'Why would you want to go to Russia?', has pretty much been the stock response from people for the last decade or so when I've told them I'm heading there, and that's usually followed by a slight shudder and questions about prison camps, Putin and whether the food is terrible. However,…

The days are getting shorter, the telly's getting better and we've already had our first batch of mince pies in the office, which can only mean one thing: you can officially start getting excited about Christmas now.

Try this Borscht recipe, a Ukrainian / Russian / Polish soup picked up in Europe by Original Travel's Flora!

In order to visit this year's festive European Christmas Markets you will need somewhere to stay! Here we have some exclusive Christmas special offers for some of the best hotels in Europe. BE WARNED - Limited spaces are available, so book now to avoid disappointment!...

We asked our clients to choose their favourite luxury holiday destinations - and this is their shortlist...