Europe

Inside Europe

Flemish coastline: Golden shores

Saturday, 27 September 2008

The diverse resorts on the beautiful Flemish coastline have something for everyone to enjoy. By Harriet O'Brien

Ostend: Sea and be seen

Saturday, 27 September 2008

A resort that has it all: style, cuisine and culture. Henry Palmer is swept away by Ostend

Ghent: Something a little different

Saturday, 27 September 2008

There's a real party atmosphere in Ghent – along with glorious streets, wonderful architecture and stunning galleries. The Museum of Fine Arts (www.mskgent.be) recently reopened after major refurbishment; the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art (www.smak.be) is renowned for its provocative exhibitions; in the old centre, Huis van Alijn, the folk museum (www.huisvanalijn.be), encapsulates much of the quirky spirit of this vital, university city. And there's lots more besides.

Antwerp: The fine art of fashion

Saturday, 27 September 2008

Capital of diamonds, city of Rubens, vibrant centre of fashion: Antwerp has a dazzling variety of attractions. To shop for some of the world's most fabulous jewellery head to Appelmansstraat and Hoveniersstraat near the Central Station. Diamonds here are cheaper than in Britain – there's a good selection at the huge gem store, Diamondland, at Appelmansstraat 33.

Bruges: A genuine work of art

Saturday, 27 September 2008

Old master or cutting-edge installation? Bruges is both, says Harriet O’Brien

Simon Calder: Why Go Now?

Saturday, 27 September 2008

'Widescreen skies provide constantly changing aerial scenery'

Flanders: Cool culture and stunning cuisine

Saturday, 27 September 2008

Tiny, lively Leuven is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1425. It is a picturesque place with a strikingly go-ahead atmosphere: its year-round run of festivals include BeLeuvenissen, a free celebration of music on Fridays in July; and Marktrock, an international rock event, in August; while Leuven's film festival takes place in late November

Mechelen: A mix of modern and ancient

Saturday, 27 September 2008

From ancient palaces to funky shops, Mechelen is an intriguing mix. Between 1506 and 1530 this was the capital of the Spanish Netherlands, governed by Margaret of Austria, the regent for the Habsburg Emperor Charles V. In the 1550s it became a significant religious centre and today Mechelen remains the home of the head of the Belgian church.

125 years of the Orient Express

Sunday, 21 September 2008

This year is the 125th anniversary of the Orient Express. But is today's luxury service the real heir of the famous European rail route? Now, that's a moot point, says Kate Simon

Italy: Spirit of Palladio

Saturday, 20 September 2008

When better to marvel at the Palladian gems of Vicenza and the surrounding Italian countryside than the 500th anniversary of the great architect's birth? By Anthony Lambert

Berlin: The division and reintegration of a nation

Wednesday, 17 September 2008

It was a bitter winter’s night in the formerly Soviet East Berlin. The stark harshness of the uniform greyscale tower blocks, menacing leftovers of the repressive Moscow-controlled GDR regime, and lack of directions on the dark streets inspired trepidation in Rainer Hildebrant.

Fear and fitness in Bavaria

Sunday, 14 September 2008

You'd better be fit and fearless for this holiday in the Bavarian Alps, says Simon Usborne. It's run by former British soldiers

City Slicker: Madrid

Sunday, 14 September 2008

Get the low-down on what to see and do in the Spanish capital, in the first of our new series of urban tours. By Ian McCurrach

Champagne. It's top of the pops for a tour

Sunday, 14 September 2008

Demand for bubbly still outstrips supply. Andy Lynes visits Reims to discover the secrets of the world's favourite fizz

Albania: Charmed by Tirana

Saturday, 13 September 2008

There is still one place in Europe that offers cultural treasures free from the tourist crowds. Hamish McRae enjoys an Albanian adventure

Pilgrimage to the Field of Stars

Friday, 12 September 2008

The Ancient Pilgrimage town of Santiago De Compostela is the jewel in Galicia’s emerald green crown.

Fortified wine proves a strong draw in Portugal

Monday, 8 September 2008

The historic Portuguese city of Porto, situated on the mouth of the river Douro, is famous for the most renowned export of the area, its port wine.

Hotel Of The Week: La Renardière, Normandy

Sunday, 7 September 2008

Enjoy this beautiful landscape in an eco-friendly treehouse, says Rebecca Ford

The Atomium

Saturday, 6 September 2008

An iconic structure and exhibition space, the Atomium is celebrating its 50th birthday this year with a host of commemorative events.

Where to stay: Crowne Plaza 'Le Palace'

Saturday, 6 September 2008

This classic Art Nouveau hotel exudes style. Last year, an extensive three-year renovation was completed, in time for this year's 100th anniversary. Ten special "Century" bedrooms have been beautifully restyled with period furniture.

Break from the norm

Saturday, 6 September 2008

Unique sights, funky bars and great places to stay make Brussels a wonderful getawa

Where to stay: Oc�ade

Saturday, 6 September 2008

Splash into family fun at this action-packed water park on the north-west side of Brussels. You'll find the warmest beach in the country here – and permanent summer too, with the complex heated to 30°C the whole year round.

Where to stay: Radisson SAS Royal Hotel

Saturday, 6 September 2008

The Radisson SAS Royal Hotel is a strikingly good looking building with an Art Deco façade by the Belgian architect Michael Jaspers. It is well located right in the heart of Brussels, close to the Grand Place and the Central Station.

Where to stay: IBIS Brussels off Grand Place

Saturday, 6 September 2008

Great value in a great location: here you and your family can stay just moments from the Grand Place at a very pleasing price. The Ibis off Grand Place is right in the heart of historic Brussels, located just behind the most magnificent and ornate square in Europe and only five minutes walk from the metro and Brussels' Central Station.

Where to stay: Bed and Brussels, Hotel Bloom!, Hotel Caf� Pacific & Silken Berlaymont Hotel

Saturday, 6 September 2008

BED & BRUSSELSGet a sense of local colour – and a warm welcome. For a great perspective on Brussels stay in a B&B. Bed & Brussels has been operating since 1995 and has more than 185 carefully selected guesthouses on it books. In each, you can get right away from traditional tourist haunts and immerse yourself in the real life of the city. Rooms are spread across the city – from the outskirts to the very centre – and are graded according to style and quality, with furnishings ranging from Art Nouveau antiques to cool minimalism. The host families are strictly vetted to ensure that guests get a good introduction to Brussels.

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