europe holidays
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Letters:Ken Loach’s ‘scented-candle-buying tourists’ are not much different from the incense-buying Romans of the past, writes Rob Delius
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The opening of a foodie theme park will further elevate Bologna’s reputation as Italy’s culinary capital but the city has plenty more to offer, including superb art, music and medieval architecture
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Fast cars, slow food, hilltop castles and open-air art galleries … Our readers pick their highlights of Emilia-Romagna – classic Italy without the crowds
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The iconic but illegal Preussenpark food market could become a victim of its own success as officials clamp down over hygiene and safety regulations
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To celebrate four decades of the Good Hotel Guide, editor Adam Raphael chooses his favourite places to stay – mixing affordable character and a spot of ‘pamper yourself’ luxury
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In the 20 years since the Guggenheim opened the Basque port city has not looked back – the museum acting as a magnet for great art and architecture as well as buzzing nightlife and restaurants
top 10s
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Winter sports breaks can be seriously expensive during February half-term and the Easter holidays but there are bargains if you know where to look
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Not everyone is thrilled by the idea of a week’s skiing and little else; here are ski bases with the full St Moritz array of winter fun but without the Swiss original’s steep prices
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Put off air travel in these days of cancellations and bankruptcies? Why not take the train? From quick hops across the channel to journeys that become part of the holiday, we pick trips that cut out the airlines completely
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Menus are bulging with seasonal produce at this time of year, often amid traditional food festivals. From Andalucía to Tuscany, via the Scottish Highlands, our tipsters forage for treats
winter sports holidays
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Referred to as ‘the dark side’ by locals for its north-facing slopes and lack of bright lights, the village of Villaroger wants to raise its game without becoming brash
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Head to these lesser-known – and often cheaper – ski areas, some with challenging off-pistes and others with family-friendly runs and hotels, but all with breathtaking scenery
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The popular French winter sports destination is hosting a ‘British festival’ to keep UK customers and staff coming
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On a family break along the Canal du Rhône au Rhin, Emma Cook and Co are out of their comfort zone, especially when their new boat breaks down. Still, there’s always Strasbourg to savour
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The lakes of northern Germany are an idyllic setting for a watery adventure, but prove a stern test of Kevin Rushby’s boatmanship
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beach holidays
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You don’t have to be by the sea to enjoy beaches and watersports. These lakeside resorts offer sunbathing, boating, hiking and great views
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activity holidays
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It’s no easy stroll … but a spectacular new Balkan trail provides soaring peaks, lake views and memories of friendly locals – and real endeavour
restaurants
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In sheds, gardens and fields in the north of the island, wine growers run makeshift guachinches, selling their own wine and excellent local food
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A cookery school and some amazing restaurants transport Harriet Green and her family to foodie raptures
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A €30m cultural redevelopment has funded the revamp of many of this walkable Italian city’s main attractions – including its tower – and there are great bars, restaurants and hotels to relax in after the sightseeing
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Lisbon is teeming with fresh (and cheap) seafood, tapas and exotic dishes from Portugal’s colonial past. But it’s not just the food – our readers are wowed by the ambience and views, too
most viewed
A cycling tour of the Balkans: two wheels, three countries, four days