Europe for Visitors Blog

ABOVE: A late aft-ernoon view of Silver Spirit in Palma de Mallorca.

In late June, we published a 10-page illustrated cruise review of Silversea's Silver Spirit. We've recently added something new: A 56-page photo gallery that includes a ship's tour and a day-day diary of the cruise itinerary from Lisbon to Monte Carlo.

You'll see pictures of the ship, sights in Silver Spirit's ports of call, local people, dogs, and more. Best of all, we've put multiple photos with captions on each page, so you won't have to click your way through a slide show.

To view the photo gallery, please click here.

BELOW: A dog guards a waterfront fortress in Cádiz, Spain.

ABOVE: The Lanesborough overlooks Hyde Park and Wellington Arch.

We're staying away from London during the Olympics, and after our last trip through the chaos of Heathrow, we'd suggest that you join us in steering clear of the city during busy periods. Still, if you can't resist cheering your country's athletes on from the stadium sidelines, you'll be wanting a place to stay. We suggest starting your room search at The Lanesborough, a hotel in Knighsbridge that faces Hyde Park.

During the Olympics, you can rent The Lanesborough Suite for a mere £14,000, or approximately US $21,700, per night. (VAT is extra.) If that sounds steep, consider what you'll be getting: More than 4,000 square feet of space with four bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, two living rooms, a dining room, and a kitchen. With all that space, you could bring Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, and a cousin or two to keep you company during the Olympic Games.

Other guest perks include 24-hour butler service, a complimentary chauffer-driven Rolls-Royce Phantom, and pressing of a change of clothes upon your arrival. (Why spend money at the dry cleaner's when you can have your suit pressed for free?)

Less expensive rooms also may be available, whether for you or for your servants. To check availablility and rates, or to book The Lanesborough Suite, visit www.lanesborough.com.

BELOW: A bedroom in The Lanesborough Suite.

Photos: The Lanesborough.

England's Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site is home to two vintage railway carriages that have been converted into private self-catering accommodation at Coalport Station in Shropshire.

The carriages, set in three acres of secluded gardens overlooking the River Severn, offer a base for exploring the Shropshire countryside and the ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums.

Both air-conditioned carriages feature leather sofas, flat-screen TVs, two bathrooms, and fully-equipped kitchens (complete with microwaves, ceramic hobs, double ovens, dishwashers, and washer-dryers).

One carriage sleeps up to six guests in a master double bedroom with ensuite facilities plus two twin rooms and a second bathrom.

The other has room for four guests in a master double and a convertible twin-double, with ensuite facilities in both rooms.

Master baths in both carriages have whirlpool tubs.

This summer, Coalport Station is offering special four-person rates from £350 for a two-night stay or £850 for a week. (These are for Carriage 1; rates for Carriage 2, which accommodates six, are slightly higher.)

For more information, or to book your private railway carriage, visit www.coalportstation.com.

Photo: Coalport Station Holidays.