Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovenian coastal town to a little-known mountain train line in France, visitors have shared their most memorable discoveries from their journeys.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Shortly after getting off the bus, an explorer pondered about their selection. But the initial hesitations rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This delightful town provides more than swimming. Guests may meander through beautiful Venetian squares and narrow passageways filled with bustling places to eat. Concrete platforms turn the impressive Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Places in town offer delicious pastries and drinks with genuine service.
Vintage Tunes in Berlin
For aficionados of classic rock, 60s pop music, and soul music, a true find can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a specialized club promises a lot of fun. The atmosphere is fabulous, featuring a DJ playing just vinyl. Furniture are often cleared to make dance floor. Staying open late, the bar occasionally has live music, making for a memorable evening.
Ethnic Traditions in a Poland's Spa Town
Crossing into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring provides a peaceful getaway. Visitors are able to climb to the summit of a slope and climb a tall spiral lookout for breathtaking vistas over lush landscapes. This mountain range is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain community. The local heritage can be experienced through traditional cuisine offering hearty dishes and folk music. A museum displays the work of a noted naive artist, and the central spa has multiple spring water fountains to try.
Sardinia's Coastal Beauty
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant discovery. With three stunning white sand beaches, its vibrant centre comes alive nightly with residents. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this spot offered a more authentic experience at a fraction of the price. A hotel offered convenient entry to the beach and a chic yet friendly ambiance.
A Historic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a rural rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a perfect journey from nearby cities. However, this service is reportedly threatened of closure. The ride passes over breathtaking bridges around the locality of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Tourists are urged to see this special line before it's too late.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish identity. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting sites and is easy to get to by ferry from nearby countries. The natural surroundings is attractive, with coastline, woods, and farmland. A notable site at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century outpost constructed by Russia and later destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the remains is without charge, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
One can hike for miles along a part of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering another soul. This hidden world boasts expansive views, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an abundance of birds. The trail follows along marshes bordering an estuary, where wrecks of old vessels lie. A journey can begin at a 7th-century place of worship, one of the oldest in England, and end in a pretty coastal town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely described as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt route. Inaccessible during winter, it typically reopens in late spring. The trip requires constant bends to navigate the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing incredible vistas. Travelers can drive up to a high-altitude lake, still covered in snow, directly. The journey also presents the opportunity for spotting bears, enhancing the memorable experience.
Ferry Escape Close to a Metropolis
A brief boat trip from a major city transports visitors to a tranquil island. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle is replaced for an oceanic calm. Arriving on the island, visitors stroll along historic lanes lined with beautiful homes. The pace is relaxed, often paused by local cats and chances to look back at the skyline of the mainland. The trip home is often accompanied by ideas for a future return to this special place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Tucked away behind a 14th-century building is a collection that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses thousands of rare tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The collection includes gorgeous Renaissance-era cartography and
