Nine Weeks � Nine Cities � Nine Celebrations

Week two of the Four Seasons Cultural Capitals programme and for this round guests are encouraged to follow their hearts and travel for love...but this is not just about Valentines.

Four Seasons recently launched its Cultural Capitals programme, highlighting what�s on in some of European best and lesser known destinations. The programme was launched on 1st February and will run for 9 weeks. Nine of the group�s European gems � London Canary Wharf, Dublin, Paris, Prague, Budapest, Provence, Lisbon, Florence and Hampshire � have many ideas on a romantic theme to woo visitors long after the mandatory bouquets and chocolates of February 14.

Planning a romantic urban escape? Then think about Florence and Lisbon, cities that are equally appealing � and less frenetic � outside the summer high season. The clever visitor will find Florence, the city of which Venus is the presiding deity, filled with magic and beauty all year round, with the chance to explore the pristine hillocks and copses of the city�s largest private garden at Four Seasons Hotel Florence, certain to set hearts a flutter. In Lisbon, visitors can test the age-old adage that "the way to a man�s heart is through his stomach" and delight in the pasteis de nata at Antiga Casa de Pasteis de Bel�m � with the concierge team at Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon fast-tracking guests to the front of the queue � for these coveted, creamy delicacies. Opera lovers will be swept away by the romance of Verdi and Rossini at the Budapest Opera Ball (February 13), by the Shakespeare-inspired performance at the Dublin Opera (February 27 and March 1, 3 and 5) or by the ultimate performance of Romeo and Juliet at London�s Royal Opera House (through March 16). Waltzing to the music of love during the Ball Season in Prague (throughout February) is an equally inspiring way to keep the utopian fires of passion burning. Guests of Four Seasons can take advantage of romantic escape packages in all these cities as well as expert concierge teams who will take the thorn out of arranging the most amorous of getaways. If Valentines is the focus then Four Seasons has some original options. Couples wanting to elope to the English countryside should head straight to Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire and the pastoral pleasures of Dogmersfield Park � where Henry VIII first met Catherine of Aragon � and receive a pair of red Hunter wellies as a part of their Valentines package. Alternatively, The Lovers� Festival (February 13-14) in Provence will give romantics an opportunity to enjoy readings of the world's most poetic love letters and witness the sight of forty-odd barrel organs and hurdy-gurdies serenading the streets of the old villages. If none of these options appeal then it�s time to head back to the original City of Love: Paris. Poetry aficionados and couples alike should make a note to drop in on Printemps des Poetes (Spring of Poets, March 8-21) when readings will take place in caf�s and parks all over the city. What better way to set the scene before returning to Four Seasons George V for dinner � deux in the elegant two Michelin-starred Le Cinq to pop the all-important question.... For more reasons to fall in love with Europe and Four Seasons this winter, visit Four Seasons Magazine online and start planning today. http://magazine.fourseasons.com/ Notes for Editors: Dedicated to continuous innovation and the highest standards of hospitality, Four Seasons invented luxury for the modern traveller. From elegant surroundings of the finest quality, to caring, highly personalised 24-hour service, Four Seasons embodies a true home away from home for those who know and appreciate the best. The deeply instilled Four Seasons culture is personified in its employees � people who share a single focus and are inspired to offer great service. Founded in 1960, Four Seasons has followed a targeted course of expansion, opening hotels in major city centres and desirable resort destinations around the world. Currently with 83 hotels in 34 countries, and more than 31 properties under development, Four Seasons will continue to lead luxury hospitality with innovative enhancements, making business travel easier and leisure travel more rewarding. For more information on Four Seasons, visit http://www.fourseasons.com/

Please note the new Four Seasons Press Room (http://press.fourseasons.com/) designed to give journalists easy access to electronic news, facts, images and press kits for the Four Seasons group globally.

UK Public Relations: Daisy Bird/Natalie Lewis/Alice J�nsd�ttir Ferrier ZFL PRCo Tel: 0207 259 1100 Email: ajferrier@prco.com