La Palma in the Atlantic Ocean and the most north-westerly Canary Island, is also known as "La Isla Bonita" (the pretty island). It is UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a designated Starlight Reserve. La Palma offers rugged, mountainous landscapes, unspoilt nature, volcanoes, deep forests and intimate beaches. One of the seven Canary Islands, La P...

​In the busy epicentre of Moorgate, Central London is Guildhall yard that plays host to the Gladiator Games which depicts the blood, sweat and tears that fighters in the Roman era (around AD 50) put their bodies through to stay alive. ​Upon entering the grounds it is very easy to think that peace and tranquility has dawned upon you as the hoot...

Not only is it the same sun that shines on the Mediterranean beaches as on the Swiss Alps but, instead of trash, crowds, traffic and hazzle, there is the stark contrast of the silence, space and relaxation of Europe's highest mountains. I soon discovered which of the two holidays I would find the more restorative writes Adam Jacot de Boinod. What I...

Warnemünde is a seaside resort and a district of the city of Rostock in Mecklenburg, Germany. It is located on the Baltic Sea and, as the name implies, at the estuary of the river Warnow. Warnemünde is one of the world's busiest cruise ports. Images : Boats in winter and tall ships : Joachim Klook Many never see Warnemunde. They walk off cruise shi...

Helsinki, the Capital of Finland, is nicknamed the White City of the North. We arrived in pouring rain but left in bright sunshine. It is situated on a penisula in the Gulf of Finland and, like the weather, it is a city of contrasts. Wide streets and green parks, a bustling harbour, roadworks, which does impede travel. Shopaholics can indulge with ...

The Grand Palace at Peterhof was designed to be the centerpiece of Peter the Great's "Russian Versaille". Around 1720, the Tsar gave up on attempts to establish his court at Strelna, mainly because the boggy ground proved entirely unsuitable for the canals and fountains that he envisioned. Moving his attentions further west to Peterhof, the Tsar be...