A true getaway from the everyday demands more than the latest pulp fiction or this weekend’s multiplex matinee.Ê So even if you can’t manage an extended trip, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has assembled a spring-into-summer collection of cultural escapes.Ê Break your routine (and encourage your inner “exhibitionist”) with a glimpse of the Forbidden City, a stroll through secret gardens or some steamy jazz - without breaking the bank. Here’s a sampling of Fairmont’s latest hot spots, plus insider suggestions to turn a fun package into a full-fledged vacation.MONTREAL Take a Walk on the Nile Side

Unravel the mysteries of an ancient civilization in a setting with a French accent.Ê Timed to coincide with the groundbreaking Eternal Egypt: Masterworks of Ancient Art, Montreal’s Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth unveils Fit For a Pharaoh.Ê Built around the British Museum’s massive traveling exhibition showcasing 144 items from the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza in 2650 B.C. to the fall of Cleopatra in 30 B.C, highlights of this exceptional journey include the inside of a mummy’s chamber, a recreated marketplace and a 5,000-pound red granite lion signed by King Tut.Ê In addition to Fairmont room accommodations and two tickets to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts exhibit, other package treasures include full American buffet breakfast and discounts at both the museum shop and the hotel’s mouthwatering Boutique Gourmandise from $197 through May 22, 2005.
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TIP Don’t miss the spectacular 18th- and 19th-century architecture and inviting bistros of Vieux-Montréal.Ê In the case of spring showers head for the subterranean tunnel and Metro system that connects the city - from right beneath the hotel.
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BOSTON Listen to Each Other

Two of Boston’s best-known traditions invite you to share their history.Ê As “official hotel” of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO), The Fairmont Copley Plaza introduces Perfect Harmony.Ê Take note of performances featuring a brilliant range of composers, from Shostakovitch and Bruckner to Beethoven and Resphigi, even youth concerts featuring music from the movies, ballet and opera.Ê Then retreat to a newly refurbished guestroom for some well deserved relaxation - and a chance to read your complimentary Symphony Hall story.Ê Perfect Harmony incorporates accommodations, two BSO tickets and the keepsake book from $330 through May 7, 2005.

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TIP See the concierge to take hotel resident canine Catie Copley for a walk in the park or past pop culture landmarks like Cheers.ÊÊ Other must-see spots include Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, Quincy Market and the Museum of Fine Arts.

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WASHINGTON’S French Connection

Through Memorial Day, the city designed by Franco-American architect Pierre Charles L’Enfant, is billing itself as Paris on the Potomac and highlighting its tres chic side with shows, exhibitions, tours and cuisine.Ê To celebrate, The Fairmont Washington D.C. is offering the French Poodle package, an artful combination of accommodations for two adults, two tickets to the Phillips Collection featuring a focus on Modigliani’s 14-year career in Paris, a café au lait and croissants breakfast and a pair of Pink Poodle martinis in the reviving Lobby Lounge from $259 until May 31, 2005.

TIP The French Embassy is sponsoring French jazz and cabaret performances at venues throughout the city as well as a March 1 to April 30 French film festival.Ê For picture perfect memories, Washington Photo Safari is offering photography classes in Cartier Bresson’s style.

NEW ORLEANS Live It Up in Louisiana

Go beyond Bourbon Street and discover the seductive, playful side of carnival culture 365-days-a-year.Ê Wander down trellised sidewalks time seemed to have forgotten. Kiss beneath flickering gas lamps. Feast on incredible meals then squeeze in 2 a.m. beignets at the Café du Monde while watching the world go by.Ê The elegant Fairmont New Orleans makes it big and easy with Discover Mardi Gras Year Round.Ê This attraction-packed offer includes Fairmont room accommodations, two round-trip streetcar tickets to the Mississippi Algiers Point Ferry Terminal, two tickets to Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World and continental breakfast for two at the hotel’s historic Sazerac restaurant from $190 until December 31, 2005.

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TIP Trade frolicking, bead bedecked February for family-friendly holiday season treats, starting with the hotel’s glittering Angel Hair lobby display.ÊAny time of year the spice is right for sandwiches, known as Po’ boys and muffalettas, in the French Quarter.

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VICTORIA Picnic in the Park

Partnering with all Victoria’s top museums and attractions, The Fairmont Empress has createdÊa citywide opportunity to explore all of this island city’s interior splendor and outdoor majesty.Ê Galleries & Gardens includes one night’s accommodation, a gourmet picnic lunch, and passes to The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, the famous Butchart Gardens, romantic Craigdarroch Castle, The National Geographic Imax Theatre and The Royal BC Museum.Ê You’ll also drift off to sweet dreams thanks to a turndown blossom, all from $239 through September 30, 2005.

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TIP Start your nightlife in Victoria with a trip downstairs to the hotel’s legendary Bengal Lounge, one of the last, best outposts of an earlier empire.Ê Think Raffles or a Harry’s Bar with cool jazz music on weekends and ice-cold martinis, plus a hugely popular curry buffet.

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DALLAS A Look at the “Macho Manchu”

Jade chopsticks, enamel snuff bottles and ornate imperial robes are offer visitors to the Dallas Museum of Art a rare glimpse of daily life in Beijing’s Forbidden City, ancestral home of 24 Chinese emperors for 500 years.Ê Admission to Splendors of China’s Forbidden City: The Glorious Reign of Emperor Qianlong is the cornerstone of a Splendors of China room package at the stylish Fairmont Dallas.Ê After indulging in exotic culture satisfy your appetite for retro-classic American cuisine at the hotel’s celebrated Pyramid Grill.Ê Package with room, two museum tickets and $25 restaurant credit starts at $150 through May 29, 2005.

TIP If gazing at luxury starts a shopping urge, be sure to check out check out the array of goods at the original Neiman Marcus department store and the West End historic district boutiques.
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