Our freewheeling descent from Schloss Vollrads was sweeter than the late-harvest Riesling, for which the fairy-tale castle and Germany’s Rheingau region is famous. The ascent by bicycle turned out to be much steeper than it had first appeared when we spotted the 13th century winery’s onion-dome towers glinting in the distance. But the short…
Introducing Hurtigruten’s new ship Fridtjof Nansen
More than a century after Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen skied across Greenland, Hurtigruten is celebrating his polar endeavours with a second hybrid expedition ship named after him – and what a beauty she is. A near identical twin to sister ship Roald Amundsen, the stylishly-designed ship offers adventurous itineraries and expertly-led expeditions. Last month the…
Reims uncorked – tout alors!
Crack open a bottle of Champagne and its fizzes over with joy – as does the Champagne-Ardennes’ former capital Reims, whose attractions will delight even the most culture-hungry visitor. But what lies behind the historic façades? Here are nine facts about the city that may well surprise. Reims is less than four hours by train Hop…
Laid-back luxury at the Amirandes, Crete
Genuine Picasso ceramics, a digital cosmetic cooler and chilled champagne on arrival, what more could a girl want? A mirrored jewellery box – marvellous – or, maybe, a choice of pillow – anti-ageing treated with vitamin E – perfect. Spelt or horse hair? Neigh, not for me. A handy beach bag containing flip flops, sun…
The cream of Devon’s cycleways
You don’t have to be a Bradley Wiggins or a Lizzie Armitstead to enjoy a cycling holiday in Devon. Despite being one of England’s hilliest counties, its new multi-million pound cycleways are paved, largely off-road and safe for all levels of cyclists, including families, e-cyclists and mobility scooters. Read my article in Silver Travel Advisor…
Britain’s wonderful waterways – see my VisitBritain articles
Check out my cruising and shore leave articles in VisitBritain’s waterways guide. From themed small-ship expeditions around Scotland’s islands to round-Britain cruises with butler service, it’s all there. Jump aboard, it’s time to set sail. Plus a round-up of the top attractions, castles and cathedrals near key cruise ports that shouldn’t be missed in Southampton,…
Cardiff’s obsession with creme eggs
What is Cardiff‘s obsession with Cadbury’s creme eggs? Everywhere I went during my first visit to the city last weekend, there was a poster advertising a new way of eating them – from deep fried in a city-centre fish and chip shop to creme egg hot chocolate and creme egg milkshake at Cadwallader’s on Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay. Could there…
I Love Meet and Greet review
Kathryn Liston checks in at Gatwick airport and checks out whether airport parking company, I Love Meet and Greet, lives up to its name Booking The confirmation was emailed to me promptly along with instructions on where to meet the driver at Gatwick North terminal. They advised me to print them out as I might be required…
Meet & greet is cheaper than you think
It’s a freezing minus five degrees when you land at the airport. The last thing you want to want to do is spend the next 10 minutes de-icing the windscreen of your car. Wouldn’t you rather jump into a toasty warm car with clear windows and the heater on full blast? I know which I would…
How to apply for an ESTA
During my time on the Which? Travel Helpdesk, I advised many readers travelling to the United States of America how to apply for an ESTA* under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). It’s been a long time since I took a bit out of the Big Apple, but as I am off there this week, I…
Kathryn Liston 