red travel leigh

Branch details

0.8 miles from your location

Contact Details

35 Bradshaw Gate, Leigh, WN7 4NB

Opening Times

At our Leigh Branch

Specialists in:.

• Multi-destination holidays

Contact Leigh

Your details.

• Travel Money
• Book an Appointment
• Store Locator
• Find An Expert

Leigh Branch

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

THE VACATION RENTAL TRAVEL INSURANCE EXPERTS

Providing coverage exclusively to the vacation rental industry in coastal, lake, ski and mountain destinations, Red Sky has extensive knowledge and experience. We meet both the needs of guests and the business goals of vacation rental managers through our comprehensive travel insurance plan design – Sun Trip Preserver, Ski Trip Preserver, Ski Pass Preserver and Mountain Trip Preserver.

Founded in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, our years of experience helping vacation rental managers weather the storm of unforeseen disruptions to their guests’ vacations make Red Sky a trusted advisor. Thorough planning and quick response are in our nature. With Red Sky, you'll experience the best of both worlds – the personal attention of a core team of professionals to address your needs and the strong reputation of our underwriter.

Red Sky's ownership and management team have been in the vacation rental industry for decades, so we know from experience the challenges you face. Dealing with guests, owners, housekeeping, maintenance and a host of other issues leaves you little time to spend worrying about travel insurance details – that’s why we’re here.

Our commitment to personal attention is more than a strategy – it's a core belief that’s rooted in our own experience on your side of the rental counter.

Laird Sager

Leigh Gomez

Malissa Suggs Perry

Welcome to RED Travel Group

Welcome to Red Travel Group, the premier travel partner for collegiate and professional sports teams. Founded in 2015 by a dedicated team of former athletes and hospitality professionals, we specialize in providing comprehensive, complimentary travel arrangements with a focus on excellence and customization. Our core expertise lies in understanding the intricate needs of sports teams' travel and leveraging our strong relationships with leading hotel partners to deliver unparalleled service.

Our Mission

Our mission is straightforward: to facilitate seamless travel experiences that enable teams to concentrate on their performance, not their travel logistics. By handling every aspect of travel arrangements, from hotel accommodations to transportation logistics, we free up teams to focus on what they do best—winning.

                  Our Journey So Far

Since our founding in 2015, Red Travel Group has rapidly become the go-to travel partner for sports teams across the nation. Our unique blend of personal experience in athletics and deep industry knowledge in hospitality sets us apart. Through our prestigious hotel partnerships with Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and IHG Hotels, we've ensured that every team we work with travels in comfort, style, and with ease, fully prepared to take on their next challenge.

Join the ranks of teams who choose Red Travel Group for their travel needs and experience the difference that professional insight, personalized service, and strong hotel partnerships can make.

• Australasia
• Indian Ocean
• Latin America
• Middle East
• North America
• South Africa
• Tanzania & Zanzibar
• INSPIRATION
• Five Locations to See the Big Five
• Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Africa
• South Africa's Best Road Trips
• Top Four Beach Hotels in Kenya
• Walking Safaris in Africa
• Whale Watching in South Africa
• Riding Safaris in Africa
• A Guide to the Winelands
• A Guide to the Serengeti
• Tiger Safaris in India
• Japan in Autumn
• On Safari in Sri Lanka's Yala National Park
• Cambodia Beyond the Temples
• Explore India's Golden Triangle
• A Guide to Bathing in Japan
• A Guide to Sri Lanka's Tea Country
• A Guide to Komodo
• Family Holidays to Japan
• New Zealand
• South Pacific
• All Australasia
• Australia: The Great Outdoors
• British Virgin Islands
• St Kitts & Nevis
• St Vincent & the Grenadines
• Turks & Caicos
• All Caribbean
• New: Rosewood Le Guanahani, St Barths
• Best Caribbean Family Resorts & Villas
• Czech Republic
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Europe's Best National Parks
• Where to See the Northern Lights
• A Guide to Northeast Corfu
• The Prettiest Towns in Provence
• Best Adult-Only Hotels in Europe
• Film Locations in Italy
• A Guide to Lake Como
• A Guide To The Cotswolds
• Tuscany's Best Beaches
• Explore Scotland
• All Indian Ocean
• Featured Island: Six Senses Laamu
• Seven of the Best Maldives Resorts
• A Quick Guide to Seychelles Resorts
• Ecuador & Galapagos
• All Latin America
• Peru for Foodies
• Featured Itinerary: Galapagos Wildlife Adventure
• How to do Machu Picchu in Style
• Top Five Things to do in Cusco
• A Guide to the Galapagos Islands
• United Arab Emirates
• All Middle East
• Featured Itinerary: Oman Family Adventure
• Featured Resort: The Chedi Muscat
• The Best Desert Experiences
• Oman: Rivers in the Desert
• USA - Alaska
• All North America
• The Best American Road Trips
• The Best USA Ranch Holidays
• Featured Itinerary: Essential Canada
• Featured USA Ranch: Paws Up
• A Guide to Alaska
• Meet Antarctica's Wildlife
• An Introduction to Expeditions in Antarctica
• How to get to Antarctica
• What to Pack for the Arctic
• The Arctic by Season
• Wildlife Experiences in the Arctic
• Amalfi & Campania
• Italian Lakes
• Rome & Lazio
• All Italian Villas
• Introduction to Red Savannah Villas
• Villas to Book Early for 2024
• Family Villa Holidays
• Villas for Celebrations
• Villas with Tennis Courts
• French Villas for Wine Lovers
• E-Biking in Tuscany
• The Best Villas in Chianti
• Cote d'Azur
• South West France
• All French Villas
• All Spanish Villas
• All Greek Villas
• UK Manor Houses
• All Caribbean Villas
• All Asia Villas
• All African Villas
• All North America Villas
• Celebrations
• Culinary Journeys
• Essential Collection
• Glorious Isolation
• Gulets & Yachts
• Luxury Villas
• Polar Expeditions
• Riding Holidays
• River Journeys
• Short Breaks
• Zen & Wellbeing
• Inspiration
• Where to Go When
• Travel Journals
• Where To Go This Easter
• Where to Stay to Watch the Northern Lights
• Exploring Sri Lanka's Tea Country
• How To Get To Antarctica
• French Villas For Wine Lovers
• All Gulets & Yachts
• Featured Itinerary: Split to Dubrovnik
• A Guide to Gulet Holidays in Turkey
• Featured Gulet: Derin Deniz
• Our Company
• Green Savannah
• Queen's Award For Enterprise
• In the News
• What Our Clients Say
• Newsletter Sign Up

OUR COMPANY

• Management Team
• Tailor Made Travel Team
• Villas team

GEORGE MORGAN-GRENVILLE

Founder & ceo.

The catalyst for George’s sense of wanderlust was undoubtedly a commission in the British Army (Coldstream Guards) where his numerous adventures included an emergency tour to the Falkland Islands, patrolling the Sino-Hong Kong land border, secondment to the Australian Army and leading an expedition across the Moroccan Sahara. Despite gaining a Fast-Stream pass in the Civil Service Selection Board (Foreign Office) exam, it was travel that was to be his passion for the next 30 years. Milestone adventures include being the first westerner to travel through Central Asia by private train in 1990, and accompanying HRH The Prince of Wales in Turkey, the Himalayas, and on safari in Tanzania. He founded Red Savannah in 2011 and was delighted to see it win the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2020 and the Conde Nast Traveller ‘World’s Best Tour Operator’ Award in 2021. He founded the ‘Quash Quarantine’ campaign in May 2020 and is regular media commentator on travel matters across radio, television and national media, as well as numerous industry and luxury panels from Forbes 400 to CBRE Luxury Properties. He is a keen skier, diver, photographer and pilot.

IAN MACKINNON

Chief operating officer.

As a tri-national, Ian’s international background fostered a love of travel and a curiosity for the world around him from an early age. A stint living in Salamanca during his undergraduate studies where he wrote his dissertation on authenticity in travel was the catalyst for an onward move to South America where he spent six years living between Peru and Chile exploring some of the more remote corners of the continent. Two years working as a hiking and horse-riding guide in Southern Patagonia nurtured Ian’s passion for delivering exceptional experiences to his guests and a career in travel was born. With the Amazon, the Andes and the Galapagos under his belt, Ian travelled extensively in Africa seeing wild dogs on foot in Zambia, diving with Whale Sharks in Mozambique and summitting Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya and Mount Toubkal in Morocco. Following a two-year hiatus to study an MBA at London Business School where he was a scholar and selected for the Walpole Program in Luxury Management, Ian returned to travel leading a portfolio of villas and ski chalets across Europe. Most recently, Ian’s attentions have turned north exploring the rugged Lofoten Peninsula in Norway, the southern fjords of Greenland and undertaking a winter expedition into Iceland’s untamed highlands under the northern lights.

NICK WESTWOOD

Managing director - villas.

Not many people can claim a call from the French Foreign Secretary when in urgent need of a villa. But then Nick Westwood, who leads Red Savannah's Villas team, knows his game. A linguist who has lived and studied in France and Italy, Nick's entire career has been devoted to seeking out Europe's most beautiful private homes. Nick has recently been recognised as a Top Travel Specialist for his expertise as a villa rental specialist by Condé Nast Traveler for many years.

SARAH-LEIGH SHENTON

Director of marketing.

Sarah-Leigh fell happily into the travel industry while working in the South of France during a university holiday. What started as a temporary summer job led to a Masters degree in Tourism Management, majoring in Marketing, and 28-year career working with some of the industry’s most respected names. She joined Red Savannah as one of the founding team members and has supported the business’s growth from start-up to international award-winning travel company. Never one to be afraid of a challenge, she has been a pioneer of social media, has slept under the stars in the Sahara, riddled targets (spectacularly inaccurately) with an AK47 in Vietnam, and ridden the length of Monument Valley. Her most precious travel experiences have included flying over Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, watching the sun rise over the Annapurnas and meeting a survivor of Phnom Penh’s Tuol Sleng. When she’s not looking after Red Savannah’s marketing activities, she enjoys art history, reading biographies, cooking Asian food for friends and making scented candles.

CAMILLA DAVIDSON

Head of destination management - uk, france & ireland.

The travel bug came early to Camilla with family holidays spent sailing around the Greek islands and Turkish coast, and was thoroughly solidified by a year abroad spent discovering Central America, teaching in the United States and travelling through Southern France – the perfect opportunity to hone her linguistic skills in Spanish and French. Being brought up between Scotland and the Cotswolds gave Camilla a delight for the pleasures of exploring closer to home, which combined with her university degree in Dublin, studying French and Theatre, gave the ideal balance of life in the UK and Ireland. It was whilst working as a party planner she was able to gain insider access to some of the nation’s finest castles, estates and historic houses, revelling in the glorious history to be found on our doorsteps, all the while gathering an enviable Little Black Book of Contacts across the country. Nowadays, with 10 years of experience in the travel industry, Camilla is happiest when hunting through vintage boutiques in Paris’ Marais district or seeking the perfect truffle omelette in the Périgord; picnicking in a sun-dappled spot in the glorious Cotswolds countryside, or holed up in front of a roaring fire with a good book in a cosy lodge in Scotland’s northern Highlands. Camilla has been recognised as a Top Travel Specialist by Conde Nast Traveler.

MELISSA MATTHEWS

Regional director - north america, indonesia & maldives.

Mel’s sense of adventure and passion to see the world has been the driving force for her career in travel over the past 30 years and she is adamant it will continue for more decades to come! Her expertise covers Southeast Asia, North America, Maldives and Dubai which means she’s able to cross-sell effectively to ensure clients have the best option for their holiday. Her travels, both professionally and personally, have taken her extensively through all her destinations but she freely admits that she left her heart in Indonesia. It is fitting therefore that she has been recognised as a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler for the last five years for her expertise in this part of the world. Memorable highlights of her career have included snorkelling with manta rays off a private phinisi in Indonesia’s Komodo National Park, watching grizzlies catch salmon from a floating lodge in Canada, riding a Sumbanese stallion along a wild beach on Sumba Island and laughing until it hurt on the back of a Vespa during a street food tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Mel loves nothing more than talking to people about travel and planning complex itineraries, so please call her and see for yourself. Melissa has been recognised as a Top Travel Specialist by Conde Nast Traveler for several years.

Destination Consultant - Japan & Southeast Asia

Sam's early travel memories consist of family journeys to France, Spain and Italy, igniting a passion for exploring new countries and cultures. This sense of wanderlust was further sparked by conversations with his grandmother about her far-flung adventures to Kenya, Sri Lanka and China. After university, Sam spent two months exploring Southeast Asia, where he celebrated Songkran with monks in Chiang Mai and stayed with a local family on a floating house in the Mekong Delta. His travel career began during the seven years he lived in New Zealand. This antipodean location provided the opportunity to experience everything from the beauty of the Southern Alps to the gin-clear waters of the Cook Islands. Other travel highlights include scouring Japan in search of the best okonomiyaki and seeing wild elephants up close in Sri Lanka’s Udawalawe National Park. Outside of work, Sam can be found on the cricket pitch during the summer, where he is chairman of his local club, or spending countless hours entertaining his young family.

SAMANTHA GORDON

Regional director - africa.

Samantha’s love of travel began with three months in Australia sailing a catamaran around the Whitsunday Islands before embarking on a degree in Russian that led to stints studying in St Petersburg and working in Moscow. Not long after she was to be found galloping with nomads across the Mongolian steppe and trekking in Central Asia. After learning to dive off the coast of Lombok she headed to underwater wonderlands in the Indian Ocean before spending the last 20 years exploring Africa. Her explorations of the continent that finally won her heart began with a visit to Ethiopia to explore Lalibela's sunken churches and the Simien Mountains. Since then, she has dived off the coast of Mozambique, caught tiger fish in the Zambezi and learned to fly along Namibia's Skeleton Coast. Other highlights of her Africa explorations include getting up close to lemurs in Madagascar, tracking wild dog in the Serengeti, spotting leopard in Zambia and heli-safaris in northern Kenya. Her best African experiences remain gorilla tracking in Rwanda and Uganda. Samantha has been recognised in Travel+ Leisure's A-List of the World's Top Travel Advisors for her expertise in African safaris.

CHRIS EVANS

Head of yachts & caribbean.

From Antigua to Zanzibar; Colombia to Madagascar Chris has explored in depth a portfolio over one hundred countries. With over 25 years in the travel industry, Chris’ specialist knowledge extends from where to see the wildebeest migration in Zambia and spot tropical birds in Costa Rica, to the best places to dine on the banks of the Nile, and where to see the pink dolphins of the Amazon, to which is the best private garden to visit in Suzhou, China. Having lived in Asia and Australasia, with years of travelling in Africa and Latin America, Chris’ worldwide destination knowledge is expansive. Currently Chris heads up the Caribbean product at Red Savannah, a region that has a special place in his heart, plus oversees Red Savannah’s gulet and yachting programme in the beautiful eastern Mediterranean.

CLARE WATKINS

Regional manager - europe.

Clare’s passion for all things European stems from early childhood when her and her siblings were packed into the car and driven to remote French villages for weeks on end. The journey was always punctuated with a stop in Geneva en route, to see her Sicilian Uncle and fill up on spaghetti alle vongole. Her love of languages started young when she used to go to the Boulangerie each morning for bread and try to converse with the villagers. Learning phrases such as ‘Ducks crossing’ and ‘Beware of the toads’ were of particular delight. This spurred her on to not only adore French but also take up Spanish at school, and then later at University, Italian. Her university life meant stints living in Bordeaux and then Rome – thankfully above a gelateria. Nowadays she still likes nothing more than hopping in car, stopping where serendipity takes her, or pounding the streets in a city exploring hidden neighbourhoods and wonderous art galleries. Lifelong memories have been made exploring Europe, from concerts in the cloisters in Dubrovnik to wine tasting on the slopes of Etna. Clare can hunt out memorable experiences across Europe, whether your passion is for art, gardens, wildlife, sublime seaside escapes or road trips. Clare has been recognised as a Top Travel Specialist by Conde Nast Traveler for her expertise in Europe.

DINEKE VERLINDEN

Regional manager – latin america.

Dineke lost her heart to Latin America at a young age and now has over seventeen years' experience in optimising product portfolios and sales tools to create innovative and memorable customised itineraries for her clients. Having travelled to all seven continents, Dineke’s experience reaches from Jan Mayen in High Arctic to Easter Island, and from the remote La Guajira peninsula in Colombia to Antarctica. She has ventured on three expeditionary cruises and passionately shares her expertise with those looking to travel to some of the most remote corners of the world.

Nora Berberich

Destination consultant - africa.

Family holidays all across Europe with her adventurous parents are undoubtedly the origins of Nora’s wanderlust. Growing up in Germany’s Black Forest within walking distance of the French border, she has been fascinated with foreign languages since childhood and is always looking to learn more. Next on the list: Norwegian, Swahili and Italian. Partaking in an exchange programme in France in her early teens was a logical step, and her first taste of immersion into a new culture. This was soon followed by a degree in International Tourism Management in the Netherlands and South Africa, where she specialised in Lodge & Wildlife Management. Having enjoyed safari life, Nora was keen to return and she qualified as a safari guide in South Africa while living in the bush. Now living in England, her passion remains Africa and its abundant wildlife, and she enjoys sharing this enthusiasm with her clients by creating inspiring itineraries which covey the very best experiences. Recent explorations have taken her on a road trip around Iceland, to the tropical beaches of Mauritius and on adventures across her new home, the United Kingdom.

RACHEL COOPER

Regional manager - australasia, indian subcontinent & middle east.

A visit to Australia at the tender age of 17 first ignited Rachel's passion for far flung adventures, and travel has dominated her life ever since. Rachel's 33-year career in luxury travel began in the airline industry, selling tickets for Concorde, and she quickly climbed the ladder with some of the world's leading airlines before making the move to tailormade travel. This has allowed Rachel to delve further into some of the regions she is most passionate about, including Bhutan & India, Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand, where she got married in a remote wilderness lodge surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Wildlife encounters are one of Rachel's greatest passions and have shaped many of her most memorable adventures from swimming with whale sharks in Australia's Ningaloo reef, seeking out Bengal tigers in northern and Central India and tracking leopard in Sri Lanka. Rachel's expertise in her field has resulted in her being named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast for several years, as well as receiving consistently excellent feedback from returning clients. Outside of work, Rachel has a love of weekends away to rural retreats for isolation and tranquillity, and she has a love of painting although doesn’t profess to be particularly good at it! She also loves reading novels and caring for anything with four legs and fur!

Head of Sales & Operations - VIllas

Amy's insatiable passion for exploring the world and uncovering gems from every corner of the earth has driven her love of travel to new heights. She has spent years living and working overseas, uncovering fascinating places and people with stories to tell, and translating them into memorable journeys for her clients. As a Red Savannah villa rental specialist, Amy has explored grand lakeside villas of Como in Italy, stayed at the most stylish Ibizan villas and charming Mallorcan farmhouses in the Tramuntana Mountains. She enjoys creating memorable experiences for people by sourcing the perfect villa and peppering the stay with private wine tastings in Europe's most renowned vineyards and sampling local delicacies while enjoying the quintessential European scenery. Through her travels some of her greatest pleasures have included learning the art of meditation with monks in Bhutan, staying and trekking in the virgin rainforests of Borneo and Brunei and embarking on adventurous game drives on safari as the sun rises over the Serengeti.

KERRY CREASEY

Villa specialist.

Having moved to the Middle East with her family at the tender age of five, Kerry’s passion for travel was instilled from a very early age. Over the course of the next 20 years she lived in Qatar, Oman, and Sri Lanka. Her interest in other cultures led her to study Anthropology at university and embark on a year of exciting travels through the mountainous regions of Northern India, living with a local family for a month in Manali, sleeping under the stars on camel safari in Jaisalmer, and living in a hut on the beaches of Zanzibar. But it was three consecutive years interrailing throughout Europe that kindled a particular love for Italy and France, with Paris being her number one city. Several winters skiing in the French Alps firmly cemented a love of all things French, the landscapes, the food, and the old-world elegance of the Cote d’Azur. After a number of years working in property sales in London, Kerry now combines her enthusiasm for travel with her career at Red Savannah, matchmaking clients to the perfect villas in the best locations in France.

LOUISA LEWIS

From learning to scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef, and driving an overland truck through South Africa, to climbing to the basecamp of the Annapurna, Louisa’s travels have spanned almost every corner of the globe. After five years of living in San Francisco, it was Louisa’s travels closer to home that fuelled her appetite for Europe, extensively exploring the Spanish and Greek Islands. With a passion for interior design, previous roles have seen her styling private homes and spearheading photoshoots for luxury homeware brands, so it was only fitting that her eye for interior design combined with her love for Europe made her the perfect person to seek out the most aesthetically pleasing and thoughtfully designed villas for the Red Savannah portfolio. Louisa now enjoys travelling to Europe with her young family and understands how important it is to have a home that works well for all generations.

ANNA CAPPELL

Operations executive.

Anna’s love of travel was fuelled at a young age when summers were spent exploring Europe with her family. This passion persisted into adulthood with numerous adventures through France and Switzerland. Keen to explore further afield, Anna embarked on a three-month solo journey through New Zealand, immersing herself in its awe-inspiring natural wonders, Maori culture, and heart-pounding outdoor activities, including skydiving and bungee jumping. These experiences shaped her understanding of what makes travel truly memorable. Anna’s desire for exploration and cultural experiences created a seamless path into the travel industry, and after completing her university degree she joined the villas team at Red Savannah. Her knowledge and passion for France have made her an invaluable part of the team, where she curates unforgettable journeys for clients and continues to inspire with her enthusiasm for travel. She has also taken on a crucial role in the Caribbean team, with firsthand experience of the British Virgin Islands.

Rose’s passion for travel started at a young age and she was never in doubt about the career path she would follow. She studied Tourism Management at university and as part of her degree, completed a six-month internship working in an exclusive ranch hotel in Palm Springs, California, followed by a month travelling around America. She has 17 years’ experience in the travel industry working both as a travel consultant and within operations. Starting her career with a Portuguese specialist and then moving on to European city breaks, she loves sharing her travel knowledge. Hiking through the rainforest of Khao Sok National Park, Thailand, watching the sunrise over the Alhambra Palace, Granada and whale watching in Santa Barbara, California are just a few of Rose’s unforgettable travel experiences so far. She also loves to write about her travels and enjoys sharing her experiences of travelling with children on her personal blog. Rose works alongside the Villa Specialists to ensure the smooth running of the department and an exceptional client experience from the point of booking through to arrival at their villa.

VICTORIA MEEKE

Island hopping through Greece followed by a cultural journey by train through Italy and a stay in Paris gave Victoria her first true taste of adventure. The moment University was finished she was off again. Her global adventures have taken her, through the diverse cultures and landscapes of Asia, the Middle, Far East and Africa, travelling for pleasure, organising private journeys, and leading press-trips. Highlights have been diving with stingrays in the Maldives, walking with elephants in Botswana, and (with her degree in Classics and Archaeology), exploring ancient ruins in Yemen and Syria. Briefly attending school in the South of France, sparked a real love affair with Provence, an area she has revisited over 20 times. Today Victoria works alongside the villa specialists curating exceptional journeys for clients and meticulously coordinating bespoke activities ranging from truffle hunting and cooking classes to immersive Roman tours and exclusive wine tastings.

"Thanks to you also Melissa for being so flexible and for really listening to our feedback. Looks like we have settled with your help on a super itinerary."

G.E. - Southeast Asia

"It is lovely to see that Red Savannah still has the personal touch which many companies sadly seem to have lost! "

C.B. - France, Italy & Peru

Download our brochure to share with others or browse offline, get priority updates, offers and opinion direct to your inbox from the best connected people in the business.

I have read, understood and accepted the Red Savannah Ltd Privacy Policy .

Our Mission

The idea for Red Savannah was always based on a clear market need. A small team of the most experienced travel designers, supported by the latest technology and delivered with the lightest touch. In short, a travel company redefined for the 21st century.

Links for social

Useful links.

• Special Offers
• Travel Partners
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Financial Protection
• Terms & Conditions
• Villa Owners

Most Visited Pages

• Villas in Italy
• Villas in France
• Villas in Spain
• Villas in Provence
• Villas in Tuscany
• Safari Holidays
• Yacht & Gulet Charter
• Sign up to our E-Newsletter

Accreditation & Partnership

COMPANY DETAILS

Registered Office

Reading Bridge House,

George Street,

Registered in England and Wales

Company number: 0 7 4 3 0 2 7 3

Red Savannah®, ‘#TheRedEdge’ and ‘Travel Redefined’ are Registered Trademarks of Red Savannah Ltd

© 2024 Red Savannah Ltd. All rights reserved.

If you would prefer to speak to us directly, please call +44 (0) 1242 787800

Your Details

Get priority updates, price guideline:.

• - K-town Now
• Asia-Pacific
• - Storm Tracker
• Middle East
• Map of Memorials
• Entertainment
• - Video Games
• Europe Travel
• - Quick Trips
• - After Hours
• Pacific Travel
• The Meat and Potatoes of Life
• U.S. Travel
• Storm Tracker
• Rewards for readers
• Get Stripes
• Stripes Lite
• Archives/Library
• Special Publications
• Mobile Apps
• Email Newsletters
• Digital Access
• Home Delivery
• Marine Corps
• Coast Guard
• Space Force
• Archive photo of the day
• - Schedules Europe
• - Scoreboards Europe
• - Schedules Pacific
• - Scoreboards Pacific
• - Pacific Sports Blog
• - WW II Podcast
• - Military Matters
• - Force for Hire
• Out of Uniform
• - WW II Videos
• Communities
• Stripes Europe
• Stripes Guam
• Stripes Japan
• Stripes Korea
• Stripes Okinawa
• Our Other Websites
• In Memoriam
• Month of the Military Child
• Best of Germany
• Best of the Pacific
• Letters to Santa

Red Devils travel to Berlin on quest to remain in Bundesliga 2

1. FC Kaiserslautern travels to Berlin to play Hertha BSC Saturday in a German second division match (Stars and Stripes)

1. FC Kaiserslautern travels to Berlin for a Saturday 1 p.m. game against Hertha. It will give them a first look this month at the city’s Olympic Stadium, where they will play Leverkusen in the German cup final on May 25.

But first the Red Devils, in 14th place in the table, need a win against 10th-place Hertha. A victory would guarantee FCK another year in the second division.

Kaiserslautern has 36 points going into the match. Braunschweig, a point less and Wiesbaden, in the 16th spot which qualifies for the relegation playoffs, has 32 points. Rostock with 31 points still has a chance to make it out of the cellar.

A Kaiserslautern tie or loss in Berlin, depending on how the other teams play, could bring the competition down to the wire, with the Red Devils playing Braunschweig at a sold-out Fritz Walter Stadium in the final match of the season on May 19.

May 9, 2024 13:24

Sign Up for Daily Headlines

Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets from around the world.

Sign Up Now

Need a ride?

Call 01942 208028.

Leigh Executive Travel is here for all of your transport needs. Whether it be airport transfers, transport to and from events or any other occasion, make your transfer throughout the North West in style with Leigh Executive Travel.

Airport Transfer?

At Leigh Executive Travel, airport transfers throughout the North West are a breeze. We even track your flight to make sure you are met on arrival!

Travel in style with:

Leigh executive travel.

Our clean, comfortable and stylish vans are the perfect way to start of finish any journey - whether it be pleasure or work, we are the Private Hire service for you!

Executive Leigh Private Hire service

Based in The North West, Leigh Executive Travel are the complete Private Vehicle Hire service. Our comfortable and well maintained vehicles make your transport an enjoyable experience whether it's corporate travel or a night in town - we've got you covered

You can request one of our private hire vehicles online by clicking here . You can also book your airport tranfers online too! Simply fill out our form online and we will get back to you as soon as possible

Our Services

Comfortable north west private vehicle hire service, airport drop off.

Start your journey in style with Leigh Executive Travel. All nationwide airport transfers are covered!

Airport Pick Up

Our drivers track your flights so if you have an early arrival or delayed, you wont be left stranded. We will meet and greet you inside the terminal.

Large Vehicles

Our large spacious vehicles can hold 1-8 people. Perfect for transport between events, parties, and airports!

Event Transportation

Our Leigh based Private Hire firm cater for wedding transport, stag or hen parties, sporting events and much more.

Nationwide Service

Being based in the North West, our Private Hire service doesn't stop there. We cover all nationwide airport transfers or journeys.

Need transport to and from business meetings throughout the North West? Travel in style with Leigh Executive Travel.

Airport Transfers

Our experienced drivers make your airport transfer throughout the north west a breeze. we even track your flights to make sure you are met on arrival, what we are up to, come check out our gallery.

We're always on the road - getting you from A to B in the finest way possible up and down the country.

However, that doesn't mean we dont take time to appreciate our surroundings. Come take a look at where we have been lately!

90+ 5 Star Reviews

We have over 90 5 star reviews on our facebook page. read some of our reviews that our clients have left us see more on our facebook page.

Absolutely brilliant service👍 we have used Leigh Excutive Travel a few times for airport runs, pick ups and for our wedding party! Always very professional and the vehicles that they have are amazing...spotless clean and top spec

Stuart, thank you so much for agreeing to take my family and I all the way to Gatwick at short notice. Your price, service, and extremely clean comfortable vehicle were beyond our expectations. Thank you for making the start of our long journey to Canada a positive one, hopefully the rest of our journey goes as smoothly! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ✨

Just want to say thank you for a perfect experience with Leigh executive travel. We booked a return to Heaton park in Manchester for the friends fest at the weekend and it was perfect. On time, friendly and professional. Highly recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Excellent service provided by Stu, lovely clean mini bus and the kids loved the disco lights, highly recommended 👌

Thanks Stuart for such a professional service, kept me up to date about pick up time and to be met at the airport just puts your mind at ease. Great company, excellent service and a great guy. Took all the stress away leaving me and my family to throughly enjoy our holiday. Can’t recommend Leigh executive travel enough, definitely the company to use. 👍

Brilliant service, thank you very much . Highly recommended 👍🏻

Excellent service used for Manchester airport. I have never used them before and went off reviews and they was friendly and arrived at the time booked both there and back. Offered water on the journey which was good. My children had never been to the airport and as we had plenty of time they took us passed were the planes are which was an extra thoughtful personal touch.

Fantastic service to the airport. Very reasonably priced and professional service from Stuart.

I would highly recommend Stu and his team, very reliable, friendly and top class service. We have used them twice for airport pick ups and will use them in further, thanks again.

A group of us went on our Christmas Party last night and we used Leigh Executive Travel. Cannot recommend them enough, the driver Joe was very friendly and helped us off the minibus. If you need a minibus then I would highly recommend. Thanks again!

I have used Stu twice now for airport pick ups and he is very reliable, always on time and is super easy to communicate with over Facebook. He also tracks your flight number which is good and meets you at the arrivals and offers you a bottle of water, which after a 14 hour flight is well needed. I would highly recommend him. Cheers mate

Amazing professional service received by Stu at leigh executive travel. Excellent customer service from first point of contact, nothing is too much trouble. The vehicle was immaculately clean inside & out. We traveled on a return journey to Manchester airport with a 22 month old baby, Stu made sure the correct car seat was fitted, offered soft drinks to us & made sure our flight was tracked so no waiting around at all. Will not use anyone else now & highly recommend this company to anyone. Thank you, Andy, Charlotte & Hugo

Excellent service for both airport transfers and business travel. Am delighted to ensure all holidays booked with Not Just Travel Leigh will have their airport transfers booked with Stuart and the great team

Great service and what an absolute gent Stu is. He looked after some of our wedding guests, and even put some bows on his van for us! I would defo recommend! x

Corporate Travel

Our executive private hire service allows you to travel comfortably to work conferences, meetings, or events. call us today for bookings, get in touch with us online by filling out our contact form. you can also call us to speak with us directly.

More From Forbes

Escape to the bahamas: tradewind aviation launches new routes.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

The semi-private jet company is flying on-demand throughout the Bahamas now, with scheduled service from Palm Beach, Florida to North Eleuthera and Marsh Harbour starting this winter.

Tradewind Aviation has opened a new Southeast hub in Palm Beach, Florida.

Here he is, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Razor Thin Margins !

My nickname seems apt for David Zipkin at this moment, as he teeters along the edge of a multi-million dollar Bahamian bluff in Eleuthera. It strikes us as funny, because in private aviation, it’s often true. Or at least it used to be in 2001, when pilots David and his brother Eric Zipkin co-founded Tradewind Aviation with just one plane, an eight-seat Cessna Caravan turboprop.

Today, Tradewind is considered one of the top semi-private airlines with a 32-plane fleet of mostly Swiss-made Pilatus PC-12s. Their stock-in-trade is operating private charters as well as scheduled service around the northeast, the Caribbean and St. Barts, with its notoriously short runways. When I first met the Zipkin brothers two years ago, their fleet count was only 23. They say the trick to growth is keeping these planes in the air: “There's nothing more expensive than an airplane sitting on the ground.”

So they opened a new Southeast hub in Florida last September, officially entering a major market. Tradewind’s private clients can now fly pretty much anywhere within 350 nautical miles from Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), which includes all of the Bahamas, an archipelago made up of 700 islands. (There’s a lot more to this place than Nassau).

Eleuthera specifically, the 110-mile island with ferry service to nearby Harbour Island, is of obvious interest to Tradewind because it’s a known hideaway for celebrities and a real estate enclave for billionaires-with-a-B. Lenny Kravitz has a home here. Need I say more?

New FBI Warning As Hackers Strike Email Senders Must Do This 1 Thing

Baby reindeer real martha reveals identity in photo with piers morgan, 2 obvious signs of workplace gaslighting from a psychologist.

“We've always known that the South Florida-Bahamas market is very strong and perfect for what we do. I would have loved to be in this market 10 years ago, but we didn't have the infrastructure to support it. Now that we do it's an exciting time because we can commit to new markets,” Zipkin told Forbes. It’s also an exciting time for travelers, who can take advantage of this fly private-for-less charter model, which operates short distance flights on 8-seat planes. The appeal, apart from mod leather seats, complimentary champagne and fresh-faced pilots, is that they’re small enough to land on remote islands, where you might not otherwise find good, or any, service.

Though Tradewind’s new schedule of charters to North Eleuthera and Marsh Harbour from Palm Beach has not yet been published, pricing will start “in the range of $350 per person one-way,” according to the company. (For updated timing and pricing, check Tradewind’s website ). Here’s a first look at the experience:

Eleuthera is a long, thin island in the Bahamas archipelago.

Explore Eleuthera in 10 Stunning Images

Named after the Greek word ‘eleutheros,’ meaning freedom, Eleuthera is also called ‘Freedom Island.’ Freedom from tourists is one observation. There are no mega Margaritavilles or Sandals resorts in sight. What you will find on this quiet, laid-back island are untouched beaches, pink sands, coral reefs and other natural wonders. And if you want to shake things up, Harbour Island with its high-end hotels and membership clubs is just a 10-minute ferry ride away.

The Charter Flight

Tradewind co-founder and chief commercial officer David Zipkin

I joined Tradewind co-founder and chief commercial officer David Zipkin for a sneak peek at the new route, meeting him at the Palm Beach FBO (fixed-base operator) ahead of our flight. We were greeted by two young pilots who carried our luggage and led us from a private lounge directly to the tarmac, which is standard operating procedure for Tradewind’s private charters.

Aerial Arrival

Flying into North Eleuthera, Bahamas

The turquoise waters of Eleuthera are a breathtaking sight from above. Arriving in such style has been a luxury reserved only for the ultra-wealthy. Until now.

Glass Window Bridge

The Glass Window Bridge

One of Eleuthera’s attractions is the Glass Window Bridge, a man-made strip of land that divides the phenomenal contrast of raucous, royal blue waves of the Atlantic Ocean and the calm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Taking in both vistas is a surreal sight, to say the least.

Queen’s Bath

The Queen's Bath is a natural attraction for visitors to the island of Eleuthera

The Queen’s Bath, located 0.6 miles south of the Glass Window Bridge, is indeed an ideal spot to bathe like a queen in the warm waters of the Atlantic. These natural tide pools have been carved by centuries of waves pounding exposed rock, creating a dramatic backdrop for your afternoon soak.

The Cove’s Villa

Inside the 3-bedroom villa at the Cove Eleuthera.

The Cove Eleuthera is a stylish, 29-room resort situated on 40 acres overlooking two private beaches. There are a range of suites, villas and cottages on property, but this 3-bedroom villa fashioned in bamboo and teak wood is a showstopper designed by Bar Architects , with a full kitchen, private plunge pool, and outdoor shower — all with the option of a private butler, private chef, and babysitting services. It’s the kind of place you might book for a special occasion or wedding, if the in-laws are feeling generous. (Prices range from $3,500 a night in the low season to $10,000 in the high season, from November to May.)

The Cove’s Infinity Pool

The infinity pool at The Cove Eleuthera

Following owner Oscar Tang’s $70 million renovation, which is still ongoing, the Cove unveiled this heated infinity pool overlooking both beaches. Amenities here include a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga studio, an open-air cocktail bar built to face the sunset, and an elegant seafood restaurant. According to Managing Director Carlton Russell, the property will add two pickleball courts by November to keep up with demand, along with a new boardroom for corporate off-site retreats.

Harbour Island

Harbour Island in The Bahamas

Harbour Island has a very ‘lifestyles of the rich and famous’ charm, with plenty of luxurious hotels and secluded beaches. The island doesn’t allow cars, so go with the Bahamian flow, hop on a bicycle or golf cart, and let your hair blow in the breeze.

Dunmore Hotel & Beach Club

Beachside dining at the Dunmore Hotel

At the center of the action on Harbour Island is The Dunmore , which possesses a retro 1960s resort glam and is framed by pink sands, breezy patios, and vintage rattan. With the sensibility of an exclusive private members club, it's no wonder celebs feel safe to socialize.

Pink Sands Beach

Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island

The Dunmore is situated smack in the middle section of Pink Sands beach. It is a three-mile stretch of finely crushed coral that’s been sifted and smoothed overtime, and looks lovely in any light.

The Sunset Cruise

A sunset boat cruise in Eleuthera

The art of the evening sunset boat cruise requires a bit of planning. Pictured here is the Cove’s wine and cheese pairing. It’s an excellent idea, in theory. My advice? Hold your goblet close and bring an extra towel, just in case waters get choppy.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

If you plan to travel this year, why not travel with Lehigh

Upcoming travel calendar.

• Journey with our travel partner Gohagan & Company
• Journey with our travel partner AHI Travel
• Journey through Vietnam

Winter 2024 to Fall 2024

Lehigh offers unique travel opportunities to alumni, helping to maintain and strengthen their connection with each other and Lehigh University. Travelers can broaden their historical and cultural knowledge alongside their peers while making memories that will last a lifetime. Explore our sponsored trips to destinations in Africa, Europe, and South America.

Spring 2024 to Fall 2024

Embark on your next adventure with fellow Lehigh alumni by your side. Visit far away places, all the while strengthening your connection to Lehigh. Explore our sponsored trips, including Cuba as well as several European destinations.

October 3 - 17, 2024 

Encounter Vietnam’s breathtaking natural beauty, abiding tradition, and profoundly hospitable people on this comprehensive 15-day small group journey. Get acquainted with French-accented Hanoi, and explore stunning Ha Long Bay. Staying in a beachfront hotel in Da Nang, tour the acclaimed Cham Museum and Hoi An’s charming Old Town. Enjoy a cooking lesson, and visit a farming settlement. Explore Hue’s vast Imperial Citadel. With two nights in the storied Mekong Delta, experience river life, visiting a floating market. A three-night stay in vibrant Saigon concludes the journey. Discover Angkor Wat’s amazing temples and Phnom Penh with an optional 5-day/3-night post-tour extension.

The Red Travel Advantage

Our core values of a passionate client focus, a desire to create a WOW vacation experience, and our love of travel is the Red Travel Advantage. Watch the video to learn more.

Your Ultimate Destination Wedding Checklist

If you’re thinking of a destination wedding, you’ll want to get a copy of our ultimate checklist. In it are helpful tips for planning the perfect destination wedding. Click on the book to the left and download your copy today!

Vacations for Every Traveler

All Inclusive Resorts

Amazing vacations with just about everything included!

Honeymoons & Weddings

Picture perfect romantic destinations to start your life together.

The charm of a European vacation… on land, by sea, or river.

River Cruises

Christmas in paris.

The holidays are right around the corner, so now is the time to start thinking about holiday travel. There is nothing quite like Paris at Christmas. From the charming markets to the glorious cathedrals, a Parisian Christmas is one your family will remember forever.

Got a Travel Request for Red Travel?

Tell us about it. We’ll start the process of creating your next big adventure!

Read about Red!

We had such a pleasant experience with the team at Red Travel. From the champagne at our first meeting, to assistance in choosing a resort that was right for us. Excellent service! We are greatly looking forward to our trip! E. Mayer, Medina, OH

Best vacation ever! The team at Red Travel really took the time to uncover the type on vacation that would suit our taste, even down to the type of alcohol we enjoy. They are the best, honestly, call them, you will not be disappointed. A. Ripepi, Medina, OH

Friendly, helpful and informative! We have dealt with the Red Team for several international trips and have received great customer service and guidance. M. Howell, Willowick, OH

Great first time experience. We never worked with a travel agency, and were pleasantly surprised. They even prepared us before our trip with a pre-travel meeting. We will always use Red Travel and have recommended them to co-workers. R. LaMattina, Copley, OH

The Red Team was so organized in planning an amazing trip for our family! Their first-hand destination experience and wealth of knowledge is amazing. J. DeJesus, New Paltz, NY

[adrotate group=”1″]

Unique Destination Ideas

What makes working with a Virtuoso agency different is our private access to some of the world’s most unique destinations.

Download any of our complimentary e-books and get acquainted with some of the most exclusive vacation ideas that you just might have never thought of.

Whether you are looking for Golf, Whiskey tastings, or visiting castles and stately homes, Royal Travel Center has connections in Scotland to make your trip memorable. As a SCOTS Master, Mary Lou knows Scotland and all of its treasures; an unbelievable trip is just a phone call away!!

Whether you want to enjoy Australia's cosmopolitan cities, its rugged outback or idyllic beaches, Royal Travel Center as an Aussie specialist can help plan your travel Down Under with ease.

Multi-Generational

Create lasting memories with shared experiences traveling with your family. Rediscover a family member's past or fulfill a bucket list wish!

Are you dreaming of a cooking class in Italy or wine tasting in France? Royal Travel Center brings creative itineraries to the table and can help you travel to discover culinary delights all over the world.

Group Travel

Have your own tribe and need help in planning? Royal Travel Center can manage all of the details for your family, club or special interest organization's travel to anywhere you want to go!

Want to kayak between icebergs in Antarctica, head out on Safari in Africa or shop til you drop for bargains in Hong Kong? We are ready for your adventure, give us a call and let us show you our ideas.

Meet the Team at Petula’s Places

Petula Wagglebutt

Petula believes traveling is gathering experiences, bonding with friends and family, and introducing a new culture into your life. Wherever you want to go, she will make it unforgettable!

Sandy Kadiddlebopper

Travel Advisor

Sandy loves travel and especially helping others have the wonderful experiences that she has had. A group specialist she puts together and travels with many groups especially on Cruises.

Lulu Jean Beans

Lulu’s family led her to Disney World, Disneyland and Disney Cruise and introduced her to travel planning. Family and Luxury Travel are her specialties.

You Had Me at Aloha

One of the most enchanting and memorable vacations is right here is the USA. We’re speaking of Hawaii. Drench yourself in one of the many waterfalls along the Road to Hana. Relax with your sweetie on a sunset cruise along Maui’s Lahaina coast. Take in the excitement of Honolulu and Waikiki. There’s so much to experience.

England, France and the UK

Can't decide which to visit? With our experience, we can suggest itineraries that combine multiple countries and genuine experiences that will create wonderful memories.

We would love it if you could join Royal Travel Center on one of our planned trips. We curate immersive itineraries visiting iconic places. See where we are going next.....

• Request a Brochure
• Find a Dealer

• Dealer Inventory
• Dealer Login
• Allegro Club

• Shopping Tools
• Build Your Own
• Tiffin Factory Delivery Program
• Customer Rebate Programs

Find Your Perfect Ride

We obsess over every detail to make driving better. Find out how to get out on the road.

• Tiffin Allegro Club
• Service and Parts
• Roughing It Smoothly Magazine
• Plan Your Next Trip
• Submit Your Tiffin Pictures

Roadside Assistance

For Emergency Class A and Class C Roadside Assistance: Please Call 888-214-3658 for Roadside Assistance during the first twelve months of a new coach’s ownership. Please Call 877-276-0619 for Customer Service or specific questions about your Roadside Assistance Benefits.

• The Tiffin Difference
• Factory Tour
• Tiffin Blog
• Partnerships

Find Your Perfect Ride.

We take the extra time to craft your VanLeigh Fifth Wheel with the greatest attention to detail.

We like to approach our work with a quality-over-quantity attitude.

• Adventure Van
• Merchandise

FIND YOUR PERFECT RIDE

Whether you are looking to buy, checking your warranty, or needing a job, we look forward to helping you.

• Skip to main content

Vanleigh RV

Service and Warranty Department

The Service & Warranty Department includes our Technical Support, Customer Service, Parts & Shipping, and Warranty. At its core, the Service & Warranty Department embraces a “Do the Right Thing” business approach. We make every effort to provide all of our customers with exceptional care and support. You have put your faith in our products; let our experience improve yours!

Vanleigh’s service and repair work is provided in Red Bay, Alabama alongside Tiffin’s best-in-class service.

If you have any questions about service and repair work on a Vanleigh model, please visit our Contact Us page.

For customer and/or dealer support:

CONTACT: Tiffin Service Department | 256.356.0261 | [email protected]

Please visit our Contact Us page for a full list of email addresses and phone numbers.

BUILT AROUND YOU

See why ours stand the test. Our warranty reflects our confidence in the construction of our RVs. From the beginning phases of production, to the very last steps, each Vanleigh RV has undergone multiple system checks, and put through many additional PDI inspections. We are proud to offer this accountability to our customers along with the following basic limited warranties:

• 3 Year Construction Warranty: 3 Year Construction Warranty: The structure of the welded frame of the RV is warranted for 3 years (36 months)
• 1 Year Base Limited Warranty: Your coach has a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for 12 months of ownership with no mileage or deductible limitations

OWNERS MANUALS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here for Vanleigh RV service and maintenance FAQs.

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

How to plan the ultimate adventure in Egypt, from Cairo to the Red Sea

Feluccas drifting down the River Nile, ancient wonders found in dusty temples, warm waters filled with tropical fish: Egypt remains one of the world’s most atmospheric destinations.

With millennia-old pyramids, hallowed temples and intricately painted tombs worthy of an art gallery, Egypt has a mindboggling amount of history on show. Some of the first threads of human civilisation started here over 5,000 years ago, and Egyptians still call their country umm al dunya — mother of the world.

Egypt offers the opportunity to time-travel like few other places. The past seems to keep careful watch over the present. The Pyramids of Giza — the last survivor of the original seven wonders of the ancient world — overlook cacophonous Cairo , the third-largest metropolis in Africa and the biggest in the Middle East. South along the River Nile, a temple built more than 3,400 years ago stands in the centre of the modern city of Luxor, which was once ancient Thebes.

The Nile flows through the hearts of most of Egypt’s major cities. This blue-green ribbon keeps the ever-encroaching biscuit-coloured desert at bay, coaxing lush plant life amid the Saharan sands. Fly in a hot-air balloon over the west bank of Luxor to see just how abruptly the desert reasserts its dominance over riverbanks lined with date palms and green grasses. Or travel like royalty, following in the footsteps of legendary pharaohs and their armies and merchants, on a scenic multi-day cruise along the Nile, making the temples and tombs between riverside Luxor and Aswan easily accessible.

( A practical guide to travelling in Egypt. )

Egypt’s extensive pharaonic history takes centre stage for most travellers, but even more adventure awaits on a different waterfront, to the east along the Red Sea in the Sinai Peninsula. The three Abrahamic faiths — Christianity, Islam and Judaism — put great credence in stories said to have unfolded in the mountains of the Sinai. Most famously, Moses is supposed to have received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, and listened to God at the burning bush, where he was instructed to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

These high peaks make a stunning backdrop for surfacing snorkellers and for scuba divers returning from explorations of the Red Sea. Beneath the water’s surface, a bountiful aquarium of sea turtles, sharks and neon-bright fish dart around flourishing coral reefs that sprout along the sea floor and scale the vertical walls. Witnessing the wildlife of the Red Sea is one of the world’s great underwater experiences, and pairing it with a Nile cruise allows travellers to experience the broad range of Egyptian adventures.

Itinerary 1: The Nile Valley

Start point: Cairo End point: Abu Simbel Distance travelled: 725 miles Average length: 10 days

Herodotus, the 5th-century BCE Greek historian, famously called Egypt the ‘gift of the Nile’, but perhaps that description doesn’t go far enough. Egypt would be almost nothing without it. The river, the longest in the world, isn’t simply a watery artery stretching nearly 1,000 miles across the length of the country — it’s a genuine lifeline, and one of the world’s earliest civilisations wouldn’t have started here without its life-giving properties.

Ancient Egypt’s major temples and cities were located along the Nile’s fertile banks, called Kemet (‘the black land’) by its inhabitants. The fact that the river flows from south to north was key to the Egyptians’ worldview, with its focus on the daily journey of the sun between the horizons. The desert fringes on the Nile’s west bank — symbolically associated with the land of the dead — are where you’ll find most of the country’s tombs and pyramids. The ancient Egyptian idea of paradise, the ‘Field of Reeds’, was but a heavenly version of the real-life abundance of greenery along the Nile. Today, some 95% of Egyptians still live within a few miles of the water.

This itinerary, following the Nile’s course upriver on a boat cruise, has been travelled since the days of the pharaohs, and it remains the most popular way to explore Egypt, hitting all of the country’s major historic sites. To escape the crowds, slow down — linger longer in Luxor, dig deeper in Cairo and relax in Aswan. Egypt hides many more treasures beyond the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings for travellers who take the time to seek them out.

Highlights along the Nile Valley

1. Cairo Dive into Egypt’s chaotic capital. The Pyramids of Giza are the stars of the show, and the nearby Grand Egyptian Museum will be a blockbuster when it finally opens. For now, marvel at the 20 royal mummies at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and find the gold death mask of Tutankhamun, housed in the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square until the GEM is ready.

2. Luxor Take the train (around 10 hours, daytime or sleeper) to Luxor, built atop the ancient capital of Thebes. Big-hitters at this UNESCO site include the Luxor Temple and religious complex of Karnak, and the tombs of pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings outside town. Other nearby sites include the Ramesseum, whose giant statues inspired the poem ‘Ozymandias’, and the temple of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut.

3. Edfu Board a cruise boat in Luxor and spend the best part of the day sailing the Nile, with scenes of desert dunes and a shoreline punctuated with date palms unspooling outside your cabin. The standard first stop 70 miles upriver is Edfu, a tiny town with a well-preserved temple.

4. Kom Ombo The Nile crocodile takes centre stage at Kom Ombo, another 40 miles or around five hours’ sailing from Edfu. Half of the unique ‘double’ temple is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god of pharaonic power and fertility, and an intriguing museum of mummified crocodiles awaits at the end of your visit.

5. Aswan All cruises dock at Aswan, after two nights on board en route from Luxor. The Nile is at its most fascinating here. Take a felucca (small sailboat) to Gharb Soheil, a brightly painted village home to a few thousand Nubians, an Indigenous group that has lived in the region since pharaonic times. For sunset, have a drink on the terrace of the Old Cataract Hotel , made famous by Agatha Christie, who wrote part of Death on the Nile here.

6. Abu Simbel Abu Simbel sits on the shore of Lake Nasser, created by the construction of the Aswan High Dam in 1970. The temples were rescued from rising waters by moving them stone by stone to higher ground. Twice a year, the sun still illuminates the figure of Ramses II and two of the three gods in the temple’s inner sanctum.

Itinerary 2: The Red Sea & Sinai

Start point: Sharm el-Sheikh End point: Nuweiba Distance travelled: 250 miles Average length: 7 days

Egypt’s best-known body of water is a river, but the Red Sea that stretches along the country’s eastern coast guarantees some thrilling aquatic adventures of its own. Suitable for all levels of underwater explorers, from snorkellers to advanced scuba divers, the Red Sea is a technicolour dream world beneath its surface. There are a huge number of endemic fish — including species of elegant highlighter-yellow butterflyfish, neon parrotfish and shy clownfish lingering in finger-like anemones — and thriving coral reefs.

Sprawling resorts have taken up much Red Sea real estate around Sharm el-Sheikh, but the development and crowds thin out as you travel north. Just a few miles inland from the coast, Sinai’s interior reaches for the sky, a sacred land of pilgrimage and revelations still lived in by long-established Bedouin tribes. Hiking trails climb to mountain summits and wind through valleys carved with centuries of graffiti left by visitors from the Nabataeans (of Petra fame) to the Crusaders, leading to secret wild swimming pools and small waterfalls.

This itinerary hits Egypt’s superlative highs and lows — from the country’s loftiest peaks to its deepest dive sites — as it traces the eastern edge of Sinai and traverses the peninsula’s biblically connected mountains.

Highlights on the Red Sea and Sinai

1. Sharm el-Sheikh When you need a break from sun, sand and snorkelling, Sharm has a couple of worthy distractions. The Sharm el-Sheikh Museum — the only such collection on the peninsula — has a digestible assortment of artefacts that span Egypt’s history from the pharaohs to the Bedouin. At the heart of the Old Market, which, despite its name, is quite new, the Sahaba Mosque looks like it could have come from the drawing board of Gaudí, with spiralling brick columns and honeycombed minarets.

2. Ras Mohamed National Park At the southernmost tip of Sinai, Egypt’s first national park is blessed with incredible dive sites. Vertical reef walls have names that hint at the types of species scuba divers and snorkellers can see: Jackfish Alley, Eel Garden, Shark Observatory and Anemone City. Divers with advanced certifications can check the shockingly large concentration of shipwrecks and the contents that have spilled out on the sea floor. Sleep in a canvas tent on the beach within the park boundaries at Bedouin-owned Bedawi Eco Camping .

3. Dahab A chilled hangout spot for a curious mix of nomadic types — of both the digital and Bedouin varieties — Dahab is Egypt’s most laid-back destination. Whitewashed cafes draped with colourful Bedouin-style rugs line the crescent-shaped bays, where flippered snorkellers waddle past remote workers clacking away on laptops. North of town, the Blue Hole is infamous for its underwater tunnel, the Arch, which has seen a number of fatalities over the years; it is a safe and popular spot for responsible snorkelling and diving outside of that.

4. St Catherine Sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims, the UNESCO-listed area around St Catherine’s contains the world’s oldest continuously lived-in Christian monastery, watched over by majestic mountains that are some of the tallest in the country. No matter your religious beliefs, join a night-time pilgrimage, arriving to witness sunrise from the summit of   Mt Sinai , or Jebel Musa (Mt Moses) in Arabic. Add on a day or more to walk with the local Jebeliya Bedouin through the neighbouring valleys that few outside visitors make time to see.

5. Nuweiba A small town with a laidback vibe and quiet golden beaches, one of Nuweiba’s main attractions is Dar Jan . A passion project by a couple who left the big smoke of Cairo, the nine-acre organic farm north of town is unlike elsewhere on the peninsula. Travellers can join creative workshops, including organic agriculture and outdoor survival skills, and spend artsy afternoons of pottery, meditation and mosaic-making. You can stay overnight, too.

Related Topics

• ANCIENT HISTORY
• ANCIENT EGYPT
• WORLD HERITAGE SITES

You May Also Like

A practical guide to travel in Egypt, from tipping culture to independent touring

Sailing to Aswan, Egypt's historic gateaway to the south

For hungry minds.

The Pyramids at Giza were built to endure an eternity—but how?

How to plan a weekend in Murcia, one of Spain's most underrated regions

Egyptians used papyrus—and other ways of handling periods through the years

Inside the secret world of the Hopewell Mounds—our newest World Heritage site

Inside the Irish ‘hell caves’ where Halloween was born

• Environment

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Paid Content
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved