Europe and Middle East

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

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The Star Inn the City

To run an all-day menu and maintain fine dining standards is not an easy task, yet the Star Inn the City team had the confident air of a well-oiled machine.

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Galvin HOP. Discover beautiful fine dining in London’s Spitafields.

From Mayfair’s most glamorous sky-room to a gastropub in their native Essex, each is totally different, but on a summer’s day, it’s hard to beat an alfresco lunch at Galvin HOP in Spitalfields.

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Middlethorpe Hall

Middlethorpe Hall is the perfect example of a fine country house hotel with character literally seeping from every creaking nook and cranny. An authentic William and Mary house in 20 acres of manicured grounds, it’s had stories to tell throughout its long life.

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Frankenstein in Geneva

On the Trail of Frankenstein in Geneva

It is 200 years since the publication of what is often known as the first gothic novel –  “Frankenstein”.  It was conceived by Mary Shelley in Geneva and much of the action takes place in and around here.

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Rupert Parker discovers Las Caldas Villa Termal hotel in rural Asturias. 

Las Caldas Villa Termal. Rural Asturias has never been so good.

Las Caldas, situated in beautiful countryside, just outside the city, first opened its doors way back in 1776. People having been coming for its healing waters ever since, attracted by the high standard of service and the peaceful surroundings.

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Michael Edwards samples the Bernina Express, one of Europe’s legendary rail journeys from Italy to Switzerland. Bernina Experience Open Carriage

Travelling the Bernina Express. Legendary Alpine train from Italy to Switzerland

The Bernina Express, a spectacular 75 miles of Alpine scenery from Tirano in Italy to Chur in Switzerland, is one of the World’s Great Railway Journeys. Michael Edwards steps aboard this spectacular ride.

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