News reports of the wreck of Costa Concordia revealed a tale of fatal misadventure but also showed the quiet loveliness of the island of Giglio, writes Simon Calder.

A tiny piece of Britain at the tip of Spain has been the source of much intrigue, writes Bob Pearce.

Europe and Japan gain, but US makers take a hit as buyers turn away from the thirsty monsters that have ruled the market.

Olympic games visitors to get an early taste of the machine that BMW reckons will help it rule the electric scooter market in the next few years.

Harriet O'Brien samples the culinary delights of Liège in southern Belgium's Walloon region.

Mark Rowe explores the landscape which once played host to Britain's largest and most sensational witch hunt.

Amsterdam's Museum of Bags and Purses offers an eclectic collection of the beautiful, the historic, and the just plain crazy.

For further information see tassenmuseum.nl.

Yes, it can be wet, but sweeping views, soothing massages and awesome birds of prey are just some of the delights to distract you at Wales' luxury Red Kite Barn, writes Sankha Guha.

Olympic security staff are in the gun again - this time for losing a set of keys to London's tennis venue.

Adrian Mourby is moved by a visit to the In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres.

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

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.