Europe and Middle East

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

Lac des Fétoules

Hiking Ecrins National Park

I’d always wondered what life is like in those high altitude French Refuges, often no more than wooden shacks, nestling in the shade of the mountains. Even better, when I hear about a Tour Gourmand, or gourmet tour, hiking between them, I’m even more interested. So I pack my rucksack and set out to try hiking Ecrins National Park, about a 90 minute drive East of Grenoble.

Read the full story here
Swinton Park spring

Swinton Park Castle Hotel. Discover a Proper Yorkshire Castle.

It had been a glorious autumnal day at Fountains Abbey, as we drove from Harrogate towards Masham and our treat of the trip: a stay in Swinton Park Castle Hotel, a proper Yorkshire castle.

Read the full story here
Anthea Gerrie reviews the Sofitel Hotel at Gatwick Airport.

Sofitel Hotel. The best way to catch an early flight at Gatwick Airport.

Anthea Gerrie reviews the Sofitel hotel Gatwick Airport’ one of the airport’s better on-site hotels. Convenience for early fliers but does it stack up?

Read the full story here
Rupert Parker dons his hiking boots as he goes walking the High Alps in France. Mont de Grange Summit with Hiker

Walking the High Alps in France. Experience mighty peaks and serene Alpine meadows.

Rupert Parker dons his hiking boots as he goes walking the High Alps in France.

Read the full story here
SF TR Malton 014

Malton Food Tour in North Yorkshire

A gentleman wearing a cream coloured Malton Cookery School apron greets me with a cheery smile at the entrance to the Talbot Hotel. “I hope you’re hungry,” says Tom Naylor-Leyland, welcoming me onto the first Malton Food Tour.

Read the full story here
Kollázs Brasserie and Bar Four Seasons Hotel

Kollázs Brasserie and Bar Four Seasons Hotel. Enjoy excellent dining right by the famous Chain Bridge

The Kollázs Brasserie and Bar on the ground floor of the Four Seasons Hotel in Budapest, is a contemporary European brasserie overlooking the Chain Bridge and the Danube.

Read the full story here