Europe and Middle East

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

Anthea Gerrie takes afternoon tea at the Savoy and enjoys a mutli-course feast. Savoy Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea at the Savoy. The Essential British Experience.

While £65 for tea sounds like a price only an oil sheikh could afford, it really is lunch, tea and dinner rolled up in one – perhaps brunch too, if you take the high tea option, which includes a poached egg with smoked salmon and hollandaise sauce.

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Terry Marsh offers up his insider guide to Orkney, just a few miles off the coast of Scotland.

Insider Guide to Orkney. Discover these rugged but beautiful islands

For today’s visitors, Orkney is a charming and beguiling place; charismatic, enthralling, enlightening, and tantalisingly close to the Scottish mainland, just 10 miles away.

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Michael Edwards offer up his insider guide to Basel as the perfect long weekend?

Insider Guide to Basel. Discover Art and culture for a perfect weekend.

Is Basel, the art hub with culture unlimited, hot on the heels of Geneva in the race for weekend-break Travel Oscars? And is the city on the Rhine leading the charge of the land-of-milk-and-money up the global happiness leagues?

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hiking and biking in the Algarve Cabo Sao Vincente

Fantastic Hiking and Biking in the Algarve

You’re not going to find mountains in this part of Portugal, the most you’ll get are gentle hills, but these are sufficient to give you a cycling work out. In the far west of the Algarve, away from the golf courses and holiday villages, you’re going to be rewarded with unspoilt and wild nature.

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Salutation exterior

The Salutation Hotel, Ambleside

Having occupied one corner of the centre of Ambleside for more than 360 years, it is not surprising that the Salutation Hotel has acquired both a history and a reputation.

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The Signal Box. Ever wondered what life would be like hidden away in a romantic and luxurious railway signal box in deepest North Norfolk? James Ruddy reveals all. Signal Box in sunny times

The Signal Box. Discover the quirkiest cottage rental you’ve ever seen!

Ever wondered what life would be like hidden away in a romantic and luxurious railway signal box in deepest North Norfolk? James Ruddy reveals all.

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