This has to be the perfect cruise for any budding Picassos out there. A seven-night Nile cruise-cum-painting holiday with Sherree Valentine Daines, billed as the face of Modern British Impressionism.
She will be giving painting lessons each day and be on hand to offer help and guidance to passengers trying to capture the scenes from the riverbank on canvas. There will also be a programme of daily excursions.
I can just about manage to paint a wall - one colour you understand! - so for me the best bit of this trip is that you'll be on a dahabiyya, a wooden sailing boat built to resemble vessels used in the 19th century by aristos doing the Nile tour.
I cruised on one a while back and they are superb. They have just six double cabins, hug the river bank as they sail, tie up away from the unattractive big boats ploughing up and down the Nile and the service is wonderful.
The cruise, departing October 18, is available from Bales Worldwide from £2,295 per person, which includes flights and transfers, all meals and drinks on the boat, sightseeing and painting lessons. See your travel agent, call Bales on 0845 057 0600 or visit the website.
Jane Archer
