The unyielding call of England’s rough, beautiful Lake District |
For some, travel is just a checklist – another day, another flag. But returning to a familiar spot takes you past the tour-guide stage and throws you into the deep end of intimate, vulnerable contact
Riding the road less travelled in Scotland
A bike tour though the Hebrides reveals castles, dramatic cliffs and the region’s history of Christianity
In Ludlow, England, foodie heaven awaits
Lovely buildings: check. Great location, interesting history: check, check. But what really makes Ludlow worth the drive is its connection to the countryside, local producers and great chefs
From sultry seaside to misty jungle: Exploring Portugal’s wild frontier
Package beach resorts aren’t this region of Portugal’s raison d’être. Head just a few minutes inland to find an island rich with forest walks, craft spirits and spectacular views
Lisbon preserves historical shops as contemporary influences take hold
Can the traditional mom-and-pop shops survive in a world accustomed to convenience? Lisbon seems to think so
In the small city of Caceres, Spain is at its most delicious
Trade the crowded beaches for the food-filled heart of the country
For cyclists who relish a real test, try a trip through the French Alps
Sometimes the Cent Cols in the French Alps can be hell on wheels, but there are epic, otherworldly moments to be had over 10 days in the saddle … and, after getting home, an urge to maybe do it again
Field trips for grownups: Exploring France with my French class, wine included |
The École des Trois Ponts offers an immersive cultural experience beyond mere language lessons
A taste of authenticity in French Basque Country |
This extraordinary region in southwest France oozes laid-back cool. Hemmed between the Bay of Biscay and the Pyrenees, it offers a more authentic Basque experience than its Spanish counterpart
Looking for adventure? Tuscany should be your next travel destination
In Tuscany, Mark Sissons discovers a wilder side to Italy’s photogenic region that is starting to attract more active travellers and thrill seekers
In search of Italy’s summer beach getaways
When vacationers compete with locals for space on the beach in Italy, it’s sometimes better to hit the road – or the sea – for a sunny retreat
Explore Roman ruins in peace in Trier, Germany |
The historical gems of Trier offer visitors something they can’t get from Italy’s grand landmarks: the opportunity to explore in peace
Rotterdam’s renaissance: explore the city of the future today
In Rotterdam, the world’s first floating farm is just one of the city’s many modern wonders
How to escape the crowds of tourists in Amsterdam
If you head east, you’ll find Amstel, which has lately emerged as the city’s cultural gateway
My 27-kilometre quest for the ultimate Instagram photo of Norway’s Trolltunga
Social media has drawn thousands of people to a remote part of Norway for a beautiful vista
What to do during Sweden’s magical summer interlude
The Swedes go a touch mad in their brief but intoxicating warm season, when the sun shines nearly 22 hours a day. In mid-June, Stockholmers head for cottages in the Stockholm Archipelago, where they practise the pagan rites of Midsummer Eve