Japan Travel Tips Japanese

Japan Travel Information - World Travel  You are here: About > Travel > Japan for Visitors Travel Go Japan Essentials Clickable Map of Japan Japan Pictures Japan Travel Tips Japanese Geisha Japan 101 - Fact about Japan Articles & Resources Japan Maps Picture of Japan / Web cams Best of Japan / Attractions Hotels/Accommodations Tokyo / Cities / Regions Japanese Translators Japanese Culture Etiquette / Living in Japan Japan Weather / Geography Japan History / Samurai Japanese Penpal / Chat Plan Your Trip to Japan Air Travel / Train Travel Restaurants / Japanese Food Japanese Gift / Japan Books Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Japanese Gifts Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Japan for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Japan for Visitors From Shizuko Mishima , Your Guide to Japan for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Best Japan Photos in 2005 Which Japan photo gallery was viewed the most by visitors to About Japan for Visitor's site? Best Japan Photo Gallery of 2005 Wednesday December 28, 2005 | permalink Japanese New Year's Cards Sending New Year's cards to relatives, friends, teachers, classmates, and co-workers is an important custom in Japan. Send your favorite Japanese new year's cards online! Free Japanese ecards Monday December 26, 2005 | permalink Photo Gallery: Christmas Decorations in Japan Christmas in Tokyo Disneyland, Odaiba, Ebisu Garden Place, and more. Japanese Christmas Pictures Saturday December 24, 2005 | permalink Christmas in Tokyo There are many fun events and beautiful Christmas illuminations to visit in Tokyo. Here is a list of places to go. Tokyo Christmas Pictures of Christmas in Japan Shibuya Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima, licenced to About.com, Inc. Wednesday December 21, 2005 | permalink Japan Holiday Travel Tips Are you planning to visit Japan in December or January? I have some travel tips for you. Japanese Holidays Monday December 19, 2005 | permalink Japanese Railways Japanese railway systems are very advanced. Traveling by trains is very efficient. Plan a trip by trains in Japan. A list of railways in Japan Photo (c) 2005 Shizuko Mishima, licensed to About.com, Inc. Saturday December 17, 2005 | permalink Health Insurances in Japan "I plan on going to Japan in April to study for two years can anyone tell me what is a good insurance company. I hear health care in Japan is very expensive..." Suggestions? Friday December 16, 2005 | permalink Christmas in Japan December 25th is not a Japanese national holiday . How do Japanese people spend Christmas? Read more... Pictures of Christmas in Japan Pictures of Tokyo Ebisu Garden Place, Tokyo - Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima, licenced to About.com Inc. Wednesday December 14, 2005 | permalink Japanese Gift Ideas This is a list of Japanese things which might be good gifts for your loved ones. Japanese Gifts Monday December 12, 2005 | permalink Top 10 Christmas Lights to See in Japan Beautiful Christmas decorations are seen many places. This is a list of popular destinations for Christmas illuminations in Japan. Visit many places near your destinations! Japan Christmas Lights and Decorations Chirstmas in Japan Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima, licenced to About.com, Inc. Saturday December 10, 2005 | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement Most Popular New Year Cards Japanese Geisha Christmas in Japan Japanese Tattoos Free Japanese postcards - Japanese new year cards - japan fr... What's Hot Japan Postcard - Japanese free email postcards - New Year's ... Japan Map - Nagano Prefecture Map - Map of Japan Universal Studios Japan Odaiba Photos Pictures of Japan - mount fuji picture - mt. fuji Photo Related Topics Japanese Cuisine Japanese Language Asia for Visitors Anime PlayStation Games        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Japan Postcard - Japanese free email postcards - New Year's ... Japan Map - Nagano Prefecture Map - Map of Japan Universal Studios Japan Odaiba Photos Pictures of Japan - mount fuji picture - mt. fuji Photo Headlines Best Japan Photos in 2005 Which Japan photo gallery was viewed the most by visitors... Japanese New Year's Cards Sending New Year's cards to relatives, friends, teachers, classmates, and... Photo Gallery: Christmas Decorations in Japan Christmas in Tokyo Disneyland, Odaiba, Ebisu Garden Place, and more.... Christmas in Tokyo There are many fun events and beautiful Christmas illuminations to...

italy Travel for Kids

Travel for Kids: Italy fun things to do with kids in Italy "All over Italy, people were friendly, especially to kids. My kids loved it when waiters treated them like real people and tried out their English on them," writes a friend. Italy is also a great place to travel with another family, or bring the grandparents – Italians are happy to accommodate a big family group. Tip: Don't miss our top picks for children's books on Italy, recommended by the staff of Travel for Kids, see below. Rome North Venice The Dolomite Alps Emilia-Romagna – Bologna Liguria – Genoa Milan Central Tuscany Florence South Campania Naples Pompeii Gondola rides in Venice, medieval towers of Lucca, Pinocchio's home town, picnics on the Italian lakes, the bustling piazzas of Rome. Looking for a well-rounded itinerary that combines travel to Italy's popular cities, villages and coastal towns in one trip? Intrepid Travel is just the family tour company to be your guide, as you bike, cruise, hike, and ride the trains around Italy: Intrepid Travel (Promotion code: 1177) Do you have a baby or toddler in tow? Little ones are wide-eyed and ready for adventure, but help with travel logistics is a big plus. Ciao Bambino! will set up a custom itinerary for Italy, with little kids in mind: Ciao Bambino! Da Wild, Da Crazy, Da Vinci Jon Scieszka, Adam McCauley Hilarious adventures of the Time Warp Trio, Fred, Joe and Sam, as they are whirled back to Renaissance Italy to look for da Vinci. When they fall into the clutches of Lord Borgia and Nicolo Machiavelli, Leonardo and the trio da Brooklyn cook up an invention to save their skins. (Easy reader) The Diary of Melanie Martin Carol Weston Breezy, comical adventures of 10-year-old Melanie in Italy, "Or How I Survived Matt the Brat, Michelangelo and the Leaning Tower of Pizza." Perfect to bring on your trip. (Chapter book) Stavaganza Trilogy: City of Masks City of Stars City of Flowers Mary Hoffman A dazzling historical fantasy, set in 16th century Italy. Each book is set in a different city that resembles Venice, Siena and Florence. Magical talismans transport teenagers from present day to the Renaissance, where they encounter deadly feuds, legendary horse races, masked duchesses, mystery and adventure. A fabulous series, so captivating, when you visit these cities, you'll feel like you're part of the story. (Chapter book) The Blood Stone Jamila Gavin In Venice, Filippo Veroneo's family owns a peerless diamond pendant, the Ocean of the Moon, a jewel created by his father. To escape the clutches of his greedy guardian, Filippo leaves Venice on a fishing boat, but he carries with him the precious diamond, a ransom for his father in far-off Hindustan. A shimmering adventure of 17th century Venice, crossroads of the world. (Chapter book) The Renaissance Tim Wood All about the Renaissance, which began in Italy – Italian city-states, painting and sculpture, architecture, music and poetry, alchemy and science, warfare and technology. "See-through" scenes of a Florentine town house and St. Peter's cathedral in Rome. (Picture book) Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance Treasure Chest Andrew Langley A treasure chest full of goodies – mini-bio of Leonardo, (the quintessential "Renaissance man"), plastic flying machine to build, Leonardo's sketchbook, paper model of Santa Maria del Fiore, slider of the Last Supper (before and after restoration). (Activity pack) Katie and the Mona Lisa James Mayhew Little Katie gets in the picture, when the Mona Lisa invites her to climb into Italian Renaissance paintings. But everything doesn't go quite right, and it takes an angel with a lute to soothe three angry Botticelli dancers and a roaring lion of Venice. Delightful illustrations and fun for little kids. (Picture book) Michelangelo Diane Stanley Life and times of a Renaissance genius – the mega-talented Michelangelo, painter of the Sistine Chapel, sculptor of the Pieta , and architect of St. Peter's in Rome. (Picture Book) The Renaissance Art Book Wenda O'Reilly When you visit museums or churches in Italy, you'll run into these guys – Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Fra Angelico and Botticelli. This is a fun, readable introduction to 30 different Renaissance paintings and sculpture, e.g. why is the baby Jesus holding a pomegranate (not a bumpy muffin) , each saint has a symbol etc. Good for younger kids. (Picture book) Daughter of Venice Donna Jo Napoli 16th century Venice. Donata breaks the rigid confines of her noble family to explore her beloved city. Sparkling story of a teenage girl who would rather wear smelly clothes of a fisherboy than silks and parasols, and glows with the light and colors of Venice. (Chapter book) Ancient Rome (Eyewitness Books) Simon James Essential guide to ancient Rome – history, the emperors (complete timeline), legionaries, senators and slaves, family life, gladiators and the arena, food and dinner parties, music and theater, gods and religion. Fabulous artifacts, detailed photographs, and a model of the Colosseum. (Picture book) Lift the Lid on Gladiators Philip Wilkinson High-quality gladiator action figure (comes with swords, shields, trident, net, helmet, arm and leg guards) and a drawer full of goodies – booklet on gladiators, map of the Roman Empire, cardboard model of the Colosseum, ancient Roman board game. (Activity pack) The Secrets of Vesuvius (Roman Mysteries 2) Caroline Lawrence 79 A.D. Fresh from solving the mystery of the watchdogs in The Thieves of Ostia , Flavia and her three friends are visiting her uncle near Pompeii. Admiral Pliny has given them a Latin riddle to solve, and they need to find a blacksmith called Vulcan, before Mt. Vesuvius pops its top. (Chapter book) This is a great series, with more adventures in The Pirates of Pompeii , The Assassins of Rome , and The Dolphins of Laussrentum , The Enemies of Jupiter and The Gladiators from Capua . Tiger, Tiger Lynne Reid Banks Twin tiger cubs, captured in their jungle home, are brought to Rome for the Colosseum games. One cub becomes a pet of the Emperor's daughter, the other cub is trained for the arena. Will it be thumbs up or thumbs down, when the tigers meet again? A captivating, exciting story of ancient Rome. (Chapter book) On Etruscan Time Tracy Barrett Twelve year old Hector wasn't keen on spending his summer on an Etruscan dig in Tuscany, but when he finds a mysterious stone eye, the dusty ruins around him become a thriving Etruscan village, more than 2,000 years ago. Can Hector protect an Etruscan boy from an evil plot, and keep the archeological dig going? (Chapter book) Italy Monuments Past and Present A.R. Staccioli If you're planning to visit Rome, Ostia, Hadrian's Villa, Pompeii, Herculaneum or Paestum, this is an essential guide to the ruins. With cool plastic overlays, you can see what the dusty ruins look like today, and what they looked like in Roman times. (Picture book) Strega Nona Tomie de Paola Strega Nona, a kindly "Grandma Witch," has a magic pasta pot. Big Anthony gets into trouble when he says, "Bubble, bubble pasta pot, boil me some pasta nice and hot." Fun for little ones. (Picture book) Pizza for the Queen Nancy Castaldo, Melisande Potter In Napoli, Raffaele has the best pizzeria, so famous the queen wants to taste his pizza. He shops for the finest ingredients – cheese, olive oil, sausage, little fish, and makes three different pizzas. The third pizza, with red tomato, green basil and white mozzarella, the colors of the Italian flag, is the queen's favorite, Pizza Margherita. A charming story, with delightful illustrations. (Picture book) Let's Learn Italian Coloring Book Anne-Françoise Hazzan Loads of fun pictures to color – from l'automobile to la casa (house), il gatto (cat), il pesce (fish), seasons of the year, days of the week, animals and food. (Coloring book) Ciao Bambino! Danna Troncatty Leahy, Gabhor Utomo Take a trip around Italy, just for toddlers. A grinning boy and his lovable bear splash in the water fountains, visit a farm, explore the ruins, and best of all, eat lots of pizza and gelato. Adorable watercolor illustrations. (Picture book) Italy Discovery Journal P.L.Byrne A wonderful way for kids to soak up Italian culture and put things in a journal – spot your favorite pasta shapes, pencil in favorite building colors, collect postcards of your favorite landmark, and many fun activities. (eBook) (More children's books on other Italy pages) travel for kids | italy Travel for Kids Your best choice for family travel 2000-2005 Globetracks, Inc. disclaimers and limitation of liability

Japan Travel International Travel

Metropolis - Japan Travel: Jesus in Japan JAPAN TODAY | METROPOLIS | CLASSIFIEDS | PERSONALS | JOBS Issue Index Original Features Features Mini Features Cultural Features Life in Japan Big in Japan Rant & Rave Cars & Bikes Health & Beauty Interiors Practical Jobfinder Money Talks Tokyo Tech Web Watch Food & Drink Food & Drink Restaurant Reviews Bar Reviews Word of Mouth Travel Travel Features Japan Travel International Travel Travelogue Style Art Artifacts Fashion Tokyo Talk In Store Buyline Music Japan Beat CD Reviews In Person Concerts Clubbing TRAVEL Jesus in Japan Jesus' supposed resting place Photos by Mary King Mary King hunts down the Messiah in the small village of Herai in the wilds of northern Japan. Church bells will ring out louder this year as millions of Christians across the world join in songs of praise for Jesus Christ's 2000th birthday. While most turn their thoughts to Bethlehem, Nazareth and Jerusalem, few know of the important role some claim Japan played in the life of Christ. There are probably very few Christians who have even heard of the small village of Herai that lies tucked away in the northern reaches of Aomori Prefecture, but some here maintain this to be the place where Jesus settled, married and died at the ripe old age of 106. Although it's commonly held that Jesus grew up as a carpenter in the Galilee town of Nazareth, according to the legend of Herai, or Shingo as it's now known, the 11 "missing years" of Christ's life not accounted for in the New Testament of the Bible were spent in Japan. According to the local legend, Christ first came to Japan, aged 21, during the reign of the 11th emperor, Suinin, and landed at the port of Hashidate on the Japan Sea coast. Apparently, he settled in Etchu province where, under the tutelage of a great master, he studied Japanese language, literature and various other subjects. The Legend of Daitenku Taro Jurai (Daitenku Taro Jurai was the name Christ is said to have later taken) claims that at the end of his 11-year stay, Christ returned to Judea, aged 33, where he taught about the "sacred land" of Japan. But, unfortunately, "Christ's teachings about Japan were considered too radical," and he was condemned to death. The New Testament teaches Jesus was crucified at Golgotha, rose from the dead after three days and later ascended into Heaven. However, according to the legend of Herai, Jesus escaped this fate, and instead his brother Isukiri was nailed to the cross and died. Christ, meanwhile, fled with his disciples and went into hiding, carrying locks of the Virgin Mary's hair and his brother's ear. After an arduous journey across Siberia, Christ finally returned to Japan and settled in Herai where he changed his name, married a Japanese woman called Miyuko, fathered three daughters and lived to the age of 106. Devout Christians may insist that the Garden Tomb, which lies not far from Damascus Gate outside the Old City of Jerusalem, is Jesus' true burial site, but the people of Herai have another story to tell-marked by a large wooden cross, Jesus' tomb ( Juraizuka ) sits alongside his brother's ( Judaibo ) in Herai. Isukiri's tomb holds his ear and locks of the Virgin Mary's hair. It's hard to imagine anyone, let alone Christ, would have schlepped out to one of the remotest parts of northern Japan in days of old, as even today it demands a great deal of effort to reach the village. Herai epitomizes the middle of nowhere. The place is little more than a lonely grocery store, a sprinkling of farmhouses and scraggly garlic fields and rice paddies blanketed with snow at this time of year. Most tourists either already know about the tombs, as well as the "pyramids" said to predate those of Egypt, or are so intrigued by the wild talk they hear of Herai while trekking out near Towadako Lake they can't resist coming to check it out. Remains of the Mirror Stone pyramid Pyramid scheme The first pyramid of the "O-Ishigami Pyramid" circle, we are told, was discovered in August, 1935 on Mt Towari, exactly one day after the discovery of Christ's tomb in the village. According to the "history of the Divine Age" found in the documents of the Takenouchi family, there are seven pyramids in Japan, dating back tens of thousands of years and older than the Egyptian pyramids. Legend has it that the largest of these "pyramids," the Mirror Stone, used to stand upright and had writing engraved on it, but fell over during an earthquake in 1857 and became embedded in the ground. Disappointingly, not one of the rocks slightly resembles a pyramid in the Egyptian or Mexican sense, but apparently Japanese pyramids are different from those found elsewhere. They were triangular rocks situated on the top of mountains and used for sun-worship in ancient times. A local standing by what may be Jesus' grave Tomb of the unknown Savior The "pyramids" are a five-minute drive from the Kirisuto no Sato Denshokan (Village of Christ Legend Museum; Tel: 0178-78-3741), where you can read about the history and customs of Herai, and catch the audio-visual show of the Kirisuto Matsuri (Christ Festival) held in the early summer. The museum is open from April to October. Contact the Shingo Business and Tourist Section at Shingo Village Office (Tel: 0178-78-2111) for visits during other times of the year. The present museum, open for the past five years, also records the uncanny circumstances surrounding the tombs of "Christ and his brother Isukiri" as well as old folk songs and customs that resemble ancient Judaic-Christian ones and various theories that either support or quash links between the Japanese and Christians of Jewish descent. Even the name of the village, Herai, is said to be derived from the word Hebrai (Hebrew). It sounds like a tall tale, but no stranger than stories of burning bushes, the parting of the Red Sea and water being turned into wine. For the people of Herai too, the revelation that Christ is buried in their village came as a shock when documents claiming Jesus had resided in Japan were discovered in Ibaraki Prefecture in 1935. Said to be Christ's will and testament and the proof that he had lived and died in Japan, the "Takenouchi documents" later proved to be fake. For years, many villagers felt that the shroud of mystery surrounding the large ancient tombs in a bamboo thicket had finally been lifted. The documents explained some of the village's customs, such as marking a cross on the forehead of a child when it first leaves the home and why Sanjiro Sawaguchi, a village elder, had "blue eyes like a foreigner." The museum explains mysterious local customs The tombs are located close to the Kirisuto no Sato Denshokan, marked by two large wooden crosses and are sitting on a small hill overlooking those of the Sawaguchi family-local garlic farmers who are said to be the descendants of Christ and who, to this day, care for their great ancestor's tombs. "Somebody special lies there but I don't really believe it's the tomb of Christ. It's probably the tomb of a foreigner who settled in the village at some point. It's certainly interesting that some of the old customs in this village are said to be similar to those of ancient Judea, and it may explain why some people in the village have blue eyes. But this village has always been Buddhist and the Shinto shrine in the village is more than 1000 years old, so I really don't think that there are any ancient links between Japanese and Jews or Christians of Jewish descent," said Yoshiteru Ogasawara, who runs Nobara Pension (Tel: 0178-78-2484). Regardless of what you believe, Herai makes an interesting-if somewhat barren-destination, and you're guaranteed a great travel story to share with friends. Getting there: From JR Ueno stn, take the Tohoku shinkansen to Morioka stn and change to the express train for Hachinohe. From Hachinohe, take a bus to Gonohe, where you can change to a bus for Shingo (Herai). For information on the local bus service, contact the tourist section of the Shingo Village Office (Tel: 0178-78-2111; Fax: 0178-78-2118). Getting around: Those seriously thinking of venturing out to this part of the world to see the tombs and the "pyramids" should consider hiring a car or taxi from Hachinohe or Gonohe as the local bus service is irregular, and getting around Herai on foot is nigh-on impossible, especially during the winter months. TRAVELOGUE WORLD TRAVEL TRAVEL FEATURES JAPAN TRAVEL: SEPTEMBER 389: God speed The mother of all Shinto temples, Ise Grand Shrine AUGUST 385: Hattoji Highland hamlet JULY 380: Nagasaki Remembrance of things past 378: Kawagoe From modern Tokyo to "Little Edo" 376: Tottori Tottori's stunning landscapes JUNE 375: Kyushu Bed and bath under the volcano 373: Ryogoku Land of the giants 372: Osaka Universal Studios Japan MAY 371: Osaka Amerika-mura: Osaka's funky town 369: Mie Mikimoto Pearl Island 368: Takarazuka Hyogo-ken's all women theater group APRIL 365: Kawasaki Kawasaki's annual fertility festival 364: Aomori A day on Fear Mountain MARCH 362: Nagano Chill out snowboarding 361: Asuka One foot in the grave FEBRUARY 356: Yamanashi Hakushu's hidden treasures 355: Waseda Tram Trip A streetcar named... 352/3: Aomori Jesus in Japan 351: Kumamoto Under the volcano in Kyushu 350: Sado Island Explore the forgotten charms of Shukunegi ISSUES 348- ISSUES 298- TOP

Italy Travel Resources: Rome

Italy - Travel and Tourism Information for Italy  You are here: About > Travel > Italy for Visitors Travel Go Italy Essentials Italy Profile Top Ten Cities to Visit in Italy Eating Out in Italy Ski in Piedmont New Year's Celebrations in Italy Articles & Resources Planning and Information Florence, Italy Rome, Italy Venice, Italy More Italian Cities Regions of Italy Italy Pictures Food and Wine of Italy Language and Culture Festivals and Events Gay and Lesbian Travel Italian History Things to Do in Italy Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Italy for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Italy for Visitors From Martha Bakerjian , Your Guide to Italy for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Travel to Milan, Italy Milan is one of Italy's most fashionable and richest cities but it also has many great artistic and historical sights and a thriving cultural scene. Home to the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the famous opera house, La Scala, Milan has a lot to offer the traveler. If you want to travel in northern Italy, Milan, with 2 airports, makes a convenient starting or ending destination. Read our Travel Profile of Milan, Italy , to learn more about Milan. You don't have to spend as much money as the CIA did on their stay in Milan. If you want to look for a hotel, here are some Milan Hotel listings with links to Kayak so that you can compare prices and even book online if you find one you like. Tuesday December 27, 2005 | permalink 2006 Winter Olympic Update According to Northern Italy's Torino 2006 Blog , the Olympic Village in Turin is complete and ready for the Winter Olympics starting in February. The village has 750 apartments as well as service buildings and will be converted to residential and student housing following the games. Meanwhile, the Olympic torch is spending the Christmas holidays with friends and family in Sicily and will resume its travels on December 26. The travel route will take the torch into southern Italy where it will arrive in Naples on New Year's Eve. Naples has one of the best New Year's Eve fireworks displays in Italy. More on Celebrating the New Year in Italy . Sunday December 25, 2005 | permalink Where Are Italians Going This Christmas? According to AGI News , 7 million Italians will travel outside their city during the long Christmas weekend this year. 30% are families who will return on the 26th or 27th but 70% will take an extended vacation and travel through at least January 1. Where will they go? 65% will visit relatives or friends or their second home. The rest will travel to a mountain resort or visit one of the Italian art cities - Rome, Venice, or Florence. Most of those who plan to travel outside Italy will visit another European capital. Italy Travel Resources: Rome Travel Resources | Venice Travel Resources | Florence Picture Gallery | Winter Sports in the Piedmont Mountains Saturday December 24, 2005 | permalink Italy in the Travel Blogs: St. Nick and the Government Wine Bar Italians celebrate St. Nicholas in a feast day on December 6th. But did you know that St. Nick is buried in the coast town of Bari after sailors stole his body from Myra, Turkey? Gadling has the goods. Attitudes toward wine are different in Italy than in the US. Imagine the outcry in the US if the government financed a wine bar, just like the Italian region of Lazio did recently. Check out Gridskipper's Your Government Wine Bar . Friday December 23, 2005 | permalink Relive Casanova's Venice--or not Perhaps it was the movie Casanova ,but the old libertine's lusty ways seem to be undergoing a sort ofRenaissance. As you know, the legendary lover's heritage includes theoft publicized use of the early condom, which for Casanova consisted ofa reusable sheep-gut sheath tied on with a pink ribbon and rinsed, whenrequired, in the Grand Canal. Now, according to Venice Word ,"fourteen million tourists a year can now leave with a new"serenissimo" gadget that appears destined to be a hit: the Casanovacondom packed in a single-unit package with the image of GiacomoCasanova." You probably won't need to stand in line at Venice pharmacies toprocure a Casanova special, they'll be available in 2006 attobacconists and newspaper kiosks, the same place you get your bustickets, usually. And hold on you your...hats, "Beginning in January, the Casanova will also be sold in a seven-condom package shaped like a... gondola." Italy Travel Resources: Venice Tuesday December 20, 2005 | permalink Florence Picture Gallery The off season is a wonderful time to capture the best light of Florence. Check out our new photo gallery: Florence Pictures - Monuments, Buildings and the art of Florence, Italy . The pictures, taken on Thanksgiving day, include a Florence street decorated for the winter holidays and two cow sculptures, part of Florence's CowParade open air exhibit that runs through January. Saturday December 17, 2005 | permalink Ski in Northern Italy's Piedmont Region The mountains of Piedmont featured at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympics provide a unique backdrop for winter sports, especially skiing. Piedmont features 53 ski resorts with 1,300 kilometres of run. Winter sports that can be practiced in the Piedmont region include alpine and cross-country skiing, telemark, snowboarding, ice climbing, free riding, ski mountaineering, horse trekking, driving sleighs pulled by Siberian huskies, paraskiing, and heliskiing. The Piedmont region is also noted for gastronomic specialties and wine. With early snows in Italy, the region is ready for winter sports. Read about where to go to Ski in Italy's Piedmont region . Friday December 16, 2005 | permalink Celebrating New Year's Eve in Italy Italy is a great place to be on New Year's Eve for the celebration of La Festa di San Silvestro . No matter where you are there will probably be a celebration including fireworks. In the bigger cities, you will find music and dancing in the squares. Food is a part of any Italian celebration and New Year's Eve is no exception. Here's how the Italians celebrate New Years and some special places to go for a big New Year's festival or party . You'll also find out where the Olympic torch will be on New Year's Eve! Monday December 12, 2005 | permalink A Look at Turin, Italy Turin, Torino in Italian, will host the 2006 Winter Olympics. As a result, the city of Turin is frantically spiffing up for an influx of visitors on February 10. Turin's central piazza , the Piazza Castello , will become the stage for the awards ceremonies, integrating the Olympic outcome with Italy's famous piazza culture. Turin is a beautiful city with a great cafe culture, excellent museums, Baroque palaces, and arcaded promenades. It also has some of the best food in Italy. It's often overlooked by tourists but well worth a spot on a travel itinerary. Take a look at our Profile of Turin Travel Essentials . Sunday December 04, 2005 | permalink Florence Hotel Recommendation I've just returned from Florence where I stayed in a very nice and comfortable 4-star hotel for just a little more than I paid last November for a cramped and smoky 2-star with a terrible bathroom! The Hotel Adler Cavalieri is conveniently located, has a helpful English-speaking staff, and is very quiet. Both the common rooms and bedrooms are attractive and welcoming. I would definitely stay here again! The hotel also gave us a great restaurant recommendation where we enjoyed a wonderful and relaxing dinner. The Club Culinario Toscano da Osvaldo , although centrally located, is a little difficult to find but well worth the search. This was definitely one of the best meals I've had in Florence! Sunday December 04, 2005 | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement Most Popular Naples, Italy Overview Italian New Year Celebrations Top Ten Cities in Italy Italy Information Rome Italy Travel Essentials What's Hot Italian New Year Celebrations Florence Pictures - Copy of Michelangelo statue David in fro... Florence Pictures - View of the Tuscan countryside from the ... Florence Pictures - Pitti Palace Fountain from Boboli Garden... Florence Pictures - Florence CowParade - Cow Art Related Topics France for Visitors Europe for Visitors Greece for Visitors Italian Cuisine        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Italian New Year Celebrations Florence Pictures - Copy of Michelangelo statue David in fro... Florence Pictures - View of the Tuscan countryside from the ... Florence Pictures - Pitti Palace Fountain from Boboli Garden... Florence Pictures - Florence CowParade - Cow Art Headlines Travel to Milan, Italy Milan is one of Italy's most fashionable and richest cities... 2006 Winter Olympic Update According to Northern Italy's Torino 2006 Blog, the Olympic Village... Where Are Italians Going This Christmas? According to AGI News, 7 million Italians will travel outside... Italy in the Travel Blogs: St. Nick and the Government Wine Bar Italians celebrate St. Nicholas in a feast day on December...

ski vacations luxury ski

ski holidays, ski chalets and luxury chalets in Europe and North America Tel: +44 (0)1202 503950 ski.sales@theholidaygroup.com Menu Ski Chalets Home Page About Ski Chalets Search Chalet Holidays View Ski Resorts Group Skiing Holidays Luxury Ski Holidays Family Ski Holidays Doorstep Ski Holidays Chalets with Single Rooms Chalets with Jacuzzis Chalets with Saunas View Virtual Tours Useful Ski Links Advertise With Us Contact Us Heliskiing Holidays Activity Holidays African Safari Holidays City Break Holidays Cottage Holidays Cruise Holidays Golf Holidays Luxury Ski Chalets Luxury Holiday Villas Villa Holidays Ski Packages Ski Hotels Watersport Holidays -- Other Holiday Group Websites Ski France Alpe d`Huez Luxury Chalets Argentiere ski holidays Avoriaz ski holidays Belle Plagne ski holidays Brides les Bains ski holidays Chamonix Luxury Chalets Champagny ski holidays Chatel ski holidays Courchevel 1300 ski holidays Courchevel 1550 ski holidays Courchevel 1650 ski holidays Courchevel 1850 Luxury Chalets Flaine ski holidays Isola 2000 ski holidays La Clusaz Luxury Chalets La Plagne Luxury Chalets La Rosiere ski holidays La Tania ski holidays Les Angles ski holidays Les Arcs ski holidays Les Arcs 2000 ski holidays Les Carroz ski holidays Les Contamines ski holidays Les Deux Alpes ski holidays Les Gets Chalets Les Menuires ski holidays Les Sybelles ski holidays Megeve Luxury Chalets Meribel Luxury Chalets Montgenevre ski holidays Morillon ski holidays Morzine Chalets Mottaret ski holidays Peisey Nancroix ski holidays Portes du Soleil ski holidays Risoul ski holidays Sainte Foy ski holidays Samoens ski holidays Serre Chevalier Luxury Chalets St Gervais ski holidays St Jean ski holidays St Martin De Belleville ski holidays St. Sorlin ski holidays Tignes Luxury Chalets Val d`Isere Luxury Chalets Val Thorens Luxury Chalets Valmeinier ski holidays Valmorel Luxury Chalets Vars ski holidays Ski Austria Ausseerland ski holidays Bad Gastein ski holidays Dorfgastein ski holidays Ellmau ski holidays Galtur ski holidays Hochkonig ski holidays Hopfgarten ski holidays Ischgl ski holidays Kappl ski holidays Kaprun Luxury Chalets Kirchberg ski holidays Kitzbuhel Luxury Chalets Ladis ski holidays Lech Luxury Chalets Leogang ski holidays Lofer ski holidays Mayrhofen Luxury Chalets Neustift ski holidays Niederau ski holidays Oberau ski holidays Obergurgl Luxury Chalets Obertauern ski holidays Saalbach Luxury Chalets Salzburg ski holidays Scheffau ski holidays Solden ski holidays Soll Luxury Chalets St Anton Luxury Chalets St Michael ski holidays St. Johann Luxury Chalets Zell Am See Luxury Chalets Ski Switzerland Engadine ski holidays Klosters Luxury Chalets Lenk ski holidays Lumnezia ski holidays Nendaz ski holidays Saas Fee Luxury Chalets St. Moritz Luxury Chalets Verbier Luxury Chalets Villars ski holidays Zermatt Luxury Chalets Ski Italy Arabba Luxury Chalets Bardonecchia Luxury Chalets Canazei ski holidays Cervinia Luxury Chalets Champoluc ski holidays Claviere ski holidays Cortina Luxury Chalets Courmayeur Luxury Chalets Livigno ski holidays Passo Tonale ski holidays Sauze d`Oulx Luxury Chalets Selva Luxury Chalets Sestriere ski holidays Val Di Fassa ski holidays Ski USA Alaska ski holidays Aspen ski holidays Beaver Creek ski holidays Breckenridge ski holidays Copper Mountain ski holidays Heavenly ski holidays Jackson Hole ski holidays Keystone ski holidays Killington ski holidays Lake Tahoe ski holidays Mammoth Mountain ski holidays Mt. Baker ski holidays New Hampshire ski holidays Park City ski holidays Squaw Valley ski holidays Steamboat ski holidays Stowe ski holidays Sunday River ski holidays Vail ski holidays Winter Park ski holidays Ski Canada Banff ski holidays Big White ski holidays Fernie ski holidays Heliskiing ski holidays Jasper ski holidays Kicking Horse ski holidays Lake Louise ski holidays Quebec Region ski holidays Sun Peak ski holidays Tremblant ski holidays Whistler ski holidays Ski Holidays search luxury chalets Luxury chalets, Luxury hotels Luxury ski chalets view ski resorts Luxury Ski Resorts Ski Reports Ski Areas ski holidays search European Skiing Holidays American ski vacations luxury ski holidays Luxury chalets skiing holidays Luxury chalets group discounts bargain ski holidays Ski chalet holidays bargain ski chalets, Ski resorts contact us Ski Accommodation Luxury Ski Holidays holiday insurance insurance for ski holidays holiday insurance deals site map ski chalets site map Navigate ski chalets web site Ski Chalets in Europe Alpe d`Huez Ski Holidays A sunny resort set high in the Grandes Rousses mountains, Alpe dHuez is the fifth largest skiing area in France linking the villages of Vaujany, Oz, Villard-Reculas and ... Chamonix Ski Holidays Chamonix is set at the foot of Europes highest mountain, the awesome Mont Blanc at 4807m. A fascinating and traditional ski resort, the cosmopolitan town centre offers a ... Courchevel 1850 Ski Chalets Courchevel has the reputation for being the world's best ski resort. Immaculate pistes, superbly interlinked skiing on the vast 3 Valleys ski area amidst beautiful scenery are just ... La Plagne Ski Holidays Set high in the magnificent Savoie French Alps, dominated by the mighty Mont Blanc, La Plagne is one of the most famous and exciting high altitude ski areas ... Les Arcs Ski Holidays Les Arcs is a wonderful, modern resort filled with inspiring skiing. Now linked to La Plagne, the "Paradiski" area offers a massive 420 kms of pistes, including the ... Les Deux Alpes Ski Holidays Set high up in the picturesque Dauphine region of the Southern Alps, Les 2 Alpes is one of Frances oldest and most prestigious ski resorts. This vast ski ... Les Gets Ski Holidays The village of Les Gets has an appealing mixture of old chalets in distinctive Savoyard style and tasteful modern buildings which blend to create a character not always ... Meribel Ski Holidays Meribel, with its superb links to Courchevel, La Tania, Val Thorens and Les Menuires, is the ideal base for exploring the The Three Valleys - the largest ski ... Morzine Ski Chalets Morzine is the largest of the 13 interconnected ski resorts within Les Portes du Soleil, a region which straddles France and Switzerland. An old market town, Morzine was ... St Anton Ski Chalets St. Anton, at the centre of the Arlberg Ski-Circus, is firmly established as one of Europes top ski resorts, drawing keen skiers from all over the world. The ... Val d`Isere Ski Holidays Considered by many to be the worlds premier ski resort, Val dIsre is hard to fault, offering some of the best skiing anywhere together with exciting and lively ... Val Thorens Ski Holidays Val Thorens and Les Menuires are set in the Belleville Valley at the head of a great ski area. Val Thorens is compact and purpose-built and is Europes ... Verbier Ski Chalets Verbier is justifiably famous as one of the most outstanding ski areas in Europe and lies high in a sunny, well-sheltered position in the heart of Switzerland's southern-most ... The best ski chalets across the world Tel: +44 (0)1202 503950 ski.sales@theholidaygroup.com Luxury Catered Ski lodges Catered Chalets Ski Chalet Holidays Ski Resorts Search for both Self-Catered Ski Holidays and Catered Ski Holidays Luxury Chalet vacations Luxury Ski Holidays Luxury Accommodations Corporate Travel and Ski Trips Ski Holidays North America and Europe Ski Holidays Accommodation Luxury Catered Ski lodges Catered Chalets Ski Chalet Holidays Ski Resorts Catered Ski Accommodation? Self Catered Ski condominiums? Luxury Catered Chalet? Holiday Insurance Deals Skiing Holiday Insurance View ski chalets site map Find The Perfect Skiing Holiday French Ski Resorts Information on the Alpe d'Huez Ski Resort Alpe d'Huez Ski Chalets French Ski Resorts Information on Les Arcs Ski Resort Les Arcs Ski Chalets French Ski Resorts Luxury La Plagne Ski Resort La Plagne catered Ski Chalets Information on the Espace Killy Val d'Isere Ski Resort Exclusive Val d'Isere Ski Chalets Swiss Ski Resorts Verbier Ski Resort information Luxury Verbier Ski Chalets Skiing in France Information on the luxury Meribel Ski Resort Meribel Ski Chalets Ski France Information on the Chamonix Ski Resort Chamonix Ski Vacations Luxury Courchevel 1850 Information on the Courchevel Ski Resort Courchevel Ski lodges Austrian Ski Resorts Information on St Anton Ski Resort Luxury catered St Anton Ski Chalets Luxury French Ski Resorts Information on the Morzine Ski Resort Morzine Ski Chalet vacations French Ski Resorts Information on Les deux Alpes Ski Resort Les deux Alpes Ski Chalets French Ski Resorts Information on Les Gets Ski Resorts Les Gets Ski Chalets Canadian Ski Resorts Luxury ski vacations in Whistler Whistler Ski Chalets Luxury Three Valleys Val Thorens Ski Resort Val Thorens Ski Chalet vacations Deals on Luxury Chalets Luxury Chalet Christina in Meribel - prices from 375pp Bellevarde Lodge in Val d'isere - prices from 649pp Kublai Lodge in Meribel - prices from 709pp -- Ski Chalets Search Number of people 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30+ Week Starting 21st December 2005 28th December 2005 7th January 2006 14th January 2006 21st January 2006 28th January 2006 4th February 2006 11th February 2006 18th February 2006 25th February 2006 4th March 2006 11th March 2006 18th March 2006 25th March 2006 1st April 2006 8th April 2006 15th April 2006 22nd April 2006 Country Show All Andorra Austria Bulgaria Canada Finland France Italy Norway Romania Serbia Slovenia Sweden Switzerland USA Travel No Preference Accommodation Only Flights from UK Euro Star Dover Snow Train