Tauck has crafted the itinerary in collaboration with Churchill & Turen Ltd., the luxury travel agency named the “World’s Best Culinary Tour Specialist” by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Departures are scheduled for April 25, June 28, Aug. 17 and Oct. 20.

The trip, priced from $5,390 per person, double occupancy, plus air, begins with guided culinary-themed sightseeing in Paris and a two-night stay at the Hilton Arc de Triomphe. In Paris, guests will get an introduction to French sauces with a tasting at the new Alain Ducasse culinary school, Ecole de Cuisine. They’ll also attend a workshop and tastings led by Chloe Doutre-Roussel, author of “The Chocolate Connoisseur,” and visit the former haunts of Chef Julia Child.

Other culinary-themed experiences include a market visit in Provence with local chefs; a visit to Lyon’s famous market Les Halles; a Provencal evening featuring dinner, local wines and entertainment near Pont du Gard, the Roman aqueduct; and a demonstration of French culinary techniques at a cooking school operated by a three-star Michelin chef.

Included in the price are sightseeing, activities and shore excursions, two hotel nights in Paris, all gratuities, complimentary wine with onboard meals, all taxes and port charges, airport transfers, luggage handling, most meals and more. For more information, call 800-468-2825.

It’s been a confusing season for ski marketing in both Europe and North America. Global warming has added an unwelcome element of unpredictability to ski resorts’ ability to provide snow and that problem has been compounded by the high cost of domestic and international air fares.

Europe entered the winter nervously as the snow was slow in coming but a major storm front in mid-December gave most of alpine resorts enough snow to carry them through the season. In the French Alps, Club Med’s ski resorts Peisey-Vallandry, Chamonix Mont-Blanc, La Plagne 2100, Valmorel and Tignes Val Claret boasted of a combined 20 feet of natural snow this season.

Switzerland also benefitted from the mid-December snow with resorts like Les Diablerets reporting eight feet of snow to date; Leysin, six feet; Villars-Gryon, five feet; and Chateaux d’Oex, nearly four feet.

“We really get very little traffic out of the U.S. in December anyway,” said Alex Hermann, Switzerland Tourism’s director North America.

“In January we did well, but skiing is an important but small part of our U.S. business.”

Even with their associations with winter sport, Europe’s Alpine countries attract many more Americans in summer than winter.

Austria, for example, attracted 70 percent of its American visitors between March and October.

Snowfall in the American and Canadian Rockies has not been as robust as in Europe. According to John Frasca, the president of World on Skis, a division of Central Holidays, “The ski season out West started badly with meager snow and, because of the cost of the air fares, a weak economy and the high cost of lift tickets in the Rockies, many skiers are looking for resorts they can just drive to. There are lots of specials, amazing deals, in both Europe and North America, but the air fares are a huge obstacle in a scary economy.

Europe is cold, has plenty of snow and some great deals, but air fares are throwing things off. A six-night package in Europe with breakfasts, transfers and lift tickets included can be had at prices much lower than Western resorts, especially with lift tickets in the Rockies priced at about $100 a day. But then there’s the air fare obstacle. Who is going to risk putting out the money and take a chance that there will be a poor snow cover?”

The January Trivago Hotel Price Index rated average hotel prices at ski destinations in Europe and North America. Romania had the least-expensive ski resort prices this winter.

The highest prices in Europe were reported in St. Moritz in Switzerland ($545), and in the U.S., in Beaver Creek, Colo. ($498). Swiss destinations such as Gstaad and Zermatt ($368) presented the most-expensive rooms in winter sports regions in January. Colorado’s Beaver Creek and Aspen ($474) reported the highest average prices in North America.

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 Greek island of Santorini performed extraordinarily well in the romance stakes, laying claim to Europe’s two most romantic hotels — the winner, Andronis Luxury Suites, and runner-up, Aspaki & Oia Castle. Santorini also claimed the seventh place hotel, Anastasis Apartments, which was named the world’s second-best hotel in the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Hotel awards in January.

Europe’s most romantic hotels include the Andronis Luxury Suites in Santorini; the Aspaki & Oia Castle, also in Santorini; the Seven Hotel Paris; the Tiara Yaktsa Cannes; the Boutique Hotel Villa Sostaga Lake Garda, Italy; the Castello Bevilacqua, Italy: the Anastasis Apartments in Santorini; the Villa Contessa in Bad Saarow, Germany; the Sogno di Giulietta inVerona, Italy; and the Chateau de Marcay in Chinon, France.

Tour Itinerary Showcases Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic
To Reveal Secrets of the Austro-Hungarian Empire

SCOTTSDALE, AZ, – European travel company Pure Adventures (http://pure-adventures.com/), a division of Discover France Adventures (http://www.discoverfrance.com), announces new “4 Corners of Central Europe” 8-day self-guided cycling tours revealing Old Europe that was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire of the Hapsburg dynasty.

Cyclists exploring at their own pace the intersections of Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic are armed with maps, lodging, breakfast daily, luggage transfers, local emergency support, cell phone rental (for local calls only), orientation, riding routes and cue sheets, suggestions for visitation and dining, bike delivery, pickup, fitting, and fully equipped bicycle rental for the duration with GPS device for navigation (one per group or couple).

The self-guided per person double occupancy rate is 1290 Euros; a single supplement is 350 Euros. For those more comfortable with a guide, special escorted tour departures are July 15-20 and Aug. 26-Sept. 2, 2012. Custom guided tours can be arranged for a minimum of four guests. The price is slightly higher per person at 1940 Euros based on double occupancy, inclusive of everything on the self-guided program plus a guide, support van, and some guided visits at selected sites. See: http://pure-adventures.com/tours/central-europe-cycling.php

“These four countries represent some of the best historic cycling in Central Europe,” said Loren Siekman, Discover France director, who added that mornings may reveal a UNESCO heritage site with time in the afternoon for a castle visit or winery.

Accommodations are three-star guest houses and small hotels. Some meals are taken in the hotel or just a short walk away. Accommodations include a private bathroom and a variety of other amenities. Local guides and experts are available by phone to assist during a self-guided trip with any kind of emergency and breakdown (except flats). Maps provided are accurate, topographical maps by national map publishers such as the Czech Tourist Club (Czech Republic) and VKU Harmanec (Slovakia). The scales of all maps are 1:50 000 or 1:75 000.

Travel includes the Lednice-Valtice area, a composed landscape created by the Liechtenstein family, dotted with follies, ponds and chateaux. The powerful Esterhazy family settled in Austria’s Eisenstadt and Hungary’s Fertöd where they employed the famous composer Joseph Haydn. Lake Neusiedl is a highlight in the lowlands of Burgenland, ideal for leisurely biking, birdwatching and refreshing swims. This tour, with the exquisite wines of Burgenland and the hearty cuisine of Hungary, blends easy cycling with a mix of architecture and nature preserves.

About Pure Adventures
Pure Adventures http://pure-adventures.com/ is an outgrowth of the success of Discover France Adventures, in its 18th year in 2012. Discover France Adventures has been organizing bicycle tours and hiking tours in France since 1994 and has offices in the US and France. Discover France is a pioneer in bringing self guided cycling and hiking and now multisport adventures to a broader market outside of Europe. Discover France Adventures and Pure Adventures award-winning tours are “competitively priced yet high quality with substantial support,” reports Loren Siekman, Discover France director, “a unique combination that makes a Europe adventure more easily accessible to more people.”

Visit http://www.discoverfrance.com  and http://pure-adventures.com / for all the details or contact them by phone at 800.960.2221 or by email at info@pure-adventures.com

After an intense day on the slopes you can rest assured knowing that you’ll be returning to Turkish baths, a sauna, a cold plunge pool, a Jacuzzi and much more.

Inside Facilities: 340m2 (Available until September)
- A 70 m2 spa pool
- Turkish baths, sauna, infra-red treatment rooms, cold plunge pool and Jacuzzi
- A play area for children
- A health and beauty clinic with a full array of treatments including massage and facials. (Combi prices from 30€)

Outside Facilities: (Available from June)
- A 280 m2 fun pool
- 3 fun slides (20m long)
- Splashpad (aquatic games)

Fitness Classes all year round:
Aquafitness and aquabiking

To find out more visit www.la-plagne.com

France Cruises’ “Hotel & Tour” offer includes 29 excursions in eight cities. Among them are 11th century medieval castles in Carcassonne, a wine-making lesson in Bordeaux and dining at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Additionally, guests can choose their hotel, or select from the cruise company’s sample list of recommendations, which range from traditional boutique hotels to deluxe chateaux and historic country inns.

The promotion is valid for new bookings only, and is subject to availability. A two-night minimum stay in the hotel is required for full-day excursions; however, a one-night stay may allow for a half-day excursion if available.

The one-day “Fly me to Deauville” offer includes: roundtrip car between the Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière and the Paris heliport; a roundtrip 45-minute helicopter flight between Paris and Deauville; a “luxury” picnic on the beach prepared by Jean-Yves Leuranguer, the hotel’s chef, or a lunch at the Hôtel Normandy Barrière Bar, as well as one night in a room or suite at the Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière, including breakfast and a VIP welcome. The offer, valid from through Dec. 26, 2012, is priced from 5,070 euros ($6,670) in an executive room. Other categories of suites are available on request.

Hotel Fouquet’s Barriere also is offering guests the opportunity to learn golf from one of France’s most renowned golfers, Jean-François Remésy, with the new Ultimate Golf Experience package. Remésy, a two-time winner of the French Open, will train guests for two days on the Le Golf National course (where the 2018 Ryder Cup will take place) and another course of choice. With this package, guests will also dine with Remésy one evening at Le Fouquet’s.

The Ultimate Golf Experience includes two nights’ accommodation in a deluxe junior suite; breakfast each morning; welcome VIP gift; golf session with Remésy, including training, long game, short game, and video analysis (equipment provided); two rounds of golf with Remésy, one at Le Golf National course and another at a course of choice (within Paris); lunch at the Club House (at Le Golf National); dinner at Le Fouquet’s with Remésy; roundtrip transfers to and from golf courses and airport. The package is priced from 3,850 euros ($5,385) per night, is based on double occupancy, and is valid through Nov. 30, 2012. Additional nights can be added for an extra charge. For more information, call 011-33-(0)1-40-69-60-40 or email reservationsfouquets@lucienbarriere.com

2011 saw a boom for Quality Villas in the St Tropez region. With bookings already up 25% on 2011, this family owned company urges customers to book fast to secure their favourite house. With its first 9 week booking for St Tropez, this region looks on course to continue the 2011 trend.

Margaret Rees, owner of Quality Villas says ” LInda Barker has chosen a villa in a fabulous location. St Tropez itself and the allure of the coast is well known, but what people don’t tend to know until their first visit to the area is that hilltop villages and stunning forests add to the backdrop of this dazzling town – vineyards aplenty.. and Villa Libellule is in the middle of this region.”

Linda Barker has created a cool oasis in the heart of this region – oversized moroccan lamps surround the riad-style courtyard swimming pool, crisp linens, a hint of stylish shabby chic mixed with influences from local antique markets, wow pieces such as the enormous chandeliers – and a sunset deck with stunning views of the valley below- ideal for an aperitif or yoga!

http://www.qualityvillas.com/st-tropez-var/la-mole/villa-libellule

6 ensuite bedrooms, sleeping 12
£6465 – £11695 per week

For more villas in this region as well as the rest of France, visit www.qualityvillas.com.

To book a Quality Villas please contact:
Quality Villas Italy, France, Morocco, Ski
www.qualityvillas.com
01442 870 055
info@qualityvillas.com

The Quality portfolio:

Quality Unearthed
Unique, Boutique abodes
www.qualityunearthed.com
01348 830 922
info@qualityunearthed.co.uk

Quality Cottages Wales
www.qualitycottages.com
01348 837 871
reserve@qualitycottages.co.uk

From a night in the lovers’ city of Paris to a romantic break in the Lake District or even a five course dinner on the sister train to the Orient Express – why not treat your Valentine this 14 February? Short break specialist, Superbreak (www.superbreak.com) has a range of ideas to suit all Valentines, including a Eurostar short break to Paris for under £100, offering great value!

Paris Valentines Break – £99pp – Depart St Pancras International for a one night break in Paris on 14 February. Priced from £99 per person to include accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis at the two star Timhotel Nation Hotel and return Eurostar travel from London St Pancras. Book by 31 January. Based on two sharing. http://www.superbreak.com/travel/eurostar-breaks

Valentine’s Day Dinner – £195pp – Superbreak is now offering day trips on the sister trains to the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the British Pullman and Northern Belle. On 14 February, depart on the Northern Belle from Manchester or Liverpool for a round-trip into the countryside whilst dining in style. The price includes five-course dinner, champagne and half a bottle of wine per person.

Lake District Valentines Weekend Break – £109pp – Built in 1650 as a coaching inn, the three star Macdonald Swan Hotel in Grasmere is one of the oldest hotels in the Lake District. With view across the Fells and access to several challenging trails, this cosy hotel is a great choice for a romantic couple of days. A two night stay costs from £109 per person including breakfast and a FREE dinner on the first night. Valid for arrivals on 10, 11 and 12 February and based on two sharing.

Ghost The Musical Theatrebreak – £181.50pp – Treat your loved one to the enduring love story of Mollie and Sam in Ghost the Musical in London’s West End. A package is priced from £181.50 per person to include one night at the three star St Giles Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis with an evening ticket to see the show. Valid for 14 February and based on two sharing.

Harrogate Valentines Weekend Break -£85pp – Why not enjoy the romance of one of the prettiest towns in Yorkshire country with a Valentine’s break in Harrogate. A Valentines package staying at the three star Yorkshire Hotel is priced from £85 per person including two night’s bed and breakfast accommodation with FREE dinner on the first night. Based on two sharing and valid for arrivals 10, 11, and 12 February.

For more information and bookings call Superbreak 0871 222 3055 or visit www.superbreak.com