Europe and Middle East

Exclusive guide to the best holiday destinations in Europe and Middle East. independent reviews from award-winning travel writers

Stuart Forster offers his insider guide to Riga, Latvia's historic capital.

Insider Guide to Riga. Discover Latvia’s dazzling capital.

During 2018 commemorations will be held in Latvia to mark a century since the country gained independence. Riga, the nation’s capital, straddles the River Dauguva and has much to offer travellers who enjoy good food, architecture and history.

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Hotel arts Barcelona

Hotel Arts Barcelona. Experience towering beachside luxury

Hotel Arts really has spoiled us, and with its beachside location, on-site spa and contemporary vibe, it comes highly recommended for city explorers who like to smell the sea.

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Musling bistro interior credit Oscar Haumann

Musling Bistro. Really impressive Seafood in Copenhagen

Can oysters ever taste as good in a stylish eatery as they do at a down-home restaurant awash in rough-hewn tables and rustic tiles? Seafood supremo Anders Selmer certainly thought they could when he launched Musling Bistro to complement his hugely popular Kodbyens Fiskebar

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insider guide to north-west Sardinia Stintino and Asinara

Insider guide to north-west Sardinia. Enjoy glorious history and sandy beaches.

North-west Sardinia is a popular summer destination with tourists attracted by its coastline and glorious sandy beaches. Out of season, however, it offers other rewards, not least its glorious food and drink, interesting archaeology, hillside castles and deserted seashores.

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Alpina Gstaad.

The Alpina Gstaad. Enjoy great hospitality in alpine luxury.

As the train pulls into Gstaad, I get a glimpse of the Alpina, looking like a stately castle perched high above the town. The driver who meets me tells me that, although the hotel looks old, it only opened in 2012, built on the site of a previous property which had fallen into disrepair.

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Allington Manor

Allington Manor Hotel. Grantham has never looked so good.

Britain is celebrating its Bed and Breakfast places with the first national day this month. James Ruddy reveals the highlights of a night at one of the new breed of historic and luxurious manor houses, near Margaret Thatcher’s birthplace.

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