Situated on the Mediterranean coastline on the southeast corner of France is the Côte d’Azur, which is best known as the French Riviera. You will find that the climate is very mild in the winter, but the summer will find you with sunny, hot, and dry days.

The Cannes Films Festival, which began in 1946, has been housed at this location for many years and continues to bring excitement to the area each year. This area has gone through many different influences and changes over the years.

It is a very popular destination for tourists. Staying in one of the many Cote d’Azur villas is probably the best way to enjoy your stay.

The Côte d’Azur has food influenced by Italy, but you can find many places in which the restaurant serves food local to the area. Asian food is available, but you will find that it is hard to obtain on the outer skirts of the seaside towns.

Cheeses are a commodity that is made in the Riveria as well as olive oils. The Côte d’Azur is known for having a region where a number of wines are made. When visiting Côte d’Azur a wine tasting is a must. One of the well known wines made there are Cassis and Bandol.

While traveling to the Cote d’Azur, English can be spoken, but know that you will receive better services if you speak in French. Residents and workers may feel bad for you if your French is not so good, but this could work to your advantage.

It is advised that you rent a car to assist with your travels in this area, unless you plan to be on the beach the whole time. Know that when traveling by car, the terrain can be quite different from what you are used to.

Local public transportation and train service is available to assist in your travels as well.

Because of the beauty that lies in Côte d’Azur, many favorite artists and painters of the past have visited and worked in this area. Due to this, many of their works are in the local galleries and museums.

There are also some unique sites you must visit while there as well. Eze and Gourdon are the home of the perches villages. In Grasse, you can visit and smell the perfumeries that are located there.

Or for more hands on art, visit the glass blowers in Biot or the potters in Vallauris. There are many major festivals that occur throughout the year as well.

There is little dispute that Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and contains canals, gondolas and amazing architecture.

If you are planning a visit to this romantic Italian city, try and visit it in spring or fall to avoid the heat and tourist crowds.

While in Venice Italy, there are many sightseeing activities such as going to churches, museums, and other tourist attractions. You can also attend many events and other activities that are unique to this city built on the sea.

The Voga Longa is a local rowing competition which is held annually on the last day of May. This particular rowing race originated as a protest against the power boats that were once taking over the Venice canals. Now this rowing event has turned into a water festival. The racetrack passes through most of Venice, and crowds of people gather along the canals to cheer up the participants.

The Regata ‘Storica takes place in September on the first Sunday of the month. This event celebrates an occasion that took place in 1489. It’s an exhibit displaying almost one hundred types of Venetian boats.

While in Venice, do not forget to take a ride on the Water Bus called Vaporetto during sunset. The gorgeous sight is filled with the soft sunset light providing a mesmerizing picture. It is one of the best ways to remember Venice.

Although a ride on a Gondola is costly, you can save money by negotiating with the gondola operator to bring your price down. Taking a gondola ride down the majestic canals is a true Venetian experience. It doesn’t hurt to ask but the discounted rate might get you less time, and fewer sights. Work this out with your gondolier before you begin your trip.

If a gondola ride isn’t for you, then you try crossing the Grand Canal via traghetto. These are very cheap and are essentially gondolas that are too old to be used for that purpose. You can also visit the Rialto Bridge and the open air markets near it along with the Pescheria (fish market).

Another memorable experience, is spending a day on one of the nearby Venetian islands (like Murano or Burano) which you can reach via the many boat services. The Glass Museum in Murano offers a terrific visitor experience as well as the Lace Museum in Burano.

Venice is a such a beautiful city.A place that everybody should experience at least once in their lifetime.

Holy Shroud

Torino in Italy, is known around the world for its art and culture. Many know this city as Turin, but locally known as Torino, the city of extraordinary historic and artistic wealth, including fabulous museums and Baroque buildings.

Torino, Italy will be exhibiting The Holy Shroud for the first time in ten years. The Holy Shroud is said to be the linen cloth that Jesus Christ’s body was wrapped after the Crucifixion.

This Spring, all of Italy is preparing for this exciting event. The public exhibition of the Holy Shroud, will be held in Torino’s St. John the Baptist Cathedral, located in Piazza San Giovanni (San Giovanni Square).

The 2010 Holy Shroud Exhibition will be an event of worldwide importance. Historians and religious figures are looking forward to this once in a lifetime event.

The importance from a religious point of view cannot be overstated enough. Even Pope Benedict XVI has plans to visit the Shroud exhibition on May 2nd.

The Holy Shroud is one of the world’s most sacred of religious artifacts. The Shroud is well preserved and kept away from public view.

But occasionally, the Holy Shroud is put on display for public viewing. The last time this occurred was ten years ago.

According to historians, the linen cloth that’s kept in the Cathedral of Torino, is the same Shroud that is mentioned in the Bible’s New Testament. The cloth was used to wrap the body of Jesus Christ in the sepulcher, after his Crucifixion.

In 1578, the Shroud first arrived in Torino based on the request of the Savoy family. It’s been preserved inside the Cathedral of Torino since 1589, and studied for years in order to better understand its origin and authenticity.

The 2010 Holy Shroud Exhibition will be held from April 10th to May 23rd, 2010. Church viewing hours are from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm, daily.

For more information go to: Holy Shroud (Official Site)

Glasgow Cathedral

Scotland is such an incredible and popular place to visit. One of the most exciting cities anywhere to visit is Glasgow.

Glasgow has such a wide array of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Although there are numerous modern attractions to see, most visitors come to Glascow to take in the sights of the city’s spectacular architecture. View the many works of designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the famous Art Nouveau architect.

Glasgow born (in 1868) Mackintosh worked as an apprentice to the architect John Hutchinson from the age of 16. In 1890 he took a tour of Italy, financed by the prize money he gained from winning the Alexander Thomson Travelling Studentship. In 1893 Glasgow returned from Italy and began work on the Glasgow Herald Building which was his first large scale project.

While visiting Glasgow, visit many of the places that showcase the work of Mackintosh including the House for an Art Lover and the stunning Glasgow School of Art.

A short distance away, in Helensburgh, is Hill House which is also well worth visiting as it is considered one of his finest works. Two additional buildings associated with Mackintosh are the Lighthouse and Queens Cross Church.

The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse is Scotland’s Centre for Architecture, Design and the City, and opened as part of Glasgows status as UK City of Architecture and Design in 1999. The renamed building, originally housed the offices of the Glasgow Herald newspaper, and was remodeled by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1893-95. This was Mackintoshs first design, for a major public building. One of the most stunning features of The Lighthouse is the view over Glasgow City from the Mackintosh Tower, which is accessible via a helical staircase from the third floor. There is also another modern viewing platform, which forms the buildings sixth floor, and is only accessible via a lift.

Queens Cross Church

Glasgow’s Queens Cross Church, though no longer an active church, is famous for being the only church ever designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh that was completed. Many people know it as the Mackintosh church and it first came into use in 1899 and was decommissioned in the 1970s. It is now open to the public and home to the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society.

Another must see building in Glasgow is quite possibly the most important the Glasgow Cathedral, the only medieval cathedral to survive complete during the destruction of the Scottish Reformation. One of the more recent elements are the stained glass windows which are the finest example of 20th century stained glass in Scotland.

London’s elite, Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel has been named one of the Top 10 World’s Best Luxury Hotels. The establishment came fourth in the best luxury hotels in Europe list, and sixth in the best hotels in the Top 25 favorite locations. The Chesterfield Mayfair also placed sixth in the Top 10 Europeans hotels for service. Five other British hotels made the Top 100.

Discreetly tucked away in the exclusive residential district of Mayfair in London, England, the Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel sits within short, walking distance of the bright lights and bustle of Piccadilly Circus, along with Buckingham Palace, the Royal Academy and West End theaters.

Guests are less than 500 meters from the well-manicured lawns of Hyde Park and Grosvenor Square.Famous for its hotels, the Mayfair district holds London’s most expensive homes and features the most luxurious shops on Bond Street. The area is also home to several tucked-away pubs, restaurants and local shops in the atmospheric Shepherd Market.

London’s Heathrow Airport is 27 kilometers from the Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel. The Heathrow Express train service to London’s Paddington Station leaves every 15 minutes. The airport is also on the Underground’s Piccadilly Line, which takes passengers directly to Green Park underground station, located 500 meters from the hotel.

Afternoon canapés can be enjoyed in the light, airy conservatory at the Chesterfield Mayfair, and guests can sample fine cognacs, malt whiskies, sherries, champagnes and cocktails in the gentleman’s club-like ambience of the Terrace Bar. Guests can also dine on British dishes, including the signature dish of Dover Sole, in the relaxed, elegant setting of Butlers Restaurant.

Guests can take advantage of 24- hour room service or browse reading materials in the hotel’s library. The 24-hour, multilingual front desk can exchange currency and offer complimentary access to a nearby gym.

The 110 rooms and suites at the Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel are individually decorated in English styles with print fabrics and traditional furnishings. Amenities include bathrobes, coffeemakers, in-room safes and satellite television. Complimentary Internet access, newspapers, bottled water and toiletries are also provided.

London, England is home to a large number of wonderful tourist attractions. It can often be difficult to know even where to begin once you arrive.

The rich history and amazing sights are almost never-ending. London has a lot to offer, but we’ve tried to identify just a few sights that are well worth the effort to see.

One of the first landmarks and one of London’s most modern, is the incredible London Eye. The vast ferris wheel of vision opened to the public in 1999. Despite a number skeptics who doubted the giant wheel would ever last, it’s gone on to become one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions.

No visit to London can be without a stop at one of the most famous London attractions – Buckingham Palace. Buckingham Palace is one of the most instantly recognizable buildings in the world. More than just a sightseeing marvel, Buckingham Palace is also the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. Buckingham Palace is truly an architectural and visual delight, full of stunning works of art.

Another main attraction of London is St Paul’s Cathedral. It is a monument to the renaissance style of architecture, redesigned and rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren in 1668, just after the great fire of London. This stunningly beautiful cathedral is located at the top of Ludgate Hill. St Paul’s Cathedral proudly stands today as Britain’s most iconic building.

Although it’s graces the mighty Thames River, the victorian Tower Bridge has a dark and gruesome history. In the past, the Tower of London has been a prison and place of execution for London’s own people. The Tower of London was initially built by William the Conqueror as an attempt to keep London’s wild-side under control.

If you’re looking for a little artistic flair, then visit the impressive Tate Modern. Tate Modern is the modern art capital of England and displays works many famous modernist artists such as Picasso, Dali, Matisse, and of course … Andy Warhol.

London’s Natural History Museum was designed by Alfred Waterhouse and built in 1881 using Victorian building techniques. The museum was originally constructed to store the growing number of natural history exhibits in the British Museum. But due to the large amount of pieces, the Natural History Museum has grown into the enormous museum it is today.

Of course, there are numerous other landmarks to see while in fabulous London. Take the time to visit as many as you can and absorb the city’s rich history and British culture.

The incredible Costa del Sol is one of the leading resort areas in all of the world.

Costa del Sol is a five star luxury destination in Southern Spain and offers visitors an attractive range of upmarket accommodations, which is ideal for couples, golfers, as well as families.

Spain’s sunshine coast is blessed with amazing beaches and exciting nightclubs. The area is also home to over 40 golf courses and Costa del Sol has now transformed itself into a golfers’ paradise.

After enjoying a day on the golf course or the beach, pamper yourself with the soothing luxury at one of the area’s top resorts.

Costa del Sol offers its guests an exclusive oases for both relaxation and comfort. Don’t be surprised if you happen to pass a sports or entertainment celebrity strolling through the  tropical gardens, dining at a fine restaurant or relaxing in a spa.

One of the best  five star hotels is the Marbella Hotel Puente Romano and named after the old Roman bridge. The Puente Romano offers 285 spacious rooms with either a balcony or terrace, including 82 suites.

Fine dining is abundant at the Puente Romano, including seasonal Italian and Mediterranean specialties at the chic Roberto’s, snacks and meals at Café Puento or a fusion of European and Moroccan fare at the Suite Restaurant.

Tennis facilities have allowed the hotel to host international tournaments and there’s a private golf course a short drive away. Puente Romano has three swimming pools and a fitness centre offering body treatments and sauna. Other therapies are available at the sister hotel, the Marbella Club Thalasso Spa, along the promenade.

The Las Dunas is a fully refurbished, stylish boutique hotel, and proud member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World. The 88 suitesare very spacious and range from Junior to the sumptuous Royal Suite with private terrace, sea views and walk-in rain showers and Jacuzzi in each bathroom.

Three restaurants offer a choice of Andalusian, Italian and Asian meals or gourmet cuisine. Activities such as sailing, riding or golf can be arranged by the concierge and there is an in house luxury car rental service.

Guest can treatments based on Kanebo and St Barth products from the French Caribbean, at the he Las Dunas Serenity Spa and Beauty lounge. Enjoy a relaxing body wrap, massage, Vichy shower and a hammam circuit.

The luxury Mijas Byblos Andaluz Hotel highlights the area’s local heritage, decorated in Andalusian style with Greek and Roman touches including: patios and marble floors to carved wooden ceilings and Moorish archways, it’s a delightful venue with attractive gardens to complete the picture.

The hotel offers 144 rooms providing garden, pool or golf course views and include 35 suites from Junior to Royal.

Dinner can be enjoyed al fresco in Le Nailhac or Byblos Andaluz restaurants and guests will also find local and international cuisine in La Fuente.

The highly acclaimed thalassotherapy spa, known as the Temple of Health, boasts three indoor seawater pools and a range of treatments, such as pressure underwater spray and algotherapy.

Courtesy of: The Lanesborough

The Lanesborough (a St. Regis Hotel) in London, is a luxury hotel located on world famous Hyde Park Corner.

The Lanesborough opened in 1991 and has been a landmark place to stay for the affluent, ever since. The luxury hotel was created inside the empty walls of the former St. George’s Hospital.

With Christmas quickly nearing, The Lanesborough is offering several holiday promotions for their honored guests.

o From December 13 – January 3 The Lanesborough is offering special holiday rates which include Champagne and petit fours, daily car parking, Sony VAIO laptops in all guest rooms, high-speed wireless internet access, unlimited movies on demand, fresh fruit and mineral water replenished daily, tea and coffee on arrival and with wake-up calls, as well as 24-hour Butler Service. Nightly rates start at 355 GBP for a deluxe double to 575 GBP for an Executive Junior Suite.

o From the 1st November 2009, ‘Apsleys – a Heinz Beck Restaurant’ at The Lanesborough offers its collaboration with Dom Pérignon, a nine course tasting menu. Served throughout November and December, the Heinz Beck and Dom Pérignon tasting menu represents the exclusive partnership of two globally respected names in the world of fine living. This exceptional menu comprises some of the finest ingredients and wines in the world, including Herbal infusion with tuna tartar and tea sorbet and a selection of rare Dom Pérignon OEnothèque Vintages, such as Vintage 1995 and Vintage 1969 – of which there are only a few bottles remaining.

o London’s premiere hotel warmly welcomes guests over the festive season to experience and enjoy the delights that the city’s foremost address has to offer. Soft candlelight, open fire and traditional decorations create the perfect ambiance for a luxurious Christmas. In addition, Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck and his team have created a sumptuous array of temping menus to be enjoyed with friends and family, accompanied by the finest wines and Champagnes.

The Lanesborough, A St. Regis Hotel
www.lanesborough.com
Hyde Park Corner
London, SW1X 7TA, United Kingdom
020 7259 559

In the true tradition of “do GOOD live WELL”, Charitybuzz is now offering its “12 Days of Christmas Travel List”.

It’s an amazing list of extravagant travel experiences to incredible destinations such as Italy, the Caribbean, San Francisco, France, Switzerland and Las Vegas! You will feel like you’re truly living a life of the rich and famous.

1.)    A Caribbean Cruise For 6 People Aboard Gadget, A Luxury Sailing Yacht: Pack your bags and get ready for an amazing week in the Caribbean!  This classic 64’ Hinckley Ketch was recently refurbished and is one of only five ever built.  Together with the Captain, you choose the itinerary.  This amazing vessel sleeps 7 comfortably in three newly appointed staterooms- one private master suite and two double staterooms.

2.)    Travel to Chakravarty Cup Polo Match and Join Hands with the British Royal Family: Travel to England for this once in a lifetime opportunity to meet Prince William and his family at The Chakravarty Cup Polo Match, which is to be played between HRH Prince William’s Team and an International Team in Spring or Summer of 2010.

3.)    Experience Las Vegas In Style Las Vegas In Style: This Vegas trip has it all!  Private limousine, world renowned spa, private wine tasting, Cirque de Soleil Love Beatles hit show, golf at the Southern Highlands Course, dinner at the James Beard Award Winning restaurant for Best Chef – Bartolotta, and a VIP visit to one of the hottest clubs in Las Vegas: Pure – where you will sip Dom Perignon and dance the night away.

4.)    4-Day Stay at the Il Bottaccio Relais & Chateaux in Italy: Renowned for exquisite properties throughout the world, this Relais & Chateaux getaway is no exception. You and a guest will enjoy a 4-day stay in a suite at the Il Bottaccio di Montignoso in the Tuscany region of Italy.

5.)    Enjoy A Luxurious 2 Bedroom Residence at the Magnificent Ritz Carlton Club, Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek, Colorado: Hit the slopes with this 1 week stay in January 2010 at a 1400+ square foot, 2-bedroom residence at the Ritz Carlton Club, Bachelor Gulch Premium Ski-In / Ski-Out Resort.

6.)    Bonjour! France’s premier 5-star Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat Sea View Suite Including Breakfast For 2: Mingle among the ultra rich in grand yet discreet style, amid some of the most beautiful (and expensive) real estate on earth. The peninsula of Cap-Ferrat, located halfway between Nice and Monaco in the center of the Cote d’Azur, has been a playground for kings, great artists and multi-millionaires for more than a century. And the Grand Hotel, built in 1908 at the apex of the peninsula and now a protected national monument, is Cap-Ferrat’s splendid center—17 acres of quiet shoreline and parkland surrounding belle époque architecture, a gourmet restaurant, and luxurious accommodations.

7.)    Healing Swiss Vacation at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz : Discover the timeless elegance and perfection of peace in the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, the true source of being. You will experience the ultimate in luxury relaxation with a three-night vacation for two at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz and Spa at the foot of the Pizol Mountains in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley of Eastern Switzerland.  Exclusive restaurants and spas are all complimentary as well!

8.)    3 Day <http://www.charitybuzz.com/categories/2/catalog_items/5100204:  Oceanfront Accommodations for Two At Costa d’Este Beach Resort: Enjoy 3-day, 2-night oceanfront accommodations for 2, including a cooking class from renown Chef David Rodriguez!

9.)    A Luxurious 3-Night Getaway in a Corner Suite at the Montage Beverly Hills: Step into a world of comfort, luxury and beauty as you and a guest check in to a sumptuous corner suite at the Montage Beverly Hills.  Your 3-night escape from the everyday will be one you’ll never forget.  Corner suites offer 875 square feet of living space, and command premium views of Beverly Drive or Canon Drive.

10.) Ciao! 2 Nights at the Villa D’Este Hotel in Italy: Villa D’Este a former 16th century princely residence, surrounded by a 25 acres park, is more than just a hotel. The luxury and magnificence of a bygone era is maintained intact.   Upon emerging from the revolving doors you feel the cares of the modern world slip away and the warm greetings of the staff make you feel at home.

11.) Travel First Class to San Francisco and Stay at the Beautiful Westin St. Francis!: This incredible package includes two first class tickets on American Airlines from anywhere in the continental U.S. to San Francisco, 3 nights at the The Westin St. Franics, and dinner for 2 at Michael Mina.

12.) Escape for 3 Nights to the Dominican Republic with Airfare from Jetblue!: Located on the exotic north coast of the Dominican Republic and directly on the water, Casa Colonial Beach & Spa is the ultimate, world-class seaside resort. This tastefully intimate resort, thoughtfully designed by Sarah Garcia, daughter of owner Don Isidro Garcia, features an exceptional fusion of old-world elegance with distinctly contemporary style. The resort sets its colonial chic vibe with sheer curtains, eclectic furnishings, fabric light elements and one-of-a-kind art throughout.

For all available auctions, go to Charitybuzz

Nothing says traditional Christmas, better than the various Christmas markets and festivals held in Germany each year.  For many years, the biggest and best is held in Munich.

There are numerous street performers to enjoy, in addition to enjoying the Munich festival’s very own Christmas market, which is used by the event’s organisers to promote the benefits of environmentally-friendly products, as well as to sell more traditional gifts.

Food lovers can also experience a wide range of local German plus other cuisines from around the world. This diversity makes the Munich market a festival a highly cosmopolitan event.

Christmas markets, or Christkindlmärkte, as they’re called in German, are open from around December 1st to Christmas Eve. This event is truly a festive occasion, celebrating all the best of Christmas.

There are at least ten different markets scattered around Munich. The biggest and most famous is the Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz.

There are small Christmas markets all over the city, but the one at Marienplatz is the biggest and most popular. It is always very crowded. Not quite sure what the appeal is because it’s always brass monkey weather and there’s never anything going on which is really *that* exciting.

They are collections of little wooden stalls which sell various items such as sweets, Christmas decorations, and various other arts and crafts.

Perhaps the biggest attraction is the famous mulled wine (in German: Glühwein). This warm wine drink is perfect for the chilly, winter German nights.

Val d’Isère

Spend the holidays by cozying up to the fire in the beautiful town of Val d’Isère, a commune located in south-eastern France just 3 miles from the border of Italy.

Val d’Isère is perfect for lovers of luxury ski holidays as it is a part of the Rhône-Alpes region known for its snowy peaks dusted with white powder.

The town of Val d’Isère is known for its “chalet” architecture and is often called the “Most Beautiful Ski Area in the World.”