Courtesy of: Hotel du Palais

The luxury Hotel du Palais in Biarritz was built in 1855. This five-star hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, and has been permanently restored boasting a glamorous five-story Guerlain Imperial Spa.

The legendary Hotel du Palais is well-known for its surfing spots and a glamorous jetset scene, and was once the palatial summer home of Napoleon III and Empress Eugenia.

This truly grandiose oceanfront villa in Basque Country, has interiors with restored nineteenth-century antiques and décor dating all the way back from the Second Empire.

This upcoming summer, Hotel du Palais will host a wide selection of both exciting and culturally enriching events, including a Dior jewelry exhibition, classical
musical and dance performances, art auctions and a special guest chef.

Art & Accessories – Hotel du Palais will host a DIOR Jewelry Presentation showcasing the latest collection from this legendary fashion house (July 28-August 14); French artist Maître Françoise Carayol will be auctioning some of his finest works including antiques and paintings (August 6-9), and local ceramist Joël Cazaux will display many of his signature pieces (August 9-18).

Sounds of Summer – Hotel du Palais is highlighting virtuosic concerts performances throughout the summer: a cello-piano duet featuring some of the Romantic Era’s greatest pieces (June 27), the world-renowned Ballet Flamenco de Maria Carrasco from Madrid (July 14), soprano Princesses Sophie and Catherine Galitzine of Russia (July 23), and a four-hand duet from piano prodigies Lidija and Sanja Bizjak (August 4).

Culinary Delights – In accordance with the annual Indian “Festival Namaste,” celebrated Chef Hemant Oberoi, Grand Chef of the Taj Group of Hotels and Executive Chef of the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in Mumbai will be a guest chef to the hotel’s world-class restaurants (July 1-7).

For additional information, please visit: www.Hotel-du-Palais.com

Berlin is the capital of Germany and one of the most fascinating cities in all of Europe. A visit to Berlin will provide exciting sightseeing, superb gourmet food, the newest in modern art, and a fantastic nightlife.

During the many years World War II, many of Berlin’s buildings where heavily damaged. After the reunification process, almost all were rebuilt.

As World War II ended, the Allies had Berlin divided up into four different sectors. In West Berlin, the Americans, the British and the French controlled this sector.  In the Eastern part of Berlin, the USSR had control.

Since the fall of the infamous Berlin Wall in 1989, the city was incredibly merged together. Now, the united Berlin is once again the capital of all of Germany.

The landmark Brandenburger Tor, at 85 feet (26 meters) in height, was originally the main gate to Berlin. During the bleak years of the Cold War, the Brandenburger Tor was a forgotten icon in run-down East Berlin. Now it proudly represents the symbol of German reunification.

Another very important historical building is the German Parliament Building, also named the Reichstag Building.

After a 1933 fire destroyed the dome, Adolph Hitler used the accident to declare a state of emergency in Germany. But 12 years later the Red Army showed their victory by planting a flag on the roof.

After a major renovation, the building reopened in 1999. Significant improvements included a brand new, spectacular glass dome.

Visitors will find man many remains of the Cold War in Berlin. For one, Check Point Charlie is great example.

Originally, Check Point Charlie was a primary crossing point between East and West Berlin. Its museum showcases a reminder of difficult time in Berlin’s history.

In the Haus am Checkpoint Charlie, view photos, and various memorabilia from the Berlin Wall and an assortment of devices that were used by citizens to escape from the East to the West.

Berlin boasts a variety of fine shopping. Here you can find Europe’s largest department store, called KaDeWe.

Make a trip to the sixth floor, where the food and beverage department is located. Gourmet lovers can rejoice and find approximately 1700 different cheeses, 1000 different sausages and 800 types of bread.

Berlin hosts a multitude of weekend markets. Several of the best ones include: Grosser Berliner Trdel- und Kunstmarkt at Strasse de 17. Juni in Tiergarten, Kunst-und Nostalgiemarkt at the Museumsinsel and Flohmarkt am Arkonaplatz.

At Christmas time, indulge in the taste of sausages, waffles and the popular German Gluhwein at one of the many festive, Weihnachtsmarkt events around the city.

In the heart of the Mediterranean you will find an island both rich in history and finely tuned with the 21st century requirements – Cyprus. An outstanding cultural experience, never forgetting it’s ancient past and highlighting it’s presence in Europe.

Cyprus is a discoverer’s dream come true with spell bounding beaches, inviting mountain peaks, olive tree groves, as well as aromatic lemon trees and the remains of past cultures. It can only found in Cyprus.

There are so many villas to choose from in beautiful Cyprus, either near the beaches or inland. The holiday resorts offer quality surroundings, magnificent landscapes and a variety of cultural activity.

The luxurious accommodation alone will allow your family to share some unreal quality time together. You might decide to opt for one of the many exclusive apartments available as short term or long term rental, like those in Paphos which have great access to the many beaches there.

Also available are a complete choice of Cyprus villas as rentals. You will find Cyprus villas and immaculate apartments with rental properties also available in Coral Bay, Peyia, Kamares, and Aphrodite Hills. All of these villas offer a variety of amenities, air- conditioning, outstanding hygiene, 24 hour room service and virtually anything you could possibly ask for on vacation. The villas also overlook the sea and include a swimming pool, ideal for both adults and kids. Sporting entertainment includes both golf courses and skiing resorts.

Different Cyprus holiday villas have the following locations available: Sea Caves Villa: Sea Caves is a residential area located near Paphos on the island of Cyprus. Different villas are located here, which give the comfort of proximity from airport and easy access to restaurants, bars and shops. It also gives easy access from Akamas Peninsula and other swimming places.

Coral bay Area Villas: Excellent villas for anyone wishing to be really close to the beach. Kato Paphos Villas: You will be able to go for a swim in a luxurious pool close by the Hesperides Gardens. Pervolia: A wonderful landscaped pool with some of the best tavernas on the island. Secret Valley Resort Villa: A testing golf course followed a dip in a luxury villa. Peyia Village Villa: These luxurious villas are found between Peyia and coral bay. Central Paphos: Villas close by the city and offers an excellent choice of restaurants.

Every villa in holiday Cyprus is perfect for both holidaymakers and businessmen whether young or old. Find the surrounding peace and tranquility amidst the ancient villages. At the same time you at close proximity to the coastal resorts with the memorable nightlife. So step out of your rental villa’s front door and you will find everything you need to make a perfect holiday.

If you want to experience the joys of the most spectacular landscapes then rent a villa in Northern Cyprus. You are guaranteed the most relaxing of holidays with non stop fun and it suits all ages. Why not see the sights, go shopping at the local markets, try out a variety of aquatic sports or just good old sunbathing could be what you need on the unspoiled beaches of Cyprus.

Most people who have ever visited Benidorm in Spain, would find it difficult to believe that it was simply a small fishing village as recently as the 1950’s.

Many don’t realize that Benidorm’s rise as one of Europe hottest destinations has been rapid and spectacular one.

Modern day Benidorm is now the largest tourist resort area in all of Europe. More than four million people visit each year. Benidorm can be found on the Northern Costa Blanca, Spain between the cities of Alicante and Valencia.

Benidorm is one of the most vibrant and electrified vacation destinations in all of Europe. It’s close proximity to the Alicante Airport, along with multiple options for a wide variety of accommodations, make Benidorm a perfect travel destination.

A visit to Benidorm must include a trip to at least one of the many amusement parks in the area. Choices include the immense Aqualandia, the largest water park in Europe, with its slides, lazy rivers, pools and water rides is very popular.

There is also the educational Terra Mitica amusement park with its ancient civilization themes from ancient Greece, the Greek Islands, Rome, Egypt, and Iberia.

In addition, there’s Mundomar – an aquatic and marine animal park with dolphins, parrots, penguins, seals and sea lions all on display, along with Europe’s largest aquarium and an underwater dolphinarium.

Golf is another year round activity that is very popular in Benidorm. Golf enthusiasts who play these beautiful courses take full advantage of the fantastic climate, making Benidorm a golfer’s dream.

There are more than a dozen golf clubs located in and around Benidorm. In Chiva there is the Bosque Community and Golf Club. Mutxamel has the Bonalba Golf Club and the Alicante Golf Club is on the San Juan Beach.

The beaches in Benidorm are kept warm year round by the mountains on the border that both traps in the warm Mediterranean Sea air and blocks out the cold northern winds. The town of Benidorm is divided into two major sections and the beaches are divided accordingly. There are the Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente.

Both beaches are beautiful stretches of white sand that the Costa Blanca was named for, but Levante is much less crowded. Levante is also a topless beach. Levante is full of coves and areas of the Mediterranean Sea attract scuba divers as well as fishermen.

Benidorm is probably most well known above all else, is its nightlife. The town has more than 30 nightclubs for dancing and more than a thousand restaurants and bars located on or mere seconds away from the beaches. Party goers can enjoy both the fun in the sun and after dark in this city that stays lively 24 hours a day.

Paris is known all around the world as the “city of lights and “romance”. Visiting Paris can be a lifetime experience and is the ideal blend of civilization, travel, and cuisine.

There are a lot of wonderful places you can see in Paris, in addition to numerous other things you can do during your stay in Paris.

First of all, you should visit the Cathedral Notre Dame which is located in the heart of Paris. This is a truly a work of art when it comes to the French Gothic architecture. It has amazing rose windows and the interior is absolutely enormous. For those who love architecture, there is also the Sainte Chapelle, which is a beautiful attraction based on Gothic architecture.

Any trip to Paris must include a visit to the Louvre. Here you can find the most prominent works of art from all over the globe. There are also pieces of art that were formerly collected by the French Royalty and were later donated to the museum.

If you are an art enthusiast, you don’t want to miss the Musee d’Orsay, which houses a large collection of paintings, sculptures, and many other artistic items.

While in Paris, you can also experience the famous French cuisine which is exclusive. The finest restaurants in the city are the Les Fontaines, Au Bistrot de la Sorbonne, Les Degres de Notre-Dame, Au Jardin des Pates, and many others. In addition there are also great Paris bars and clubs including Batofar, La Locomotive, and Mustangs.

There are some very nice parks and gardens in Paris which have fantasy landscapes and open spaces where you can take a stroll, rest on a park bench, and also have an enjoyable picnic.

When it comes to shopping in Paris, it is one of the things the city is famous for. There are large designer shops as well as small shops that sell everything from antiques to other local products such as clothes, pottery, wine, and books.

Of course, one of the greatest attractions in Paris is the mighty Eiffel Tower. If you are lucky enough to stand on top of the Eiffel Tower, you are able to get a fantastic view of the city in all directions. Inside the Eiffel Tower is also a cinema, a bar, and several restaurants.

Another grand museum that is a must see is the Musee du Quai Branly, which has works from Africa, Oceania, America, and Asia. You can see costumes, music instruments, masks, and other artifacts from various continents.

There is also the National Picasso Museum which has all the phases of art by Pablo Picasso – from his preparatory sketches to large sculptures.

Salzburg Castle in or better known as Festung Hohensalzburg or Hohensalzburg Fortress in Austria, is the mightiest fortress of Central Europe.

This powerful castle sits in a prominent position, as Salzburg Austria’s prime attraction and most dominant feature of the city’s skyline. The historic Salzburg Castle should not to be missed during any visit to Salzburg.

The first record of a fortification on the southern side of the Mönchsberg Mountain dates back to Roman time, but this is not certain. However, it would make sense: from the position of Hohensalzburg Castle one can see the surroundings of Salzburg and the Salzach river better than anywhere else in the entire city.

Prince Archbishop Eberhard (1060 to 1088) built the first castle on the Festungsberg in 1077. Initially, this was little more than a bailey with a wooden wall, serving mostly for the protection of Imperial troops of the Holy Roman Empire. However, during the “Investiturstreit”, a struggle for power between Pope Gregor VII. and Emperor Henry IV., Prince Archbishop Eberhard decided to stand by the Pope.

After 1933, Salzburg became one of the areas in Austria that were most fiercely targeted by Nazi underground terrorists, many of them exiled Austrians themselves, fighting for a union with Nazi Germany.

When some Nazis launched an attack in Lamprechtshausen near Salzburg, they were imprisoned in the fortress in 1934. This was the last time that Hohensalzburg Castle held prisoners. In more recent years, Hohensalzburg was renovated extensively and so looks into a shiny future.

There are many different golf destinations that you have to choose from including Ireland which is one of the greatest golf destinations in the world. Ireland is filled with over three hundred golf courses.

There are many golf course scattered across Ireland including the Ballybunion Golf Club in Ballybunion, Co. Kerry, Ireland which was founded in 1893. The designer of the course was Tom Watson. The championship length of the course is six thousand six hundred and thirty eight yards.

The course has seventy one pars in all. This particular golf course is extremely popular with golf enthusiasts all round for world and is even rated as one of the ten best golf courses in the world.

Located in Drogheda, Ireland is the Baltary Golf Club which is one of the most popular golf courses in all of the Ireland. The course is extremely popular among the locals. This course was founded in 1892 but the layout was changed in 1938. This golf course was designed by Tom Simpson. The Baltary Golf Club course is a seventy three par course that consists of seven thousand and thirty one yards. The golf course can be found five miles north of Dublin and just five miles northeast of Drogheda.

Founded in 1901 the Castlerock Golf Club is one of the most popular golf courses in Ireland. The course can be found in Castlerock, Co. Derry, Ireland. This course was designed by Ben Sayer and Harry Colt. Castlerock Golf Club is a seventy three par course that consists of six thousand seven hundred and forty seven yards in all. The golf course is located a few minutes from Portstewart. It is an extremely popular golf course.

Founded in 1993 is the European Golf Club which is one of the newest courses in all of Ireland. Pat Ruddy designed the course which is located in Brittas Bay, Co. Wicklow, Ireland. The European Golf Club course is a seventy one par course and spans an area of seven thousand one hundred and forty nine total yards. This golf course has become extremely popular in a short period of time. It is one of the finest links golf courses in all of Ireland.

Designed by J. Carr, R. Kirby, E. Hackett and P. Merrigan, the Old Head of Kinsale Golf Club was founded in 1997 and is one of the newest courses in Ireland. The golf course is located in Old Head, Kinsale, Co. Cork, Ireland. The Old Head of Kinsale Golf Club course which spans an area consisting of seven thousand one hundred and twenty one yards is a seventy two par course. Many people say that his golf course is considered by most people to be one of the most amazing golf creations of all time.

The Royal Dublin Golf Club is a seventy two par course and was founded in 1889. The Royal Dublin Golf Club consists of an area that spans an area of seven thousand three hundred and ten yards. The course was designed by H.S. Colt. This is an extremely old golf course and ranks as the second oldest course in Ireland. The Royal Dublin Golf Club is among the best Irish link course. The golf course is located in Dollymount Ireland. It can be found approximately five miles northeast of Dublin City.
Courtesy of: Richard E Baly – GolfCocktail.com

Corinthia Hotels Budapest

Corinthia Hotels Luxury Property in Europe

Corinthia Hotels offers a luxury collection of five-star properties located in some of the most beautiful European cities including: London, Prague, Lisbon, Budapest, St. Petersburg, plus the Mediterranean island of Malta.

If you are considering a luxury getaway to Europe, for the Christmas and New Year’s Eve holidays, a stay at one of the Corinthia Hotels should be your choice.

It doesn’t matter if you want to enjoy your holiday festivities from elaborate Christmas dinners to red carpet New Year’s Eve balls, or prefer to spend quiet time getting pampered in a spa and indulging in world class dining, the Corinthia Hotels are prepared to make this a “holiday to remember.”

Corinthia Hotel London – newly opened April 2011
Experience the festive season in unrivaled luxury and elegance at the recently opened Corinthia Hotel London.  The hotel boasts some of the largest rooms and suites in the very heart of London with Trafalgar Square on the north bank of the Thames, across from the London Eye.  Corinthia’s new flagship offers a variety of culinary delights, including contemporary modern British cuisine in The Northall and Mediterranean seafood in Massimo Restaurant and Oyster Bar.  Packages start at £299 per night (approx $467) for two including breakfast and dinner.

Enjoy a traditional British Afternoon Tea with a festive twist in the Corinthia Hotel London’s Lobby Lounge – whose chic, serene surroundings have you seated beneath the stunning Baccarat crystal ‘Full-Moon’ Chandelier. The seasonal menu reflects classic British Christmas foods in miniature form alongside traditional afternoon tea treats, carefully crafted using premium British produce with all recipes overseen by world renowned Pastry Chef Claire Clark, MBE.  With Laurent-Perrier and Louis Roederer Brut Rosé available, in addition to an array of teas, including bespoke blends created especially for Corinthia London.  Afternoon Tea starts at £35 (approx $55).

After a holiday of indulgence, embrace the New Year with a renewed dedication to wellbeing at the four-story ESPA Life at Corinthia, the largest hotel spa in London.   Starting at £195 (approx $300), a one-day detox will clarify and revitalize body and mind, melting away accumulated stress, leaving you fresh for the New Year.

Corinthia Hotel Budapest, Hungary
Capture the spirit of Christmas with a special two-night package at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest, the only hotel in Hungary included in TripAdvisor’s list of the top 25 hotels in Europe, which has been a city landmark for over a century.  Enjoy comfortable accommodation, traditional food with live entertainment and pampering at the Royal Spa, from €374 (approx $506) for two nights.

The Corinthia Hotel Budapest’s Royal Spa, which first opened in 1886, has been beautifully restored to the original splendor of the 19^th century, while offering the latest state-of-the-art features of the 21st century, such as a 15 meter swimming pool, several relaxation areas, saunas, steam bath, Jacuzzis, a fitness room, multisensory shower, as well as a variety of therapeutic and massage treatments.

Corinthia Hotel St Petersburg, Russia
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Russian opulence at Corinthia Hotel St Petersburg with its special three-night New Year’s package, starting at €998 (approx $1350) for two people, including airport transfers.  Enjoy deluxe accommodations, sumptuous buffet breakfast and New Year’s Eve celebration at the Imperial Restaurant with an exquisite gala buffet featuring a seafood bar, wide selection of International and Russian delicacies, free-flowing wines, vodka, champagne for the midnight toast and live entertainment.

Ideally located in the heart of St. Petersburg on Nevsky Prospect, the 400-room Corinthia Hotel St Petersburg, following extensive refurbishment and restructuring work, now boasts more rooms and more facilities under one roof than any other luxury hotel in the city. 

Corinthia Hotel Prague, Czech Republic
Escape to the Corinthia Hotel Prague and enjoy upscale accommodation, pampering at the Apollo Day Spa and a 30-minute massage starting from €79 (approx $106) per night, valid for stays of at least two nights. On New Year’s Eve, attend the Red Carpet Glamour Party to kick off 2012 in style. Walk down the red carpet, sip champagne and feel the glitz at the Corinthia Hotel Prague with a live band playing famous movie title songs.

Standing on top of one of Prague’s seven hills, the Corinthia Hotel Prague offers stunning panoramic views of the colorful city from its top floor ballroom as well as from the indoor swimming pool.

Corinthia Hotel Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, one of the most fashionable European capitals, is the backdrop for a special Christmas. For € 145 (approx $196) per person, guests can enjoy a two-night stay at Corinthia Hotel Lisbon, including a special Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas lunch at Sete Colinas Restaurant with live music with a duo New Jazz Band.

The Award-winning Corinthia Hotel Lisbon is located in the heart of the financial district, a short distance from the historic city center, as well as the Lisbon International Airport.  The modern, stylish hotel offers stunning views of the 18^th century Aqueduct and beautiful Monsanto Natural Park.

Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, Malta
Celebrate an exquisitely traditional Christmas at Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa with gourmet cuisine, live entertainment and a Christmas stocking from Santa starting at €261  (approx $353) for two nights.

Set in the beautifully landscaped gardens of a 19^th century restored villa the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa was the very first property in the Corinthia portfolio. Located across the street from the Presidential Palace and Botanical Gardens, it is in close proximity to the capital, Valetta, and the ancient walled city of Mdina

Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay, Malta
Corinthia Hotel St George Bay offers a New Year’s countdown you will never forget in a Mediterranean atmosphere. Usher in the New Year at Corinthia, with its fun atmosphere and diverse entertainment starting at €532 (approx $720) based on two guests sharing for three nights. The New Year Eve’s package includes sumptuous buffet breakfast at Fra Martino restaurant, VIP treatment of truffles and liqueur in your room upon arrival, New Year’s Eve buffet dinner in the hotel’s main dining room with live entertainment, and free use of the facilities at the Apollo day Spa, which include the indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and fitness studio.

Every room at the Corinthia Hotel St. George’s Bay has a terrace offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and an architectural landscape that reflects the many cultural influences on this lovely, charming, Island.

For additional information, please visit www.corinthia.com/christmas.

Hotel Amigo – Belgium

My favorite company that I have marketed was a high-profile architectural design studio based in Europe. I reported directly to the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing; a warm, gregarious, and charismatic Belgian man.  He always had a story about snow days in his hometown, near-death sales calls, or the misadventures of an overzealous family member.  We always left our weekly sales and marketing meetings wide-eyed in disbelief.

Even though I know most of his stories are highly exaggerated, that still doesn’t diminish my desire to find out once and for all whether eating the snow in Belgium would burn all excess body fat.  I’d do it in style in Brussels, with the help of Rocco Forte.

Known for classical luxury and elite extravagance, Rocco Forte Hotels is a family of 13 highly individual properties spread out all over Europe; each hotel features the unique style and ambiance from which the local city inspires.

Located in the heart of Brussels sits one of the thirteen: Hotel Amigo.  Rated as the best luxury hotel in Brussels, Hotel Amigo enjoys the view of the Grand Place and within easy walking distance to the artistic antiques district of Le Sablon.

In celebration of the much anticipated Steven Spielberg film, “The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn,” Rocco Forte’s Hotel Amigo and Moulinsart are rolling out the red carpet for Belgium’s favorite comic book hero and his loyal sidekick Snowy with two new exciting Tintin experiences.

Armed with a detailed Tintin map provided by the hotel, guests would begin their adventure tracing Tintin’s steps around the Belgian capital and walk through the Brussels’ park depicted in King Ottokar’s Sceptre, visit the concert hall that inspired the Hippodrome in The Seven Crystal Balls, and browse antiques at the daily flea market on the Place du Jeu de Ball – the setting for the film’s opening scene in which Belgium’s national hero buys his best friend Captain Haddock a model ship.

Guests can also visit the Hergé Museum, located 30 minutes from Brussels’ city center.  With tickets included in both of Hotel Amigo’s Tintin experiences, guests can explore this astounding piece of architecture which contains more than 80 original print plates along with a plethora of documents and photographs, highlighting the work and life of the comic book mastermind.

I encourage you to visit Hotel Amigo in Brussels.  If not for Tintin’s adventures, the scenery, or the bliss of opulence, then surely for the rumored fat-dissolving snow, however little there are.

Experience Fascinating Florence, Italy.

The fascinating city of Florence is one of the most popular cities in all of Italy. Florence offers a wide variety of attractions for tourists of all ages.

Florence is truly a Renaissance city in the heart of the Tuscany region. It includes many of Italy’s best museums, spectacular churches and cathedrals, as well as intriguing streets and squares with elegant buildings and quaint shops.

There is almost no time of year one cannot find events somewhere in Florence Italy. There are parades, parties, festivals, exhibits, and fun almost every week. Many of the city’s events last for several months. People can enjoy the festive environment and sincere love of the Italian people for a fun and entertaining time.

The year starts off with fireworks, parades, and parties with the New Year’s Eve celebrations which take place throughout Florence. This party and several fashion shows are held throughout the month of January. This time creates an exciting place for visitor to enjoy the excitement of fashion and the great food that Florence offers.

February brings Italy’s largest carnival which lasts throughout the month. This carnival includes street festivals, dancing, street acrobats, and festivities throughout the city. A person can spend time in the plaza with the actors and performers and talk about the history and tradition of the carnival in Italy.

The month of April is another that will take a visitor on an adventure in both the culture and love of life shared by the Italian people. One begins the month with the Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart). This parade and party begins on Easter Sunday and includes a huge fireworks display on a cart that is set ablaze by a dove that comes from the cathedral on a wire.

In May, the Festa del Grillo/Cricket Festival is held and crickets in woven cages are released by their owners for good luck. This festival includes parades, food, wine, and dancing. Through the rest of May and early June the Maggio Musicale is held celebrating the city’s major arts festival. This event in Florence Italy include concerts, dancing, outdoor theatre, and ballet performances.

Also in June one can participate in the Calcio in Costume/Football in Costume which is held in the Piazza di Santa Croce. There are parades, parties, food, wine, and a game that combines football and rugby is played by regional champions. The Estate Fiesolana/Fiesole Summer held right after this festival celebrates music, arts, drama, dance and film.

Through the months of June to December there are regular parades, parties, festivals, dancing, and exhibits. The Festival Puccianiano performs the composer’s operas in an open air theater by the lake near his home through the early winter.

The Giostra del Saraceno is a huge event that starts with a parade through Florence with participants in costumes. It ends with a party in the Piazza Grande. This medieval-style joust is something that one shouldn’t miss.

Nearby Tuscany is another popular destination for people who want to experience the best of Italy. Tuscany is rich in natural beauty, artistic and culinary treasures. Enjoy your stay in a luxury Tuscany villa. Another popular choice is an exclusive Tuscany villa with pool where you can enjoy beautiful local views and relax by the villa’s private pool.

The Gleneagles Hotel – Perthshire

Scotland, UK – Four Luxury Reasons to Visit.

Five star hotels:
Scotland has been popular with royalty and the rich and famous for hundreds of years. Whether for country pursuits in the highlands, golf at St Andrews – birthplace of the modern game, or visiting the cities of Glasgow or Edinburgh, Scotland has luxury hotels to match. One of the original and best known is The Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, perhaps the most famous of the 5 star hotels in Scotland. The hotel’s world-class facilities and remote location in the foothills of the Scottish highlands were some of the reasons it was chosen to host the G8 Summit of world leaders in 2005, and its famous golf courses have been selected for the 2014 Ryder Cup.

Whisky:
Scotch whisky has to be Scotland’s most famous international export? To be rightfully called Scotch, the spirit has to be aged in oak barrels in Scotland for a minimum of 3 years. Malt whisky can be blended from different distillings of malt barley, but for purists it has to be Single Malt – pure unmixed whisky from one of the many distilleries around the country, each with their distinct favours. Aging in oak barrels develops the taste and the length of time allowed for this adds both interest for the connoisseur and naturally, the price paid for a dram… With prices for a 55 year old single bottle from a famous distillery such as Macallan reaching $25,000, Scotch whisky really is one of life’s luxuries!

Food:
Scotland is a popular destination for fine dining. In the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, recent years have seen a huge growth in excellent restaurants offering a regional variation on the vogue for Modern British cuisine. As in London and other UK cities, the modern trend for regional fine dining, using the finest locally-available ingredients has really taken off in Scotland. Utilizing a choice of excellent fish and seafood from the shores around the Scottish coast, high quality meat and produce, and a heritage of traditional recipes; Scotland has some fantastic new restaurants rapidly gaining an international reputation.

Entertainment & Shopping:
Scotland’s capital Edinburgh hosts a world-famous arts festival annually in the month of August. The Edinburgh International Festival showcases performances from the world’s leading musicians and orchestras, and is a famous fixture on the worldwide performing arts calendar. For sporting fans, the annual rugby match between England and Scotland is a spectacular occasion that elicits passions based on the ancient rivalry between the unified nations. The luxury hotels of Edinburgh are busy during this popular time to visit the city. For those disinterested by sport, shopping may be an alternative attraction… Scotland’s major cities have an interesting mix of boutiques and major label stores, such as in Edinburgh’s St Andrews Square district. Scotland has a number of unique luxury products on offer, in particular very high-quality cashmere along with unique tweeds – perhaps most famously Harris Tweed, which has been woven on the Hebridean island of Harris for hundreds of years.