8 Trips to make your bank holidays go further

How many days off will you need?: 5

Taking in the very best of Egypt, this 10-day Classic Egypt tour coincides brilliantly with an April bank holiday. After arriving in the lively city of Cairo you’ll quickly head on to Giza, home of the pyramids and Sphinx. Hop on an overnight train to Aswan - Egypt’s most southerly city - before embarking on the cruise element of this journey. Onboard the Princess Sara II M, you’ll sail in style along the Nile River, taking in the scenic views and exploring the Edfu and Luxor cities. After taking in the majesty of the Valley of the Kings, end your all-encompassing trip on the bank holiday.

How many days off will you need?: 9

Spend your bonus Coronation bank holiday on a 14-day voyage of the Coastal Jewels of the UK. Onboard M/S Greg Mortimer, you’ll set sail from Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to the Mary Rose and HMS Victory, before arriving in Fowey, Cornwall. The Isles of Scilly will welcome you with scenic sand beaches and delectable seafood, and you’ll have a choice of a number of half-day excursions. In Scotland, keep your eyes peeled for elusive seal and even otter as you explore the wind-beaten coastline, pausing to sample the peatiest whiskey in Islay.

How many days off will you need?: 9

Kickstart your August bank holiday by embarking on a journey from Rome to Venice. Beat the crowds on an early guided tour of the city, taking in the impressive Colosseum and the ancient Roman Forum. Catch a train to the charming town of Orvieto, scenically perched on protruding volcanic rock and abundant with narrow streets. Here you’ll also head underground to the maze of tunnels and chambers beneath the town, built 2,500 years ago by the Etruscans. Then it’s on to Siena, Florence, Milan and Venice for walking, museums, and lakeside scenery.

How many days off will you need?: 8

Enjoy the Boxing Day bank holiday in Angkor on a Vietnam adventure tour. On this 14-day trip you’ll get to know the history of Hanoi, wandering through winding streets in the Old Quarter, and taking in the aromatic scents of street food kiosks. After a breathtaking cruise of Halong Bay’s limestone islands, and a flight to Da Nang, explore the UNESCO listed town of Hoi An, once a merchant port and now a charming hub of vibrant culture, local cuisine and traditional wooden architecture.