A modern, stylish but affordable hotel in the centre of Valencia.

Staff were helpful and friendly - rooms well furnished and spotless, with all of the expected facilities. Good value.

L'Abadia de San Martin 3, Valencia 46002

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We had lunch at Plush last Thursday, our first visit. Friendly and welcoming staff, lovely food - fresh, well presented and full of flavour across all three courses - with a good bottle of Sauv Blanc.
All with prompt but unobtrusive service.

Seated by a tropical fish tank, which was entertaining. All for £50 - great value and well recommended.

10 York Place. Near Wellington Street and railway station.
LS1 2DS
0113 234 3344

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In these times of security threats, delays, cancellations and concerns about air travel in general, I can recommend European train travel with great pleasure, having enjoyed a memorable journey from Rome to Berlin this summer - all trains ran on time to the minute and reserved seats were waiting; the view from the window constantly changed as we sped through Tuscany, the Alps, across Austria, along the Elbe river valley and finally to Berlin. We had a pleasant lunch on one journey, chatted to a charming Californian couple on another, but generally watched the world go by while listening to music on an ipod (me) or reading a book (my wife). At the end of each journey, we were relaxed and ready for whatever each new city had in store for us, stopping in Florence, Salzburg, Vienna and Prague on the way. It may cost a little more than charter flights but the rewards are substantial.

Start with a copy of Thomas Cook's European railway timetable and plan your route. Find a independent rail operator - Rail Canterbury (www.rail-canterbury.co.uk) are highly recommended. Create your own ideal journey.

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On our first evening in Berlin, we sought out this restaurant as it had been mentioned in the AA city guide. The name has changed but it is definitely worth a visit. Even though it was only 6.30pm the garden tables in the back were pretty full. Our pinchos (like tapas) were lovely, while the Spanish fish soup was both cheap (£4) and wonderfully fresh with an impressive variety of seafood. My wife's chicken & orange salad was both light and refreshing. The service couldn't be faulted - altogether a very pleasant start to our evening. Well worth going.

Gormannstrasse 22 - just a short walk north west for about 20 minutes from Alexanderplatz;
tel. (030) 285 990 26

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We loved everything about this restaurant from the moment we walked into it - French colonial-style bamboo chairs and warm Mediterranean colours, friendly, welcoming waiters and plenty of customers. The high quality and freshness of the food made the whole meal almost like a guilty pleasure given the low prices by western European standards. I've never had tiger prawns (marinated in brandy) served in a pineapple shell before, while the beef carpaccio starter was superb. As for pannacotta with raspberries - comfort food par excellence. All this was washed down with a good Gewurtztramminer for a mere £50 for two people (with tip which the waitress reminded us we were not obliged to pay!). Needless to say, we returned the following night for an equally memorable meal. Worth seeking out.

Siroka 6, Praha 1 - in the Josefov district, near the river;
tel. +420 224 818 322

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Everyone knows about the queues to get in and that even an early arrival doesn't seem to help - all of the groups are there too, apparently. If you want to avoid paying extra to cut down on the waiting time, simply wait until mid-afternoon before going. We went at about 3.30 and waited for about 20 minutes in a rapidly moving queue. The Sistine Chapel was still packed but it was worth it for the attendants who repeatedly "shshshed" everyone and boomed "Silence!" in a deep cross-teacher voice. The ceiling is worth the neck-straining.

St Peter's Square - follow the signs;
mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/MV_Home.html

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This restaurant served the best authentic Italian meal we've ever had. Get there early as a queue builds up rapidly for the fresh, very generous portions of seafood, great pasta/pizzas and the biggest fruit salad you have ever seen - all served on huge hand-painted plates. Throw in live music in different parts of this buzzing square (everything from choirs to Afro-Cuban music), entertaining service and low prices, and you have the ingredients for a memorable evening out. Highly recommended.

Piazza Santa Spirito, south of the Ponte Vecchio;
tel: 055 210 437

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Imagine a converted Labour Exchange which brews its own multi-award winning beer on site, with a devoted all-age clientele in spacious, comfortable surroundings and place a wonderful Thai kitchen upstairs in its heart (you can see the chefs working as you savour a pint at the bar) - sounds almost too good to be true. It's very good value too and the service is excellent.

Westgate, Peterborough

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If you find yourself arriving in Vienna on a Sunday, first orientate yourself by taking the tram all the way around the Ringstrasse - a one day travel pass costs 5 euros. When evening begins, head for the Rathaus (you'll have seen it on the tram ride) where you will find every food choice you can think of in the park. Join the Viennese on an evening out by making your choice and sit in the free seats in front of the Rathaus (what a great name for the town hall). A recording of a memorable recent classical concert or opera will be shown on the screen before you. Relax and enjoy.

The Rathaus is on Dr. Karl Lueger Ring;
By underground: Rathaus or Schottentor station

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Take the tram up to the castle entrance (saves a steep walk up) and, after enjoying the cathedral and Golden Lane, don't walk down the road with the guided groups. Pay the small amount required (£2 each) for the privilege of enjoying a delightful walk through some amazing terraced gardens. Each level is different with a range of plants, flowers, fountains and statues - very relaxing and quiet. Excellent views all the way down. You end up on the street after a welcome beer in the cafe at the exit. A good way to spend an hour or so.

Prague Castle

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