Disappointment about the outcome of a meeting between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy ruled investor sentiment on both sides of the Atlantic overnight.

Jim Eagles tries an English throwing game with Cavalier origins.

Adventurous appetites will be driven to ecstasy by the myriad delights of Italian markets, writes Peter Bills.

Jim Eagles visits Crete on the 70th anniversary of the famous battle in which his father fought, and finds its links with NZ are still strong.

World share markets are up again, after a good earnings report from Cisco and a positive US jobs report.

It's a picturesque area now, but 100 years ago, France's champagne riots saw violence erupt on such a scale the army was brought in.

The New Zealand stock exchange is back in positive territory - currently up 0.2 per cent.

The tumult on global financial markets is a vote of no confidence in political leaders on both sides of the Atlantic.

You've paid for the airfare for your dream holiday to Europe. Now it's time to consider what to squeeze into your itinerary.

We round up some of the best free activities for travellers in Europe.