High life on the ski slope

IRELAND’S ski chalet specialist, Highlife Ski & Snowboard, has just launched its winter brochure which heavily features the French Alps, giving guests a choice of chalets in Morzine, Méribel or the world-famous Val d’Isere.

Val d’Isere is one of the most exciting winter destinations in the Alps and offers visitors a combination of top-class skiing, lively après ski and up-market boutiques, while still retaining an authentic Alpine village atmosphere.

Now in its sixth year, Highlife creates bespoke ski chalet holidays, catering for singles, couples, groups or families.

Signature finishing touches include open log fires and detox facilities with outdoor hot tubs, saunas and Jacuzzis.

Highlife’s ski holidays are available at a lead-in price of €940 for a catered week (ex-Dublin in January).

Details: www.highlife.ie; Tel: [phone]; email: [e-mail].

* TOUR CHINA recently became the first ever tour operator to dedicate a brochure to the enormous country.

The company has gone to great lengths to include destination information for those looking to make a trip of a lifetime.

The Best of Beijing eight-day itinerary including flights from Dublin, four-star accommodation, tours, excursions, transfers and five dinners is priced from €1,125. Further details of this and a Yangtze River Cruise itinerary is available to download by logging on to www.tourchina.ie. Call 01 817 3575 to request a hard copy.

* PANORAMA always appear to be one of the first tour operators out of the blocks; It’s no different with the recent launch of the company’s Summer 2008.

It is offering €3 million worth of free offers and, in some cases, cheaper holidays than this year.

The company offers direct flights from both Dublin and Cork, and details of all the bargains can be had from any travel agent or by calling 0818 202020.

* MORE than 40 hours of traditional Irish entertainment will highlight the 17th Annual Irish Festival Cruise aboard Celebrity Cruise Line’s Millennium, departing from Fort Lauderdale on January 27, 2008.

This week-long cruise to tropical ports of call — San Juan, Tortola, Casa de Campo and Labadee — combines the best in Irish music, dance and culture with luxurious Caribbean cruising.

Performers include Mary Black, Cherish the Ladies, Bogside Rogues, The Black Brothers, Róisín O’Reilly, balladeers Tommy Sands and Liam Tiernan.

Dermot Henry, Bohola, raconteur John Gleeson, Mike Mazur, The Matt Cunningham Band and world champion Irish dancers also feature.

Prices for the trip on January 27 through to February 3 start from €950 ($1,399.00 per person based on double occupancy). The price includes all shipboard accommodation, meals and entertainment. The package can only be booked through Irish Festival Cruises, Ltd on 001 215 885-5350. The web site is www.irishtours.com