From a Venice-like Slovenian coastal town to a forgotten mountain railway in France, explorers have shared their most memorable encounters from their journeys.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Shoreline
Shortly after stepping off the bus, a traveler wondered about their decision. Yet the first suspicions quickly faded upon experiencing Piran. This picturesque town provides beyond just a swim. Visitors are able to stroll through ornate piazzas and stone-paved lanes housing vibrant seafood restaurants. Concrete diving platforms render the impressive Adriatic Sea enjoyable for everyone. Places in town provide crisp pastries and refreshments with genuine hospitality.
Vintage Tunes in The German Capital
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, retro pop, and soul music, a real discovery awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated music bar offers great enjoyment. The ambiance is terrific, complete with a DJ playing just vinyl. Furniture are sometimes cleared to allow for dance floor. Open until the early hours, the bar sometimes hosts live bands, making for a great evening.
Cultural Traditions in a Poland's Spa Town
Crossing into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a peaceful getaway. Visitors may walk to the summit of a hill and ascend a giant spiral platform for stunning panoramas over verdant fields. This area is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. The local heritage can be experienced through rustic cuisine serving robust fare and music. A gallery celebrates the work of a renowned painter, and the main area has several mineral water fountains to try.
Sardinian Coastal Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant find. With multiple beautiful pristine coastlines, its bustling town center thrives in the evenings with families. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is nearby, this location offered a more authentic atmosphere at a fraction of the price. Accommodation featured direct access to the beach and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
An Iconic Mountain Rail Line in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border runs a scenic railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This is a great day trip from the region. However, this service is potentially threatened of shutting down. The trip features spectacular viaducts around the town of Morez, which are seen as architectural treasures. Travelers are advised to ride this unique railway before it's too late.
Archipelago History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a Swedish identity. The main town, Mariehamn, offers notable sites and is easy to get to by ferry from multiple countries. The landscape is beautiful, with rocky inlets, forests, and farmland. A historical location at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century fortress established by Russia and then attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the site is complimentary, with a charge for the information center.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
One can hike for hours along a part of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing another person. This hidden world offers expansive views, seals bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of birds. The trail meanders along estuarine next to an river mouth, where wrecks of ships are visible. A journey can begin at a very old church, reportedly the most ancient in England, and finish in a charming coastal town with pubs, galleries, and vineyards.
Engineering Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely described as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved road. Inaccessible during winter, it typically reopens in June. The drive involves constant switchbacks to climb the dramatic southern section of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible vistas. Drivers can access a high-altitude lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, by car. The route also presents the opportunity for seeing animals, completing the memorable adventure.
Island Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A short ferry ride from a bustling city takes visitors to a tranquil getaway. As the day ends, the city chaos fades for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, guests stroll along historic lanes featuring beautiful homes. The feel is relaxed, with time interrupted by friendly felines and chances to gaze back at the skyline of the city. The ferry back is usually filled with thoughts for a future return to this unique retreat.
Winning Tip: Ancient Treasures in France
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Tucked away behind a Gothic church is a collection that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains thousands of magnificent tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The display showcases exquisite old maps and
