Cruises are one of the most popular modes of traveling today. Luxury Italian cruises are a very good option for vacationers to enjoy holidays. A luxury Italian cruise has a lot to offer to vacationers, as Italy includes serene beauty and spectacular views. People can opt to see the main sites of Italy on a Mediterranean or European cruise. However, to really experience the true essence of Italy, vacationers need to immerse themselves in everything that Italy has to offer by taking a luxury Italian cruise. Vacationers or tourists can board luxury Italian cruises from a number of places, as these depart from several ports around the country. Luxury Italian cruise prices and all other related information can be obtained online or by calling travel agencies.

The Ligurian Peninsula in Italy is a haven for discerning travelers. Mainly undiscovered by mass tourism, attractive Italian villages line the coastline in this magnificent area of Italy. In Genoa, people can see the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, as well as marvel at the city’s striking Gothic architecture. A little further to the south, Livorno is a port of call, which is another place worth spending time at. Vacationers can organize shore excursions to see the renowned leaning tower of Pisa and visit the grand Renaissance city of Florence.

Other essential attractions to visit when on an Italy cruise are The Colosseum at Rome, Mount Vesuvius and the ancient city that it buried, Pompeii. Rimini on the Adriatic Sea is also another major attraction. From Rimini, cruisers can take a shore excursion to visit the enclave of San Marino, which is less than an hour’s drive from Rimini port.

Lastly, irresistible Venice is the final stop at the end of the cruise. It is a true water world that consists of more than 120 islands. Through these islands, a network of waterways can be explored by gondola.

Grandeur, elegance, history and fashion chic – luxury travel doesn’t find a more apt home than Italy. Follow in the footsteps of generations of high society travellers, with a tour of the country that starts amidst the atmospheric streets of Venice and climaxes with a slice of la dolce vita in Rome.

Take a Stroll in Venice
Venice has been a by-word for luxury travel for centuries – ever since the wild carnival began to attract in the most decadent of Europe’s aristocracy, visitors have flocked to the city for romance, magic and a glimpse of the world-famous piazzas.

Although some of the best collections of art can be enjoyed here, Venice is above all a perfect city for strolling and getting lost. Forget the map – take a wander through the maze of narrow streets and relax as you are delighted at every corner by a hidden courtyard or a sudden panorama of the canals.

When it comes to eating, drinking and sleeping, Venice is certainly the place to indulge. From a Bellini cocktail with the celebrities at Harry’s Bar (where this drink was in fact invented) to converted palazzohotels, dripping with antiques and opulent charm, the city is a pleasure seeker’s paradise.

Shop Till You Drop in Milan
Home to the notorious fashion week shows and more haute couturedesigners than you can imagine, Milan is the ultimate city for shoppers. Historically one of the major European trade hubs, the city proves its worth as an international metropolis (and a fashion capital) today with row after row of boutiques and the glamorous arcades of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is reputed to be the world’s oldest shopping mall.

Situated in the heart of the fashion district – right on the it’s most famous street, the Via della Spiga – the Carlton Hotel Baglioni is the ideal luxury base for shoppers in Milan.

See the Tuscan Countryside and Florence
Often called the cultural capital of Italy, Florence is a city with it’s own special vibe. Beneath the tourist crowds, it houses some of the world’s best known works of art, a spectacular and colourful Duomo (cathedral) and more shopping – this time for jewellery – on the narrow, iconic Ponte Vecchio.

If you’re looking for a brief break from the hectic buzz of Italy’s great cities, however, this is also the perfect place to escape to a rural retreat. The Tuscan countryside which surrounds Florence is a haven of mile after mile of olive groves and vineyards – and plenty of historic villas restored to dazzling effect as lavish hotels.

Take a History Lesson in Rome
Further south, Rome cannot be forgotten on any tour of Italy. With it’s vast history and numerous monuments crowding the streets, it’s still a unique and unmissable capital city. Whether you’re flitting from stunning Roman ruins to fabulous fountains all day or prefer to pause in a piazza with an aperitif or a coffee, Rome will finish your vacation with another burst of chic style and elegance.

Italy is changing and modernizing. New airports that are coming up not only match the best in the world but also have been designed to keep future demands in perspective. Airport is basically a gateway to a country and they say first impression is the last impression. A congested, dirty and stinking airport will put you off while a modern, spacious and open air terminal with all ultra modern facilities would make you feel comfortable.

Ciampino, Lamezia or Alghero are the examples. All these renovated and upgraded Italian airports have Car Hire Italy centers. If you are in Alghero, you have Car Hire Alghero. In Ciampino it is Car Hire Ciampino and at Lamezia, it is Car Hire Lamezia.

And if you have booked a car of your choice either back home or from the hotel room of the city you are arriving in Italy from, you will have your car waiting. You also have the confidence that Car Hire Italy has no hidden charges and it will provide you hassle free service.

Once you are in Italy, Rome and Ciampino in collaboration with each other have a number of joint ventures taken up for promotion of tourism.

Ciampino for example, has created an area to promote all ADR’s cultural initiatives, besides providing useful information to visitors and enhancing the area adjoining Rome’s Fiumicino Airport.

It is worth seeing the ADR’s cultural initiative Play On, a project that intends to bring the tourist or a visitor nearer works of art. In fact Fiumicino Airport will be the theatre for many initiatives and exhibitions connected to the arts.

Another place of tourist interest, is the archeological sites nearby Fiumicino as it contains complete and useful information about ancient ruins of the Roman civilization.

Lamezia has been gaining in importance because of its connectivity to both rail and road heads besides increased air traffic. Now you can fly to Lamezia Airport from Gioia Tauro in south and Naples Capodichno in north, it is also connected to international airports in Europe and North America and has been designed to handle 2 million tourists annually. Once you reach Lamezia airport from any side, gates are open to you to travel by car to any destination in rest of Italy. It is here Car Hire Italy comes to play and becomes your bonus point as it facilitates your travel to all towns and cities in its periphery for you to explore and satiate your knowledge instincts.

With car at your disposal you can head for Naples in North. You can even go south or whatever direction you chose, good road network supported by committed services of Car Hire Italy helpful staff will make your travel and stay in Italy as comfortable as possible. All you need is to plan your itinerary well so that you do not miss out anything. You do not have to worry about your Car Hire Ciampino people. You can drop the car at your last point in Italy. It may be Car Hire Lamezia Airport from where you can fly back to Canada or Germany or even Switzerland.

About the Author: When traveling to Italy it is far better to avail yourself of Car Hire Italy . If you travel via Ciampino or Lamezia Airport you can even get a Car Hire Ciampino or a Car Hire Lamezia Airport.

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=242018&ca=Travel

Italy… a country so rich in culture, art and history that it’s hard to narrow down its highlights. The number of books on the subject shows just how fascinating the area is to so many tourists with a yen for historical discovery, and this article could in fact be several tomes in length. For brevity, I have picked out the very best Italy has to offer – if you only visit 5 historical places in Italy, these should be them. Unfortunately, they’re not within easy reach of each other, so you may have to book several luxury resorts in Italy if you wish to tackle them all in one go!

Basilica di San Miniato al Monte

When it comes to Florence, it’s hard to narrow down the spot which captures the very essence of the history, but for me the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte is as close as you can get. Construction on this beautiful church was begun in 1013 in the name of St. Miniato – an Armenian Prince beheaded for being a Christian. Legend has it that after being thrown to the beasts in the Amphitheater, a panther refused to eat him. When beheaded by the emperor, Miniato is alleged to have physically carried his head up the hill of Mount Fiorentinus to his hermitage, which later became the site of the church.

Whether or not you believe the legend attached to it or not, there is no doubt that the Italian historical sight is truly beautiful, and it is one of the most tranquil places in Italy, let alone Florence.

Duomo di Milano

One of the world’s largest Cathedrals, the Duomo di Milano is a magnificent structure that really makes an impression from the second you first see it. Work building it began in the 14^th century, and continued all the way up to the 19^th – in a way, it is still unfinished as work continues to be performed upon it. Its spire reaches 349 feet, and it has a capacity of 40,000 – if you’re used to seeing local parish churches, this is a real eye-opener!

The Vatican City

The smallest independent country in the world warrants its own place as an historical sight in Italy. With a population of just 932, the holy city still manages to never feel empty thanks to the seemingly constant influx of tourists and Catholics eager to see the Pope. In terms of historic value, the place oozes it – from the medieval walls to the city to the Sistine Chapel and its famous ceiling painting to the seemingly endless stream of museums, the Vatican City should be on every historical tourist’s Italy hit-list.

The Ruins of Pompeii

Over the last 200 years, the ruins of Pompeii have been successfully excavated to reveal an incredibly preserved city that was lost to Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 A.D. Having lain in ash for 1700 years, wandering round the ruins is a haunting, yet fascinating experience and something that everyone with an interest in ancient history.

As the ruins cover such a large area, this may not be one historical place in Italy that you can see in within a single day.

The Coliseum

Rome’s Coliseum is another one for those interested in ancient history – but even those who aren’t can’t fail to be impressed by the structure! Standing 165 feet tall and measuring 600 feet long, this legendary historical place in Italy held up to 50,000 screaming spectators for blood soaked fights to amuse the gathered crowds – which would include the emperors of the time.

Although the fighters in the ancient ring were typically trained gladiators or convicted prisoners of war, you would occasionally get glory hunting members of the public wanting to try their luck – though, more often than not they overestimated their skills and suffered the ultimate consequences for their bravery…

Of course, if you’re serious about your history, then this will only be the first of many visits to one of Italy’s luxury resorts. It will take you many days to catch up with the thousands of years of history that have occurred in this magnificent country, but once the initial curiosity is in you, the days will simply fly by!

Antonio Cresce is the Italy Specialist for Key2Holidays, a travel company that can help each individual customer plan their own perfect stay at a luxury resort in Italy They also offer luxury holidays to Australia, Dubai, Mauritius, the Maldives, Cuba, Egypt, the Far East and many other popular destinations. Wherever you want to go, Key2Holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants to help you to plan and book your ideal holiday.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Antonio_Cresce
http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-5-Historical-Sites-of-Italy&id=1273092

Venice vacations make you think of canals, art galleries and palaces, and that is exactly what you get. However, you can also have entertainment and fun, and don’t forget the delicious Italian cuisine, including their famous wines. Many people vacation in Venice for while, and then move base to visit other parts of Northern Italy that we shall come to shortly.

A vacation in Venice is best enjoyed if you receive personal attention, with your own private car and boat – not shared between you and 50 others all with their own agendas. There is nothing as good as a private boat tour round the canals of Venice and a luxury hotel set right on the Grand Canal itself – the main thoroughfare of this wonderfully romantic city.

Venice consists of 118 islands in a large lagoon and around 150 canals. Although it is believed to be slowly sinking, it will not do so while you are there! Venice is famous for its explorers (Venezuela was named after it – Little Venice), artists and musicians, boasting such famous names as Marco Polo, Cabot, Titian, Bellini, Vivaldi and, of course, Casanova! No wonder, then, that Venice offers so many museums, art galleries and other centers of culture.

The center, if there is one, is St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace that was decorated by some of the best known renaissance artists. Not far away is the famous Bridge of Sighs, allegedly so called after the sighs of the prisoners crossing it to Venice’s prison. The gallery of St. Marks’ church contains the bronze horses of Constantinople, brought to Venice during the Second Crusade of 1147 – 1149 among other artistic treasures.

The lagoon is home, not only to Venice, but also to some major islands including Murano, famous for its glass. If you want to make the most of your Venice vacation, don’t fail to visit the magnificent glass museum with some unbelievable works made from blown glass, or check out the Byzantine mosaics in the church of Santa Maria Assunta on the island of Torcello. Another of the lesser known areas to tourists is the Squero de San Trovaso where you can see gondolas being built and repaired at the boatyard, one of the very few left in Venice, a major city that used to be one of the greatest maritime cities in Europe.

Venice is famous for its palaces, although most have been converted to hotels, and if you can, try to get a room in one of these. The architecture is breathtaking and most of the rooms are huge, although many have been reduced in size to accommodate more guests. Another thing you must do when in Venice is to visit the surrounding area of Veneto – Venice is the capital city of this Italian region. You might not have time to visit Verona, of Romeo and Juliet fame, but you should visit Vicenza.

No Venice vacations should miss Vicenza, the birthplace of Palladio, arguably the most influential architect of all time. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and The Rotunda in the town is typically Palladio. The Teatro Olimpico is Europe’s oldest indoor theatre, and there are many more Palladio buildings in this picturesque town. If you do have time to visit Verona, apart from the Shakespeare connection (The Two Gentlemen of Verona, as well as Romeo and Juliet) you will a find a well preserved Roman amphitheatre here – the Arena. This is currently used for outdoor concerts. If you like Roman remains, Padua is another old Roman city close by. I suppose Roman cities in Italy should not be surprising!

Most people on Venice vacations like to try some of the great Italian wines grown in the region, such as Soave, Bardolino and Valpolicella. In fact, it is best to leave Venice once you have visited what you want to see, and change base to visit other parts of northern Italy. The vineyards and wineries around here welcome visitors to come in and have a taste.

Milan too is a must, particularly if you are fashion conscious, and if you get the chance to visit Lake Como, then take it. This Y shaped lake is the third largest lake in Italy and one of the deepest in Europe with the bottom about 656 feet below sea level. There are a lot of good hotels around here, particularly around Lake Maggiore that has some great little islands you can explore, and you don’t have to remain in Venice if you want to enjoy the north of Italy in general.

Venice vacations have a great deal to offer those interested in culture, particular architecture and other forms of physical art, but try to enjoy Venice in style. Personal attention is well worth getting, particularly after traveling all this way, and you can’t beat your own personal guide, boat, car and business class flights to really make a holiday the luxury and pampered experience it should be. Make sure that you visit Northern Italy, and lake Como and Maggiore because they offer the simpler luxuries that can sometimes be overlooked during your Venice vacation.

For luxury Venice vacations offering additional accommodation on Lake Maggiore and visits to Vicenzo and Verona, visit Ultitude a luxury travel company who focuses on personal service, individual guides and first class travel and accommodation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Margaret_Winfrey
http://EzineArticles.com/?Luxury-Venice-Vacations-Offering-a-Taste-of-Northern-Italy&id=2020059

Italy is on every discerning traveler’s list of places to visit. Not only is the nation known for the greatest number of World Heritage Sites, but also for the fabulous Italy hotels. Needless to say, while enjoying Italy tours, you will need accommodation in all the cities and regions you visit in the country. Rome hotels, Venice hotels, Florence hotels, and hotels in Milan and Pisa are the best among Italy hotels. Italy, with its scrumptious cuisine, piazzas, monuments, churches, museums and wine regions, is sure to set any tourist’s heart afire.

Rome is the capital of Italy and so Rome hotels outnumber hotels in any other Italian city. Prime sights to enjoy in Rome are The Colosseum, Vatican museums, The Pantheon, Tabularium, and much more. Rome is truly the cultural and religious capital of Italy. Thousands of Catholics come here to visit the many churches of the city and also catch a glimpse of the pope.

Many world travel guides will tell you that Florence and Venice are among the most romantic places on the planet. In fact, these two Italian cities are an obvious choice for anyone planning a vacation in Italy. These cities in Italy are also high on the list of the best destinations for honeymooners. Wine regions, splendid natural beauty, canals, and gondolas lend a lovely touch to these cities of Italy. Some of the best and most innovative and secluded Italy hotels are located in Florence and Venice. No wonder so many honeymooners, including international celebrities head to these cities in Italy for a honeymoon to remember.

For those not enjoying their honeymoon in these cities during Italy tours, there are plenty of tourist locales to relish. In Florence, visit the Uffizi Galleries, the Duomo, the Santo Spirito Church and the Ponte Vecchio. The city is a treasure of culture and architecture that will also please the art lover. Visitors to Venice can pay a visit to St Mark’s Basilica, Correr Museum, Mocenigo Palace, Rialto Bridge, and the piazzas.

Other places with the best Italy hotels are Milan, Pisa, Naples, Turin, Genoa, Bologna, and Capri. Hotel Palazzo Sasso in Ravello, Bauer Il Palazzo in Venice, Il San Pietro Hotel in Positano, Four Seasons Hotel in Milan, Capri Palace Hotel & Spa in Capri Island, and Hotel Santa Caterina in Amalfi are regarded as few of the best hotels that you can lodge at during your vacation in Italy.

Italy is really a joy to discover and with a good world travel guide or Italy travel guide by your side, exploring this fantastic place is a very easy task. From the best hotels and shopping haunts, to the choicest bistros, Italy travel guides offer all the info you could possibly need during your tour of Italy. These guides also help you find Italy hotels that will fit your budget best. It is therefore essential to arm yourself with one of these handy guides. Though a world travel guide is a good option, but in case you are only visiting Italy, your best option would be to go for an Italy travel guide.

Maark Smith is an associated editor to the website http://www.flightshotelstours.com , a well known World travel guide. It is committed to provide visitors with complete information on cheap flights to UAE, Paris, USA, Asia, Italy hotels, cheap world tours, Italy tours as well as Events, hotels and tours in whole world.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maark_Smith
http://EzineArticles.com/?Italy-Hotels—In-The-Lap-Of-Luxury&id=1001538

1.) The Coliseum
No other civilization in the world could top the Romans in terms of strength and power, and indeed, the Romans practically conquered the world. And for their entertainment, the Romans had the world. They had the Coliseum where the prizes of their conquests, lions and other exotic animals were made to battle with the gladiators. Indeed, if you stand within the walls of this gigantic complex, you can almost feel the spirit of celebration that once rang through the place.

2.) Piazza Campidoglio
The Piazza Campidoglio, or the Capitoline Hill, was the seat of power of the Ancient Romans. And up until today, it still stands as Italy’s center of politics. It holds the famous statue of Castor and Pollux and various structures designed by the great Michaelangelo himself like the double staircase and other buildings.

3.) The Roman Forums
Also, there’s nothing more exhilarating than to visit the place where democracy was born. The Roman Forums, where the Roman senate once held their heated debates discussing everything from large-scale wars to petty squabbles, are also popular tourist attractions. Here, you can find the Forum of Caesar and the Forum of Trajan, and there’s also the Palatine Hill and all the other temples dedicated to the various gods and goddesses of the ancient Romans.

4.) The Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of the best places that you can visit in Rome. It’s teeming with beautiful architecture, beautiful sculptures, and beautiful statues. This magnificent building is also the home of the grave of the famous painter, Raphael.

5.) The Trevi Fountain
This world renowned fountain is famous for its sheer beauty and size, and it features several sculptures, including one of Neptune coming out from underwater, riding on a sea shell that’s drawn by two horses with wings. It’s featured in Dan Brown’s famous novel, the Da Vinci Code. Also, toss a coin into it while facing away from it and it is said that you will be guaranteed a return to the great city.

6.) The Grand Canal in Venice
There’s nothing more Romantic than going on a boat ride through the famous canals of the floating city of Venice. These quixotic canals are featured in various movies and are a favorite of newlyweds all over the world. It’s also a great way to take in all the sights of the beautiful city.

7.) The Sistine Chapel
The Vatican, though it’s considered as an independent country in itself, is still found in the heart of Italy. And, there, you’ll find the great Sistine Chapel where extraordinary pieces of art can be found. There, you’ll see the works of Michelangelo and Botticelli.

8.) St. Peter’s Basilica
Also, if you’re a fan of great architecture, you will have to see the famous St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s the largest Catholic Church in the whole world, and it’s simply teeming with beautiful paintings, frescoes, and statues. You can also see this Basilica’s famous dome which is literally filled with works of art.

9.) St. Peter’s Square
And of course, if you’re going to St. Peter’s Basilica, you might as well walk a few steps to get to St. Peter’s Square. This beautiful plaza is designed by the famous artist Bernini. It is also featured in Dan Brown’s novels.

10.) The Vatican Gardens
The Vatican Gardens as beautiful as they are large. This grand paradise is filled with beautiful sculptures, fountains, and flowers. It’s a great place for sightseeing and picture-taking.

About the Author: Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV – the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/italy to view or share Italy travel videos.

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=225568&ca=Travel

For those who want a truly relaxing luxury holiday abroad, a stay at a spa hotel can be the perfect choice. Every good spa hotel prides itself on the quality of its facilities and service, but there are some places that are truly a cut above the rest.

I’ve put together a list of some of the finest luxury spa hotels in the world. Some of them are remarkable because of their outstanding facilities or a special location, while others offer some of the most advanced and inventive health and beauty treatments available. Whatever their strong suit is, each one of these luxury spa hotels guarantees the ultimate in comfort and relaxation…

Evian Royal Resort, France

Located in the shadow of the French Alps on the shores of Lake Geneva, this luxury spa hotel is built on a grand scale; it won’t suit those who are looking for a small, secluded getaway, but if you are looking to enjoy the superb facilities of a larger hotel, the Evian Royal Resort will be just right. It features a golf course, casino, and a number of sports facilities, but it is the spa that is the star attraction. Its Eastern inspired course of treatments emphasises synergetic cuisine, with a personalised diet working with the treatments you undertake. The spa also offers a unique range of programmes for pregnant women and new mothers.

Sultana Oualidia, Morocco

The location of the Sultana Oualidia is simply unbeatable. Positioned on the Atlantic coast just south of Casablanca, this boutique hotel looks out over a turquoise blue lagoon and is surrounded by a dramatic series of cliffs. It has only eleven rooms and suites, giving it a small and personalised feel, and the beautiful design emphasises materials (oleander, stone and marble) that perfectly complement the natural surroundings. At the centre of the hotel is a luxury spa, with a hammam, sauna and a marble indoor swimming pool. The Sultana Oualidia offers a superb combination of great location, design and facilities.

Le Mas Candille, France

This luxury spa hotel, located just fifteen minutes away from Cannes, is home to the very Shisedo spa to be opened in Europe. Shisedo, a famous Japanese cosmetics company, specialises in advanced products for the body and hair, so this is the place to come to for the very best hair and skin treatments in the world. The rest of the hotel doesn’t disappoint either, with elegant design, outstanding service, and a peaceful location in the quiet village of Mougins.

Capri Palace, Capri

The Capri Palace is perhaps the most famous luxury spa hotel in the world, with celebrities flocking to this hotel every year for their own personalised treatments. Located in a striking cliff top location high above the ocean in Capri, this spa hotel centres around the Capri Beauty Farm overseen by Professor Francesco Canonaco, a renowned expert in advanced health treatments. There are over 60 available, including advanced treatments such as coffee peels and medicated mud applications. If you want to experience the very latest developments in health and beauty, a stay at this luxury spa hotel is just what the “Professor” ordered!

Chateau de Mirambeau, France

Out of all the spa hotels on this list, the Chateau de Mirambeau offers perhaps the most luxurious design and décor – it is a spectacular French Chateau situated at the centre of its own eight hectare park near Bordeaux. This luxury spa hotel has an exquisitely restored interior with carefully chosen antiques and the finest materials, and the Well Being Centre attached to the Chateau de Mirambeau is superbly equipped and offers massage facilities, a sauna, Jacuzzi, hammam and swimming pool. This spa hotel is a feast for the eyes and a treat for the body.

About the Author: Stephanie Clarke is the Managing Director of Concierge Collection, providers of some of the finest luxury spa hotels in Europe. Stephanie and her team use their wealth of experience, expertise and contacts to achieve “Beyond Special”. For Concierge Collection, luxury does not have to have a large price tag but the hotels do have to be unique.

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=339857&ca=Travel

For more information on Jet Set destinations click here.

The ski region has four major ski resorts, the Claviere, the Cesana-Sansicario, the Sauze d’Oulx, and the Sestriere. The Claviere ski resort is ideal for families in which the parents are teaching the young ones how to ski.

Romantic couples that enjoy the private rustic settings prefer the Cesana-Sansicario ski resort. Groups of people who loved a lively après ski would go to the Sauze d’Oulx ski resort. The serious skiers, however, who demand challenging pistes as well as comfortable amenities, the ski resort of Sestriere is the superior choice. The Sestriere was built in the 1930s. As innovations and improvements are implemented every year, the Sestriere is always a new ski resort.

At the Sestriere ski resort, the skiers will have access to 105 ski runs that total to about 400 kilometers. About half of these runs are designed for intermediate skiers. For example, the ski runs in the Monti della Luna area go through the woods with the widths perfectly suited for those who love to combine pleasure and challenge in skiing. There is a total of 15 kilometers of cross-country trails and a snow park. The longest ski run is about five kilometers, which means extended skiing fun. Sestriere is also the location of the famous Giovanni Alberto Agnelli piste, the ski run used by the Alpine World Championships in 1997. The same ski run is open for nighttime skiing until 10 pm.

Amenity-wise, the Sestriere ski resort is both inclusive and state-of-the-art. The resort was purposely built with skiers in mind. There are numerous hotels, restaurants, and shops. The cost of hotel accommodations is average but the skiers can reduce their expenses by renting apartments. Various international cuisines can be enjoyed from any of the 33 restaurants and 30 bars. There are shops for ski equipment and boutiques for those who are keen on Italian fashion. And if skiers wanted alternatives to skiing, the new ski resort has facilities for bowling, paragliding, ice-skating, and even golf. Of course, the gym is well outfitted with physical fitness equipment, including sauna tubs.

Within the new ski resort of Sestriere, there are 92 lifts, of which the lowest is at 1,840 meters, and the highest is at 2,840 meters. The Sestriere’s open season is from December to April, when the snow conditions are excellent.

The snow is natural because the Sestriere is located at 2,035 meters above sea level, and right at the foot of the Sises Mountain. The Sestriere ski resort is also flanked by Mount Fraiteve and Mount Banchetta. To reach the new ski resort of Sestriere, skiers can come in through the international airport of Turin (or Torino, as the Italians like to call it).

Then the skiers can either use the bus or the shuttle to reach the resort area. For a shorter bus ride, the skiers can ride a train first to reach Oulx and then get on a bus to Sestriere. If coming from France, the skiers can take the train from Paris to reach Turin.

O.B.S. company is currently working on Sestriere skiing project. It represents possible Sestriere accommodation and activities during Sestriere winter vacations in Italy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edison_Adam
http://EzineArticles.com/?Sestriere-Ski-Resort—Ski-City-in-the-Milky-Way&id=1692488

For more information on Jet Set Life destinations click here.

For those who want a truly relaxing luxury holiday abroad, a stay at a spa hotel can be the perfect choice. Every good spa hotel prides itself on the quality of its facilities and service, but there are some places that are truly a cut above the rest.

I’ve put together a list of some of the finest luxury spa hotels in the world. Some of them are remarkable because of their outstanding facilities or a special location, while others offer some of the most advanced and inventive health and beauty treatments available. Whatever their strong suit is, each one of these luxury spa hotels guarantees the ultimate in comfort and relaxation…

Evian Royal Resort, France

Located in the shadow of the French Alps on the shores of Lake Geneva, this luxury spa hotel is built on a grand scale; it won’t suit those who are looking for a small, secluded getaway, but if you are looking to enjoy the superb facilities of a larger hotel, the Evian Royal Resort will be just right. It features a golf course, casino, and a number of sports facilities, but it is the spa that is the star attraction. Its Eastern inspired course of treatments emphasises synergetic cuisine, with a personalised diet working with the treatments you undertake. The spa also offers a unique range of programmes for pregnant women and new mothers.

Sultana Oualidia, Morocco

The location of the Sultana Oualidia is simply unbeatable. Positioned on the Atlantic coast just south of Casablanca, this boutique hotel looks out over a turquoise blue lagoon and is surrounded by a dramatic series of cliffs. It has only eleven rooms and suites, giving it a small and personalised feel, and the beautiful design emphasises materials (oleander, stone and marble) that perfectly complement the natural surroundings. At the centre of the hotel is a luxury spa, with a hammam, sauna and a marble indoor swimming pool. The Sultana Oualidia offers a superb combination of great location, design and facilities.

Le Mas Candille, France

This luxury spa hotel, located just fifteen minutes away from Cannes, is home to the very Shisedo spa to be opened in Europe. Shisedo, a famous Japanese cosmetics company, specialises in advanced products for the body and hair, so this is the place to come to for the very best hair and skin treatments in the world. The rest of the hotel doesn’t disappoint either, with elegant design, outstanding service, and a peaceful location in the quiet village of Mougins.

Capri Palace, Capri

The Capri Palace is perhaps the most famous luxury spa hotel in the world, with celebrities flocking to this hotel every year for their own personalised treatments. Located in a striking cliff top location high above the ocean in Capri, this spa hotel centres around the Capri Beauty Farm overseen by Professor Francesco Canonaco, a renowned expert in advanced health treatments. There are over 60 available, including advanced treatments such as coffee peels and medicated mud applications. If you want to experience the very latest developments in health and beauty, a stay at this luxury spa hotel is just what the “Professor” ordered!

Chateau de Mirambeau, France

Out of all the spa hotels on this list, the Chateau de Mirambeau offers perhaps the most luxurious design and décor – it is a spectacular French Chateau situated at the centre of its own eight hectare park near Bordeaux. This luxury spa hotel has an exquisitely restored interior with carefully chosen antiques and the finest materials, and the Well Being Centre attached to the Chateau de Mirambeau is superbly equipped and offers massage facilities, a sauna, Jacuzzi, hammam and swimming pool. This spa hotel is a feast for the eyes and a treat for the body.

Stephanie Clarke is the Managing Director of Concierge Collection, providers of some of the finest luxury spa hotels in Europe. Stephanie and her team use their wealth of experience, expertise and contacts to achieve “Beyond Special”. For Concierge Collection, luxury does not have to have a large price tag but the hotels do have to be unique.

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