Category: Europe

5 unexpected wine destinations

5 unexpected wine destinations

By on Aug 05, 2020 in Asia, Bhutan, Croatia, Eastern Europe, Europe, Food and Drink, North America, Portugal, Regions, Slovenia, Travel Miscellany, USA, Vermont, Western Europe
While Spain, Italy, and France typically enjoy the limelight when it comes to well-known wine regions—think Rioja, Tuscany, and Bordeaux—travelers have long known that what we drink at home is often dictated by what gets exported and imported. Demand for bottle diversity has expanded what we can find on the shelves (thankfully), so it’s easy
Short stay: Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa, Nantwich, Cheshire, UK

Short stay: Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa, Nantwich, Cheshire, UK

By on Aug 02, 2020 in Accommodation, Europe, Featured, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe
Two centuries on from its naming as Rookery Hall, the rooks still fly over 38 acres of grounds, waddle across the terrace and perch on the handsome Georgian mansion built back in 1816. Yet, there is an air of the Loire valley to this grand sandstone and grey slate property. When Baron Von Schroeder purchased
Trail running takes off in Verbier

Trail running takes off in Verbier

By on Jul 31, 2020 in Europe, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Switzerland, Western Europe
Are you a trail enthusiast who wants to work out on challenging routes while marvelling at the beauty of the landscape? Since lockdown in the UK began, more than 858,000 people downloaded the NHS-backed Couch to 5K app. A huge number of Brits used their daily allowance of exercise to hit the streets and local
Short stay: Homewood Hotel and Spa, Bath, UK

Short stay: Homewood Hotel and Spa, Bath, UK

By on Jul 25, 2020 in Accommodation, Europe, Featured, Hotels, Regions, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe
Homewood, in ten bucolic acres of lawns and soaring trees, brings relaxed but stylish Mediterranean living to the rural village of Freshford: palms, olive trees in deep terracotta planters, Goddess sculptures and modernist art. It’s a sensuous taste of the Côte d’Azur slotted between the rivers Avon and Frome. The Mediterranean theme is apt, given
Provence boating holidays

Provence boating holidays

By on Jul 20, 2020 in Cruises & Boat Travel, Europe, France, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
We are free to roam the world once more and seek out its beauty. It has been a troubled year, and we have grown used to your homes and the company of a few. It might feel too much to fly out to a major resort to sit amongst thousands of people again. The perfect
Where to shop for antiques in Paris

Where to shop for antiques in Paris

By on Jul 19, 2020 in Europe, France, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
With all of its galleries, art dealers and flea markets Paris is an antique lover’s dream destination. In French, there is even a verb chiner – which literally means to search for antiques (much like we would say antiquing in English). If you are an antique aficionado, I hope this list will help you plan
Short stay: The Swan Hotel, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, UK

Short stay: The Swan Hotel, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, UK

By on Jul 18, 2020 in Accommodation, Europe, Featured, Hotels, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe
The Swan Hotel is a former sixteenth-century coaching inn that has been extended to become virtually a Lake District resort. Ivy grows on whitewashed walls that overlook the five arches of the narrow 1651 Newby Bridge. Meanwhile the River Leven that sedately flows towards Lake Windermere. After flooding in December 2015, The Swan Hotel rose
Reina Isabel Hotel in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Las Palmas in Gran Canaria - a city and beach combination

By on Jul 17, 2020 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Regions, Spain, Western Europe
If you are on your Gran Canaria holiday, and are staying in the capital – Las Palmas – you probably want to pack in as much as possible during your city and beach break. From a golden sandy beach, to lush gardens, you can easily explore this city on foot. Gran Canaria is one the
5 luxury hotels that should not be missed on a trip through Switzerland

5 luxury hotels that should not be missed on a trip through Switzerland

By on Jul 15, 2020 in Accommodation, Europe, Featured, Hotels, Regions, Switzerland, Western Europe
Switzerland is one of the countries considered safe for tourists in the current pandemic. Not only for its excellent medical care but also for its stunning, dramatic landscapes and seclusion. If you are seeking tranquillity, and spectacular scenery, from historic towns and contemporary cities, wildflower meadows, to rugged mountain landscapes and Swiss traditions. You definitely
5 hikes to capture the essence of Scotland

5 hikes to capture the essence of Scotland

By on Jul 14, 2020 in Europe, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe
From a casual stroll taking in the beauty of your surroundings to an epic adventurous trail that tests your stamina; nothing can beat Scotland when it comes to luxurious hikes – the dramatic landscapes will take your breath away. Given the current climate and limitations on air travel, we are being encouraged to venture outdoors
The midnight sun on the glacier lagoon

The midnight sun on the glacier lagoon

By on Jul 13, 2020 in Europe, Iceland, Regions, Western Europe
In the past few weeks Iceland has seen a small amount of tourists filter back into the country. This is largely thanks to the success of comprehensive border testing. The few people who have chosen to take the risk of travelling this year have been met with empty landscapes and untouched terrain. A stark change
Photograph of the week: Krka National Park, Croatia

Photograph of the week: Krka National Park, Croatia

By on Jul 08, 2020 in Attractions, Croatia, Eastern Europe, Europe, Going Out, Regions
The Krka National Park is located in Southern Croatia along the Krka River. The magnificent area of natural beauty is best known for its series of seven stunning waterfalls. The national park is one of Croatia’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The beautiful park covers an extensive area of 142sq.km, and is named after the
Explore the best wine tours in Barcelona

Explore the best wine tours in Barcelona

By on Jul 07, 2020 in Europe, Food and Drink, Regions, Spain, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Barcelona is slowly and carefully reopening to tourists over the summer months, like the other cities in Spain, as the country looks to rebuild its tourism sector. This move will not only see more visitors to the city of Barcelona, but also a return to many activities and companies that have been halted by the
5 alternative Paris museums to avoid the crowds at the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay

5 alternative Paris museums to avoid the crowds at the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay

By on Jul 01, 2020 in Attractions, Europe, France, Going Out, Regions, Western Europe
The Louvre and the D’Orsay Museum are the two most popular museums in Paris, drawing record numbers of visitors in recent years. If you don’t want to deal with the crowds or have already been to the Louvre and the D’Orsay and want an alternative, there are over 100 other museums in Paris to choose
Eruption of Strokkur geyser on the popular Golden Circle Route in Iceland.

Is Iceland the safest country to travel to in 2020?

By on Jun 30, 2020 in Europe, Featured, Health & Safety, Iceland, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
As many countries start to loosen their gathering restrictions and lift their travel bans, we can expect to be allowed to travel again soon. But where should we go? Which country is safe to explore in the post-pandemic era? The last few chaotic months we experienced will be a constant reminder of the need to
A Summer of staycations? It's time to explore England

A Summer of staycations? It's time to explore England

By on Jun 30, 2020 in Europe, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe
With many of our favourite attractions now beginning to reopen their doors, VisitEngland have rounded up some ways to enjoy outings across the country. Plus, with breaks away now possible from 4th July, restaurants, pubs, campsites and accommodation providers are busy putting measures in place to welcome people back. Look at some of the creative