1 . From hilltop towns overlooking sparkling bays to sunset walks along cobble-stoned streets with opera filling the air, here are the top 4 romantic Italy attractions for 2024.

As the largest lake in Italy, there is no doubt that you will find exactly what you’re looking for. From fun water sports and sensational spa days to relaxing walks, Lake Garda holidays have something for every pace. Taking in the fantastic historic architecture and colourful houses is a wonderful way to spend a day with the one you love.

Sardinia holidays offer a magnificent taste of authentic Italy, with a Inid-back untouched charm. Whether you’re looking to revel(狂欢)in the soft white sands on miles of coastline or want to explore the historic architecture, Sardinia is perfectly packaged for one of the best romantic Italy holidays. Walks along the beach at sunset, and snorkelling with the local sea life will transport you to a romantic paradise.

Located at the foot of the hill where Trinita dei Monta church lies, it’s famous for the Spanish Steps leading up to the church built in 1495 under the order of Charles Ⅶ. The architects were de Santis and Spezzi. The historic architecture and some British cafes on the square create a completely romantic atmosphere, making it a popular summer re treat for young people.

This historic city truly transports you to a different time, with historic architecture, cobble-stoned streets, and joyful opera filling the canals as you wind your way through. Whether you’re looking for a holiday filled with art or a romantic getaway with traditional Italian snacks, good wine, Venice takes romance to another level.

2 . How to yum cha in Hong Kong

For Hong Kongers, a quality restaurant could become a family haunt that’s visited for generations to come. Here are some of the best places for chowing down on these steam-basket goodies.

Founded by a legendary abalone (鲍鱼) master, this three Michelin-star restaurant serves classic Cantonese dim sum with an attention to detail that can only be described as impeccable (无瑕疵的). If you want to know what perfect dim sum tastes like, head to Forum.

As the chefs begin kneading (捏) dough and wrapping buns in the middle of the night, neighbors slowly fill the seats and wait for its freshly made dumplings and stir-fried milk puffs. There is no menu or ordering sheet here. Diners choose their dim sum from the display towers located at the counter.

Golden Valley offers two styles of Chinese cuisine — Cantonese and Sichuanese — on one dim sum menu. Golden Valley’s dumplings are a refreshing and sumptuous (豪华的) pocket of shrimp, mushrooms, pork and water chestnuts, while its Sichuanese dan dan noodles are flavorfully spicy.

Veggie Kingdom boasts a pretty impressive meatless dim sum experience that even non-vegetarians wouldn’t feel lacking. Helmed by a veteran dim sum chef, Veggie Kingdom makes fresh vegan dishes using traditional cooking techniques. Specially-treated vegetable oil is used to replace lard (猪油) and butter. Mushrooms are added to replace the usual pork fillings.

3 . Discover the highlights of Madeira on our 7-night guided tour departing on the 19th of March! Known as the “floating flower garden”, this beautiful small island is nestled between the Canaries and Portugal.

Return flights from London Gatwick.

B&B 3-star accommodation for 7 nights.

Explore the eastern coast of Madeira, including a visit to Santana.

Uncover Pico dos Barcelos, Eira do Serrado volcano craters & Ribeiro Frio natural park on guided excursions.

Unwind with plenty of free time to relax or uncover more of Madeira independently with tips from our local guide.

Visit the charming village of Monte & its beautiful gardens.

Enjoy a typical Madeiran evening of food and entertainment.

Was £999 Now only £949 per person (pp) using code RD50!

CLICK HERE for more information or to BOOK TODAY

Travel Department is delighted to partner with Reader’s Digest and offer readers with membership exclusive discounts across any new 2024 holidays. Click here to reveal the current money-off offers, or simply call 0203-966-0527 and mention Reader’s Digest to learn more about the savings available.

Offer price of £949 pp is valid (有效的) at the time of publishing and based on departures on 19th March 2024 and only applies with discount code RD50. Prices may vary. Other dates also available.

4 . Take A Scenic Ride On The World’s Steepest Railway For Passengers—If You Dare!

Originally built for mining in 1878, the Scenic Railway is now a tourist ride that can take your breath away! In the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia, the former mining railway became a tourist attraction in 1945. It currently holds the Guinness World Records as the steepest passenger train with the steepest railway gradient (坡度).

The gradient of 52 degrees is comfortably viewed from inside an 84-seat, glass-enclosed carriage car. The passenger car travels along on a cable-driven system of rails as it navigates the steep terrain. During the tour, passengers will see the train travel through sandstone cliffs and a rock tunnel next to Orphan Rock.

Orphan Rock was once available for trail climbing. Following rock slides in the 1950s, the trail was partially closed. The trail access was completely closed in 1974 and never reopened due to potential risks.

On the Scenic Railway, you will see stunning views from a slightly different angle than Orphan Rock. The railway is open every day of the year, making the trip along the rails every ten minutes.

Sight-seeing passengers can ride the steepest railway up from the Jamison Valley or travel on the cable car. Either option affords incredible scenic views of the Blue Mountains. The glass roof in the passenger cars allows for a fantastic view from every seat on the train.

Just take a look for yourself!

6 . The European Towns and Cities That Are Magical at Christmas

The town of Hallstatt and its beautiful landscape enjoy UNESCO protection. The old townhouses, tiny lanes and snow make this the ultimate destination forgetting into the festive mood. Hallstatt’s Christmas market is the stuff of legend. Picture a brightly lit tree and stalls selling decorations and handicrafts and you’re halfway to imagining just how special this spot is.

Valkenburg has much of the usual European Christmas charms to attract visitors. However, what makes it special is the fact that they can all be found underground. The town’s Christmas Caves have become internationally renowned, with a wide range of stalls selling festive gifts and decorations. The larger Municipality Cave is home to one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe.

Wroclaw is regarded as one of Poland’s most beautiful cities, but it takes things to another level at Christmas. The city’s Christmas market is home to over 250 stalls and a superb fair. The architecture here captures the Christmas feeling too, with Gothic structures meaning everyone can tap into the special feeling that only comes round at this time of year.

Gothenburg is full of festive surprises for those willing to risk traveling north and brave the Scandinavian chill. And chief among them is the Liseberg Christmas Market. Set in an amusement park celebrating its100th anniversary in 2023, visitors can enjoy rides here and taste delicacies (佳肴) from across the country, including pickled herring, reindeer and spiced wine.

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Enjoy unlimited access to hundreds of English Heritage sites with an annual membership.

**   Up to 6 kids go free with each adult.

8 . Here are four small places in England, all packed with delightful scenery and more.

In the town, ancient buildings lean casually into one another. As a result, wandering down the high street feels like walking through a fairy tale or a Hollywood movie as Lavenham has appeared in many Hollywood movies. Behind the high walls are several excellent restaurants, but first time visitors should go to the Lavenham Guildhall, where you can drink tea in a well-preserved Tudor room.

Home to Gold I Hill, the cobblestone street known as “one of the most romantic sights in England”. Shaftesbury is a major charmer. The tiny Dorset town is also home to the ruins of Shaftesbury Abbey, built in 888 AD by King Alfred, a man well-known for creating England. Shaftesbury is also surrounded by a wealth of incredible countryside rich in picnicking potential including Duncliffe Wood and Melbury Beacon.

St Ives used to be little more than a traditional fishing village, but now it has developed into a popular coastal town. Its soft, sandy beaches regularly win awards and there are also plenty of top seafood dining options. The town has even gained a reputation as a serious arts center, with lots of outstanding galleries led by the Tate St Ives, which features attractive modern art exhibitions focusing on British artists.

Recognized as the “pretticst village in England”. Castle Combe is famous for its handsome honey colored stone houses and flower-lined lanes (小巷) which have decorated countless postcards and magazine covers over the years.

9 . Colorful Natural Wonders on Earth

The world can be kind of a boring place without the colorful natural wonders. So that’s what I’ve decided to treat you to!

Rising in the Sierra de Huelva mountains of southwestern Spain, this 62-mile river gets its stunning orange and red colors from copper, iron, and other heavy metals. The best way to enjoy the beauty is by visiting the small mining town of Nerva. Note that only about half the length of the river features these colors.

Known by Stoney Nakota First Nations folks as Ho-run-num-nay, this glacial lake located in Banff National Park gets its turquoise color from finely grained rock particles contained within the ice as it melts in the lake. If you’re a big fan of the movie Thelma & Louise, you’ll be happy to know that there also happens to be a Lake Thelma.

Provence, a geographical region of southeastern France is famous in the summers for its lush lavender fields. To see them with your own eyes, mosey on up to the Luberon and Verdon plateau regions north of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, or head east past Avignon. But the window is rather brief; they start to blossom around the beginning of June and then by mid-July they’re done-zo.

Huge rice stan? Anyway, Yunnan, China is calling your name. With a history going back more than 1,200 years, this series of rice-growing terraces — covering territory more than one million acres — are located in the western part of the country. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. It sure took them long enough!