Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is launching the latest edition of its Scenic Route with journeys to eight European destinations. From coastlines to cities, medieval villages to Royal Parks, urban art tours to Champagne cellars, the journeys are designed to be enjoyed in one leisurely day, or as part of a longer jaunt, and each route can be customised to include select experiences.
"The past few years have reminded us all of the importance of taking the time to pause and notice the details around us," says Simon Casson, President, Hotel Operations - Europe, Middle East and Africa. "This notion of slowing down and enjoying the journey is what inspired the creation of the Scenic Route with Four Seasons, and this latest offering is all about celebrating heartfelt connections with the places we visit and the people we encounter."
Highlights of some of the new Four Seasons Scenic Route journeys can be found below.
A Gastronomic Adventure in Paris
Guests can journey to the heart of French heritage and gastronomy with Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris. On this journey, travellers can be one of the first to tour Europe's largest private collection of French Art Nouveau at Maison Belle Époque – the former house of the founders of Perrier-Jouët, opening its doors for the very first time, exclusively to guests of Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris.
They can explore the longest wine road in France's Loire Valley – with vineyards dating back to the Middle Ages – under the tutelage of a Four Seasons Vice-Sommelier. Guests can sip and taste through the wine districts of Orléans, Meung-sur-Loire and Sully-sur-Loire., or the kitchen garden of Chef Simone Zanoni. Travellers can marvel at centuries of history at the Palace of Versailles and Château de Fontainebleau, before soaking up the romance of a River Seine cruise at sunset.
A London Celebration
Whether being awed by a private viewing of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, or sipping afternoon tea in Kew's leafy Royal Botanic Gardens, guests can enjoy tradition at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane in Mayfair and Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square in the heart of the city. Guests can soak up the centuries at landmarks such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament or expand horizons at the Tate Modern.
Travellers can discover hipster bars and fashion at Old Spitalfields Market or take a shopping stroll down Savile Row. They can go gastronomic at Borough Market, one of the city's oldest foodie destinations, or take a day trip to lavish Highclere Castle, made famous by the Downton Abbey television series and films.
Artful Immersion from Madrid to Lisbon
Guests can feast on colour, creativity, and culture while discovering Four Seasons Hotel Madrid and Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon. In Portugal's capital, travellers can cruise winding streets on a vintage moto-sidecar for an Underdogs Gallery contemporary art tour or learn the skill of Portuguese tile painting at century-old factory-studio Viúva Lamego – whose artisan tiles can be found in the Hotel itself. Travellers can join Madrileños for a sizzling flamenco performance or master the basics during a private lesson.
While traversing the mountainous Iberian Peninsula, guests can uncover the 14th century Reguengos de Monsaraz, explore the UNESCO Roman ruins of Mérida, and feast on jamón Ibérico in its birthplace, Badajoz.
Riverside Grandeur from Prague to Budapest
Guests can explore castles, music, centuries-old Archabbey, a winery and botanical herb garden that lie between the Four Seasons Hotel Prague and Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest. Travellers can observe the ancient art of Bohemia crystal glass-making in Prague – and glass-blowing – before exploring Czech modern architecture at Villa Tugendhat.
They can take in Prague's Vltava River on a traditional wooden boat or witness Budapest's lights twinkling to life with a sunset speedboat ride on the Danube. Guests can sip Hungarian wines during a private picnic in winery gardens just outside Budapest, then dive into the city's contemporary art scene at the Art Factory.
Magic Among the Minarets in Istanbul
Istanbul's minarets and towers shade an abundance of cultural treasures, from a private tour of the antique-filled yalı (waterside home) of designer and art historian Serdar Gülgün, to relaxation in a traditional Turkish hammam bath. Joining the Scenic Route for the first time this year, guests at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul can feast on Turkish delicacies and explore the art galleries in the harbourside neighbourhood, Karaköy.
Guests can bask in the golden light of a private sunset yacht cruise along the Bosphorus, the scenic strait that links Europe to Asia. Travellers can wander the hidden streets and antique shops of Balat, head to the Galata Tower for views over the city below or catch a brightly coloured tram along Istiklal Street.
For more information Four Seasons, visit its web site.
