The Azores, Portugal If you’re seeking the glory of nature untouched by the hands of commercialization, we have the just right spot for you. Featuring awe-inspiring volcanoes, forests of emerald green, and sky-high tumbling waterfalls, the Azores islands are Portugal’s best kept secret.
Slalom across the Dolomites on skis Le Corbusier dubbed the Dolomites the most beautiful natural architecture on earth. The limestone peaks of the northern Italian Alps offer some of the world’s most exhilarating skiing. Not to mention a food scene that’s as starry as the clear night skies. Combine pistes and pasta on a multi-stop ski trip.
Iceland, a song of ice and fire Fermented shark, liquorice meringues, and mischievous trolls. What could be more festive than yuletide in Iceland? Who needs fireworks to ring in the New Year when you’ve got the Northern Lights?
Dublin, a breath of fresh Irish air With more cosmopolitan verve than its village vibe suggests, Dublin is the perfect city for a laidback long weekend. A muse to generations of writers and musicians, Dublin hums with creativity and energy.
Across Europe on the Orient Express Trains, planes, and automobiles. Long-haul flights and road trips may have become more popular than railway journeys, but there’s something wonderfully soothing and effortlessly romantic about travelling by train. Particularly if you’re on board the most glamorous train of all time…
The Shelbourne, Dublin Dublin is swinging again. Ireland’s capital of cool has the edginess of a metropolis but the friendliness of a village. You’ll find medieval monuments, glorious Georgian architecture, a cutting-edge creative quarter, fabulous antique markets and, of course, pubs galore. And there’s still time for a last-minute city break before the year is out.
Venice La Serenissima is not so serene in the month of February, when the piazzas and palazzos throng with masked revellers. Carnevale is a busy time to visit Venice, but we have the lowdown on how to navigate the labyrinthine alleys and canals like a local.
Cuddle up in Tuscany Italians do it better. And that includes Christmas. Looking for a last-minute escape for Christmas? Nothing could be cosier than cuddling up in your own villa in the Tuscan countryside. The festive spirit comes naturally in a region renowned for its fabulous food and wine, fairy-tale scenery, and passion for la dolce vita.
