Mark Nicholls hikes across western Crete with a group of solo travellers from the Mistral Hotel. Guest feature by Mark Nicholls Across the mountainous landscape of western Crete, diverse paths plot a course through some of the Mediterranean’s finest walking terrain. They edge along cliff sides, open onto broad beaches, descend into shaded woodland, […]
Staycation in Scotland
Where to Stay in Scotland. Many of us at the moment want to travel. Yet, while we are all craving a break away from home, for many the idea of getting on a plane just doesn’t appeal. Apart from the complex new regulations around air-travel after lockdown, there’s also that risk that a local flareup […]
Goolet Sailing around Croatia
Croatia dreaming As travellers, it’s hard to plan in these times of Corona. There’s certainly too much uncertainty to book too far ahead. So we are likely going to find ourselves making last-minute bookings once we know routes have opened up and we can travel safely. Having postponed most of their May and June charters, expert […]
Lockdown in Pistoia, a hidden treasure in Tuscany.
Ciao from Pistoia. Guest post: from Michela Ricciarelli – a professional tour leader who, in addition to working for some of the leading food tours operators in Tuscany, can be hired to help you plan your own holiday or to lead gourmet, art or fashion tours of the area. An authentic medieval town located in […]
Wines of Le Marche and Roasted Red Pepper Pesto
Guest Post by Madeline Jones from Hotel Leone – Le Marche Wines Introduction Last year, when we could travel freely, I was lucky enough to visit Hotel Leone in Le Marche and to meet Madeline and her husband Tim. I LOVED the place and was hoping to return this year. Sadly that looks unlikely – […]
Ghent : A Belgian Gem
Things to do in Ghent, a Belgian Gem. Ghent is picturesque, quaint and – like many Belgian cities – quirky. It has an enviable skyline of gables and spires each of which comprises parts of its history. Every building seems to tell a story, from the Stadhuis where the treaty of Ghent was signed in […]
Day Trips from Chania, Crete
Three Not to be Missed Experiences in and around Chania, Crete. Visiting Crete? If you are based in or around Chania, as I was last year when I stayed at the Mistral Hotel, Maleme, you have a great opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside and coastline. Of course, you’ll need to spend time in Chania […]
Day Trips from Florence
Exploring Tuscany – Town and Country Day Trips from Florence. Why would you want to take a day trip from Florence? There’s a wealth of things to do in Florence, the capital of Tuscany. It’s known as the ‘cradle of the Renaissance’ for good reason. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded […]
OMG! Van Eyck Was Here
Ghent – Van Eyck and More. OMG! Van Eyck was here is the slogan currently displayed all over Ghent on flags, flyers, billboards and even refuse bins. Van Eyck fever is taking hold in the city where throughout 2020, celebrations of this Flemish master will showcase both his work and enduring influence. One of the […]
A Porky Passion with Iberian Ham.
Exploring the Dehesa – Iberian Ham. What makes Iberian ham (jamón Ibérico) so special? Obviously the best way to find out is by travelling to Spain to Seville and then on into the countryside to the North, to the Dehesa. In our case that was to an area around Huelva, Cumbres de San Bartolomé, close […]