Jetsettersblog

Elegant Destinations Ltd has recently released the Top Ten Things to do in Mauritius. Mauritius is the Indian Ocean’s popular family destinations. The island is famous for its powder white sand beaches – but there’s much more than meets the eye, so after a swim in the turquoise crystal waters, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in Mauritius. Here are Top Ten Things to Do in Mauritius with tips from Elegant Destinations local office.

1. Experience the best Surfing spots during your stay on the island. The most easily accessible surf spots are found mainly along the south west coast where surfing conditions are best during the months of May to October. The legendary and most accessible surfing spots of Mauritius are the Tamarin Bay and Le Morne point, both along the South-West coast. Tamarin Bay was well known in the late 60′s among the hippy surfers, namely Australians for its ideal wave. Le Morne also offers lefts and rights as One Eye and La Prairie spots are on each side of a pass. Le Morne spots may not often offer the ideal waves like in Tamarin but has the great advantage of being moderate to big almost all year round; at least during 2 to 3 hours of the day.

2. Discover Mauritius colourful marine life by submarine. The Blue Safari Submarine is the only operator of real submarines in the Indian Ocean. At 35m depth, your dream comes true as you discover the magic of the marine life. You will enjoy a rare and unforgettable experience, travelling in total security and comfort on board very sophisticated, air conditioned submarines. During your dive, amongst multi-coloured fish, you will discover the beauty of the corals. Viewing the wreck of the ‘Star Hope’ and its numerous inhabitants, is always a magical moment. A unique adventure which should not be missed.

3. Visit the beautiful capital of Port Louis which received the status of city in 1964. The famous Port Louis central market is the ideal place to buy spices and is famed for its local handicrafts, shops and boutiques. After the shopping, have a stroll in the Chinatown of old Port-Louis where the atmosphere is really different. The eldest inhabitants of the Port-Louis Chinatown still dress the Chinese way and have kept their deep Chinese customs. The heat and strong aromas of the spices of the Chinese cuisine, will give you an impression of mainland China. In the afternoon visit the Caudan Waterfront with its cafes and shops.

4. A half day tour to the Adventurous South should not be missed. Visit the famous Seven Coloured Earth at Chamarel. Start off early as sunrise is the best time to see the Coloured Earths. Geologists are still intrigued by the rolling dunes of multi-coloured lunar-like landscape. The colours are red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow and the soil never erodes in spite of torrential tropical downpours. This phenomenon has never been fully explained but it is believed the soil is composed of various mineral rich volcanic ash. The ride to and from Chamarel is magnificent with stunning views across the Le Morne bay.

5. Enjoy Mauritius fine cuisine: Mauritius is a mix of cultures and cuisines. The Mauritius food has its origins from three main continents Africa, India and Asia. Eating in Mauritius is a real delight. The much loved dish for all Mauritians is the Creole curry which is a quite spicy and hot. The curry can be made of fish, chicken or beef and its served with white rice and lentils. In local restaurants you can also try the Chinese cuisine which is varied and very reasonable. All restaurants on the island offer fresh fish dishes and you can enjoy fresh fish, sea urchins, prawns, lobsters and oysters.

6. Big Game Fishing in the tropical water of Mauritius should not be missed. Mauritius hosts every year the world class competition The Marlin World Cup and anglers come to take part from all parts of the globe. Big game fishing is practiced throughout the year in Mauritius although the best season for marlin is from October to April. Mauritius is a real deep-sea fishing paradise. You can try your luck with blue marlins, black marlins, sharks, yellow-fin tunas, skipjack tunas, sailfish, wahoos, and barracudas. These predators feed close to the island where the sea bed falls up to a depth of 4000 m. The smaller boats that we use can be shared by up to three anglers and they have one fighting chair in the stern and outriggers to troll five baits at a time.

7. Enjoy a relaxing full day cruise of the northern islands on the catamaran with a barbecue lunch. After one hour of easy cruising you will discover the magic of Gabriel Island, a Mauritius protected nature reserve with pristine white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, a beautiful coral garden, rich birdlife and spectacular coastal scenery. On the Island you enjoy a beach barbecue overlooking the sea. In the afternoon you can take a 45-minute hike around the island on the coast path where you can enjoy the stunning views and activities of the tropical birds. You may also snorkel or kayak in the lagoon, treat yourself to a beach-side massage, or simply laze in the sun on the beautiful sandbar that Gabriel Island is best known for. An unforgettable experience!

8. Diving in Mauritius. Attractive dive sites can be found all around the island. Courses are offered all around the island and depending on the diving-centres, courses in PADI, CMAS or NAUI are offered.
The North coast offers particularly attractive diving at Whale Rock which is famous for the huge rocks, sea fan, huge stone corals, sometimes hammerhead sharks and other different species of fish. Flat Island, which is renowned for its ‘Shark pit’ shark dive and the Silver star wreck where an old fishing boat sank in 1990. Grand Bay and Pereybere offer about 6 diving sites along the coast ranging in depth from 11-18m.
The East coast is famous for its beautiful beaches and magnificent lagoons bordering the coasts and is scattered with many channels that allow easy access to the open sea. There is one nice dive into the current of the Belle Mare lagoon (12-30m). There are sharks, rays, barracuda, tuna fish and kingfish.
The South East Coast allows divers to swim in caves, canyons, arches, tunnels and peaks. The interesting diving sites are Roche Zozo, Colorado and the historical wreckage of the Sirius, which was sunk in 1810 during the naval battle of Grand Port between the British and French.

9. A first in Mauritius. Walking with lions and cheetah!
The first “Lion Encounter” takes place at the Casela Nature & Leisure Park. The team with experience of over three generations of lion handling offer the safest lion experience The park has an area of 10 hectares and is home to 1,500 birds, giant tortoises, tigers, lions and monkeys.

10. Mauritius is a world class Golf destination. Most of the golf courses in Mauritius are expertly designed and maintained. The surrounding areas with exotic palm trees, bougainvilleas, flame trees and lakes offer a relaxing and natural setting. The GOLF OPEN is held every year in December. For the earnest golfer or beginners alike the climate and facilities offer a true paradise holiday.

Website http://www.elegantdestinations.co.uk

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COSTA RICA – Travelers who need a life boost will find that and so much more at Costa Rica Nature Adventures’ Pacuare Lodge.

Pacuare Lodge is located about two hours outside San Jose, Costa Rica along the Pacuare River in the middle of a secluded Costa Rican jungle.

There is no electricity and the only way to get to the lodge is via white water rafting.

At Pacuare Lodge visitors are forced to unplug, wake up to the sounds of nature and enjoy all the beautiful things Costa Rica has to offer.

The Lodge’s bungalows offer unparalleled views of the Pacuare River and the resort’s surrounding rain forest. Perched on a ridge amid the tropical greenery, the suites offer exquisite yet simple décor that perfectly complements their surrounding jungle backdrop.

The Lodge also prides itself in sustainable building and operating methods.

Lanterns and candles give light, solar heating panels provide hot water and a nearby spring is used for drinking water.

No trees were cut to build the bungalows and main lodge. Lumber was purchased from a sustainable reforestation project.

The roofs are made from palm leaves installed by Cabecar Indians living in the area using their traditional style. Guides and staff members are local residents – some who have worked on the lodge’s grounds most of their lives.

All meals are cooked on the grounds by local chefs. And all food and resort materials are shipped in via raft from the nearest town. All inclusive package rates start at $375 per person with double occupancy.

www.pacuarelodge.com

Bush and Beyond

Luxury In The Wild: Visit Kifaru House In Kenya’s Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

NAIROBI, Kenya –Situated on the northern foothills of Mt Kenya, Kifaru House is set on the 65,000 acre privately owned Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

Kifaru, the Swahili word for rhino, is the dream realized by one of Lewa Conservancy’s donors. A private villa built with no compromise in quality or comfort by a unique individual.

The living area is as spacious as the vast plains it overlooks. With a comfortable sitting area around a huge fireplace, it is the perfect spot for conversation after a day filled with adventure.

The dining area includes a spectacular table crafted from ancient dhow wood plus an inviting fireplace. Kifaru has a swimming pool which looks out towards Mt. Kenya.

A short walk from the main area through the beautiful gardens, takes you to six cottages. Each cottage has large windows looking out on stunning views and is furnished with beautiful colonial style furniture.

Canopied double beds, ensuite baths and private verandahs make these “luxury in the wild”. All income generated by Kifaru House is directly reinvested into wildlife conservation and local community development programs.

www.bush-and-beyond.com

The Savute Channel, one of the greatest sources of mystery and fascination in Northern Botswana, is flowing again after nearly 30 years of lying dormant.

Covering over sixty miles as it flows from the Linyanti River, it is only a matter of days before it reaches its final destination in the middle of the Chobe National Park.

Herds of wildlife are now arriving at the site of this fresh new watering hole, and now African Travel Inc. is offering travelers the opportunity to experience Botswana at a lower price for the 2010 season.

African Travel, Inc., a company that specializes in offering super-luxe journeys to Africa, recently announced special offers on Botswana safaris for the 2010 season. Perhaps the finest game experience in the whole of Africa, Botswana has become a legendary destination within a small circle of safari connoisseurs.

This special offer gives travelers the opportunity to experience an 8 day safari to the “Last Refuge” for prices starting at $3650.

The pristine and well-managed wildlife reserves in Botswana, along with the small and intimate nature of the camp sites, promise visitors a highly personalized and active game viewing adventure.

The camps, although secluded, are surprisingly sophisticated, attending to all comforts in a style that’s uniquely African. Travelers will discover one of Africa’s last true wilderness areas with game viewing in three different ecosystems.

Other highlights include savoring freshly prepared meals while in the ‘bush’ with culinary creations designed to tempt every palate, searching for wildlife in specially-equipped open safari vehicles with expert guides and local trackers, and maximizing safari thrills with small bush plane transfers between camps that give travelers the chance to see Botswana wildlife from the air.

www.africantravelinc.com

You don’t need to travel to far flung parts of the country to take part in the renaissance in traditional crafts, to be featured on BBC TV over the next six weeks. Here in the heart of The National Forest there are plenty of opportunities to learn the techniques, skills and often forgotten histories of woodland crafts.

Mastercrafts, a six week series filmed in Dorset, starts on 12 February on BBC2, and follows three hopefuls in their search for the perfect traditional craft for them.

Here in The National Forest you can train under master woodsman Peter Wood in his woodland workshop Greenwood Days. Under his expert guidance, novices and keen amateurs can learn pole lathe turning, Windsor chair making, how to make your own long bow and learn to fire it, steam and tar a coracle, weave a willow basket or bend a hazel hurdle on courses lasting from one to eight days.

If Ray Mears’ bushcraft survival skills are more to your taste, there are three survival schools based in The National Forest. Forage for wild food, collect rain water from leaves, twist twine out of tree roots or filter water through socks lined with moss and wood ash. Build a snug shelter in the woods and watch the stars come out.

Or you can volunteer with BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) and learn dry stone walling, hedgelaying, coppicing and other countryside skills. It’s a great way to meet people, have fun and get fit at the same time.

See more about Forest experiences on The National Forest website at
www.nationalforest.org/visit/thingstodo/experience.php
 For Peter Wood’s Greenwood Days courses: www.greenwooddays.co.uk
Survival schools in The National Forest:
Survival School: 0871 222 7304
Woodland Survival Crafts: www.woodlandsurvivalcrafts.com
Woodland Ways: www.woodland-ways.co.uk
BTCV: 01530 277855 www.btcv.co.uk

Kitzbühel is proud to welcome a new star in Alpine tourism – namely Grand Tirolia Golf and Ski Resort in Kitzbühel where a refined ambience and warm, down-to-earth hospitality meet the rich sporting tradition of the Austrian town.

The prestigious 5 star Tyrolean hotel, which opened its doors at the end of 2009, lends new meaning to the concept of well-being, relaxation and pleasure. Set amidst a wildly romantic landscape, the Grand Tirolia offers a luxurious selection of suites and rooms, serves gourmet cuisine in outstanding restaurants and bars and includes a magnificent exclusive spa which leaves guests spoilt for choice.

The harmonious interplay of nature, sport and lifestyle is a key element at the Grand Tirolia. Situated at the heart of the 18-hole Eichenheim Golf Course and surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Tyrolean Alps, the Grand Tirolia permits a strong focus on outdoor activities.

The hotel’s private golf course, created by the star US designer, Kyle Philipps, takes players on a relaxing yet demanding journey through the beauty of the picture perfect Tyrolean Mountains. Currently ranked among the Top 100 golf courses in Europe, the 71-par and 6.092m long course is a challenge for even the most discerning of golfers and each hole on this renowned golf course provides a unique and often breathtaking experience.

Kyle Philipp’s philosophy that a golf course must fully incorporate the elements of the natural environment in which it is created is clearly evident in every stroke played at the course at Eichenheim. Gentle hills are followed by steep inclines.

The bunkers are embedded in the lush green fairways. Deciduous forests and streams left to follow their natural course constitute challenging obstacles, set against the beautiful and varying backdrop of the Wilder Kaiser, the Hahnenkamm and the High Tauern mountains.

In addition to world-class golf in the summer, winter guests to the Grand Tirolia can revel in some of the most celebrated downhill pistes in the world.

With a wealth of exhilarating and immaculate ski runs on the hotel’s doorstep, a wide range of bespoke facilities, services and treatments, such as ski equipment storage services, ski equipment booking services, and the issue of skipasses for the Kitzbühel skiing district, the Grand Tirolia ensures that skiiers needs are exceeded.

The Grand Tirolia lends new meaning to the concept of well-being, relaxation and pleasure. Not only does it offer the finest opportunities in Golf and Ski, but also boasts a 1,500m2 wellness area featuring an exclusive Aveda Spa.

Offering a multitude of fitness and wellness applications as well as a selection of massages and naturopathic treatments, the Grand Tirolia spa includes nine treatment rooms, two chocolate spa treatment rooms, interconnected indoor and outdoor pools and Jacuzzis, a Finnish sauna, Turkish baths, a cold air room, ice cave and ice fountain and much more besides.

Explaining his vision Chief Executive Ulrich Drewitz comments, “Our aim in developing the resort was to create a vibrant symbiosis between sports, recreation, relaxation and the lifestyle that is so characteristic of our marvellous Alpine surroundings.

Our luxurious design, natural building materials and sophisticated choice of colour and lighting are just a few of the ways in which we have realized a truly exclusive ambience of well-being.”

The style of the hotel and its rooms blends an international atmosphere with the region’s great tradition of tourism and architecture.

Throughout both public spaces and bedrooms, a combination of tradition and modernity, luxury and homeliness form a unique concept. The entire architecture of the hotel is characterised by materials produced locally, such as wood and stone, which are combined with sophisticated design elements and state-of-the-art technology.

The combination of tradition and modernity can also be found in the Petit Tirolia gourmet restaurant in which chef Bobby Bräuer creates unforgettably delicious experiences for the taste buds. Regional specialities are exquisitely combined with international dishes, whilst service retains the fine tradition of authentic Tyrolean hospitality.

From the very first day of opening, the Grand Tirolia Golf & Ski Resort’s philosophy has centred on the client and on providing the ideal combination of exclusivity and authenticity that makes the hotel so unique.

For further information on the hotel please visit www.grand-tirolia.com

SAILING IN GREECE WITH SUNVIL

Learn-to-Sail, Flotilla, Bareboat, Villa-Flotilla

Sunvil Sailing run yachting holidays off Lefkas island in the Greek Ionian Sea with a choice of accommodation either on board the boat or shore-based in a hotel, villa or apartment. They specialise in learn-to-sail weeks with certification but also offer flotilla, bareboat charter, individually tailored villa-flotilla packages and day boat hire.

The Greek sailing holidays run from early May to end October; holidaymakers can charter their own yacht with or without tuition, while singles, couples and parties too small to skipper their own boat can take advantage of Sunvil’s share-a-yacht weeks. New this year will be tuition yachts for single parents plus their children.

Learn-to-Sail Weeks

Sunvil’s learn-to-sail holidays in the Greek Ionian Sea are suitable for the complete novice as well as those with a little sailing experience or whose knowledge has lapsed; courses cater for singles, couples, groups of friends and families with youngsters from nine years upwards (under 16s need to be accompanied by an adult).

Accommodation is either live-aboard or shore-based while the superb coastal scenery, warm sheltered waters and favourable wind conditions provide a safe and pleasant location in which to learn new boating skills.

Tuition follows an internationally recognised syllabus; novices will aim for the Crew Certificate (for 12 years and over), while the more advanced can work towards a Skipper Certificate qualifying them for non-tidal coastal waters (for 16 years and over). Youngsters between 9 and 12 years can gain an Introduction to Yachting Certificate.

Live-Aboard Packages: For those choosing to live-aboard, the tuition yachts form the lead boats in a small flotilla, which departs from Sunvil’s base at Nidri.

Holidaymakers share their yacht with the instructor as it cruises around the stunning coastal islands; itineraries vary taking in islands such as Ithaca, Kephalonia, Kastos, Kalomos and Meganissi. Days are spent literally learning the ropes along with boating and navigational skills, while the flotilla moors up at a different harbour every evening for a relaxing and social dinner ashore in a local restaurant.

Six and eight berth yachts are used for the learn-to-sail programmes with between four and six students to one instructor.

Prices start from £717 per person per week based on two sharing a cabin to include return flights from London Gatwick to Prevesa, transfers, live-aboard accommodation and tuition.

There is a single cabin supplement from £100pppw and a £70 on-site contribution towards the on-board kitty to cover a welcome starter pack with some light refreshments and expenses such as yacht damage waiver, fuel, mooring fees, certification, etc. This rises to £110 for a two-week cruise.

Shore-Based Yacht Training Courses: First time sailors, families and groups where not everybody wishes to learn-to-sail or those who simply prefer the extra comforts of hotel, villa or apartment, can take the shore-based accommodation option.

They can then book as many two-day sailing modules as they wish with instruction. On non-sailing days guests can simply relax by the pool, try some watersports, go horse riding or hire a car and drive along the coast or explore inland.

One week’s stay at the Hotel Armonia in Nidri, B&B for two sharing a sea view room is priced from £549pp to include flights from London Gatwick and transfers in Greece. The learn-to-sail is additional – guests can buy the two-day course modules at £110 each based on a minimum of two people per yacht, plus £20pp on-site to cover certification, log-books and yacht fuel.

Other Options

In addition, Sunvil Sailing offer flotilla holidays in Greece for those with relevant qualifications to charter their own yacht. By trying to keep to around eight boats, the flotilla can moor overnight at some of the smaller, more attractive ports and form a sociable group for dinner at a local taverna or hotel. Prices start from £559pppw dependent on the size of yacht, number in the party and time of year plus an on-site contribution to cover yacht damage waiver, port documentation, etc.

They also have a limited number of yachts from 27 to 46ft available for bareboat charter for qualified/experienced sailors to sail independently outside the normal flotilla area.

Other options include skippered charter for holidaymakers wishing to relax just occasionally lending a hand when necessary, and day boat hire for shore-based holidaymakers.

Sunvil Sailing can also put together custom made packages with variations for individuals, couples or small groups to provide the perfect combination of live-aboard sailing, tuition and shore-based accommodation to suit all levels from experienced skippers to complete novices.

Sample Packages: A fortnight’s holiday for two with the first week on a shared tuition yacht and the second aboard their own 30ft boat as part of a flotilla would start from £950pp.

And a family or party of four with the first week on their own tuition yacht and the second in a two-bedroom self-catering apartment at the Hotel Armonia, Nidri would be from £790pp.

Malta, Turkey and Croatia Bareboat and Skippered Charter

This year Sunvil Sailing is offering bareboat and skippered charter in Turkey, Croatia and Malta from April to November. A vast selection of monohull and multihull craft are available to suit and can be packaged with flights and transfers; individual quotations on request.

The Maltese programme will operate from the Manoel Island Marina at Gzira while in Turkey the yachts are based at the modern marina at Yalikavak on the scenic coast around 10 miles from Bodrum and just 23 miles from the airport. Holidaymakers chartering a yacht in Turkey will also be able to cruise the long chain of picturesque Greek Dodecanese islands which hug the coastline. In Croatia they sail from the village of Kastela, which is about 15 minutes transfer from Split airport on the Central Dalmatian Coast. There is also the option of a second week in a hotel at all three destinations.

For further details contact Sunvil Sailing on Telephone: 0208 758 4780, email sailing@sunvil.co.uk  or visit www.sunvilsailing.co.uk

The Regent Grand Hotel Bordeaux was awarded its first Michelin star.

The Bordeaux restaurant opened 18 months ago. Pascal Nibaudeau, executive chef of Le Pressoir d’Argent restaurant at The Regent Grand Hotel Bordeaux, received his first Michelin star in the 2010 Michelin Guide.

Le Pressoir d’Argent opened in 2008 and specializes in innovative seafood. Nibaudeau’s previous experience includes work with two Michelin star chef Yves Mattagne at Brussels restaurant The Sea Grill.

Signature menu items at Le Pressoir d’Argent include Belon oysters sourced from Arcachon Bay and served with langoustines, Aquitaine Sturia caviar, crème aigrelette, cucumber and Belgian waffles; and a Breton blue lobster with a Béarnaise sauce made from black salsify, ceps, and lobster extract from the restaurant’s namesake silver press.

The Christofle lobster press — one of only five in the world — weighs nearly 90 pounds and is located in the 48-seat dining room for dynamic tableside presentations. Interiors at Le Pressoir d’Argent were designed by Jacques Garcia, whose recent work includes Hotel Costes in Paris and Marrakech’s legendary La Mamounia.

Design highlights reflect the seafood-centric menu and include black and white underwater photography by Pierre-Yves Hervy Valliant and dramatic seashell mosaics by artist Thomas Boog.

New features at Le Pressoir d’Argent include a 59 EUR lunch called “the Menu Escale,” as well as monthly wine dinners offered in partnership with prestigious local chateaux.

These dinners feature specially created menus by Chef Nibaudeau, and have been joined by the likes of Château Palmer, Château Angelus and Château Vieux — Certan and Vieux — Mouton Rothschild.

The Regent Grand Hotel Bordeaux opened June 2008 and is located in the heart of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jacques Garcia completely renovated and redesigned the 150-key property, linking together eight historic structures.

Property highlights include the original 18th century Marble Room, in-room wine bars in eight Prestige Suites, upscale cocktails lounge the Victor Bar and L’Orangerie, an indoor/outdoor winter garden.

For more information or reservations, call 800-545-4000

or visit www.TheRegentExperience.com

Castel Monastero in Tuscany is offering a new therapeutic program of renewal from Dr. Mosaraf Ali at the resort this spring. A specialist in integrated medicine whose international clientele includes Prince Charles, actor Michael Douglas, Sir Richard Branson, the Sultan of Oman and many other high-profile individuals, Ali will oversee an approach to health and wellness, encompassing traditional and ancient healing techniques from the Himalayas and beyond.

The exclusive, multi-day lifestyle program at Castel Monastero Spa is accompanied by special spa cuisine from Michelin-starred celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay.

Ali’s holistic healing approach begins with an understanding of each client’s past, present and place in the world. The program taps Ali’s specialties in Ayurvedic medicine and naturopathy, eschewing quick fixes and combining oriental and traditional medicines to promote a return to fitness and the vital potential for health and wellness at every age.

The healing concept is based upon nutrition, detoxification, movement and weight loss, with exclusive massages to aid in relaxation, recover tone and control the appetite.

Ali and Ramsay collaborated to develop a special menu at Castel Monastero, specifically designed for guests who are staying on the Wellness Program.

The special menu is tailored specifically for each guest, but incorporates local ingredients and special herbs and spices from the Himalayas.

The program launches March 19 and is priced from 1,300 euros per person for three days or 3,900 euros for seven days, based on double occupancy, including luxury accommodations as well as a personalized checkup by Ali, who will be in residence at Castel Monastero on weekends through 2010, and a personalized menu from Ramsay, including fasting days; therapeutic yoga and Ayurvedic massage sessions daily at the Castel Monastero Spa; special detoxifying powder from Rajasthan to cleanse the body of impurities; and daily Himalayan herb fasting tea.

For more information, call 011 39 0577 57000 or visit www.castelmonastero.com

The 2,700-square-foot Düsseldorf group exhibit at ITB Berlin reflects the city’s emerging role as a major new leisure destination for travelers from North America.

The city’s transformation from major business travel destination to tourism attraction is one topic of the group exhibit that also features other regional attractions, such as nearby cities Bonn and Cologne and 70 local tourism partners, a record number, and evidence of the city and region’s importance for tourism.

Düsseldorf’s event highlights for 2010 include: The second Quadriennale, a series of high caliber exhibits in nine of the city’s major art venues entitled “Presence of Art,” scheduled to run from September through January 2011; the reopening of K20 museum, which houses the State of North Rhine Westphalia’s collection of modern art, on July 10; and festivals such as the live outdoor gala broadcast from Düsseldorf’s opera house Deutsche Oper entitled “Opera and Ballet on Rhine for All,” the annual “Largest Fair on the Rhine,” Schumannfest, Christmas Market, and Japan Day.

For more information, visit www.visitduesseldorf.de