Latest from Europe

England: Theme park opens new 'terror' ride

Described as 'your worst nightmare underground' the newest ride at UK theme park Alton Towers is the first to have been rated by the British Board of Film Classification.

England: Where to stay in the Lake District

The views from Cumbria's Dome House are spectacular, with Lake Windermere and a great arc of craggy peaks clearly visible over the rooftops of Bowness.

Italy: At home with Enzo in Modena

Modena has never been a tourist destination before: the hope is that a new museum at the former home of Enzo Ferrari will change that, writes Matthew Bell.

Paris: Sneaking up on hidden gems

P. K. Stowers climbs onto an electric bicycle for a guided tour uncovering the secrets of Paris.

Finding London bargains in Olympic year

No tickets for the 2012 Olympics? Don't despair: You don't need one to enjoy the games and the party atmosphere in London this summer.

A cycle tour of Paris

P. K. Stowers takes a two-wheeled tour around one of Europe's most fascinating capital cities.

A trip to trace family history

Interested in finding out more about his ancestors, NZ Herald Travel Editor Jim Eagles embarked on a trip to England which led him to the pretty English village of Bloxham.

England: Return to the Eagles' nest

Jim Eagles goes to the pretty English village of Bloxham to answer the question: 'Who do you think you are?'

Irish stones and stories

Greg Dixon dons his walking shoes to visit the ancient sites in the Ring of Kerry.

Saorge, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

This picturesque alpine village leads a precarious existence, clinging to a dizzyingly steep hillside in the mountains that sweep down to the French Riviera.

France: Dizzying heights of an alpine village

It's quite a trek up to the village of Saorge, but it's worth it for the views, if you don't have vertigo, writes Alison McCulloch.

Oprah special with Whitney's daughter a top rater

Amazing northern lights stun onlookers

In what space weather forecasters have called the most potent solar storm since 2004, the Northern Lights' colourful display was stronger than usual, leaving spectators in awe of the shimmering skies above North America and Europe.

Ireland: Craic-ing good time

Irish hospitality abounds in Galway's pubs, museums, parks, festivals ... and pubs.

Italy: Old lighthouses to gain new lease on life

More than a dozen lighthouses in Sardinia are to be leased to private businesses and converted into boutique hotels.

Framing the mafia on the home front

Photographer talks of bloodbath in Sicily 20 years after murder of anti-mafia judge Giovanni Falcone