Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene town by the sea to a forgotten alpine train line in France, travelers disclosed their standout encounters from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Shortly after stepping off the bus, one visitor pondered about their choice. Yet the early suspicions soon dissipated upon discovering Piran. This picturesque settlement offers more than swimming. Guests can wander through ornate Venetian squares and cobbled lanes filled with busy places to eat. Concrete jumping points render the stunning Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Local spots serve up flaky pastries and refreshments with warm hospitality.
Vintage Tunes in The German Capital
For lovers of classic rock, retro pop, and soul music, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed club is a lot of fun. The ambiance is fabulous, complete with a DJ playing just vinyl records. Chairs and tables are sometimes moved to make dance floor. Staying open late into the night, the bar sometimes features live bands, making for a memorable night out.
Ethnic Legacy in a Poland's Spa Town
Traveling into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a quiet retreat. Guests are able to climb to the peak of a hill and ascend a giant twisting platform for magnificent views over verdant pastures. This mountain range is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain community. The local heritage is on display through rustic restaurants with robust food and folk music. A gallery showcases the work of a noted folk artist, and the main area features a number of medicinal taps to taste.
Sardinian Coastal Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a wonderful find. With multiple stunning sandy coastlines, its vibrant town center thrives in the evenings with families. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot delivered a genuine feel at a a quarter of the price. Accommodation offered easy a path to the shore and a elegant and warm ambiance.
A Historic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great day trip from the region. However, this line is potentially at risk of closure. The ride passes over photogenic bridges around the locality of Morez, which are considered beautiful sights. Travelers are advised to see this special railway while they can.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a strong culture. The capital, Mariehamn, offers notable attractions and is easy to get to by boat from nearby countries. The countryside is attractive, with shores, forests, and farmland. A notable location at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical outpost established by Russia and later destroyed during the Crimean War. Exploring the site is free, with a charge for the information center.
Seaside Solitude in England
It is possible to walk for miles along a stretch of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering anyone. This secret world offers wide-open views, marine life offshore, and an profusion of birdlife. The trail follows along salt marsh flanking an estuary, where remains of ships lie. A walk can start at a very old church, among the oldest in England, and end in a quaint town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely described as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt road. Shut during the colder months, it typically reopens in June. The trip features numerous bends to climb the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing excellent vistas. Visitors can access a mountain lake, often surrounded by snow, by car. The drive also includes the chance for wildlife sightings, completing the unforgettable experience.
Ferry Escape Near a Major City
A brief journey from a major metropolis takes travelers to a peaceful getaway. As the sun sets, the city chaos dissipates for an serene atmosphere. Arriving on the island, explorers meander along quiet streets featuring historic houses. The rhythm is leisurely, with time paused by resident cats and chances to gaze back at the skyline of the mainland. The return journey is often filled with ideas for a future return to this unique sanctuary.
Top Discovery: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Housed behind a historic church is a archive that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It contains numerous of ancient volumes, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The display features gorgeous Renaissance-era maps and
