Travel Deals: By sea or land, find serenity on a nature-centric holiday

This week's packages include a special package at a new hotel in Ascona, Switzerland, and a cruise down the Nile.

Stay at the brand new Albergo-Caffè Carcani, on Lake Maggio in Ascona, Switzerland. Tschuggen Hotel Group

Switzerland

Book a stay at the brand new Alberto-Caffè Carcani hotel, which opens next month in the town of Ascona, Switzerland. Located on the lakeside promenade at Piazza G Motta, the hotel is part of the Tschuggen Hotel Group and offers 25 double rooms with lake or mountain views. Caffè Carcani restaurant opens on April 26 and boasts an outdoor terrace with views over the lake. The three-star hotel has a special opening package from 360 Swiss francs (Dh388) per person, per night, in a double room. including breakfast, Wi-Fi, a cruise to the nearby Brissago islands, admission to the Botanical Gardens on the island, and taxes. The offer is valid from April 26 to May 31. Call 00 41 91 785 1717 or visit www.carcani.ch for reservations.

Greece

Travel 3,500 years back in time on an eight-day trip through some of Greece's most important historic sites, including the Acropolis of Athens and the Peloponnese region, from ancient Olympia and ancient Epidavros to Mycenae, Nafplion, Sparta and ancient Nemea. The base will be Tripolis of Arcadia, in the heart of the Peloponnese, from where day trips will be organised to various destinations. Visitors also get a free day in Nafplion to explore Palamidi castle - accessed by a 999-step stairway with magnificent views at the top. From €890 (Dh4,265) per person, including accommodation, transport, guides, entrance to sites and some meals. International airfare not included. Book through www.responsibletravel.com.

Egypt

Sail the waterways between Luxor and Aswan aboard a beautifully crafted dahabiya - and minus the crowds - with this seven-night Egypt tour organised by Bales Worldwide. Along the way, you'll stop at Philae, the High Dam, Kom Ombo, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Valley of Kings, Medinet Habu, the Colossi of Memnon, the Valley of Kings, Karnak and Luxor's East Bank.

The week-long cruise costs Dh10,670 per person, including accommodation (based on two sharing), some meals and drinks, sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary, entrance fees to sites and local offshore transport. International airfare not included. Visit www.balesworldwide.com for more details.

Indonesia

Track orang-utans in the rainforests of Sumatra and relax by the scenic Lake Toba in an immense volcanic crater on this 18-day trip through Indonesia's islands, each different with their own culture and architecture. You'll also get to spend a day on the beaches of Bali, explore Java's temples, visit the World Heritage Site of Borobudur, and the Hindu temple of Candi Prambanan. The trip costs from £1,289 (Dh7,422) for 18 days, including accommodation, some meals, domestic flights, sightseeing and local transport (boat and private minibus) and the services of an experienced guide. International airfare not included. Visit www.exodus.co.uk to book.