Euro-Bike Tours was sold to Austin-Lehman Adventures in 2008, and Ron Van Dijk, former owner of Euro-Bike Tours, is now ALA’s European cycling director. Van Dijk was in charge of selecting the Sensational Seven Cycling Routes of Europe.

“It was a fun challenge for me to go back through nearly four decades of cycling to pick my all-time favorite pedal routes of Europe,” said Van Dijk.

“I hope to inspire others to slow down, get on a bike and enjoy a Europe adventure on two wheels either on their own or with a small group tour such as those offered by ALA.”

Van Dijk’s “Sensational Seven” are as follows:

France — The Dordogne between Argentat and Beynac (110 miles). According to Van Dijk, it’s “a favorite for its authenticity, the peace, the great food, the old Romanesque churches, the castles and the history (such as the Hundred Years War between France and England). Make sure to divert from the valley every now and then to visit villages like St-Céré, Autoire, Loubressac, Rocamadour, as well as the lively town of Sarlat.”

Italy — South-Tyrol from Reschen Pass to Merano (50 miles).

From the top of the pass, Van Dijk said, “it’s all pretty much all downhill for about 50 miles on specially marked bike paths, and you’re always surrounded by some of the most majestic mountains of the Alps. Pass by villages, lakes, meadows, apple orchards and end your ride in the noble spa town of Merano.”

Spain — Rioja vineyards between Logroño and Haro (35 miles). Van Dijk suggests October when the leaves are turning, roads are peaceful and hospitality including tapas bars in Haro a blessing after tackling a few hills.

Germany — Mosel Valley from Trier to Koblenz (132 miles). This is a four-day stretch through steep vine-clad hills with stops at villages for sips of Rieslings. It’s is a gentle, downhill trip past Roman sites in Trier and castles and ruins around every bend of the Mosel.

Austria — Salzach Valley from Gerlos Pass/Krimml to Salzburg (115 miles). With the snowcapped Grossglockner, this is a highly scenic descent from Gerlos Pass to Salzburg.

Netherlands — Tulip, hyacinth and narcissus fields near Keukenhof (20 miles).

Denmark — Danish Riviera between Copenhagen and Helsingør (30 miles). Bike paths along Denmark’s “Gold Coast” reveal villas, fishing villages and museums such as the Karen Blixen Museum (author of “Out of Africa”), the Nivagaard art museum and the supreme Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in an incredible setting overlooking the Sound.

ALA’s cycling tour bookings were up 26 percent in 2011 over 2010. So far in 2012, they are up 10 percent. To accommodate the projected up trend, ALA added three new trips and additional departures representing a 15 percent increase in capacity from 2011 to 2012. The trips new for 2012 are France-Burgundy, Spain-Rioja and Denmark Family Adventure.

Austin-Lehman Adventures provides adventure vacations on five continents. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, biking vacations that emphasize history, culture and nature’s charms. Trips are limited to 12 guests (18 on family departures). For more information, call 800-575-1540.

The symbol of Copenhagen itself, the Little Mermaid from Dane Hans Christian Andersen’ romantic fairytale, is known and loved by all. This alone is indeed proof that Danes are real romantics at heart and that ‘Romantic Denmark’ is something you and your loved one can experience for yourselves in its capital.

What can be more romantic than strolling through a city hand in hand, discovering a new place together? This is easy in Copenhagen as the city is just around 90 minutes away by air from the UK, giving you lots of time to explore this fantastic capital. The city is compact with just around 1 Million inhabitants and most sights can be reached on foot from your city centre hotel.

With Valentine’s Day falling on a Tuesday this year, it makes it just the perfect time for that romantic long weekend away. February is also a particularly good time to be in Copenhagen as you will join in with the locals in their annual WonderCool Festival, a time when the capital is buzzing with both romance and more than 100 cultural events. See the full programme on www.wondercoolcopenhagen.com 

Let candles set the mood
The tiny streets and alleyways around main street Strøget, offers the best when it comes to shopping for local designs, fashions and crafts. You will soon notice that everybody uses candles everywhere; in windows, on tables and even outside on the pavements just to create that perfect romantic atmosphere. Danes know about candles and the positive effects of candle light, so why not buy some Danish designed candle holders to bring home as the perfect Valentine souvenir?

Cupid’s arrow
A hot chocolate with a heart shaped cake in one of the many cosy cafes will set you up for a visit to one of the most fascinating museums in the city; Thorvaldsen’s. This museum opened in 1848 and is a dedication to the works and collections of Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. The highlight for your visit will be to stand before the work named ‘Cupid and Psyche’ and as you might know, Cupid is the God of Love and this mischievous little archer has the power to send his arrow through the intended’s heart, making him or her fall in love with you…

Hand in hand
A stroll in the park is another favourite for lovers. Head for the waterfront by Amalienborg Royal Palace as at this tiny Amalienborg park, you find a magnificent large fountain and sculptures but most of all, from here you will have an amazing view across the water to the new Opera House. If the mood takes you, you may wish to stroll along further to see the Little Mermaid herself sitting on her rock.

If music is the food of your love, play on
Book seats for a night at Copenhagen’s outstanding Opera house or at one of the many great music venues. As part of the WonderCool Festival, the tragic love story, ‘La Traviata’, will be showing in the Opera House (www.visitcopenhagen.com/Events/La-Traviata/382 ), while the rest of the city is ‘jamming’ with both jazz (http://jazz.dk/en/vinter-jazz) and rock (http://frostfestival.dk/2012/).
　
Steamy atmosphere
For warming up, there can be no better place than the glorious winter garden inside the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (www.glyptoteket.com/). In this steamy atmosphere you can admire huge palm trees reaching for the light descending from a glass domed ceiling and spreading across sculptures and water features in this splendid museum, housing Danish and international works. This is a truly romantic setting in an arty atmosphere.

‘Love Seats’
A date often involves a trip to the cinema. In two cinemas in Copenhagen; the Empire (www.empirebio.dk/ ) and Falkoner (www.kino.dk/biografer/falkoner-biografen ) you can enjoy the benefits from purpose built love seats right at the back. These are seats specially made for two who like to sit very close together.

Gaze at the stars
There are no love seats at the Planetarium sadly but nevertheless, this is the place to sit and stare at the stars. Even on a cloudy day you can look at the awesome 1000 square meter domed screen, showing the never-ending movements of planets and the universe (www.tycho.dk/in_english/ ). Nearby, Europe’s oldest functioning observatory, The Round Tower, lights the candles and sets the mood for a truly romantic Valentine’s Evening. Treat your loved one to and evening of stargazing in the observatory and live music (www.rundetaarn.dk/engelsk/index.html ).

A romantic meal for two
Take the lift up to the 20th floor of the SAS Royal Hotel (www.radissonblu.com/royalhotel-copenhagen ), from where you have the absolute best view of the capital. The hotel is designed by Arne Jacobsen and is northern Europe’s first true designer hotel or stroll along the picturesque Nyhavn with its charming old buildings and stop by the popular waterfront restaurant, Cap Horn. The restaurant offers a sensuous four-course Valentine’s Day menu accompanied by the romantic tale of Isabella which once upon a time took place on this historic quayside (www.visitcopenhagen.com/Events/Valentins-evening-at-Cap-Horn/382).

Alternatively, invite your loved one to “My Funny Valentine – tour de l’amour” at restaurant Custom House. Together you can enjoy a special Valentine dinner overlooking the water. (www.visitcopenhagen.com/Events/My-funny-valentine-Tour-de-lamour/382) . A perfect end to a perfect day.

Getting there…
Flight time to Copenhagen is less than two hours. SAS Scandinavian Airlines (www.flysas.co.uk ) offers direct flights from Aberdeen, Manchester, Birmingham, London Heathrow and Dublin (www.flysas.ie ).
Easyjet (www.easyjet.com ) offers daily flights from both Stansted and Gatwick.

Where to stay…
For a wide choice of accommodation, please visit Brøchner Hotels (www.brochner-hotels.dk/ ) and Arp Hansen Hotel Group (www.valentine-i-koebenhavn.dk ).

More travel information…
For all information on travelling to Denmark, please go to: www.visitdenmark.com

For all aspects of a great weekend in Copenhagen: www.visitcopenhagen.com

The four-night Lofoten Islands & Northern Lights break departs on February 23rd and costs £1,432pp or £526pp for children under 12 sharing their parents’ room. As well as focusing on the awe-inspiring aurora borealis, the trip also takes a close look at culture, history and nature. Included in the price is an excursion to the Polarlight Centre at Laukvik for a multi-media presentation about the aurora, followed by a Northern Lights walk on the beach. A further excursion offers guests a short photography course in how to capture the best Northern Lights images and a storytelling session around an open fire about the many fascinating myths and legends associated with the aurora.

NASA experts predict 2012 will present the best Northern Lights activity for more than 50 years, and if January is anything to go by then the rest of the winter months will offer something truly magnificent.

The Lofoten Islands and The Northern Lights – From £1,432pp – A four-night break to Lofoten in Norway costs £1,432pp for adults or £526 for children under 12 sharing their parents’ room. The price includes direct flights from London Gatwick to Evenes, transfers, accommodation, full board and a number of excursions.

For more information or to book, call Taber Holidays on 01274 875199 or see www.taberhols.co.uk

A lumpfish spree will also be held at Restaurant Julian in Denmark’s National Museum on Feb. 25. DJ Jean von Baden will serve up the music, as lumpfish roe in a multitude of interpretations will be accompanied by copious quantities of champagne.

There will also be a “Pink Dinner” in the National Museum’s Ballroom, where the kitchen team from Krogs Fish restaurant will serve a five-course menu revolving around lumpfish roe. Afterwards, there is free admission to the lumpfish spree party. Keeping with the maritime theme, the Fish Bar in the meatpacking district offers midnight mussels on Saturday, Feb. 18 from midnight until 3 a.m. to the sounds of a Lulu Rouge DJ set, and Nyhavns Færgekro is holding its second annual herring recipe competition.

The rock festival Frost and Copenhagen Cooking have teamed up for the event, Resonance, where composer Jomi Massage and culinary orchestrators MartinussenDanielsen (creators of the former Madeleine’s Dinner Theatre) present a musical and dining experience at the old B&W factory. Another crossover event on the program is Fresh Fruit in the Palm House at Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden. The sound-experimentalist Fresh Fruit and some of Copenhagen’s most innovative cocktail bars invite guests to enjoy drinks and vibrant tones at a festive event in this beautiful and historic building.

Festival participants can also join a dessert evening with the winner of Dessert of the Year 2011, Nikolaos Strangas, attend an Icelandic festival and taste singed sheep heads, or extend the New Year at LêLê, which celebrates Chinese New Year with a seven-course menu full of surprises.

Copenhagen Cooking, arranged by Wonderful Copenhagen and a number of the city’s gastronomic players, has existed since 2005 in an August edition. Copenhagen Cooking’s winter edition is a part of Wonderful Copenhagen’s umbrella festival, Wondercool, which in addition to food also shines a spotlight on fashion, design, rock, jazz, architecture and art.

“Capitals of Scandinavia” allows guests to experience the beauty, culture and city life of Scandinavia. They can explore Oslo’s parks and architecture; the palaces, canals and copper spires of Copenhagen; and the contrast of minimalist design and spice-colored buildings of Stockholm. Seven-day sailings between Oslo, Norway and Stockholm, Sweden visit Stromstad, Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark (overnight); Rugen, Germany; and Bornholm, Denmark, and depart July 27 and August 19, 2012. Two-for-one savings fares plus two free hotel nights per cabin in Oslo or Stockholm, are priced from $2,799 per person.

“Best of the Baltic” features an overnight in St. Petersburg. Wind Surf docks close to the center of each port—just steps away from the grand capitals and hamlets. Guests can explore the treasures of St. Petersburg’s Hermitage and the city’s charming cafes.

Seven-day sailings roundtrip from Stockholm, Sweden visit Mariehamn, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia (overnight); Helsinki, Finland; Tallinn, Estonia; and Sandhamn, Sweden, with departures Aug. 3 and 11, 2012.

Cruises, including two free hotel nights per cabin in Stockholm, start from $3,699 per person.

“Treasures of Northern Europe” features three sailing days, plus the best of Northern Europe and overnights in Oslo and Amsterdam.

Guests can explore Northern Europe’s legendary cities and stand in the presence of some of the world’s great art masterpieces.

Eleven-day sailings between Lisbon, Portugal and Oslo, Norway visit Le Havre, France; Dover, Great Britain; Antwerp, Belgium; and Amsterdam, Netherlands (overnight), with departures July 16 and Aug. 26, 2012.

Cruises with two-for-one savings fares plus two free hotel nights per cabin in Lisbon or Oslo, start from $2,499 per person. Seven-day sailings, LeHavre to Oslo or reverse, are also available from $2,199, with two-for-one savings fares plus two free hotel nights per cabin in Oslo.

All fares are per person cruise only, based on double occupancy in category B and include non-discountable amounts. Government fees and taxes are additional ($35-$300 per person).

Two-for-one cruise fares are based on 50 percent of published full cruise fares as shown on select sailings. The two-night complimentary hotel offer is available per booked cabin, is applicable on select sailings and includes one complimentary transfer to or from the yacht, all tips, gratuities, taxes and luggage-handling fees.

Since entering the North American market in 2000, Viking River Cruises has expanded to operate in the six regions of Europe, Russia, Ukraine, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt. “Every year I am proud of our company’s milestones, but this is certainly a special anniversary in Viking’s history,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman and CEO of Viking River Cruises.

Designed by maritime architects Yran & Storbraaten, the six new Viking Longships will accommodate 190 passengers and feature energy-efficient hybrid engines, the largest real suites in Europe, and more full-size rooms and full-size verandas.

On March 21 in Amsterdam, Viking will christen four of the Longships — Viking Njord, Viking Odin, Viking Idun and Viking Freya.

The christening will mark the first time in history that four cruise ships will be christened at once.

After departing from Amsterdam, the Viking Longships will sail Viking’s most popular European itineraries including the 15-day “Grand European Tour,” eight-day “Romantic Danube,” eight-day “Danube Waltz” and 10-day “Tulips & Windmills.”

Two more Viking Longships — Viking Embla and Viking Aegir — will make their debut in July and August, respectively.

And given unprecedented demand, Viking is reviewing its newbuild program for 2013 and 2014.

Also new for 2012 is an enhanced Russian offering. With the launch of Viking Rurik (formerly Viking Peterhof), this year will mark the completion of bow-to-stern refurbishments of Viking’s owned and operated Russian fleet. To commemorate the transformations and to honor Viking’s heritage, the ships have been renamed Viking Rurik, Viking Helgi, Viking Ingvar and Viking Truvor.

In addition to multiple itinerary updates, new for 2012 is an eight-day program, “The Glories of the Hermitage,” which features exclusive access and private tours at the museum and the launch of a Russia-focused microsite.

The cruise is on the 249-passenger Sarfaq Ittuk. The ship stops at places such as Aasiat, Manitsoq and Sisimiut.

The trip includes roundtrip airfare between Iceland and Greenland, three nights’ accommodation with breakfast in Reykjavik and Ilulissat, one night’s accommodation with breakfast in Nuuk, arrival transfer and one local tour in Iceland, and accommodation on the ship in a twin berth cabin. Airfare from North America to Iceland and meals other than breakfast daily are not included.
For more information, visit www.greatcanadiantravel.com

The most expensive cities (excluding rent) are Trondheim and Stavanger in Norway, followed by Zurich in Switzerland.

Based on 45 goods and services, Numbeo.com’s cost of living survey for the beginning of 2012 was conducted by more than 23000 independent contributors who entered more than 241,000 prices.

The most expensive cities (excluding rent) are Trondheim and Stavanger in Norway, followed by Zurich in Switzerland.

In Numbeo’s survey, New York is used as the base city for the index and scores 100 points, all cities are compared against New York and currency movements are measured against US Dollar and EURO.

Tokyo (Japan) scores 135.23 points and is nearly three times as costly as Manila (Philippines) with 47.34 points.

In the 2012, the most expensive cities (excluding rent) are:

- Trondheim, Norway (188.91)
- Stavanger, Norway (171.32)
- Zurich, Switzerland (152.84)
- Oslo, Norway (152.03)
- Geneva, Switzerland (146.24)
- Bern, Switzerland (142.44)
- Lucerne, Switzerland (139.94)
- Perth, Australia (139.63)
- Bergen, Norway (138.79)
- Tokyo, Japan (135.23)
- Sydney, Australia (132.39)
- Adelaide, Australia (129.60)
- Monaco, Monaco (128.15)
- Copenhagen, Denmark (123.82)
- Edinburgh, United Kingdom (122.52)
- Melbourne, Australia (121.53)
- Dublin, Ireland (119.56)
- London, United Kingdom (118.52)
- Arhus, Denmark (115.96)
- Canberra, Australia (115.89)

For complete rankings please visit http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/rankings.jsp 

Numbeo.com is the biggest free Internet database about the cost of living worldwide.  Cut down your travel risks with Seven Corners trip cancellation insurance at www.sevencorners.com

Earlier this year, Uniworld was also rated as the world’s Number One “Best River Cruise Line” in Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards.

“I am deeply honored that Uniworld has again been recognized in Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List,” states Guy Young, president of Uniworld.

“The significance of being included as a Platinum Circle member reaffirms Uniworld’s commitment to consistently delivering the best river cruise experience possible to our guests. I am also very proud to be included in a list of well-respected cruise lines such as Crystal, Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent,” furthers Young.

The eighteenth annual Gold List contenders are tested afresh every year in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Survey, described by Condé Nast as “the collective result of some eight million votes cast by as savvy a group of travelers as you’ll find on the planet.”

About Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line, is recognized among the “World’s Best River Cruises” by Travel + Leisure. Uniworld was voted the“#1 River Cruise Line in the World” in Condé Nast Traveler ’s Readers’ Choice Awards, was named to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List, and won “Best River Ships” in their Readers’ Poll, which ranked River Beatrice and River Duchess the #1 and #2 river ships, along with five other highly ranked ships in the top 20. Uniworld’s cabins and dining are also ranked among the top three in the world by Zagat Survey; Uniworld is the only river cruise line named in the Zagat Survey amongst the best of the best in the cruise industry.

Uniworld features luxurious boutique ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, included shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, and award-winning hospitality.

Uniworld offers over 500 departures sailing on over 13 rivers in more than 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

For more details, please visit www.uniworld.com or connect with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises at www.facebook.com/uniworldrivercruises or www.twitter.com/UniworldCruises

The five shows will all culminate in bombardments featuring an abundance of powder, crackle and reports, and aerial shells. All this will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 8:45 p.m. on Dec. 26 up to and including Dec. 30.

This year, Christmas in Tivoli has a Russian theme featuring a Tivoli version of Saint Basil’s Cathedral, known from the Kremlin in Moscow’s Red Square. The new Russian village and the cathedral with its tower, striped onion domes and crisp frost light are located in front of the Open Air Stage and surrounded by traditional Danish Christmas stalls and decorations. This year, Tivoli in Copenhagen opens Christmas in Tivoli for the 18th time. The Russian theme is inspired by the building style of the Czarist days with opulent onion domes, towers and precious carillons.