FEB. 3-9

MUSIC FESTIVAL

The 2008 Rome Music Festival, organized by a United Kingdom-based cultural tour operator, comprises seven private concerts in historic venues (palaces, churches, monasteries and such) in Italy's most storied city Feb. 3-9, 2008. The focus is on Baroque and Renaissance music, with performances by the Gabrieli Consort, Andreas Scholl and the Tallis Scholars. The festival, for a maximum of 250 guests, also includes private viewings of the Sistine Chapel and the Galleria Borghese. Costs for performances, six nights, flights between the United Kingdom and Italy, three dinners, transportation to hotel, lectures by musicologist Roderick Swanston, tips and taxes: 1,990 pounds to 3,360 pounds ($4,106 to $6,933). Information: info@martinrandall.co.uk; 011-44-20-8742-3355.

MARCH-APRIL

CHERRY BLOSSOMS

As winter approaches in Japan, it's time to book travel for spring, for the famous Hanami (flower viewing) season. Flowers mean cherry blossoms, and there are numerous famous sites from Tokyo parks to the grounds of former noble residences, such as Osaka's Castle Park, to temples such as Heian Shrine in Kyoto. Entry is often free and the process is simple: wander about, touch a fingertip to the glowing pink blossoms, sit and reflect (just as Islanders do, Japanese make use of blue tarps — but they use them as picnic blankets, not shade), buy food from a street stand and munch. In some spots, as at Nagoya Castle, you can rent a rowboat from which to do your viewing. Some parks, such as Hirosaki Castle in Aomori, are lighted at night. The cherry-blossom season generally runs from late March to early April. Consult a travel agent for arrangements.

MAY 2-11

WON'T IT BE ROMANTIC?

Neighbor islander romantics should mark their calendars — and even O'ahuans may want to plan a stay-home vacation — for the 2008 Hawai'i Romance Festival, a celebration of love's place in the arts, hosted by the Matt Catingub Orchestra of Hawai'i. The May 2-11 dates were recently announced, including a free kickoff performance at 'Iolani Palace by the full orchestra, evenings of music and film, and several indulgent charity dinners with special menus by local chefs. A pair of concerts May 7-8 will focus on the second set of 20 songs to be included in the top 100 "The Most Romantic Ever Written." Information and online ticket sales: www.MCOoH.com.