This week’s dream: the Waldorf Astoria glitters again ...

You might know Milan for its acclaimed fashion week, but have you ever visited the city for just a day? If not, it’s certainly a destination to consider! One of the city’s highlights is Leonardo da Vi

Stretching across two continents separated by the Bosphorus Strait, this ancient Silk Road city was once the capital of both the Christian Byzantine and Islamic Ottoman empires. Crumbling hammams rub shoulders with striking contemporary buildings, while the call to prayer from Hagia Sophia mosque can be heard from the 15th-century Grand Bazaar, as well as Michelin-starred restaurants. Istanbul is sewn together by a series of storied districts, which results in a varied hotel scene. Relive the Ottoman heyday in a Sultanahmet townhouse; book a boutique stay fuelled by cafes and galleries in Karaköy; or check in among the designer stores of Nişantaşı.

Self-catering has all the benefits of staying at home, but the joys of being away. For a shortcut to the best places to stay, here are some we’ve tried and tested

Frances Hedges introduces her young family to the wonders of Ancient Greece on an Athenian adventure that takes her from city to coast

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