The discount is 10 percent on bookings paid for seven months before departure and 5 percent on bookings paid for four to six months before departure.

Central Holidays is also offering an “all programs promotion” that lets clients save up to $200 on the land price of all Central Holidays 2012-13 land-only brochure programs. The offer provides savings of $50 per couple on per-person purchases of $750 to $1,500; $100 per couple on per-person purchases of $1,501 to $3,000; and $200 per couple on per-person purchases of more than $3,000. Discounts apply to the land-only or land-and-cruise-only portions of brochure programs with a minimum land value of $750 per person for travel March 1, 2012, thru March 31, 2013. The 5 percent or 10 percent discount is applicable only to escorted tour programs.

The savings of up to $200 is applicable to all brochure programs (excluding deviations) and expires Feb. 29. This offer may not be combined with other offers, discounts and promotions and is not valid for customized FITs/Leisure packages or for group travel for which special rates apply.

Founded in 1972, Central Holidays offers travel programs to Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Cyprus, Greece and Turkey, including Mediterranean and European River Cruise itineraries and worldwide ski programs. For more information, call 800-935-5000.

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.

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.

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

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

Included in the land-only price are three nights’ accommodation in the All Seasons Paris Bercy, three nights at the Mercure Marché aux Fleurs in Nice, daily buffet breakfast, a Cityrama tour of Paris and a ticket on the super-fast TGV train to Nice. Transatlantic air fare is not included. You can use frequent flyer miles or ask TourCrafters’ reservationists for the lowest round-trip fare to France.

The 3-star All Seasons Paris Bercy is a modern, comfortable hotel with a large terrace overlooking Bercy Park. It is close to a metro station and the Gare de Lyon railway station. The Hotel Mercure Marché aux Fleurs, also 3 stars, is just across the street from the beach and Mediterranean Sea and close to the fabulous Cours Saleya flower and food market, the Old Town and lots of restaurants and nightlife. (Note that the hotel does not have an elevator.)

The price quoted is subject to availability and is per person, double occupancy, though triple and even quadruple rooms are available. For additional information on this and other Spring Break packages to Italy, Spain and Turkey, visit www.tourcrafters.it  and click “Deal of the Week.” For reservations, call 800-482-5995.

The hotel is situated on Boulevard Victor Hugo in Neuilly. A multimillion-euro renovation of the hotel is scheduled to take place next year increasing the number of rooms to 282, including 29 suites. All rooms and bathrooms will enjoy a complete remodeling. The hotel will continue to be open throughout the floor-by-floor renovation with minimal disruption and the makeover will be finished in 2014.

The renovation follows a recent revitalization of many of the public areas in the hotel, including the brasserie, 58 Bar & Lounge and the lobby. During next year’s renovation, the porte cochère will be also modernized. In addition to these remodeled features, the hotel enjoys a fitness center, underground parking for 180 cars and a secluded garden in addition to 20 meeting rooms offering a total space of 1,100 square meters. The hotel will be an addition to the company’s portfolio of currently 21 properties in Europe, following the spring opening of the Mövenpick Hotel Ankara.