One of the many positive things about going away is coming home to a familiar place where you appreciate your home comforts, whether it’s the urge for a ‘proper brew’, or to catch up on our favourite topic of conversation – the British weather! Being at home can often make you wonder why you ventured abroad in the first place! Read the full post

Yes, the spelling is correct – as I’m not referring to those Olympics that took place in London last year. I’m talking about the real Olimpicks, the first modern revival of the ancient Games, first held in rural Gloucestershire long before Pierre de Coubertin even dreamed of founding his Olympic Committee in the 1880s… Read the full post

Wine tastings are meant to be pleasurable experiences, wherever you are in the world; but in the Czech region of South Moravia, close to the Austrian border, the emphasis is firmly on enjoyment. There are no airs and graces here, and no haughtiness or one-upmanship to be found in the tasting room. Read the full post

As well as being a near neighbour of Inntravel in rural North Yorkshire, Nick Symington has close ties to Symington Family Estates, the leading quality Port producers who own well-known brands such as Graham’s, Cockburn’s, Dow’s and Warre’s. Here, he tells us about his connections with The Douro, and relates how he came to help us create a very special self-guided walking holiday there… Read the full post

OK, it’s time to hold my hands up; I was misled; I didn’t do enough research; I should have checked; I took it at face value. What am I talking about? Well, those of you who recently received our email newsletter on the many good reasons to visit the Azores this summer will have noticed that one was to 'drink the only tea grown in Europe'. Read the full post