Starting with a Venice-like Slovenian town by the sea to a overlooked mountain train line in France, explorers have shared their most unforgettable encounters from their journeys.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after arriving, one visitor questioned about their selection. But the first suspicions rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This picturesque settlement presents beyond just a swim. Visitors can wander through beautiful piazzas and narrow alleys housing busy eateries. Concrete jumping points turn the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for all ages. Places in town provide delicious pastries and refreshments with genuine service.
Classic Music in The German Capital
For lovers of classic rock, 60s pop music, and soul music, a gem awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated venue offers great enjoyment. The atmosphere is fabulous, with a DJ playing only records. Furniture are routinely moved to allow for space to dance. Operating until the early hours, the bar occasionally features performances, ensuring a memorable experience.
Ethnic Traditions in a Polish Spa Town
Crossing into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a peaceful escape. Visitors can hike to the summit of a slope and go up a giant wooden lookout for magnificent views over verdant fields. This region is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. Their culture can be experienced through traditional cuisine offering hearty food and music. A gallery showcases the work of a renowned naive artist, and the main area features several spring water fountains to sample.
Sardinian Coastal Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant find. With three wonderful white sand beaches, its bustling town center thrives in the evenings with locals. While the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town delivered a more authentic feel at a a quarter of the price. A hotel offered direct access to the sea and a elegant and warm atmosphere.
An Iconic Alpine Rail Line in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a scenic railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect excursion from nearby cities. Yet, the route is said to be threatened of closure. The ride features breathtaking viaducts around the town of Morez, which are considered beautiful sights. Visitors are advised to experience this unique railway soon.
Archipelago History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a distinct culture. The main town, Mariehamn, features notable sites and is reachable by boat from several countries. The landscape is beautiful, with rocky inlets, forests, and farmland. A notable location at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century outpost established by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the fort ruins is free, with a ticket for the on-site museum.
Seaside Solitude in England
It is possible to walk for hours along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing another person. This undiscovered landscape boasts sweeping vistas, seals bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of birdlife. The trail follows along estuarine flanking an estuary, where wrecks of old vessels lie. A hike can start at a very old place of worship, reportedly the oldest in England, and finish in a charming coastal town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt road. Closed during the colder months, it typically opens in late spring. The drive features many turns to navigate the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, offering incredible scenery. Visitors can access a mountain lake, sometimes covered in snow, without a cable car. The drive also presents the potential for spotting bears, completing the unforgettable experience.
Island Escape Close to a Major City
A brief ferry ride from a bustling city transports visitors to a car-free island. As the sun sets, the urban energy dissipates for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, guests meander along tree-lined roads flanked by beautiful homes. The pace is slow, with time interrupted by local cats and moments to gaze back at the skyline of the mainland. The trip home is often spent planning thoughts for a comeback to this incredible retreat.
Winning Tip: Ancient Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection awaits. Housed behind a historic building is a archive that is complimentary to enter and incredibly impressive. It contains thousands of rare tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The collection features exquisite old maps and
