Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovene seaside settlement to a forgotten alpine train line in France, explorers have shared their most memorable encounters from their journeys.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Right after stepping off the bus, a traveler questioned about their selection. Yet the first doubts rapidly vanished upon discovering Piran. This delightful location provides beyond just a swim. Guests can wander through elaborately decorated piazzas and narrow alleys lined with busy eateries. Man-made jumping points make the majestic Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Places in town serve up delicious pastries and refreshments with genuine service.
Vintage Sounds in Berlin
For fans of classic rock, 1960s pop, and soul music, a real discovery awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed club promises immense fun. The ambiance is fantastic, with a DJ playing only vinyl. Seating are often moved to make space to dance. Open until the early hours, the bar at times features live music, making for a memorable evening.
Ethnic Traditions in a Polish Health Resort
Journeying into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a quiet getaway. Travelers may walk to the summit of a hill and climb a giant wooden platform for stunning panoramas over verdant landscapes. This mountain range is home to the Lemkos, a mountain community. The local heritage can be felt through traditional dining offering substantial fare and folk music. A gallery showcases the work of a prolific folk artist, and the central spa features a number of spring taps to taste.
Sardinian Seaside Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful discovery. With multiple beautiful pristine shores, its bustling town center is active nightly with families. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town delivered a local experience at a much lower of the cost. A hotel featured direct entry to the beach and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
An Iconic Mountain Train Ride in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border runs a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a great journey from nearby cities. But, the route is said to be at risk of being closed. The ride features spectacular stone arches around the town of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Visitors are urged to experience this picturesque railway before it's too late.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a distinct identity. The capital, Mariehamn, offers notable sites and is easy to get to by boat from nearby countries. The natural surroundings is striking, with coastline, forests, and farmland. A historical site at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century outpost constructed by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the site is without charge, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Seaside Tranquility in England
One can walk for hours along a section of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another person. This undiscovered world boasts wide-open vistas, seals in the water, and an array of wildlife. The path meanders along salt marsh next to an river mouth, where remains of ships can be seen. A hike can commence at a ancient church, among the earliest in England, and finish in a quaint town with pubs, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely described as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved mountain road. Closed during winter, it typically reopens in late spring. The trip involves numerous bends to climb the steep southern section of the Carpathians, offering incredible vistas. Drivers can drive up to a high-altitude lake, still surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The drive also presents the opportunity for wildlife sightings, enhancing the unforgettable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Major City
A short ferry ride from a vibrant metropolis transports visitors to a car-free getaway. As the evening approaches, the city chaos dissipates for an oceanic calm. Arriving on the island, visitors walk along quiet roads lined with beautiful homes. The pace is slow, with time paused by local cats and moments to gaze back at the skyline of the city. The trip home is usually accompanied by ideas for a future return to this special sanctuary.
Winning Tip: Medieval Treasures in France
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Housed behind a 14th-century building is a collection that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It holds a vast collection of magnificent tomes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The display includes gorgeous old cartography and
