From a Venetian-style Slovene town by the sea to a forgotten mountain train line in France, visitors revealed their most memorable discoveries from their journeys.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after stepping off the bus, an explorer pondered about their selection. Yet the first doubts rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This charming settlement presents more than a swim. Visitors are able to stroll through ornate public squares and cobbled passageways filled with busy seafood restaurants. Man-made platforms make the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for all ages. Nearby establishments provide delicious pastries and drinks with friendly service.
Classic Sounds in The German Capital
For lovers of 50s rock and roll, retro pop, and soul, a true find can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed club promises immense fun. The ambiance is fantastic, with a DJ playing just records. Seating are sometimes cleared to create dancing. Operating until the early hours, the bar occasionally hosts live bands, ensuring a memorable night out.
Ethnic Legacy in a Polish Health Resort
Traveling into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring provides a serene retreat. Guests may walk to the peak of a hill and ascend a large wooden viewing tower for magnificent views over verdant fields. This region is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. The local heritage is on display through rustic dining with substantial dishes and folk music. A gallery displays the work of a renowned painter, and the town centre boasts a number of spring water fountains to sample.
Sardinian Coastal Beauty
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a excellent choice. Boasting multiple wonderful pristine coastlines, its lively town center thrives every night with families. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this location offered a more authentic experience at a fraction of the price. The lodging offered direct a path to the beach and a stylish but welcoming environment.
A Scenic Mountain Train Ride in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border lies a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a superb excursion from nearby cities. Yet, this line is potentially under threat of being closed. The ride features breathtaking viaducts around the town of Morez, which are seen as beautiful sights. Travelers are urged to see this special line before it's too late.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong identity. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting sites and is easy to get to by boat from multiple countries. The landscape is attractive, featuring rocky inlets, forests, and farms. A significant fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century outpost built by Russia and subsequently attacked during the Crimean War. Visiting the site is complimentary, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
One can hike for hours along a section of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering another person. This undiscovered landscape provides wide-open vistas, seals offshore, and an abundance of birds. The path winds along salt marsh flanking an river mouth, where remnants of old vessels lie. A hike can start at a 7th-century church, one of the earliest in England, and conclude in a charming coastal town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Engineering Feat in The Carpathians
Widely known as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt route. Closed during winter, it typically opens in June. The journey features constant switchbacks to navigate the dramatic southern slopes of the Carpathians, providing excellent views. Visitors can access a high-altitude lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, directly. The route also offers the opportunity for wildlife sightings, enhancing the memorable experience.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A short journey from a vibrant city transports visitors to a car-free island. As the evening approaches, the urban energy dissipates for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, explorers meander along tree-lined streets flanked by historic houses. The pace is slow, often interrupted by local cats and opportunities to stare back at the skyline of the city. The trip home is usually filled with thoughts for a next visit to this special retreat.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Treasures in France
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Located behind a Gothic church is a archive that is complimentary to enter and incredibly impressive. It houses a vast collection of ancient volumes, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The collection features gorgeous 16th-century cartography and
