Italy

Kronplatz is one of Italy’s larger ski regions with more than a dozen towns and villages linked on to the huge Plan de Corones ski mountain. Plan de Corones/Kronplatz popularity in Europe is hard to ignore, thanks in large part to its astonishingly impressive facilities, including more than 20 gondola lifts, one of only a few resorts in the world to have so many of these fast, comfortable all-weather lifts.

Alpe di Siusi/Seiseralm, located right next door to Val Gardena/Gröden, has positioned itself as a winter wonderland for families, beginners, and anyone looking for a more relaxed winter holiday experience.  The largest high mountain plateau in Europe is also one of the most peaceful , safe and environmentally friendly, as cars have bee banned from the area and instead the ski lifts and gondolas form all necessary transport links.

South Tyrol, Italy’s most northernly region, plays host to the jaw-dropping beautiful mountains of the Dolomites.  And that’s not just our opinion.  The range was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2009.  The area boasts some of the best ski and snowsport runs in the world, as well 300 days of sunshine every year and a snow guarantee that runs from December to April.  This is clearly the place to be for discerning snow enthusiasts.

Val Gardena is probably one of the best loved ski resort in the world also the most famous ski area in the whole of South Tyrol.  Val Gardena/Gröden is made up of three charming alpine villages; Ortisei at 1236m, Santa Cristina at 1428m, and probably the best known is Selva at 1563m.

In the northeast of Spain and onwards to Andorra and France are the Pyrenees, where the altitude and prices are generally lower. On the other hand, the Alps are iconic and well known. Some of the best skiing in the world is found in this dizzyingly picturesque European mountain range (its 1,200km cross Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Slovenia). So, whether you are looking for a bargain, uncharted slopes, somewhere to take the children or just a great meal up the side of a mountain. We have found 11 that will suite everyone’s budget in the Pyrenees and the Alps.

Europe has a lot on offer for free-spirited youngsters. We have listed ten of these adventures for children between six and ten. From nature walks to walking with dinosaurs, from winter fun to summers sizzle, from whale watching in Iceland and peering into caves full of bats in Bulgaria to playing princess for a day in Vienna.

A road trips along these five motor ways takes you to some of the world’s most famous locations visited by millions each year.  These trip is not only about driving and looking at the spectacular views but for you to get out your car and take part in some the of the activities or events. You get to watch some of the biggest names in sport play with the possibility of getting up closer than you normally would. You get to drive along roads famous for the Toure de France and Monte Carlo Rally.

For that combination of sun-dappled piazzas, culture and knockout coffee, Naples is definitely up there with the Italian greats.  Any foodie with even a hint of knowledge about Neapolitan cuisine will know that this city is famous for more than pizza: espresso are rich, strong and will keep you buzzing into the early hours.

Intramoenia Caffe Letterario  is great for rubbing shoulders with Naples’ bright young things on the city’s Amadeus inscribes any name or message on your cappuccino’s foam; many a marriage proposal has been accepted with this caffeine fix.

While some ski resorts in the Alps have to wait for the peak of the winter season to offer the good white stuff others are already in full swing.  So if you want to take an early ski break this winter, why wait when you can be on the pistes  before the madness of the height of the season.  We have found five resorts located above 2000m that have what you want for an early ski break.

Alta Badia is known for its food and as much as a skiing destination. The ski resort forms part of the South Tyrol Dolomiti Superski ski region but in addition to its skiing reputation the valley has taken the combination of skiing and food to the next level making it a must visit winter destination. The Alta Badia valley is made of six picturesque alpine villages: Corvana (1550m), Colfosco (1650m), LaVilla (1430m), San Cassiano (1540m), Badia (1320m) and La Val (1350m).