Dromoland Castle Celebrates 50th anniversary as Luxury Destination Resort as Ireland Hosts the Gathering

Dromoland Castle is celebrating its 50^th anniversary as a luxury destination resort this year, and doing it in grand style. With Ireland’s year-long spectacular The Gathering, also scheduled for 2013, visitors can now join in the celebration with two uniquely Irish, but decidedly different experiences with one short flight across the pond.

With Dromoland as their perfect base camp visitors can enjoy the resort’s special hospitality, complete with commemorative activities, as well as The Gathering’s educational, inspirational and family friendly festivities and events.

To commemorate this historic occasion, Dromoland Castle has

· created a new logo

· crafted a celebratory lager

· commissioned a tartan by an historical local mill

· renovated the Presidential Suite

· redesigned the Fig Tree Restaurant and

· launched The Shop at Dromoland, selling artisanal and locally sourced goodies

Dromoland Castle, located in Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare, was built in the 16^th century. Majestically set on the shores of Lough Dromoland, it is surrounded by over 450 acres of breathtaking scenery, including a championship parkland golf course. Lavish interiors, fine food and superb wines complement the deluxe accommodations of the Castle’s 99 guest rooms, while Dromoland Castle Golf and Country Club, an intimate spa and traditional outdoor recreational opportunities ensure a unique guest experience.

Dromoland recently acquired the Clare Inn, a 181-room, three star hotel located on 21 acres adjacent to the resort. A major renovation is planned this year upgrading it to a four star hotel. Now both hotels can offer a wider range of activities and amenities to guests during their stays. (It’s a delightful amenity when planning a big celebration, like a destination wedding, in particular.)

Visit www.dromoland.ie.

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Luxury Link and kate spade new york Offer the Chance to Win Dream Vacation to Bora Bora

Luxury Link (www.luxurylink.com), a leading online luxury travel destination, has partnered with luxury brand kate spade new york to offer a chance to win a dream vacation to one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Bora Bora.

In celebration of kate spade new york’s newest collection, Luxury Link and kate spade new york will send a lucky winner and friend to the Tahitian island of Bora Bora for the trip of a lifetime. Known for its world-famous lagoon, stunning blue-green water and powdered white sand beaches, Bora Bora is the ultimate South Pacific Polynesian escape.

kate spade new york and Luxury Link will be sending the grand prize winner and a guest off for a five-night stay at the luxurious Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, where they will enjoy their own suite with a private pool, garden and terrace. The winner will also receive a $500 American Express gift card and other sweet treats from kate spade new york for a spectacular island escape.

To participate, go to http://katespade.promo.eprize.com/tahiti/ between May 15 – June 11, 2012.

For a travel guide to the Tahitian islands, check out the Fathom for kate spade new york city guides at http://www.katespade.com/city-guides/city-guides,default,sc.html. The guide features the best places to stay, shop, eat and drink in Tahiti, as well as a handy cheat sheet and island itinerary.

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Travcoa Offers a Family Luxury Safari Featuring the Best of Kenya

Travcoa, the world leader in luxury travel, is offering a custom-crafted multi-family luxury safari to East Africa this summer. The exclusive14-day “Kenya: African Family Adventure” will be led by Travcoa Travel Director and professional photographer, Kymri Wilt. This Escorted Journey highlights the breadth and mystery of Kenya’s unspoiled frontier, and Kymri has personally crafted the itinerary and hand-picked luxury lodges and camps which embody the iconic African safari experience. From superb wildlife viewing to enriching cultural interactions, there is something special for all ages to enjoy – a wonderful way for parents and grandparents to share exceptional and inspiring experiences with their children and/or grandchildren.

“There is no greater gift a family can share than the gift of travel,” stated Jerre Fuqua, President of Travcoa. “It’s rare for a family vacation to engage passions and interests across generations – from grandparents to teenagers. But the mere mention of the word ‘Africa’ piques the curiosity of both young and old.”

Departing July 29, 2012, Travcoa’s “Kenya: African Family Adventure” starts at $11,990 per person. Pricing for children under 16 starts at $9,990. Guests will stay in Kenya’s legendary lodges and tented camps in Nanyuki and discover the world-famous Kenyan National Parks of Meru, Amboseli and Masai Mara. Highlights include visiting the Giraffe Center, the Sweetwater Game Reserve, David Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage, a hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara and interacting with Maasai villagers.

For more information about the “Kenya: African Family Adventure” or to request a brochure please contact Travoca at 1-800-992-2003 or go online at www.travcoa.com.

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Conrad Bali Celebrates 8th Anniversary with Special Events

The Infinity Wedding Chapel at Conrad Bali. The resort is celebrating its 8th anniversary.

The Conrad Bali is celebrating its 8th anniversary year with a series of events and promotions aptly themed with lucky number eight.

“Heading into our eighth year anniversary festivities Conrad Bali continues to impress with its classic contemporary design, refined hospitality, lush gardens and scenic beachfront,” said General Manager, Michael Burchett. “This year, our guests will have that much more to look forward to with our auspicious number eight promotions.”

In line with the strong feng shui element incorporated within the property’s gardens, pools and interior spaces, its three restaurants too have been carefully designed with balance, each offering not only unique atmosphere, but also great food. Honoring eight years of fine, authentic Balinese and Asian cuisine, Suku toasts the anniversary with a complimentary eight distinct “sambal”. Sambal is traditional Indonesian chili-based sauce, which varies in taste depending on its origin in the archipelago.

Romantic eight-course degustation dinners are well suited for Eight Degrees South, one of Bali’s celebrated seaside bistros with indoor and alfresco seating. RIN, the resort’s Japanese specialty restaurant, will showcase eight varieties of noodle dishes. Known as yi mein and traditionally served on birthdays in Chinese culture, the noodle represents longevity and good fortune.

The property’s events team has its own fortune to give in the form of a tiered reward program that offers greater benefits with higher spend. “Our Beyond Infinity wedding program offers the best price points you’ll find anywhere on the island for those tying the knot along with some wonderful gifts,” said Burchett. “Couples can select from a range of gifts such as a complimentary two-tier wedding cake, dinner in an open beach pavilion or even room upgrades and likely the most popular, the couple massage in a private Spa Garden Pavilion.”

At Jiwa Spa anniversary treatments are anything but ordinary. Treatments have been redefined extending massage sessions to 88 minutes and with celebration packages that include a glass of wine or, even a coconut and chocolate scrub and martini.

Furthermore, the resort’s corporate meeting programs, “Smart Meetings – Reward Me,” promise an array of gift initiatives to clients who are booking company functions. Rewards range from spa treatments and Deluxe Ocean room accommodation on the first tier to iPads and the top prize of a Conrad Suite accommodation.

“It’s been a fantastic eight years,” said Burchett. “We have also been blessed with a great location, superb staff and a brand that supports the quality we wish to deliver.”

Conrad Bali is a luxury beachfront resort located on the southern coast of Bali, an island in the Indonesian archipelago with an alluring blend of natural beauty and timeless traditions. Contemporary in design, the resort boasts panoramic views to the ocean, pools and gardens and features 353 guest rooms and suites, inspired dining options, extensive meeting, event, and leisure facilities including the Jiwa Spa. The resort is also home to a beachfront wedding venue, Infinity. The exclusive Conrad Suites is located on a private wing and offers enhanced privacy with personalized service.

CONRAD® HOTELS & RESORTS is Hilton Worldwide’s global luxury brand and the choice for today’s modern, sophisticated traveler. By focusing on the individual, Conrad offers guests genuine and personalized experience and a world of style, service and connection. Each Conrad is a dynamic reflection of its city and culture, as well as a showcase for striking design and distinct surroundings. Across five continents, in the world’s gateway cities and most sought-after resort destinations, Conrad invites each guest to enjoy The Luxury Of Being Yourself®.
For information on Conrad, visit www.conradhotels.com.

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Breakers Rewards savings make it easier to enjoy romantic escape to iconic Palm Beach resort

The Breakers resort is making it easier for couples to enjoy a luxurious romantic escape and families to enjoy a winter getaway with the added savings of “Breakers Rewards,” its seasonal offer available through February 14, 2012, just in time for Valentine's Day © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

The Breakers resort is making it easier for couples to enjoy a luxurious romantic escape and families to enjoy a winter getaway with the added savings of “Breakers Rewards,” its seasonal offer available through February 14, 2012, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

You get $50, $100 or $200 in nightly credits per room, based on category of accommodations booked at regular rates:

• $50 Breakers Rewards (per room per night), applicable to Deluxe guest rooms
• $100 Breakers Rewards (per room, per night), applicable to Premium guest rooms
• $200 Breakers Rewards (per room, per night), applicable to Flagler Club (concierge level), Oceanfront Rooms and Suites

Breakers Rewards are applicable to myriad resort amenities:
• Dining and drinks at any of the resort’s nine Palm Beach restaurants and five lounges
• Golf play on The Breakers’ two championship courses
• Personalized golf instruction at the renowned John Webster Golf Academy
• Rejuvenating luxury spa
• Tennis, applicable to court play and private instruction
• Luxury beach bungalows for daytime rental
• World-class shopping, applicable to purchases at the resort’s 11 boutiques
• Children’s programs at the Family Entertainment Center.
• Overnight valet parking

Complimentary resort benefits always include Internet inclusive of WiFi, access to main hotel’s fitness center and fitness classes (excluding private sessions).  Breakers Rewards not available to groups.  Other restrictions apply.

The Breakers offers an alluring, domestic winter vacation in the style of tropical and Mediterranean destinations. This 140-acre Palm Beach resort, originally built in 1896, has undergone a comprehensive, $250 million revitalization and expansion over the past ten years, and today features a glamorous yet classic ambiance that combines Italian Renaissance style and European feel, with an alluring beachfront reminiscent of St. Tropez.  The value of its proximity is palpable…a prime stateside location, more affordable than overseas, with stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, easy air transit for guests and close airport proximity.  With its bounty of dining and recreational amenities, The Breakers is a self-contained, panoramic escape, from which guests never have to step a sandal off property.

“We have found that these daily monetary credits encourage winter travelers to enjoy and save on their preferred experiences, all available on site,” said David Burke, vice president of sales & marketing of the 140-acre property.  “The Breakers Palm Beach offers an unrivaled resort experience that could not be replicated today – a stunning atmosphere of relaxed elegance with an amazing range of resort experiences.  With our long-term vision and commitment to future generations of guests, we ensure it keeps getting better year after year.”

One of America’s legendary resort destinations, this 540-room, Italian Renaissance-style hotel resides on 140 acres of oceanfront property in the heart of Palm Beach.  The Breakers was founded in 1896 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and continues to thrive independent of chain affiliation.  Renowned for its gracious service, the resort indulges its clientele, whether couples on a romantic getaway, multi-generational travelers on a family vacation or large gatherings in celebration.  With the commitment of its long-standing ownership, descendants of founder Henry Flagler, The Breakers invests $20 million each year in the property’s ongoing enhancement to ensure it remains appealing to future guests.  Following a comprehensive ten-year $250 million revitalization, its timeless atmosphere — from its magnificent interiors to its artfully designed landscape — has been renewed in a style of relaxed elegance.

A multi-faceted destination, The Breakers features 36 holes of championship Florida golf, including the Ocean Course and The Breakers Rees Jones® Course; 10 Har-Tru tennis courts; luxury spa; a breathtaking oceanfront with a half-mile of private beach, Mediterranean-style beach club, as well as luxury beach bungalows for daytime-rental, five pools, four whirlpool spas and a variety of water sports; a Family Entertainment Center and an extensive program of family and children’s activities.  Nine distinctive restaurants, as well as an array of on-site boutiques, are all owned and managed by the resort.  The Breakers is recognized as a AAA Five Diamond property and has earned numerous accolades for its commitment to the environment, community service and the quality of life it provides to its employees.

For reservations or more information, contact the resort toll-free at 1-888-BREAKERS (273-2537), (561) 655-6611, visit www.thebreakers.com, or contact your travel professional.

See also:

The Breakers Palm Beach: iconic American resort has relaxed, contemporary feel and slideshow

The Breakers, iconic Palm Beach destination resort, redefines dining experience and slideshow

Once in a Lifetime Day Trip to Antarctica, Dec. 14, 2011

The luxury operator Mantis Collection, based in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, is offering  50 air tickets for a “Once in a Lifetime” Day Trip to Antarctica, on December 14, 2011.

The price is 6500 Euros (per person), for the flight, which departs Cape Town and arrives in Antarctica 5 1/2 hours later.

You have lunch in Antarctica, eight hours of activities, and then enjoy dinner on the return flight

For information, contact The Mantis Collection, 1 Watt Street, Deal Party, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, 6001, Tel: +27 (0)41 4071010, www.mantiscollection.com, or email  jennifer.schoultz@mantiscollection.com.

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Lighthouse Bay, Barbuda Offers Celebrity-Style Weddings in a Luxurious Caribbean Hideaway

Couples arrive at Lighthouse Bay Resort on Barbuda, a luxurious Caribbean hideaway, by helicopter, and are personally greeted by the entire staff.

The upscale and exclusive Lighthouse Bay Resort (www.LightHouseBayResort.com) on Barbuda gives new meaning to the term “destination wedding” with a celebrity-style celebration truly unique from beginning to end.  From a private helicopter ride from Antigua to Barbuda and the intimacy of being on a private island to couples exchanging vows beachside with 12 of their closest friends and family, the resort’s “Signature Champagne Cocktail Yes I do” package offers an unforgettable real-life fairytale experience.

“We offer the caliber of a celebrity wedding but without the celebrity price tag,” said Terrence Linton, general manager of Lighthouse Bay.  “Brides, grooms and all the loved ones who celebrate with them at our private paradise take home monumental memories of beachside elegance and pristine perfection.”

The “Signature Champagne Cocktail Yes I do” package offers:

• Six nights in the Grand Suite for the bride and groom
• Three nights for up to 12 people, including two Junior Suites and two Master Suites
• All meals and beverages for all guests during their stay
• One roundtrip helicopter transfer for the bride and groom to and from Antigua
• One way transfer for the extended party to or from Antigua via a private plane
• Arrival welcome champagne for all guests
• White Nights Party, where everyone wears white, on the beach for a rehearsal dinner
• Wedding ceremony on the beach or at the Club House
• Wedding dinner with choice of location – the Lagoon Restaurant, dining under the stars on the upper deck of the Club House, or romantic dining on the beach under the stars
• Wedding cake
• Two bottles of Moet & Chandon Star Champagne

In addition, the bride and groom also can enjoy the following:

• Wedding night romantic turndown service with Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Champagne, Bougainville flowers petals scattered on bed and floating gently in warm bath water with glows of flickering candle lights
• Bottle of Dom Perignon Champagne
• One tour of the Frigate Bird Sanctuary
• An evening of one hour romantic sunset horseback riding
• One 60-minute couple’s full-body massage
• One night stargazing with champagne tasting on the beach

The “Signature Champagne Cocktail Yes I Do” package rates start at $52,999.

Exclusivity and seclusion take on new heights at Barbuda’s five-star Lighthouse Bay Resort.  Situated on its own private island upon a narrow stretch of land between 17 miles of unspoiled pink sand beach and the clear turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea to the front and the blue-green serenity of the Codrington Lagoon to the rear, privacy is guaranteed as the property is only accessible via S.V.G. (St. Vincent and The Grenadines) Airlines or helicopter.  With only nine beautifully appointed suites, guests enjoy unparalleled pampering and comfort with virtually no interruptions.

Each room’s amenities and technology allow guests to feel “plugged in” despite their remote location with flat screen satellite televisions, iPod alarm clock CD players, complimentary international telephone calls, personal laptops and iPads for guests’ use while on property, and Wi-Fi Internet connection.  For added convenience, complimentary laundry service is available for all guests.

Gastronomic pleasures are unrivaled at Lighthouse Bay as fresh, innovative cuisine and personalized daily menus include homemade breads and pastas, seafood and seasonal foods, all combined by the resort’s highly-trained executive chef to create a truly inspired dining experience at each meal.

Lighthouse Bay’s location on a private island is ideal for relaxing and renewing at the beach or by the freshwater pool while taking in the spectacular scenery.  Guests who want to venture off-property can visit the world’s largest frigate bird sanctuary or enjoy sailing, fishing, horseback riding and other active pursuits arranged by the hotel staff.

For more information about Lighthouse Bay, call 1-888-214-8552 or 1-646-688-2903 or contact the resort’s USA Representative, Wendy Friese, at 212-616-5032, visit www.LightHouseBayResort.com and www.facebook.com/lighthousebayresort, or e-mail: info@lighthousebarbuda.com.

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Crystal Cruises Launches New Private Adventure Option for Land Tours

Crystal Cruises is introducing a private shore excursion alternative for individualistic adventurers.  Crystal’s new “Private Adventure Option” enables guests to take already-organized group excursions – in a more intimate fashion.

Beginning this August/September, parties of two, four or six can opt for a personal guide and private vehicle to tour Ephesus, Pompeii or the city of Barcelona, for example – on a shore-side itinerary already carefully crafted by Crystal’s Land Programs team and its worldwide tour operators.

Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations, Thomas Mazloum, was inspired to create the program by his own Crystal cruise vacation.  “While I heard how much guests appreciated the ‘creative content’ of our Crystal Adventures, some said they would love to take the same tour by themselves to make it even more personal,” says Mazloum.  “At Crystal, we are committed to giving our guests choices.  Being able to really personalize your experience is the hallmark of a perfect luxury vacation.”

For several years, Crystal has offered guests a “Crystal Private Adventure” program, which offers the opportunity to design customized land itineraries for individuals, their families and friends.  The new “Private Adventure Option” is similar, but follows established excursions in a private way.  If guests prefer to modify their “Private Adventure Option” or expand the group, the trip would then become a custom “Crystal Private Adventure.”

Launching August 14 and September 13 on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, respectively, the “Private Adventure Option” can be pre-reserved at least one week prior to embarkation by emailing crystaladventures@crystalcruises.com.  Prices will be at least 25% more than group tour fares, but vary depending on excursion length, vehicle size, guide costs and sites visited.

This fall/winter, Crystal ships cruise the Mediterranean, New England/Canada, Panama Canal, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coast, and Hawaii. Crystal’s huge Fall Fare Sale offers savings up to $8,000/couple.

Crystal’s passion for creating exclusive, eye-opening luxury shore-side experiences is a cornerstone of its Crystal Adventures program, helping earn the line top ratings for two decades.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent., call 888-799-4625., or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

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Families get luxury treatment with Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort, Orlando, new ‘Red Carpet Family Package’

'Red Carpet' treatment at the Villas of Grand Cypress means you are whisked to the themepark of your choice by limousine with new family package © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort is giving families the opportunity to experience Orlando – one of the world’s most popular family destinations – with a distinctly “red carpet” feel. From stretch limousine transportation to a private hot air balloon tour, the property’s exclusive, three-night “Red Carpet Package” promises to leave families with a lifetime of memories.

The dream package, available May 1 through Sept. 30, starts at $3,600 plus tax and resort fee for a family of four (two adults, two children) and includes three nights accommodations in a spacious, luxurious two-bedroom villa, transportation in a luxurious stretch limousine from and to the Orlando International airport, and roundtrip limousine transportation to the themepark of your choice, for a full day of activity for a family at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando or SeaWorld Orlando; a hot-air balloon tour of Orlando with sunrise picnic breakfast and limousine; a few hours of ‘decompression’ time will find Dad getting to play a round of golf, Mom enjoying a massage, and the kids heading off to half-day at the property’s Kids Camp. And just for Mom and Dad, a romantic evening just for the parents, featuring a specially prepared four-course meal at Nine18 restaurant, with a bottle of wine included, while the the kids are whisked away to a fun evening at Kids Camp, with their own dinner included.

The resort offers private villas along the fairways and waterways of the golf course. Each villa is furnished with a family-friendly living room, dining room and fully equipped kitchen, along with patios and verandas.

The Club, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (and evolves into a sports bar in the evening) and Nine 18, open for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays, are the primary dining venues, with a poolside snack bar to accent the offerings.

Villas of Grand Cypress – one of the “75 Best Golf Resorts in North America” as named by Golf Digest – features 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature designed golf comprised of 27 holes plus the Nicklaus-designed New Course.

Up to two additional children can be added to the package for $350 each. The package is subject to availability and children must be between the ages of 4 and 16. Alternative arrangements or baby sitting may be arranged for those younger or older than the specified ages.

To reserve the “Red Carpet Family Package” and for additional information about Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort, visit www.grandcypress.com, or call 877-330-7376.

See also:

Walt Disney World Orlando is Still the Place for Magic and slideshow

Inside Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter and slideshow

Frelon’s Fabulous France Celebrates Royal Wedding with Royal Holiday at Private Estate in Burgandy

Frelon’s Fabulous France is honoring the joyous occasion of the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton this April with their own eight-day “Royal Holiday” at the private ‘La Ferme de la Lochere’ estate in Burgundy – complete with a recreation of the wedding meal by Katherine Frelon, a successful chef with a litany of assignments that includes cooking for a member of the royal family.  From the Royal High Tea upon arrival to the farewell dinner, guests at the meticulously restored 400-year-old property, with accommodations for up to ten, enjoy the finer things in life.  Champagne during a hot air balloon ride, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants,  private wine tastings and several hands-on cooking experiences with Katherine, whose training included the Michelin-starred kitchens of Marc Meneau, are just a few of the examples.  Prices for the April 30-May 7, 2011, holiday are 1,895€ ($2,561)* per person, double.

Treats inspired from the best teashops in England and organic products from Prince Charles’ own farm accompany the Royal High Tea, setting the tone for the week.  Guests receive insider access to several local places of interest: the magnificent Abbey of Fontenay, exclusive wine tastings at some of the most renowned vineyards of the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, a privately guided tour of the opulent Hospice de Beaune, and a cooking demonstration and lunch with award-winning chef Laurent Peugeot at Michelin-starred Le Charlemagne.  There are tours of the Vineyard of Flavigny, the town of which hosted the filming of Chocolat; lunch at the three Michelin-starred restaurant Bernard Loiseau; visits to the colorful markets of Dijon; and trips to the medieval town of Semur-en-Auxois and the charming Chateauneuf-en-Auxois.  Several cooking lessons throughout – each incorporating seasonal ingredients (a great time of year for mushrooms) — culminate in the recreation of the royal wedding meal for the farewell dinner.

Rates for the holiday include accommodation; all meals prepared on the property; culinary instruction and ingredients; transfers to and from the Montbard train station; attractions specified in the itinerary; set menus designed with seasonal ingredients by the head chef – complimented with wines especially selected by the sommelier – at both Michelin restaurants; and a complimentary cookbook from chef and host Katherine Frelon.

La Ferme de la Lochere is a 400-year-old private estate in the heart of Burgundy, conveniently located four hours from London and one hour from Paris, by train, and meticulously restored by the owners to reflect the rich history of the area while providing guests with modern amenities.  The property includes several charming courtyards, an extensive library, mezzanine lounge area, heated swimming pool, a spacious state-of-the-art kitchen and five individually-designed, airy bedrooms with gorgeous views of the mountains and vineyards – each with private bath, fresh flowers, L’Occitane products and wifi.  Each luxurious itinerary is complemented by free time for guests to lunch on the rolling hillsides, bike along the Canal de Bourgogne, stroll through the scenic countryside, shop in the unique towns – and more.

Frelon’s Fabulous France provides tailor-made, luxury vacations in Burgundy from April through October. Information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from Frelon’s Fabulous France, 6 Rue de la Lochere, 21150 Marigny le Cahouet, France; +33 672 865 609; or, visit www.frelonsfabulousfrance.com.

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