Brush up on your painting skills cruising the Nile

You can now brush up on your painting skills as you take in the stunning surroundings of the Nile, thanks to a special holiday from Bales Worldwide. Join this small group holiday for daily personal tuition from the highly acclaimed contemporary artist, Sherree Valentine Daines.

A maximum of ten students will be taken on a voyage of artistic discovery during a seven night cruise aboard the Amber, an elegant Nile Dahabiyya. The holiday departs on October 18th 2009 and prices start from £2295 per person, including flights* and is open to all levels from complete beginners to more experienced artists.

Sherree, often regarded as the face of Modern British Impressionism, will provide expert tuition and guidance to help you capture the timeless scenes of Egypt on canvas. Starting in Aswan, the trip takes in many highlights of ancient Egypt including the High Dam, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the picturesque Ptolemaic temple and the Valley of the Kings.

Each day there will be an opportunity to get out your sketch pad, as Sherree provides advice and carries out demonstrations to help you improve your technique. Market scenes in Luxor, river views from the deck and majestic temples are just some of the inspiring subject matter you will encounter. As well as the painting lessons, there are daily excursions to many of the breathtaking historic sites on route.

Accommodation throughout is aboard the Amber – a classic dahabiyya. The dahabiyyas revive those elegant days of the early 19th century when aristocrats and sophisticated travelled cruised the Nile on their private wooden crafted river sailing vessels.

The Amber is fitted out in colonial style with oriental and Egyptian touches and six luxury en-suite cabins. Sunbathe or just take in the view from the top deck, savour the delicious meals, barbeques and picnics, and enjoy unrivalled star gazing at night. The cruise takes in the key sights and uses private moorings, away from the larger towns, as well as calling in at little visited Nile islands.

For more information, visit Balesworldwide.com/nilepaintingcruise

* The price includes flights, accommodation, all meals, sightseeing and art lessons