New Zealand won’t win eight golds in London, but it doesn’t stop anybody dreaming of stepping on top of the dais.

Simon Calder finds the hot spring city of Bath looking brighter than ever as it celebrates 25 years as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Anthony Lambert takes a trip on a lovingly-restored cogwheel steam locomotive route through the Swiss Alps.

Andy Lynes delights in a foraging holiday off the coast of Cornwall.

Discovery of bones in Florence convent believed to be those of silk merchant's wife who inspired Da Vinci

Italy's Egadi Islands are neither as cosmopolitan nor as postcard-pretty as their better-known offshore rivals, but they do offer remoteness, simplicity and authenticity.

A record label has hit Madonna with a lawsuit claiming she used portions of one of their songs for her 1990 hit Vogue without permission.

Sarah Lawrence tries to break the winter rut by kicking off training for the annual Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge.

Mick Webb finds plenty to engage him on a stroll around the northern Portuguese city of Guimaraes.

The much-loved tea-carrier Cutty Sark has never looked better, writes Pamela Wade.

Dunedin writer Neville Peat warns Olympic Games visitors to always keep a close eye on their valuables. It's sound advice for any traveller anywhere.

Pop singer Madonna helps out a fan with a marriage proposal, while also doling out some marital advice.

Sienna Miller and boyfriend Tom Sturridge have named their newborn daughter Marlow.

Nick Jenkins takes the soothing waters of the Széchenyi baths before embarking on a melancholy tour of the Hungarian capital.

Flip Byrnes visits some lesser-known gems in Paris and Provence.

Chief sports writer David Leggat picks four of the more distinctive places for visitors to follow the Olympics action.

More than 100 years of tradition could be nearing an end but the New Zealand Rugby Union are refusing to confirm or deny a report that a sponsor's logo could be emblazoned on the famous black jersey.