Getting a Handle(bar) on Bordeaux Wines
The word “Provence” refers to several regions that stretch from the Rhône Valley to the Alps and this part of Southern France was the first Roman provence outside of Italy which is how it got its…
Seduced by Seville
Seville, the capital of Andalucia, in Southern Spain took me completely by surprise. I was expecting a city of flamenco shows; bulls and matadors and shops selling tacky paper fans and miniature…
Mykonos - Magical Mayhem
On the one hand Mykonos didn't disappoint. It was everything I imagined it to be. White-washed houses standing out against brilliant blue skies; dramatic sunsets, derelict windmills and trendy…
Stunning Salzburg
Forget that Mozart was born here and that The Sound of Music was filmed here. Forget the summer Music Festival and the Christmas Markets. Just visit to see the Austrian town of Salzburg and it will…
Lake Como and Lake Garda
These two famous Northern Italian lakes have much in common. They are both glacial and are overlooked by dramatic mountains. Both have a wide choice of villa hotels located next to picturesque…
More to Brussels than The Grand Place
This article is for those of you who have been put off visiting Brussels by comments such as "you should go to Bruges instead" or have been brainwashed by the rumour that there is nothing to see…
Copenhagen: Carlsberg vs.Cocktails
The best way to describe Copenhagen is to tell you about its bar scene. In the one hand is a pint of "probably" the best known lager in the world - Carlsberg - which was founded here in 1847. This…
A Slice of Tuscany
If Tuscany was a slice of pizza, the base would be the rolling hills covered in vineyards and fields of sunflowers. The crust would be the tall Cyprus trees and rustic farmhouses with terracotta…
Palma - More than just an airport
The old town of Palma has kept up with the times over the centuries in a most unusual way. Old windmills have become trendy nightclubs; a dried up river bed is now a flower market and the ancient…
Cycling with the Romans in Provence
The word "Provence" refers to several regions that stretch from the Rhone Valley to the Alps and this part of Southern France was the first Roman provence outside of Italy which is how it got its…
Obrigado Lisbon
Lisbon is a city of layers to be enjoyed from many different angles and vantage points. Trams, funiculars and even an iron elevator will help you reach panoramic terraces from where you can witness…
Become a Bubbles Connoisseur in Champagne
How much do you know about champagne other than the fact you love it? A weekend in Champagne will not only transform you into a fizz expert but never again will you look at a glass or bottle…
The Islands of Venice
Venice is the world's most unique city made up of a cluster of 118 islands, divided by 150 canals and held together by 400 bridges. This walker's paradise sits in a salt water lagoon joined to the…
Capri - an island for lovers
No other island in the world oozes sex appeal as much as Capri. It is the QE2, Orient Express and Lamborghini of islands and no matter how you arrive be it by ferry, hydrofoil, luxury cruiser or…
Last bus home - Taormina style!
Thanks to a 4 minute cable car journey you can have a two centre holiday without changing hotels. By day you can soak up the sun on tranquil pebble beaches and in the evenings enjoy the numerous…
A Week in Croatia
Croatia's south Dalmatian coast is an intoxicating mix of history and natural beauty - medieval towns are surrounded by fortress walls, vineyards and fig trees and overlook green islands scattered…
Istanbul - Afternoon Tea in a Watertank
There is no shortage of places to drink tea in Istanbul. Tea gardens can be found in the shade of the Galata Tower, outside the Aya Sofya museum and next to the famous Blue Mosque. They are in the…
Budapest - White Towels and Chess
Budapest was founded on natural hot springs and for centuries it has welcomed foreigners wishing to be cured of aches and pains. Thankfully you don't have to be sick to enjoy one of the city's…
Exploring St Petersburg
St Petersburg is over 300 years old and if it wasn't for the modern day traffic and latest fashion you would think you had been transported back to the 18th…
Moscow Myths
Spy books, thrillers and names such as Red Square, Kremlin, KGB and the former Soviet Union make a visit to Moscow stomach-churning exciting but instead of being dark, scary and intimating the city…
Madrid - Do It The Spanish Way
For a memorable first visit to Spain's capital you need to concentrate on three things - Sightseeing, Eating and Cocktails - but you must throw away your conventional routine and do it Madrid…
Kalkan - the friendliest place on earth
At first glance it might appear that the fishing village of Kalkan on the Turkish Lycian coast has been invaded by the British but nothing could be further from the truth. Instead the locals have…
Berlin – Never Forget
Berlin is no longer divided between East and West but instead is stuck in a no-man's land between its past and future. New buildings look space age in design but everywhere you go there are memorials…
A Glimpse of Iceland
Reykjavik may be the world's most Northern city but it is not a city break destination. It is however the perfect base to catch a glimpse of Iceland's dramatic landscape of volcanoes, waterfalls,…
Also Available by email:
- A Londoner's Guide to Edinburgh
- Edinburgh - Insiders guide to the Festival
- London with Kids
- Cruising the Fortunate Isles
The full article is available via email at curriej@btopenworld.com