A Glühwein a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Want to add an exciting dose of festive cheer to your winter? Then – as any German will confirm – there’s nothing quite as special as letting your wallet loose in Germany’s renowned Christmas markets. But while munching on roasted almonds and indulging in gingerbread galore is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, there’s one thing that’ll get you in the holiday spirit like no other: of course, I’m talking about Glühwein, the beverage that guarantees merry memories… no matter how cold it is outside!

Palermo

Palermo Shore Excursions

The city of Palermo lies on the north-west coast of Sicily in southern Italy. With a history dating back to the 8th century BC it has been home to numerous civilizations whose legacy can still be seen in the architecture of many of the capital city’s historic buildings. Whilst these beautiful churches and palaces in the historic centre represent Palermo’s main tourist attractions there are also some fairly ugly buildings around town. These structures appeared in the post-war period following the heavy allied bombing campaign which destroyed much of the city. With a metropolitan population of around 1.2 million Palermo

Sunny Sightseeing in Santorini

Ever wondered what time travel would be like? While jumping in a time machine will have to remain a distant fantasy for now, you’ll discover the next best thing when you hop on a plane to Santorini. Thanks to its cobbled, maze-like streets and its colourful houses, which almost look too cheerful to be real, this Greek island is ideal for an escape from the stresses of modern life.

From Lazy to Lively in Lanzarote: Venture Beyond Playa Blanca

Got a few extra days of holiday before the year is up? Lucky you! But while lounging on your sofa with your favourite chocolate and TV show may sound pretty great, why not make the more sensible choice of upping your Vitamin D levels? No, I don’t mean swallowing those pesky supplements that you keep forgetting to take – I mean jetting off to a sunny destination and relaxing in style. If you’re looking for a holiday that’ll revolutionise your understanding of R&R, look no further than the resort of Playa Blanca in Lanzarote, which boasts three beaches, lovely boutiques

Napoli

Naples Shore Excursions

As you approach the busy Port of Naples with the sight of Mount Vesuvius in the distance don’t underestimate what the city and region have to offer. Whilst Naples tends to play second fiddle to the likes of Rome, Turin, Milan and Florence on the Italian tourist circuit cruise ship passengers can rest assured that they have a memorable day in port ahead of them. As well as having a historic centre which is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO Naples also lies within close proximity of some world-class attractions including the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, the

Argentière

Up There and Out There: Argentière for Advanced Thrillseekers

Argentière might not seem up to much, huddling below a mighty glacier. But this French ski resort is really hallowed turf. It’s a few miles north of Chamonix, boasts a daunting array of plus-2500m pistes and has a reputation for being the playground of expert skiers. If you’re a beginner, then Argentière’s slopes are probably not places to tread lightly, but any extreme sports fans or powder hounds with a penchant for black pistes should read on… Skiing and Snowboarding The Grand Montets sector of the resort has ample opportunities for dedicated skiers to hone their skills and challenge themselves

Make Snow Tracks to Kitzbühel: Fantastic Fun for the Entire Family

Ah, that old conundrum. How to organise a skiing holiday where everyone (and that includes the adults as well) has fun? Picking the right resort can go a long way to guaranteeing a memorable break, but that in itself isn’t easy. If you’re lacking inspiration, then I can highly recommend Austria’s resort of Kitzbühel and its 215 kilometres of pistes, many of which are suitable for beginners. Not for nothing has it been recognised within the industry as a 5-star resort for families, with world-class facilities that give even first-timer skiers a confidence boost. Still not convinced? Want to learn

Fine Dining at Your Fingertips in Tignes

Nestled between the French and Italian border, Tignes is a picturesque collection of five villages in the Alps: Tignes les Brévières, Tignes le Lac, Tignes les Boisses, Val Claret and Le Lavachet. In conjunction with Val-d’Isère, it forms part of the famous Espace Killy ski region and caters to all skiing abilities. As a lesser known area, Tignes tends not to attract large groups of rowdy teens, but instead caters to a more refined demographic. The collection of villages boasts charming little boutiques and cafés, but its biggest selling point is its wide range of fine-dining restaurants. La Table en

Florencia

Livorno Shore Excursions

Such is the historic and cultural wealth of the Italian region of Tuscany that seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be found within its territory. It is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and was called home by many great artists and scientists including Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci and Galileo. Cruise ships visiting the region dock in the industrial port of Livorno which serves as a gateway for passengers heading for some of Europe’s most popular sights in the cities of Florence and Pisa.   Port of Livorno Dating back to the 16th century when it was a small fishing

Sample Ireland’s Savoury Stew

When the harsh winter wind chills you to the bone, putting on a pair of fuzzy socks, sitting in front of a crackling fire and warming your hands and belly with a hearty Irish stew is one of the best remedies. But while it’s a privilege to eat a flavourful portion of simmered meat and vegetables today, this wasn’t always the case. Let’s talk about the surprisingly humble beginnings of Ireland’s savoury stew.

Mayrhofen

Munch in Mayrhofen: 5 Show-Stopping Restaurants

Those who appreciate the finer things in life may struggle to find a ski resort that caters to their needs, but not if they book a stay at the wonderful Austrian resort of Mayrhofen. Located in the stunning province of Tyrol, Mayrhofen is a versatile place with a wonderful, rustic charm, which extends to its gastronomic galore. The picturesque village is filled with inviting and traditional eateries, drinking establishments and shops, providing its visitors with an authentic – and unforgettably delicious – Tyrolean experience. Travelling to Mayrhofen via Innsbruck? Check out our culinary guide to the city here! The food

Milan’s Secret Side: 5 Unusual Attractions

When people think about visiting Italy, they usually think of touristy cities like Rome and Florence. While these are fabulous cities that are world-famous for their attractions, sometimes it’s more fun to leave the masses of tourists behind and go off the beaten path. For this reason, I often recommend visiting Milan, which is a hugely underrated city and has many hidden gems that are rarely uncovered by holidaymakers. Milan is primarily known for being a global hotspot for business and fashion, but it also boasts a wealth of awe-inspiring attractions… if you know where to look. Fortunately for you,

Chilly, Crazy, Cool: Hair-Raising Family Fun in Les Contamines

Picking the right ski resort for a fun family ski holiday can be tricky. Ideally, it will be somewhere that caters to families, has a friendly atmosphere and plenty of facilities and activities so that you can all have a fun-filled trip and create many happy memories together. My recommendation? The Les Contamines ski area at the base of Mont Blanc. Les Contamines is a family-friendly place where you will find a real sense of community in the charming village (which dates back to 1758!). This means that it is a great place for a leisurely stroll with kids –