European Escapades

European Escapades

Cruising Down The Danube This Autumn: The Ideal Guide

Winding its way through the heart of Central Europe, the Danube River uniquely flows through or along the borders of ten countries (more than any other river in the world) including...
Editorial Team

Uniquely Tuscan: The Cultural Signatures That Define The Region

Stand in a Florentine piazza at dusk, and you might notice something subtle yet profound: the cadence...

Where To Stay, Dine & Play In Puerto Banús:...

One of the most glittering jewels along Spain's Costa del Sol, Puerto Banús has long captivated visitors...

9 Of The Best Places To Stop On Iceland’s...

Mention the words ‘ring road’ to a Brit, and the image of a very specific type of...

Staying In Lisbon’s Príncipe Real: What To Eat, Drink,...

With its elegant 19th-century mansions and leafy squares, Príncipe Real offers a more sophisticated alternative to Lisbon's...

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European Escapades

48 Hours In Cagliari: A Weekend Guide To Sardinia’s Capital

Sardinia's capital sprawls across seven limestone hills, each telling its own tale of conquest and culture. Cagliari, often dismissed as merely a gateway to...
Heraklion

48 Hours In The Crete Capital, Heraklion

Too often dismissed as merely the entry point to Crete's beach resorts and ancient treasures, Heraklion rewards those who linger. The island's capital wears...

8 Of The Best Destinations In France For Food & Wine Lovers

Ideal for a Gallic gastronomic getaway... Anyone else find themselves watching reruns of Rick Stein’s Secret France and feeling really bloody hungry? We at IDEAL stand...

The Best Restaurants In Naples, Italy: The IDEAL 22 

Just a year ago, Time Out named Naples as the world’s best city for food, in terms of both quality and affordability.  We couldn’t agree...

Editor's Picks

10 Of The Best Local Dishes & Delicacies To Try In Santorini

Some say that Santorini, the captivating Greek island and jewel of the Aegean Sea, is the most visually arresting place on earth. Regularly topping...

The World’s Most Unique Destinations For A Golfing Holiday

Golfing holidays have evolved far beyond the traditional greens of Scotland and the sun-drenched courses of Florida. Today, avid golfers are seeking out unique...

Where To Eat In Catania, Sicily: The Best Restaurants

Nestled at the foot of Mount Etna, Catania is not only a city steeped in history and baroque beauty but also a culinary gem that offers...

The Best Restaurants In Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands and one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations, is not only steeped in history and blessed with sun-drenched...

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5 European Multi-Country Adventures You Can Do In A Week

Let’s start by flinging ourselves back some 200 years. Can you feel the whiplash yet? The grand tour of Europe once meant months of...

9 Clichéd But Romantic Things To Do In The City Of Love, Paris

Every year, Paris welcomes millions of tourists from around the globe, all looking to be enticed by the sensual magic of the city. Visitors...

Can Skiing Ever Be Sustainable? 7 Destinations That Aim To Prove It

The crisp mountain air, the crunch of fresh snow beneath your skis, the thrill of descending pristine slopes – but at what environmental cost?...

A Winter’s Tale: Amsterdam’s Most Festive Christmas Activities

As winter descends upon the Netherlands' capital, Amsterdam transforms into a wonderland that rivals Europe's most celebrated festive destinations.  While Reykjavik and Copenhagen might dominate...

48 Hours In Ljubljana: Slovenia’s Storybook City

Nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic, Ljubljana might be Europe's most enchanting capital you haven't visited yet. This pocket-sized city, with its emerald...

The Best Restaurants In Rome: The IDEAL 22

There's a saying in Italy: “Non si mangia per vivere ma si vive per mangiare” - we don't eat to live, we live to...

Winter Wonderland: 9 Of The Snowiest Ski Resorts In The Alps For Ski Season 24/25

As winter blankets Europe in a pristine layer of snow, ski enthusiasts and winter adventurers are eagerly awaiting the beckoning call of the slopes.  As...

7 Of The Best Resort Villages In The Swiss & French Alps For Ski Season 24/5

The European winter ski season is nearly upon us, with early December traditionally welcoming the requisite snow blanket over The Alps, and in turn...

Gears, Grit & Gusto: Italy’s Most Spectacular Cycling Routes

There's something almost poetic about exploring Italy by bicycle. Perhaps it's the way the morning mist clings to Tuscan cypress trees as you climb...

48 Hours In Vienna: Beyond Schnitzel & Sachertorte

Yes, Vienna has the Spanish Riding School. Yes, it has Schönbrunn Palace. And yes, you can queue for an hour at Hotel Sacher for...

48 Hours In Cala d’Or, Majorca

The story of Cala d'Or begins with an artist's vision. In 1933, Josep Costa Ferrer ('Picarol') saw something special in this stretch of Majorca's...

The Dolomites’ 5 Most Magnificent Mountain Retreats

As December’s winter sun catches the limestone peaks of the UNESCO-protected Dolomites, turning them a blushing rose-pink in the famous alpenglow, it's easy to...

Finding Peace In Paradise: 10 Tranquil Escapes In Bali

Beyond Kuta's crowded beaches and Canggu's sleek coffee shops lies another side of Bali, where incense smoke still curls through ancient temple courtyards and...

The Turkish Riviera: The Ideal Guide To Turkey’s Best Beach Destinations

Where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, Turkey's magnificent coastline plays host to some of the world's most compelling landscapes. Each bay and peninsula tells...

Beyond The Beach Clubs: 10 Of The Best Things To Do During Mykonos’ Off Season

Forget everything you've heard about Mykonos shutting down for winter. While the beach clubs pack away their sunbeds and cruise ships disappear, a different...

Porto Travel Guide: Your Essential Guide To Northern Portugal’s Historic Port City

Seeking inspiration for your next holiday? Porto has emerged as one of Europe's most compelling destinations, offering visitors a rich blend of historical architecture,...

From Carnivals To Cuisine: Italy’s Most Spectacular Festivals

Let's be honest - Italy doesn't need much help in the charm department. But time your visit right, and you'll discover a calendar packed...

The Ideal Walking Tour Of Gaudí’s Barcelona, All Done In A Day

A city where history and modernity intertwine seamlessly, Barcelona is a treasure trove of architectural wonders.  Among its many gems, the works of Antoni Gaudí...

The Best Places To Eat In Ibiza Town (Eivissa)

Ibiza Town, or Eivissa in Catalan, isn’t just a party destination; it’s also something of a culinary powerhouse, offering a seductive blend of tradition...

The Best Things To Do In Amsterdam With The Kids

With its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant culture, Amsterdam is often seen as a destination for adults. However, this charming city is also...

5 European Multi-Country Adventures You Can Do In A...

Let’s start by flinging ourselves back some 200 years. Can you feel the whiplash yet? The grand...

9 Clichéd But Romantic Things To Do In The...

Every year, Paris welcomes millions of tourists from around the globe, all looking to be enticed by...

Can Skiing Ever Be Sustainable? 7 Destinations That Aim...

The crisp mountain air, the crunch of fresh snow beneath your skis, the thrill of descending pristine...

A Winter’s Tale: Amsterdam’s Most Festive Christmas Activities

As winter descends upon the Netherlands' capital, Amsterdam transforms into a wonderland that rivals Europe's most celebrated...