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Ireland may be known for its lively pubs and rugged coastline, but come winter the country also delivers some truly memorable Christmas markets. Across cities and towns, historic squares transform…
Poland at Christmas is a land of fairy lights, wooden stalls and joyful traditions. As December rolls in, its historic cities come alive with festive charm—from Gothic squares in Kraków…
Hungary brings a vibrant and stylish flavour to the holiday season, blending historic settings, city-buzz and regional charm into its Christmas markets. From the grandeur of the capital to the…
Slovakia, with its snow-dusted mountains and historic towns, offers a wonderfully authentic Central European Christmas experience. As winter sets in, the country’s squares transform into glowing festive hubs where aromas…
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in London, few neighborhoods rival the charm, sophistication, and convenience of Marylebone. Tucked between Regent’s Park and Oxford Street, Marylebone…
Eastern Europe comes alive during the festive season, and Romania and Moldova are no exception. From bustling capital squares to quaint medieval towns, these countries offer a magical mix of…
Few countries capture the spirit of a traditional European Christmas quite like Czechia. With its cobbled medieval towns, Gothic cathedrals and cosy cafés serving steaming cups of svařák (mulled wine)…
Stepping into the vibrant chaos of Spain’s 2025 property market? Spain-Real.Estate is where your deep dive begins—a portal not just of listings, but of insight, momentum, and the pulse of…
Discover the most magical Christmas festivals in Spain, Portugal, Andorra and Madeira — from historic nativity fairs in Seville to winter wonderlands in Lisbon, cosy alpine villages in Andorra and…
Two competitors collide against each other and crash into me, so keen are they to return to the fray. As a judge I feel tempted to brandish a yellow card…
When winter descends upon the Alps, Switzerland and Liechtenstein transform into glittering wonderlands filled with festive spirit, mountain charm and centuries-old traditions. Wooden chalets brim with crafts, twinkling lights reflect…
Germany is world-renowned for its Christmas markets, which date back to the late Middle Ages. Each market is a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, wooden chalets, Glühwein, festive music and…
Somerset is one of my favourite counties. There is a relaxed friendliness to the place. The town of Somerton, which used to be the capital of the county in the…
The Baltic Christmas markets bring warmth, light and festive spirit to the long northern winters of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. From snow-dusted medieval squares to cosy wooden chalets serving mulled…
From the snowy streets of Stockholm to the twinkling lights of Copenhagen and the icy magic of Iceland, the Scandinavian Christmas Markets are among the most enchanting in Europe. Blending…
This major exhibition of the trailblazing surrealist photographer Lee Miller is a hot ticket right now. Just looking ahead on the booking calendar there are numerous timeslots sold out. How…
When it comes to festive charm, few places match Austria’s winter‑market splendour. The country’s Alpine backdrop, baroque city centres and centuries‑old tradition make it a standout for those seeking a…
France is home to some of Europe’s most magical Christmas markets, where twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the scent of mulled wine fill the air. From the charming streets of…
Discover the best Christmas markets in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. From Bruges to Maastricht, explore festive traditions, twinkling lights and seasonal treats across Europe’s most enchanting winter destinations. If…
The buzz of live music in the capital shifts up a few gears in mid-November with the advent of the EFG London Jazz Festival. Now in its 33rd year, the…
Mark Bibby Jackson stays at Hotel l’escale in Escalles and goes on a coastal walk along the Opal Coast France and returns to his youth for his mother’s birthday. Northern…
As the festive season approaches, Christmas markets across the UK begin to sparkle with twinkling lights, enticing scents and the joyful buzz of holiday shoppers. UK Christmas markets are not…
From the original December market to the city that created stollen, the source of mulled wine and the first Christmas tree, let Travel Begins at 40 guide you through some…
When it comes to cities that instantly spark the imagination, Pisa is one that comes to mind for a lot of people. With the Leaning Tower and rich history in…
From Scandinavia in the north to the Mediterranean in the south, and from the Atlantic to the Urals, Europe is a vibrant and diverse continent full of rich and varied opportunities for the Over 40 and Over 50 travel adventurer. Whether your interests are more cultural or leaning towards outdoor adventuress, we have the travel experience for you. From taking a train up to the land of the midnight sun to travelling solo in Albania, and from becoming a Zwinger in Dresden to trekking Pembrokeshire’s coastal path – yes, for the UK is counted as part of Europe (at least for now) – at Travel Begins at 40, we have all your Europe travel options covered. We also have listings of the major events and festivals in the regions as well as special offers so that you holiday won’t break the bank. Read about our Europe travel experiences, and join in on the adventure of a lifetime.
