Holiday Ideas for 2012

There are fabulous holiday destinations available across the globe to choose for a short break away. The top eight unusual options are Basilicata, Italy; Boston, USA; Butrint, Albania; Guimarгes, Portugal; Northern Lights, Finland; Paris, France; Vienna, Austria; and Visby, Sweden.

 

Basilicata, Italy

Reel out and recuperate at the Palazzo Margherita, the latest addition to Francis Coppola’s hotels opening officially on the 1st of February. It is 82 km from the closest airport, Bai.

 

Boston, USA

Albeit it historical importance in the American Revolution, this city is a crucible for art lovers, with a range of galleries and museums to choose from. A must visit, are the Museum of Fine Arts www.mfa.org, the Institute of Contemporary Art – www.icaboston.org, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum – www.gardnermuseum.org, which has a $118m, glass and copper-clad extension, design by Renzo Piano, opening 19 January. Piano also did the Ђ80m Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art – www.afmuseet.no, in Oslo, Norway. 

 

Boston fiscal policies are lenient, positioning the city as a great shopping destination.  

 

This serene getaway in Ionian Sea is a mecca of history, culture and heritage. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it has found international acclaim from leading assessors. This 2500 year old Roman city, housing a splendid Greco-Roman temple, is amongst the world sites that should be visited. You can access it from Saranda or from the Island of Corfu.

 

Guimarгes, Portugal

A kaleidoscope of culture, history and tradition, pitted with ancient mansions, churches, museums and squares, shadowed by an impressive 10th century castle, this university town takes you to a medieval wonder. Stay at the magnificent Pousada – state run hotels converted from important historic architecture. Accommodation is from Ђ77.

 

Northern Lights, Finland

One of the most awesome natural wonders on the planet, the Northern Lights will always baffle imagination as this unpredictable aurora is displayed. 2012, has a higher likelihood for witnessing the lights due to the solar maximum – a period of high solar activity that occurs every nine to fourteen years. There are various tour operators that will take on skis, dog sleds, snowmobiles and minibuses. A four night’s trip, including flights, starts from Ј1045PP.

 

Paris, France

Enjoy the majestic architectural wonder of the 15-room Hфtel Thoumieux , designed by India Mahdavi. Located near the Eiffel tower, the rooms, which start from Ђ150 a night come furnished with Aesop toiletries, a complimentary mini bar stocked with soft drinks, an espresso maker, and an iPad. In house chef, three times Michelin star winner Jean-Franзois Piиge, will titillate your palate. 

 

Vienna, Austria

Fabled as the city of lovers, the Riviera city beckons lovers of art and culture to its grand museums and hospitable people. 2012 is the 150th anniversary of the birth of Gustav Klimt and the city is going all out to celebrate with a series of exhibitions. Currently until 4 March, the Belvedere is hosting Pioneers of Modernisation – the works of Klimt and Josef Hoffman; from 14 February to 6 May, the Museum of Fine Arts will exhibit his early work; 24 February to 27 August, the Leopold Museum is hosting Gustav: Up Close and Personal – a selection of his works and writing, 14 March to 10 June the Albertina will exhibit 170 of his drawings, 16 May to 16 September, the Wien Museum will place its entire Klimt collection on show, 

  

Visby, Sweden

Get into the swing of things and party on in Sweden’s premier party destination. Located on the island of Gotland, medieval wonder, entertains revellers to some of the world’s best jams. In house DJs at the Kallis Beach club will be jockeying live music from midsummer, onwards. Other venues, inner city, are Burmeister and Gutekдllaren. Stay at Hotel Stenugnen, nestled in the city walls.

 

Though unusual, these destination afford a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of a celebration of human ingenuity, culture and tradition.

 

Source: The Guardian