chan Chan covers nearly eight square miles – the palaces of the Chimu Kings can be seen in the heart of the city. Just 30 minutes from Salaverry is the (inhabited) city of Trujillo. Perching on the edge of the Andean foothills, Trujillo retains much of its colonial charm – a number of mansions are open to visitors.
SALVADORBrazil Salvador is a refreshing blend of past and present. Pelourinho, the oldest part of the city, is reminiscent of New Orleans’ French quarter. Stroll along cobbled streets, through wide open squares and past pastel coloured homes. The city has the largest collection of colonial architecture in Latin America and you’ll spot wonderfully preserved examples across the city. If you’re looking to sink your toes into soft Brazilian sand, you’re spoilt for choice in Salvador as the city sprawls along the stunning coastline.
SAN FRANCISCO United States of America Cruising under the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco is one of the world’s greatest travel experiences for it acts as gateway to this fascinating city. The Fisherman’s Wharf complex faces out towards the former island prison of Alcatraz, now a major tourist attraction, just like the city’s colourful Chinatown district and upmarket shopping centre in Union Square. And no visit to San Francisco would be complete without a trip on the city’s 130-year-old tram system.
SANTAREMBrazil 500 miles up the Amazon, American Confederates fl eeing the Civil War originally settled in Santarem: even today, O’Malley and Higgins are common surnames. Today it’s a city of some 150,000 inhabitants, with a busy harbour full of riverboats and ancient dugout canoes. Around the port, you’ll see huge cargoes of rubber being loaded for export. This is the foundation of the local economy. Further upstream, you’ll glide through virgin rainforest, enlivened by the calls of monkeys and the songs of exotic birds.
SANTIAGO(from Valparaiso) Chile From the port of Valparaiso you can visit Santiago, Chile’s capital. Though the city itself is vast and sprawling, its triangle-shaped heart – Santiago Centro, with Plaza Italia at the apex – is relatively easy to explore. The Metropolitan Cathedral on Plaza de Armas is worth a visit, as is nearby Barrio Bellavista, Santiago’s lively ‘Paris quarter’, where the celebrated Chilean poet Pablo Neruda once lived. Barrio Bellavista’s pastel-tinted houses, steep winding streets and excellent restaurants make it a fabulous place to spend a couple of hours. Pottery, copperware and lapis azul jewellery are all good buys.
SHANGHAI China Lying at the mouth of Asia’s longest and most important river, the Yangtze, Shanghai’s spectacular architecture is catching the world’s attention. Charming old houses are making way for new museums, theatres and shiny new high-rises. But there is a comfortable blend of modern and traditional. Admire the exquisite Yu Garden with its Teahouse and Bridge of Nine Turnings or the Temple of the Jade Buddha. At the Shanghai Museum, peruse its works of art, which simultaneously draw you through the pages of Chinese history.
SINGAPORE Singapore’s glorious parks have earned it a reputation as the Garden City of the Far East – Tiger Balm Gardens, Jurong Bird Park and East Coast Park being the most popular. This vibrant city is heaven for shoppers, too. Head for Orchard Road for bargains on international brands, or soak up some local atmosphere and sample foodie treats while you browse the craft and souvenir stalls of Chinatown, Little India and Mosque Street. But don’t forget to leave time for a Singapore Sling amid the colonial splendours of the famous Raffl es Hotel.
NEW FOR 2013 SOKHNA Egypt With a temperate climate, clear waters and well- kept beaches, it’s no wonder the Red Sea resort of Ain Sokhna has long been a favourite of Egyptian holidaymakers. Today it is increasingly known as a year- round destination for international visitors attracted by its coral reefs, fi shing and water sports. Named after nearby hot sulphur springs, which originate at the northern most mountain in the Eastern Desert, the resort also offers desert safaris in the nearby oasis and mountain canyons.
ST BARTS Tiny and serene this hilly island originated from ancient coral reefs and is considered one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. When you experience its idyllic blend of white sands, crystal clear waters and green, undulating landscape, you will understand why. Its combination of style and glorious natural scenery make it popular with the rich and famous who like to escape here during winter. In the picturesque port town of Gustavia, you can soak up the isle’s distinctly continental charm, with a vista of red-roofed buildings providing the backdrop to numerous duty-free boutiques, a yacht-fi lled harbour and a very relaxed lifestyle.
ST LUCIA St Lucia has a fascinating, if bloody, history with the French and British spending years fi ghting over it. One look at this luscious island will show you why. Cloaked in verdant rainforests, its skyline dominated by the dramatic twin peaks of Les Pitons and its gardens a riot of hibiscus and bougainvillea; St. Lucia is the epitome of a Caribbean paradise. Here you can bask on beautiful beaches, visit charming fi shing villages, view stunning volcanic scenery and glory in the Caribbean’s best botanical gardens.
St Lucia
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