Europe

Scenery of Europe

Picasso in Paris: Searching for the old master in the steep streets of Montmartre and the back lanes of the magical Marais

The brilliance of Bergamo: Milan's less-seen neighbour is a glorious treasure trove of art and culture (and the ice-cream isn't too bad)

A northern star: Bergamo sits close to Milan, but is often unfairly caught in the shadow of its giant neighbour

Tucked away some 25 miles from Milan, Bergamo is one of Italy's hidden gems. But it shouldn't be, says Thomas W Hodgkinson, as he visits the little city in search of its greatest alumnus, the Renaissance artist Giovanni Moroni.

Let's go to Latvia: How to find urban beauty, Baltic beaches and shadow of the KGB - but avoid the UK stag parties - in ravishing Riga

Coming into the light: Riga endured a tough 20th century, but has established itself in the 21st

Latvia's grand capital city suffered a turbulent 20th century under German and Russian rule - but has sprung to life in the 21st as one of Europe's most intriguing city-break destinations, advises Christopher Middleton.

A tale of two Scandinavian capitals: A grand journey from Stockholm to Copenhagen on an Orient Express trip into a lost golden era

Another route: Although the train's most famous destination is Venice, it also serves other European cities

The Venice-Simplon Orient Express is best known for its journeys to Italy's most beautiful city - but it also does luxurious escapades in Scandinavia. Martin Symington hops on board for a ride between Sweden and Denmark.

One love for captivating Croatia: Radio 1 star Jameela Jamil is seduced by Croatia on a sun-kissed holiday in Dubrovnik and Split

Jameela Jamil

She had been meaning to go for some time - but Radio i DJ Jameela Jamil was still unprepared for the beauty of Croatia's Adriatic coastline. She wasted no time finding her feet in the historic Dubrovnik and party-mad Split.

Homage to Catalonia: Barcelona knows the art of a good weekend and a splendid cathedral (although sleep may be optional)

Up all night to get arty: Barcelona is a city that treats the idea of sleep as an optional extra

Good things in a small-ship package: A glorious voyage to the Norwegian fjords in a boat that doesn't eclipse the grand scenery

Come sail with me: A small ship is one of the best ways to see a grand sight such as the Sognefjord

There are several ways to see the spectacular fjords of western Norway. But Tamara Hinson is sure she has hit upon one of the best as she boards the small Marco Polo.

A gloriously unknown side of Spain: Riding into heaven on a horseback adventure in the Gredos mountains, Castile's hidden secret

Sierra de Gredos

Castile is known for its flatlands and historic cities - but not its mountains. And yet the Sierra de Gredos is a fine enclave for horse-riding and calm, says Kate Kellaway.

Fit for royalty: A glorious weekend on Malta, the queen's favourite Mediterranean island - as Kate prepares to jet in for a flying visit

Happy days: The queen (then Princess Elizabeth) and Prince Phillip survey Valletta harbour while living on Malta

A little later this month it will play host to the Duchess of Cambridge, who will land for an official visit - but it has long been a island beloved of the queen. Harry Mount pays his own visit to Malta to assess its regal charms.

Fjords in focus: Glorious glacial scenery, dizzying drops and whale for lunch (sort of) on a sunlit odyssey around western Norway

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Western Norway is well known for the wonders of its scenery - especially that fjords that pierce its sides. But you cannot truly appreciate the majesty of this landscape unless you go there, says an enthralled Paul Hutchinson.

Crete expectations: Trying to make sense of it all at Thomson's splendid Sensatori resort

Feeling blue: The Sensatori Crete resort occupies a prime position on the north coast of the island
Stepping out onto Iconic Santorini's spectacular hillside setting for the first time is nothing short of breathtaking

A genuine cliff-hanger: Incredible views and unabashed Greek luxury at Iconic Santorini

02/09/14 13:22

Few hotels on the beautiful Greek island of Santorini can compete with the volcanic outcrop's famous views. But Iconic Santorini is one of them, says Louise Saunders.

Jack Doyle

Greece, glorious Greece: Finding family holiday heaven on Halkidiki's 'middle finger'

28/08/14 15:34

Sithonia, the so-called middle finger of the peninsulas which hang down from the northern Greek mainland, is an ideal place for a family break, as Jack Doyle discovers.

Dusk delights: Leipzig's skyline, which includes here the New City Hall and the Federal Court, dazzles in the evening light

Tuning in to lively Leipzig: Music, mystery and magic in a 'lost' German city of the east, where Bach conducted and Goethe wrote

28/08/14 15:33

British tourists are fully aware of the charms of Berlin and Dresden. But another city of the old German east is less visited. Yet Leipzig is a joy, says Adrian Tierney-Jones.

Fragrantly fertile: The fields and slopes of Chianti swarm with vineyards

Italy at its most golden: Rural beauty, village life and rock-and-roll butchers on a long weekend in Tuscany's 'hidden' Conca d'Oro

27/08/14 15:16

With its Renaissance palaces and rolling hills, Tuscany is well known to many of us. But Mark Jones goes (almost) off the map when he visits the region's 'Golden Basin'.

Not exactly like Blackpool: Nice has long been a seafront favourite with British travellers

All classy on the Cote d'Azur: Faded glories, large glasses of wine and trying to find the museums (don't ask a local) in elegant Nice

27/08/14 15:09

Nice has long been a haven for British travellers. It has perhaps seen more glorious eras - but Andrew Martin finds much to love among the small cafes and galleries.

Road to somewhere: The Route 1 'Ring Road' runs around the edge of Iceland, linking the remote north to Reykjavik

Up all night at the end of the world: Caught in the glow of the midnight sun on a journey into the myths and legends of upper Iceland

26/08/14 20:18

It is a country that comes cloaked in mystique. But to see Iceland at its most ethereal, go in high summer, when the midnight sun holds sway, says Chris Lawrence.

Smug, us? Drinking the Atzaro boat dry of its pink Veuve Clicquot, moored up by Es Vedra

Who needs clubs? In Ibiza this year it's all about the restaurants and boats (well, if you're over 30, that is...)

14/08/14 07:59

Ibiza is known for its super-clubs and its party scene. But for anyone past the age of 30, the best way to enjoy this grand little island is by boat, says Olivia Walmsley.

Provence at its finest: Crillon le Brave sits amid pristine Provencal countryside, in the shadow of Mont Ventoux

A haven for the Brave and the weary: A slice of Provencal perfection at Crillon le Brave

13/08/14 17:50

You can see cyclists whizzing past the front door of Crillon le Brave, heading for the Provence monster Mont Ventoux. Jenny Coad raises a glass and wishes them well.

George Clooney, Sandra Bullock

Long live the Venice Film Festival! Hanging out with George, Sandra, Denzel and Jack at the best-kept secret in the cinema calendar

13/08/14 14:43

You have heard of the Venice Film Festival. But did you know that this great arts celebration - which begins on 27 August - gives fans a close-up glimpse of major stars.

A city to be savoured: Lyon is home to two major rivers (the Rhone and Saone) - and endless good restaurants

Doing the truffle shuffle on the regal Rhone: A voyage through south-west France on a search for tasty treats (small dog required)

12/08/14 14:28

The Rhone region has long been one of the most alluring - and tasty - corners of France. Caroline Hendrie sets off south-west on a gastronomic river voyage.

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