STILL haven't finished your Christmas shopping? A wine tour could go down a treat.

HE is short, no more than 5ft 7in in his Cuban-heeled boots and his grey hair is thick, curly and tousled, writes IRVINE HUNTER

COVERED in a light dusting of snow, the beautiful city of Prague is perfect at this time of year, says HELEN LAMONT

SIMON YEEND skis three countries in one weekend from his base on the slopes of north-west Slovenia

THE architecture is as intoxicating as the wine in this idyllic Spanish province, as TRACEY BOLES discovers

IF you're keen on swapping turkey for foie gras this festive season, look no further than Lille, says James Cabooter.

IN the nick of time, the snow finally arrived in the Alps this week, enabling skiers and tour operators to breathe a sigh of relief. As winter descended upon the French Alps at last, EMMA WALL took a trip to the adrenaline-junkies' favourite alpine destination… FOR 24-hour piste and party people, the chic French resort of Chamonix provides the perfect playground.

If you want to hit the slopes but long for a little luxury too, NICOLA ISEARD has some perfectly chic suggestions

JANE SLADE discovers a new-style French ski chalet holiday designed for couples and singles seeking home comforts with hotel-style service was sunk for divers to explore.

GLAMOUR came to Glasgow last week in the shapely form of screen star Scarlett Johansson, says CHARLOTTE CIVIL