From a Venice-like Slovenian town by the sea to a little-known alpine train line in France, explorers have shared their most unforgettable finds from their journeys.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after getting off the bus, a traveler pondered about their choice. But the early doubts quickly faded upon experiencing Piran. This delightful settlement provides beyond just a swim. Visitors can wander through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and stone-paved alleys filled with vibrant eateries. Concrete platforms make the stunning Adriatic Sea accessible for all ages. Nearby establishments provide crisp pastries and refreshments with genuine hospitality.
Vintage Sounds in Berlin
For fans of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and Motown, a real discovery can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed music bar is immense fun. The atmosphere is fabulous, complete with a DJ spinning only vinyl. Chairs and tables are often cleared to make dance floor. Open late, the bar sometimes features performances, ensuring a fantastic evening.
Ethnic Legacy in a Polish Spa Town
Crossing into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a quiet retreat. Guests may walk to the summit of a hill and go up a tall spiral platform for breathtaking vistas over verdant pastures. This mountain range is home to the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. The local heritage is on display through rustic cuisine offering substantial dishes and music. A gallery celebrates the work of a renowned folk artist, and the main area boasts multiple medicinal water fountains to taste.
Sardinia's Seaside Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful discovery. Boasting multiple wonderful pristine coastlines, its bustling town center is active nightly with families. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot provided a local experience at a a quarter of the cost. A hotel offered convenient a path to the sea and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
A Scenic Alpine Train Ride in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border is a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect day trip from a nearby city. However, this line is said to be threatened of closure. The ride passes over spectacular stone arches around the town of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Visitors are urged to ride this unique railway before it's too late.
Archipelago History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting attractions and is easy to get to by ferry from several countries. The landscape is striking, characterized by shores, woods, and farmland. A significant site at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century fortress established by Russia and later destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the remains is free, with a charge for the visitor centre.
Seaside Solitude in England
It is possible to hike for miles along a part of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering another soul. This secret world provides wide-open views, seals offshore, and an array of birds. The coast path follows along marshes flanking an river mouth, where wrecks of boats can be seen. A journey can begin at a 7th-century church, one of the earliest in England, and finish in a quaint town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely known as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved mountain road. Shut during the colder months, it usually opens in early summer. The trip involves many bends to climb the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding breathtaking vistas. Drivers can drive up to a mountain lake, sometimes ringed with snow, directly. The journey also presents the chance for wildlife sightings, enhancing the unforgettable experience.
Ferry Escape Near a Major City
A quick journey from a major city transports people to a peaceful island. As the evening approaches, the urban energy dissipates for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, visitors meander along tree-lined streets lined with beautiful homes. The pace is relaxed, with time broken by friendly cats and chances to gaze back at the far-off city. The trip home is usually filled with ideas for a comeback to this incredible retreat.
Top Discovery: Medieval Treasures in France
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection can be found. Tucked away behind a Gothic building is a archive that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains a vast collection of ancient books, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition showcases gorgeous old maps and
