From a Venetian-style Slovene seaside settlement to a overlooked alpine train line in France, visitors have shared their most unforgettable finds from their journeys.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after stepping off the bus, one visitor questioned about their decision. But the initial doubts quickly faded upon experiencing Piran. This delightful settlement presents beyond just swimming. Tourists are able to stroll through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and cobbled lanes lined with bustling places to eat. Man-made platforms turn the impressive Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Places in town provide delicious pastries and drinks with friendly hospitality.
Classic Music in Germany's Capital
For fans of classic rock, retro pop, and Motown, a gem awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed music bar offers a lot of fun. The atmosphere is terrific, featuring a DJ spinning only vinyl records. Seating are sometimes pushed aside to make space to dance. Open late, the bar sometimes features live bands, making for a great night out.
Ethnic Heritage in a Poland's Spa Town
Traveling into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May presents a peaceful getaway. Travelers are able to climb to the peak of a hill and climb a large twisting viewing tower for stunning views over verdant pastures. This region is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. Lemko culture can be felt through rustic dining serving substantial fare and music. A museum showcases the work of a prolific naive artist, and the main area has a number of spring water sources to taste.
Sardinia's Seaside Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a wonderful find. With several stunning white sand shores, its lively town center is active nightly with locals. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town provided a genuine feel at a much lower of the price. Accommodation provided convenient a path to the sea and a elegant and warm environment.
A Historic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border runs a rural rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a great excursion from a nearby city. Yet, this service is said to be under threat of closure. The trip includes breathtaking stone arches around the area of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Travelers are advised to experience this special line while they can.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a Swedish culture. The main town, Mariehamn, offers notable museums and is accessible by boat from nearby countries. The landscape is beautiful, characterized by coastline, woods, and farmland. A significant fort at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century fortress established by Russia and subsequently demolished during the Crimean War. Walking through the remains is free, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Seaside Solitude in England
One can hike for hours along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another person. This undiscovered world offers sweeping vistas, seals in the water, and an array of birdlife. The coast path meanders along marshes next to an river mouth, where wrecks of old vessels lie. A journey can begin at a very old church, one of the earliest in England, and conclude in a pretty town with inns, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely described as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved road. Shut during the colder months, it typically opens in June. The drive involves constant bends to climb the steep southern slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent scenery. Travelers can drive up to a high-altitude lake, often ringed with snow, directly. The journey also presents the potential for spotting bears, completing the unforgettable experience.
Island Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A quick boat trip from a major city transports visitors to a car-free getaway. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle fades for an serene atmosphere. Arriving on the island, explorers walk along tree-lined streets lined with grand mansions. The rhythm is leisurely, often broken by resident felines and chances to look back at the far-off mainland. The ferry back is usually filled with plans for a next visit to this special place.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Manuscripts in France
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection awaits. Housed behind a Gothic church is a library that is complimentary to enter and incredibly impressive. It houses thousands of magnificent volumes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand ancient texts. The display showcases exquisite Renaissance-era cartography and
