Mesmerised in Malta

‘Living history’ on a fascinating island; Italian masterpieces; fishy ideas; and the beauty of independent travel

During the Second World War it suffered heavy bombardment but survived to be awarded the George Cross, which is displayed at the Fort Saint Elmo War Museum. It all makes it a most fascinating holiday destination. KE STAVES

Hitting the high notes in Urbino

Urbino is a wonderful place to visit. I well remember seeming to be pushed from room to room in the Palazzo Ducale by anxious servitors. Did they think we were vandals intent on slashing priceless wonders or trophy hunters seeking to steal masterpieces? It transpired that it was half-day closing and they wanted to whisk us quickly through so they could enjoy lunch.

I vividly recall The Ideal City by Luciano Laurana and the fireplace of Hercules and Jolie underneath which four adults could comfortably stand. The views from Albornoz Fortress, the monument to Raphael and his house, the Oratorio de San Giovanni Battista with its crib by Federico Brandani and Barocci House where the painter was born all make Urbino a “must-see”.

While in Le Marche, visit Loreto, Ascoli Piceno, the Abbey of Fiastra and Urbisaglia as well as enjoying the local produce. The region hits the high notes for art, history, music

Monasteries of Bucovina

I read with interest your recommendations for cultural holidays (“50 Great cultural holidays”, January 14). My husband and I travel independently each September.

A few years ago we drove to Romania to visit the painted monasteries of Bucovina, above. The beauty of independent travel is the places you and food, plus it is visited much less than other parts of Italy. TOM KINGHORN

Ultimate food for thought

Hazel Plush’s article “25 things to eat before you die: the ultimate foodie bucket list” (January 16) certainly whetted the appetite. Here can visit on your journey. Ulm, the birthplace of Einstein, Landsberg where Hitler wrote

and the fairytale castles of Mad King Ludwig in Bavaria were just a few we saw in Germany.

In Romania (reached via Austria and Hungary), we saw the famous wooden churches of Maramures, stayed in Sapanta in a traditional home and visited the wonderful Merry are some additions: Fresh fried zander (pikeperch) is found in Eastern Europe. It is a river fish. Think cod but more delicate. ( Adam Darowski); butter tarts in Niagara on Lake Ontario, Canada ( Richard Prevett); fish and chips at any English seaside town ( Scott Savage); grouper fish in Singapore, on a bed of prawns – staring at you Cemetery with it’s many carved blue crosses.

We passed though SighKiet and Sighisoara in Transylvania, birthplace of Vlad Dracula and into Bucovina. Here we were able to see the incredible painted monasteries of Humor, Moldovita, Voronet and Sucevita. All as beautiful as we had anticipated – and well worth the long trip. MARY BISWELL WINS A £250 RAILBOOKERS VOUCHER and swimming in a light soy sauce ( Anthony Dow).

In short

In “50 Great family holidays”, (January 7), No. 14 referred to “200 miles of beaches in Pembrokeshire”. The coastal path from Amroth to Poppit sands is 186 miles long. MARY MAXWELL