
Pisa and Florence, the starting and finishing points of this trip are two of Tuscany's most famous names, lauded for their art and architecture; but in between this route winds though smaller, though no less beautiful or historic villages, getting cyclists off the main roads and onto Italy's scenic ancient ways.

Almost every European city has its own unique Christmas market. These are our favourites - there's no better way to top up on Christmas Spirit.

A calendar of the best sporting events 2010 has to offer.

Today Galloway Forest Park was officially proclaimed the UK's first 'dark park', but where else can you really SEE the night sky?

There are numerous potential cycling though Tuscany, from day trips round flat valley regions, to more strenuous rides amongst the hills of Chianti, to long distance trips stopping, and dealing with the traffic, in major city centres from Todi to Rome. This itinerary is a quick six day spin between Pienza and San Gimignano via Siena.

The British culture as it is today has many charming quirks, and while most of the British population treat the people who take part in traditional cheese rolling races as charming throw backs from the last century, there's one festival that translates well into modern times: Guy Fawkes Night. These are the best places to go off with a bang!

There are some places that will make even the hardest skin creep and crawl, where too many respectable people have experienced something amiss, drafts that have no logical beginning, the temperature changes for no conceivable reason and the floorboards creak even though no one's walking on them...

For Potter fans young and old here is the ultimate Tour de Potter: The Pilgrims trail for Hogwarts Hopefuls and fans of the 'Dark Arts' alike - ideal if you're UK based and looking for something to keep the kids happy over the holidays.

The Loire river is France's longest. Around 1010kms winding over flat, scenic plains, from the mountains of the Central Massif to the Atlantic. And while the river itself is rather lovely, and enticing for a lazy float, it is more likely it's the wine, pretty villages and the chateaux that entice people to choose this region for a cycling route.

Medieval streets might be a bit bumpy but they're pretty! This eight day cycling itinerary takes in the highlights of the Loire with a good balance between time on your bike and off.