Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene coastal town to a little-known mountain train line in France, travelers revealed their most memorable finds from their journeys.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Shortly after arriving, a traveler pondered about their selection. But the initial hesitations soon dissipated upon entering Piran. This picturesque settlement provides more than swimming. Guests may meander through beautiful public squares and cobbled alleys housing busy seafood restaurants. Man-made platforms turn the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for all ages. Places in town serve up crisp pastries and beverages with genuine hospitality.
Vintage Sounds in The German Capital
For lovers of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 1960s pop, and soul, a real discovery exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a specialized club offers great enjoyment. The atmosphere is fabulous, featuring a DJ using only vinyl. Furniture are sometimes moved to make dancing. Operating until the early hours, the bar occasionally features live music, making for a memorable night out.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Resort Town
Journeying into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a serene getaway. Visitors are able to climb to the top of a slope and go up a tall wooden viewing tower for breathtaking vistas over green pastures. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain people. Lemko culture can be experienced through traditional cuisine offering robust dishes and folk music. A museum showcases the work of a renowned painter, and the central spa has multiple spring taps to sample.
Sardinia's Seaside Gem
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful find. Boasting three stunning pristine shores, its lively centre is active every night with families. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this location offered a more authentic atmosphere at a fraction of the cost. A hotel offered direct access to the sea and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
A Scenic Alpine Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border lies a rural rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect excursion from a nearby city. However, the route is potentially threatened of shutting down. The journey includes photogenic viaducts around the town of Morez, which are seen as beautiful sights. Visitors are encouraged to ride this unique railway soon.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a Swedish identity. The main town, Mariehamn, offers notable museums and is accessible by ferry from multiple countries. The countryside is attractive, featuring shores, woods, and farms. A significant site at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century outpost established by Russia and later destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the site is without charge, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Coastal Tranquility in England
It is possible to hike for hours along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another person. This hidden area boasts expansive views, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of birds. The trail follows along marshes flanking an estuary, where remnants of boats can be seen. A hike can start at a very old place of worship, reportedly the most ancient in England, and conclude in a pretty town with inns, galleries, and wineries.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved mountain road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it usually opens in early summer. The journey involves many bends to ascend the dramatic southern section of the Carpathians, offering excellent scenery. Travelers can reach a mountain lake, sometimes ringed with snow, directly. The journey also offers the opportunity for wildlife sightings, completing the unforgettable adventure.
Ferry Escape Close to a Major City
A brief journey from a major metropolis transports visitors to a car-free getaway. As the day ends, the hustle and bustle fades for an peaceful setting. Walking through the island, explorers meander along quiet lanes featuring historic houses. The rhythm is relaxed, with time interrupted by resident cats and moments to gaze back at the skyline of the city. The ferry back is often accompanied by ideas for a future return to this special place.
Winning Tip: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Tucked away behind a historic building is a collection that is complimentary to enter and incredibly impressive. It contains a vast collection of rare books, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection showcases detailed old maps and
