Europe and Middle East

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

Casa do Lago

Casa do Lago. Outstanding restaurant in Quinta do Lago

Late November and the lunchtime crowd at Casa do Lago are looking a little bit thin. Admittedly it is out of season, yet the unusually warm sunny weather has brought the few of us out onto the lakeside terrace to eat.

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Pizzeria CasaVostra. Excellent Italian fare on Portugal’s Algarve.

The Algarvian town of Almancil might not be high on your list of dining destinations seeing as the famed Quinta do Lago is almost next door, but take it from me, you won’t want to miss this one.

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Rupert Parker explores the historic Great Walser Trail at Walserweg in Austria's Vorarlberg

The Great Walser Trail at Walserweg. Hike Austria’s historic mountain trail.

Ancestors of the Walser, as these people are called, had left the Valais region in Switzerland centuries earlier and headed east over the high passes.

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As English as the afternoon tea the hotel serves, De Vere Tortworth Court in South Gloucestershire, with white beehives dotted along the lengthy drive, Union Jack fluttering above, epitomises the quintessential country retreat.

De Vere Tortworth Court. Discover a quintessential country retreat

As English as the afternoon tea the hotel serves, Tortworth Court in South Gloucestershire, with white beehives dotted along the lengthy drive, Union Jack fluttering above, epitomises the quintessential country retreat. 

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Since the 19th century, Interlaken has been a magnet for tourists coming to Switzerland.  It’s the gateway to hiking in the Jungfrau Region with its unique mix of lakes, waterfalls and mountains. Mannlichen Cable Car

Hiking in the Jungfrau region. A unique mix of lakes waterfalls and soaring mountains.

One way to escape the crowds in Interlaken, the Jungfrau gateway is to set out on foot, following in the footsteps of those celebrated Victorian alpinists.

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Domaine de Perches

Domaine de Perches, a 17th century wine chateau restored with immaculate modern taste, is the perfect base for touring beautiful Occitanie

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