Terre Blanche Resort, Provence – A Brief Guide

Four Seasons Resort Provence at Terre Blanche Provence
Four Seasons Resort Provence at Terre Blanche Provence

The luxury Four Seasons Resort Provence at Terre Blanche Provence exudes natural luxury due to its fine weather and landscapes, inviting visitors to feel truly indulged.

Famous for its unique pallet of colors and scenic splendor, it’s no wonder that Provence has been the inspiration for countless artists including Van Gough and Cezanne.

The landscape is nothing short of fairytale, with wild flower meadows and ancient oak woodland acting as a backdrop to world famous beaches and elegant villages.

From the breathtaking peaks of the Alps to the golden sands of San Tropez, the variety of Provence’s landscape makes its charm easy to appreciate.

The gorgeous landscape gives rise to the production of equally gorgeous food, prepared as a selection of mouth-watering regional delicacies which are served in the suitably luxurious restaurants of the region.

Food is to be taken time over and savored, with a feast of local delights to choose from prepared by chefs with generations of culinary knowledge at their disposal.

The wines of the region are likewise to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, particularly the sophisticated and award winning rose produced there. Tours of a vineyard are also a wonderful way to spend the day, with the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the vineyards, and, of course, taste the wines.

Classic French markets are to be found in abundance throughout the region. Spend the morning perusing the colorful stalls and choosing items for an extravagant lunch.

Nothing can be done in Provence without the feeling of luxury, including a wine and cheese picnic in a secluded spot amidst the rolling valleys or coastal beach coves.

Luxury hotels such as the stunning Terre Blanche beautifully complement the regions traditional elegance. Nestled between sprawling valleys and mountains, the thoughtfully designed hotel blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, combining the unique color pallet of the region with the luxury of exemplary service and amenities.

Surrounded by the relaxing scents of lavender and the soft colors of pastel meadow, such resorts like the Four Seasons Resort Provence at Terre Blanche are carefully designed with tranquility and comfort in mind.




Gate of the Sun – Madrid Spain’s Famous Central Square

Puerta del Sol - Gate of the Sun - Madrid Spain
Puerta del Sol

The Spanish called it the “Gate of the Sun” and for visitors to Spain’s Puerta del Sol, they’ll know exactly what the Spaniards were talking about.

The Gate of the Sun gates were once the main entrance to Madrid Spain. Like many medieval towns of that time period, it was surrounded in the 15th century by a protective wall and it is through the gates that entry to the city was gained.

In this way, it was well known to traders and visitors from all over the world. After the walls around Madrid were removed, it remained as a meeting place. Interestingly, the location is still the major meeting point in Madrid.

Spanish architecture looms big through out Puerta del Sol, speaking of a past of opulence and grandeur. One famous example is a very large sculpture of a bear eating fruit. The fruit the bear is eating is reported to be from the Madrone tree where the scenic city of Madrid derives it’s name from. The iconic bear itself is a great symbol for the people of Madrid.

One of the city’s most important Madrid buildings is the House of the Post Office. It’s the central focus for the city’s New Year celebrations. Also there is a paving slab where the six main Spanish highways originate. Because of this, the location is an excellent spot to begin exploring not just Madrid, but the entire country of Spain.

Leaving Puerta Del Sol, it’s only a short walk to other popular Madrid attractions such as Plaza Mayor and Palacio Real. The Parliament building is also nearby and the Metro is easily accessible from the area.

Madrid offers many side streets that offer shops, restaurants, and many other attractions. Any visitor should spend as much time as possible touring this area. During the warm Madrid evenings, it’s the best time to go as the bars and cafes that line the historic streets. They will be full of both tourists, local citizens as well as many street performers who come to entertain.




Le Meurice, Paris – Belle Etoile Suite

Le Meurice, Paris - Belle Etoile Suite
Le Meurice, Paris

The Le Meurice hotel is located in scenic and romantic Paris, France. Enough can’t be said of the magnificent hotel terrace that provides direct views of Paris’ key sites.

You’ll feel as though you can reach out and touch some of the most famous Paris landmarks, including: the Louvre museum, Arc de Triomphe, Place, de la Concorde, and Eiffel Tower.

The Charles X-style decor contains finely crafted marquetry, a trove of art and rare antiques.  The decor is in the style of a mini Versailles. It is elegant and sophisticated.

The luxurious Belle Etoile Suite is 2,250 square feet, plus a 3,200 square foot terrace.

Rate: $18,500

Le Meurice
228 rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 44 58 10 10
Fax: +33 1 44 58 10 15




Grand Hotel Villa Cora in Florence, Italy

Grand Hotel Villa Cora - Florence
Grand Hotel Villa Cora – Florence, Italy

The Grand Hotel Villa Cora in Florence, Italy is truly a luxury hotel in one of the most beautiful and cultural cities, not only in Europe but all the world.

Whythebest Hotels is a new group of Italian hotels and introduces the reopening of the Grand Hotel Villa Cora after three years of restorations.

Villa Cora was originally built as a mansion by Baron Oppenheim back in 1868. The design of the Villa Cora hotel displays the incredible architectural styles of that period.

Grand Hotel Villa Cora guests will enjoy the original 19th century sculptures, frescoes, and ornate artisanship found everywhere you look. Villa Cora is the embodiment of Florence – the Renaissance City.

Grand Hotel Villa Cora - Florence, Italy
Grand Hotel Villa Cora room – Florence, Italy

Villa Cora was at one time the popular hotel of choice by emperors, princes, and artists. Several notable hotel guests include Japanese Emperor Hirohito, Princess Eugenia wife of Napoleon III, plus Russian composer Tchaikovsky.

To this day, Grand Hotel Villa Cora is still considered one of the main symbols of elegance and aristocracy in Florence.




Bulgaria – Rich in History

Sofia Bulgaria

The Republic of Bulgaria is located in the southeast corner of Europe. Bulgaria lies at the shore line of the Black Sea to the east, in its west division we can come across Greece and Turkey to the south, Serbia and Montenegro and the Republic of Macedonia, and Romania is at its north division all along the eminent river Danube.

The Republic of Bulgaria is a beautiful country. Approximately fifty percent of Bulgaria contains mountains. The majestic Balkan Mountains divide Bulgaria in two portions.

The mountains split the Black Sea to the east coast and the Bulgarian-Serbian border to the West. The country’s plains and the lowlands occupy huge areas on both sides of the scenic Balkan Mountains.

The weather in Bulgaria is colorful and has all four seasons. The weather in the northern part of the country is moderately cold in harmony with the European general season, while the climate in southern Bulgaria is moderate.

The weather is most amazing for the people of Europe and for the travelers arriving from other parts of the world looking for cooler weather. The climate always plays a significant role in deciding the destination of your trip.

The famous and busiest Sunny Beach is the biggest beach resort in Bulgaria. This beach is on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Every year it attracts thousands of tourists from all around the world. Bulgaria has long been the most admired and loved destinations in Eastern Europe during the dark period of communism. This allowed Bulgaria to experience tremendous economic growth in this transitional political period.

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria. Populated with over half and a million people, Sofia is considered a hub for functions relating to economy, culture, education and administration.

Bulgaria has a lot of attractions for gamblers people as well. The casinos in Bulgaria are mainly found in Sofia with very large resorts on the Black Sea. Casino Rila at Hotel Rila, International Casino Club at Hotel Sheraton, Hemus Hotel Casino, Casino Princess and many more are located in the center of the capital, Sofia.

Bulgarians celebrate a number of conventional ceremonies and festivals. The history of some of these Bulgarian events are centuries old. Some of the most famous occasions are The Kukeri Festival that’s celebrated on January 11. St. Trifon Zarezan celebrated on February 14 is a very old celebration event of the local wine growers. Granny Marta’s Day is on March 1. The Festival of Roses is celebrated in early June and the Koprivshtitsa Folk Festival is a musical festivity.




La Villa Mauresque – Historic French Riviera Villa Hotel

La Villa Mauresque

The French Riviera’s La Villa Mauresque on the French Riviera is one of the most splendid villa hotels you will find anywhere.

La Villa Mauresque is located in the charming village of Boulouris, which lies between Cannes and St. Tropez.

La Villa Mauresque features 17 luxurious bedrooms housed in two Moorish villas dating from 1860. Most rooms offer stunning sea views, while the others provide lovely garden views.

Found on a private seafront, the luxury boutique hotel offers luxury and serenity with an infinity pool and a seafront spa and Jacuzzi, lush garden, and private harbor
with facilities for complimentary water activities: canoeing, kayaking, small catamaran, zodiac and snorkeling.

Windsurfing and scuba diving are also offered, as well as a small 4cv motor boat for those without a sailing permit.

To really enjoy the local sites, hire a 97-foot private yacht for day cruises along the scenic French Riviera or a 17-foot motor boat.

Ideally located for exploring the French Riviera, otherwise known as the Côte d’Azur, La Villa Mauresque is just 30 minutes from Cannes, 30 minutes by boat from St. Tropez, 50 minutes from Nice airport and one hour from the port of Monaco.

For additional information or reservations, please call +33 (0) 4 94 83 02 or visit the website at www.hotelsfrench-riviera.com




From the Beginning – England’s Olympic History

2012 London Summer Olympics

The upcoming Summer Olympic Games in London, England is expected to be one of the best ever.

As the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games nears, VisitEngland has put together a summary of England’s Olympic history.

A look at England’s Olympic history showcases its humble beginnings in a rural Shropshire Market Town to the Bright Lights and Award-Winning Architecture of London in 2012.

1850 – Once Upon a Time, in Shropshire
So everyone knows that the Olympic Games were first conceived in Greece, right? Well, in fact, the modern International Games have their roots not in Athens, but rather in the small market town of Much Wenlock in Shropshire. In 1850 the town’s local doctor, philanthropist William Penny Brooks, established the Wenlock Olympian Games to ‘promote the moral, physical and intellectual improvement of the inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood of Wenlock by encouragement of outdoor recreation.’

Now, more than 150 years later, one of the London2012 mascots has been named Wenlock in Brookes’ memory, cementing in history the crucial role he played as the forefather of the modern Olympic Games.

1865 – The Games Go National
After several successful years of Much Wenlock Olympian Games, Brookes was responsible for creating the National Olympian Games in 1865. The premiere in Crystal Palace, London attracted 10,000 spectators, and the Games were held annually in different English towns and cities in the following years.

1908 – First Opening Ceremony and Going the Full Distance
Having originally been awarded to Rome, the fourth International Olympic Games instead came to London after the 1906 eruption of Mount Vesuvius skewed plans. The stadium at White City had been built at short notice for the Games (the first purpose-built Olympic venue), and was considered a marvel of its day, holding 68,000 spectators.

That year, the Olympic marathon started in front of the royal apartments at Windsor Castle and ended on the track at White City stadium in front of the royal box. At the time the actual race distance wasn’t fixed – it was just a very long road race; around 25 miles. Moving the starting point from Queen Victoria’s statue to East Terrace so that spectators wouldn’t hinder the athletes added 700 hundred yards to the typical distance.

The 1908 Games were the first to be launched by an Opening Ceremony, during which the competing nations marched into the stadium following their respective national flags.

It was during a speech for Olympic champions by Bishop Ethelbert Talbot in 1908 that the Olympic Creed derides. The Olympic Creed, still used to this day, reads: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”

When the Games closed in October, Great Britain topped the medal table with a total of 145 medals. Despite the short notice, the Games were widely declared a success and lay the foundations for London’s legacy as a host Olympic city.

1924 – England Sets Marathon Standard – 26 Miles 385 Yards (naturally)
In 1924, the length of the 1908 Olympic marathon – which turned out to be 26 miles 385 yards – was internationally accepted as the official length of a marathon.

1943 – Stoke Mandeville Develops Sport for Rehabilitation
This August, the Buckinghamshire village of Stoke Mandeville will play host to the Paralympic Torch Relay; apt, as this was in fact the birthplace of the Paralympics. Pioneering German neurologist Professor Sir Ludwig Guttmann became head of the National Spine Injury Centre (NSIC) at the Ministry of Pensions Hospital in Stoke Mandeville towards the end of WWII and came up with the revolutionary idea of using sport for rehabilitation. Sir Ludwig’s patients were encouraged to try activities such as wheelchair polo, basketball and archery.

1948 – War is Over: National Morale Boosted by First Televised Games
Despite a shortage of time and resources, London rose to the challenge to host the first Games after World War II and a 12-year hiatus. This time the Games centred around Wembley stadium and were the first televised Olympic Games, though at that stage few people owned their own television set.

In 1948, the historic coastal town of Dover provided the welcome point for the Olympic Torch. It was a first for both Dover and England because the 1908 London Games took place before the torch relay tradition began. The flame, setting out from Olympia in Greece, travelled in 1,531 stages totalling 720 miles (1,160km), and 1,720 weatherproof torches – including spares – were manufactured to carry it on its way. Brought from Calais to Dover aboard HMS Bicester, a destroyer of the Nore Command, the flame then continued its relay via the Kent towns of Canterbury, Charing, Maidstone and Westerham, through Surrey and Berkshire and on to Wembley.

In 1948, due to post-war rationing, many teams who attended the Olympic Games had to bring their own food with them.

1948 – London’s Second Olympic Games Bring Paralympics to the Fore
In 1948, Sir Ludwig Guttmann organised a competition for 16 paralysed servicemen – the Stoke Mandeville Games for wheelchair athletes – which coincided with the opening ceremony of the London 1948 Olympic Games. Prior to 1948, athletes with disabilities had competed in the same sporting events. The first official Paralympic Games, open not only to war veterans, took place 12 years later, in Rome.

Sir Ludwig went on to found the British Sports Association for the Disabled, and was knighted by the Queen when he retired in 1966, having already been awarded an OBE and CBE. The NSIC continues its rehabilitation programme using sports and exercise to this day, and has expanded from just 26 beds to 190 in the main hospital.

2005 – “The International Olympic Committee has the honour of announcing the Games of the 30th Olympiad in 2012 are awarded to the city of… LONDON”

A spine-tingling announcement was made to thousands of gatherers in Trafalgar Square in central London on 6th July 2005. The city staved off stiff competition from Moscow, New York, Madrid and finally Paris after an impressive presentation by ex-Olympian Lord Coe, who chaired the bid. Prime Minister Tony Blair called it a ‘momentous day’ for the country, saying of London: “many reckon it is the greatest capital city in the world and the Olympics will help keep it that way”.

2012 – London Hosts 30th Olympic and Paralympic Games
This year, London becomes the first city to have hosted the Olympic Games three times. The Games will take place across the country – many outside of the purpose-built 500 acre Olympic Park in Stratford. Football matches will place in Coventry, Manchester and Newcastle; sailing events in Weymouth; cycling in Surrey; rowing in Eton Dorney; mountain biking in Essex and canoe slalom in the Lee Valley.

The 2012 Games will coincide with the culmination of a four-year cultural programme, the Cultural Olympiad, which includes 500 events held over four years. The finale, the London2012 Festival, is the biggest festival the UK has ever seen.

The 2012 Olympic Torch Relay departs from Land’s End, Cornwall on May 19th and will make a 70-day journey – carried by 8,000 torchbearers – around the UK, travelling within 10 miles of 95% of the population. On August 24th, a Paralympic flame will be lit in London, and will meet flames from Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff in Stoke Mandeville – the birthplace of the Paralympics – before returning to the Olympic Stadium.

For more information and inspiration visit www.visitengland.com.




The Magnificence of Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Luxembourg or frequently named Luxembourg City, is often called the “Gibraltar of the North”. Luxembourg is a stunning city with numerous valleys and plateaus that provide beautiful scenery.

The city is divided into 24 different districts. Only 3 of those should be a concern for any visitor to the city. Ville Gaute is known as the medieval core, the train station can be found in Gare, and Kirchberg is the modern city.

By far, the best choice to get around Luxembourg is by foot or using the bus network. Luxembourg is a small city so walking isn’t difficult at all, and this way you can fully enjoy this attractive city.

Luxembourg Castle is the best known attraction. The castle, over a 400-year period had been attacked on a repeated basis, then rebuilt by the Spaniards, Austrians, French, and then the Dutch. The result of the rebuilding is Luxembourg Castle has become the strongest fortress in all of Europe, second only to Gibraltar.

Be sure to visit the Casemates Bock. It’s a series of underground fortifications that were developed back in the 18th century.

The Casemates Bock are a World Heritage Site and can be found beneath all of the city. The Bock is the rock where the very first castle stood.

The old town is extremely picturesque and on both Wednesday and Saturday, enjoy a local market at Place Guillaume. You can also view a statue of William II of Netherlands.

Another must see is Alzette, which is a small but scenic river. The surrounding valley is locally known as the Grund. Here you can find a fortress that surrounds the valley. Nearby take a visit to the Neumunster cathedral, which has become a cultural center.

Containing the Parliament, the Grand Ducal Palace has been completely renovated. The Notre Dame Cathedral was constructed in the 17th century.

Nearby, take a look at the Gelle Fra, or Golden Lady. It’s a golden statue of a woman that holds a wreath, representing a symbol of victory.

Grand Duke’s birthday is held on June 23rd and is a national holiday in Luxembourg. It’s a fun time with multiple street celebrations and firework shows at night.

Schueberfouer is large celebration that runs two weeks between August and September. There is lots of great food to enjoy and many rides.

Don’t be confused because of the relatively small size of Luxembourg. It is rich in history, has numerous architecturally stunning buildings, and is a scenic pleasure to behold.




Best Pubs in England to Visit

English Pub beer

The National Brewery Centre recently opened in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire – in the heart of England.

The National Brewery Centre is a world-class interactive museum and visitor center that showcases England’s proud brewing heritage and its strong influence on brewing techniques throughout the world.

The new brewery museum offers hundreds of exhibits and rare artifacts, in addition to a variety of multi-media presentations, the opportunity to see brewing first hand, and of course sample some beers.

To celebrate the opening, the official tourism body for England – VisitEngland, is honoring one of the country’s most important national treasures, the English Pub, by highlighting some of the most noteworthy.

The pub list includes those well known to be haunted, the smallest and oldest pub, as well as Michelin star properties, where the food is as much an attraction as the ale.

Pandora Inn near Truro, Cornwall is one of England’s most remote pubs. Being remote is one of the main allures Pandora Inn. Many patrons will arrive by boat, either by their own, or will take the Aquacab water-taxi ride from nearby Falmouth. Parts of the Inn date back to the 13th Century. The historic building still retains many of its original features including its flagstone floors, low-beamed ceilings and thatched roof. Pandora Inn features an extensive wine list and traditional real ales from St Austell Brewery.

Located in South East England, The Mermaid Inn in Rye, Sussex, is one of the country’s oldest and most enchanting inns. With Norman cellars dating from 1156, the Mermaid, rebuilt in 1420, offers tradition and charm in abundance. For many years the Mermaid has been frequented by artists from the stage and screen including Charlie Chaplin, Pierce Brosnan, Andy Garcia and Johnny Depp, along with Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and Prince Edward, who have also visited. Additionally, painters from around the world have spent many hours capturing the rare character of the beautiful inn, which offers a wide range of accommodation including rooms with four-poster beds and fascinating secret passages. The lounge bar boasts one of the largest open log fires in England, while the restaurant offers tempting British and French cuisine using only the freshest of local ingredients.

Famed for being England’s smallest pub, The Nutshell in historic Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, in the East of England, proudly holds the title of smallest pub in Britain as confirmed in the Guinness Book of Records. The quaint and cozy 17th century pub, comprising a bar that measures just 15ft by 7ft, has been serving customers jostling for a place at the bar since it first started serving beer in 1867. The Nutshell is now a major tourist attraction for local and international visitors, who visit as much for the interesting historical items, photos and memorabilia on display, as they do for some of the regions finest ales.

Claiming to be England’s Oldest inn, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham is also quite possibly one of the country’s most unique pubs, carved into rock and connected with the labyrinth of sandstone caves at the foot of Nottingham Castle. Several of the rambling rooms are burrowed into the sandstone rock below the castle, yet the Trip to Jerusalem is fully operational, serving a seasonal menu along with fine real ale and on occasion plays host to beer festivals and special events complimented with a range of guest ales from microbreweries throughout Britain. According to legend, Robin Hood is said to have shared his adventures at the pub over a pint of beer.

Situated next to the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, The Dirty Duck is world famous in Theater circles. A 15th Century building full of history, the very traditional pub is open plan with a separate restaurant, offering food from an extensive menu or Specials Board to be eaten anywhere in the pub. Well-known for its lively atmosphere, as well as its food and beverage offerings, there are often famous faces and ‘after show’ parties held for celebrities. A member of the Kennel Club of Great Britain, The Dirty Duck also welcomes dogs into its long bar.

Often referred to as a model for the perfect English Country Pub, The Star at Harome is a Michelin-Star restaurant and pub in North Yorkshire. Offering exceptional locally sourced food, a relaxed yet efficient approach to service, a place to stay and even somewhere for visitors to shop, The Star Inn offer guests a comforting, homely experience in one of England’s most beautiful rural settings. Despite being recognized as a Michelin-rated gastronomic oasis, The Star Inn retains all its village friendliness, along with its ancient timbers steeped in 600 years of hospitality.

Built to serve herring fishermen in the area, The Olde Ship at Seahouses on the Northumbria coast in the North East of England, features a nautical theme and boasts a rich collection of antique maritime artifacts. An ideal place to stay before or after booking a trip from the harbor to the Farne Islands, home to plentiful birdlife, The Olde Ship is a fully residential property. A highlight in the winter, the main saloon bar, has tremendous character and is lit by stained glass windows and the welcoming glow of an open fire. Perfect for alfresco drinking and dining during the warmer months, overlooking the harbor is a newly developed beer garden with unrivalled views of the surrounding boats and the Farne Islands.

The Philharmonic pub in Liverpool is a dazzling Art Nouveau pub where the Men’s lavatory is so magnificent that women are invited in to view its ornate, marble urinals and toilets, as part of a guided tour. The architectural gem, opened in 1898, was designed by Walter Thomas and stands opposite the Philharmonic Hall. Known by locals as ‘The Phil’, the Grade I listed building features an imposing exterior and highly decorative interior. The Philharmonic has dark wood-paneled walls, musical scenes depicted in copper and Art Deco lights that shine onto the mosaic covered floor and bar. The central, horseshoe-shaped bar is awash with intricate stained glass and is notable for its bunches of glass grapes and huge, golden eagle watching over drinkers. The least elaborate bar at the front of the pub contains a TV and glazed lamps in the windows, each resembling the Statue of Liberty’s torch.

Believed by many to be haunted, the Grenadier in London’s Mayfair, is an atmospheric old pub filled with character and military history. On one of the walls of the tiny pub, which has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the most haunted pubs in London, yellowed newspapers tell of the pubs haunted history, and a small crucifix hangs on a wall of the cellar to ward off harmful spirits. Unassumingly situated in a tucked away mews, the Grenadier has a decidedly country village air about it and despite its haunted reputation, it is one of London’s most enchanting pubs.

For more information about visiting England, please visit www.VisitEngland.com<http://www.visitengland.com/>.




A Romantic Journey Down the Göta Canal

Gota Canal - Sweden

Since 1869, the Göta Canal is a place where the North Sea joins the Baltic is a waterway that takes one through a journey across Swedish history.

Take a leisurely cruise down the Gota Canal, which is one of the world’s most impressive waterways, stretching across Sweden, linking Göteborg (Gothenburg) in the west and Stockholm in the east.

The impressive Göta, nicknamed the “divorce ditch”, is a canal route that passes the archipelagos of thousands of islands and through 66 locks. The canal earned this nickname from the troubles that couples endured while trying to navigate the many locks by themselves.

This turned into an opportunity for the Göta Canal Steamship Company, who now offers old-fashioned extravagance aboard one of their three elegant steamers.

Your journey can vary in length. You can choose from a one-night ‘taster’ or spend a full week meandering down the Gota Canal.

There are many memorable sites along the way, which includes several stops en route. You will cruise past fortress ruins, medieval cloister, Royal Palaces, 12th century churches, picturesque hamlets and lush Swedish forests.

Göta Canal is member of the Romantik Hotels and Restaurants, and offers some of the finest cuisine in all of Sweden.

Food menus are based on fresh ingredients from local suppliers all along the canal route. Since food without wine is like a boat without an anchor, a sommelier will be onboard the ship to recommend the best wine to sip while enjoying your cruise and watching the sun set on deck.




Charitybuzz Auction – 2012 Olympic Games in London

2012 London Summer Olympics

The 2012 Olympic Games will be held in London this summer. Would you like the chance to attend the Summer Olympics as a VIP?

Charitybuzz is offering an exciting auction and the winner gets the opportunity to go to London, in addition to help raise funds for the U.S. Olympic Committee.

The whole world united every four years and the 2012 Olympic Games in London is expected to be possibly the best ever. Now get the chance to see the best of the games in luxury style.

Charitybuzz is the leading charity auction site and in partnership with the U.S. Olympic Committee, is offering an incredible $50,000 Olympics package that features inside access and luxury accommodations to the 2012 Summer Olympics.

The auction’s winning bidder plus a guest has the opportunity to design their own unique Olympic adventure. Be front and center for all the gold-medal action with an all-expense trip to London, including event tickets, special access and more!

Auction package details:
Accommodations at the four-star Hilton London Metropole, conveniently located near the Olympic Games site
• Pre-selected tickets to a variety of popular sporting events that include swimming, basketball, track, beach volleyball and more
• Personal concierge service from a U.S. Olympic Committee staff member
• 2 five-day passes to USA House, the U.S. Olympic Committee’s official business and hospitality center
• Two passes to the exclusive CoSport hospitality center
• Access to a special reception with Olympians and Paralympians
• Commemorative Olympics merchandise

Proceeds benefit the U.S. Olympic Committee, supporting U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes in achieving sustained competitive excellence.

Bidding is open now through Thursday, January 19th, at http://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/291955