Cryptic crossword No 3,421

Hi Gennaro, thanks for this puzzle which I found to be a trickier challenge than normal - but only reflects my solving skills because after revealing a few clues the wordplay was immediately clear and no less fair or accurate than usual. Favourites included 11a, 14a, 17a, 27a, 5d, 17d & 20d. Cheers!

Aha! Finally found the hidden directive, very nicely done Gennaro. Top picks 9a, 26a, 1d, 3d, 7d, 23d, thank you

Thanks as ever Gennaro for sharing your talents. I agree with Kempley that this was on the chewier side, in my case with some BIFDs involved. But everything satisfying once clarified and nice to have a geography lesson with the nina. My favourite clues included 26a, 27a! 1d, 15d, 21d, & 23d. Small query below…

Stellar, Gennaro - imo amongst your best yet, but what do I know? I’ll follow up soon with the deets, thanks!

I'm another who found this quite tough, Gennaro. Made very little progress with the first set of downs until returning to them with crossers. Faves inc 13a, 25a, 27a, 2d, 18d and 21d. Thanks. PM