While leaf-peeping in the Upper Engadine valley, Kate Simon welcomes the changing of the seasons.

A secluded country house amid olive groves offers boutique hotel services as well as outstanding views, says Mick Webb.

From ballet on the beach to harvesting a hedgerow, a new company shows Kate Simon how to get the most from a UK holiday.

Cave landforms of Postojna, southern Slovenia. Photo / Jill Worrall

I'm hoping that cycling twice around Lake Bled in Slovenia will in some way offset the effects of eating one of the regional specialties - a custard slice that will absolutely never get a 'pick the tick' logo.

Much smaller than Mallorca and less noisy than Ibiza, low-key Menorca is the Balearic island that can easily slip under the holiday radar.

A two-and-a-half year expedition by the ship on which Sir Peter Blake was murdered continues his work under the oceans.

St Petersburg's main street is one long, fabulous distraction, writes Susan Buckland.

Gnocchi should be feather-light and smothered in a rich sauce, Peta McCartney discovers during a visit to a Venetian restaurant.

Travelling by train with a young family turns the journey into part of the holiday, as Mark Rowe has discovered.

Bollard bids farewell to his 'cool job.'

Jill Worrall is schooled in the etiquette of Guinness drinking as she absorbs the unparallelled atmosphere of Ireland's pubs.

French wine and food fuel a luxurious cruise down the Rhone, worked off by ambles through scenic towns, writes Pamela Wade.

This summer, life under the Tuscan sun lost some of its shine. There's nothing romantic for farmers watching the mercury rise up and over 40 degrees daily - for the sixth successive week.

In our second debate on the Electoral Commission's recommendations for MMP, Graeme Edgeler and Muriel Newman put the arguments for and against reducing the threshold. Join the debate and leave your comments at the end.

Diana Balham cruises through a danger zone without a scratch.

Anne D'Innocenzio discovers a love for river cruising on an eight-day trip on the Rhine, starting in Basel, Switzerland and ending in Amsterdam.

An ancient tapestry reveals a distant family connection, writes Jim Eagles.

Kate Simon is introduced to the South Devon coastline by marine biologist and colourful local personality, Monty Halls.