As the year’s end draws near, the Christmas markets blossom in many cities and towns in Belgium. The festivities really begin with St. Nicholas on December 6th. Shops display holiday treats such as marzipan, flat hard cakes known as ‘klaasjes’ and ‘speculoos’, a hard gingerbread molded in the form of St. Nicholas. In all major [...]

An Edinburgh hotel in a 17th century mansion has been named as Scotland's most romantic in the Hotel of the Year awards. Prestonfield, set in 20 acres of parkland adjacent to a golf course and in the shadow of Arthur's Seat - an extinct volcano - features 'dramatic' rooms and 'indulgent' suites; it is the [...]

There is no doubt that you can eat as well, or better, in London than anywhere else in the world – when money is no object. But what happens when you are on a budget, trying to get as much value as you possibly can?

Steadily increasing demand for Celebrity Cruises' vacation experiences in Europe has led the top-rated premium line to deploy a fourth ship to the region in 2005. The 1,750-guest Century, previously scheduled to sail 9- and 10-night Caribbean cruises next spring and summer, will join Celebrity's Constellation, Galaxy and Millennium in Europe, offering vacationers the greatest capacity [...]

There is much more to the Ile-de-France than Paris. Here is a list of some of the exciting events taking place in the region surrounding Paris. Through January 2, 2005 – “Chronicles of a Day”, at Musée International d'Art Naïf MIDAN in Vicq, +33 (0)1 34 86 06 22. This exhibition features 70 pieces and illustrates [...]

Paris's avenues, streets and historic squares are a Christmas wonderland through early January. High points include the illuminations of the Champs-Elysées, the nativity scene in front of Notre Dame and the huge ice-skating rink on the esplanade of the Paris City Hall. For added cheer, the Eiffel Tower explodes into light, sparkling with 20,000 electronic [...]

The Murano has put together special promotional packages for Christmas and New Years Eve. The Murano is the first “urban resort” in the Marais neighborhood of Paris, with a bar-lounge, restaurant, spa (opening March 2005), suites and a private pool. It is a veritable oasis in the heart of the city.

As the high-speed Eurostar train linking London with Paris and Brussels through the Channel Tunnel celebrated its 10th anniversary with an unusual “walk on the water”, evidence of its commercial success was unveiled: the highest market share recorded in its 10-year history, as well a substantial increase in passenger numbers and significant improvement in punctuality. [...]