• River cruises

Four countries, five Christmas markets, one magical week in Europe

Eight days, five festive markets – and home well before December 25 to place gifts under the tree? Yes, it can be done.

• Chrissie McClatchie

• Europe

Nine must-do highlights of Bratislavia, Slovakia

Slovakia is a country blessed with national parks, surreal karst caves, the ski-friendly High Tatra mountains and UNESCO-rated relics like Spis Castle.

• Steve McKenna

• Europe

Slovakia: The new European hotspot with a dark past

Bratislavia, the Slovakian capital, turns out to be a hidden gem of a stop on this river cruise.

• Sue Williams

• River cruises

Bratislava, Slovakia: a stunning stop on a cruise down the Danube

The city boasts beautiful medieval architecture and some startling Soviet-era constructions.

• Alison Stewart

• Food and wine

Bratislava, Slovakia: Food on the menu in Eastern Europe's 'new' charming capital

At last the capital of this tiny country is getting the attention it deserves.

• Catherine Marshall

• Inspiration

How to explore Bratislava, Slovakia on a budget

This mini-Vienna can be explored on a mini-budget, writes Richard Tulloch.

• Richard Tulloch

• Ocean cruises

Budapest cruise: when a river ran red

Unguarded moments of discovery bring the past back into the present.

• Ocean cruises

Cruising on the Danube: A touch of the royal treatment

Kerry van der Jagt finds herself in the very best of company as she cruises the Danube.

• Vienna

Group think and goulash

Supping on hearty stew and history, Nadia Jamal is happy to let others lead the way through the stunning cities of the east.

• Spain

Fast track to stardom

High-speed rail and budget airlines are bringing new destinations into the spotlight, writes David Whitley.