Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene coastal town to a little-known alpine train line in France, visitors revealed their standout encounters from their journeys.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after getting off the bus, a traveler questioned about their choice. However the first suspicions quickly faded upon entering Piran. This charming settlement offers more than swimming. Guests can wander through ornate Venetian squares and stone-paved alleys housing busy seafood restaurants. Man-made platforms render the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for all ages. Local spots serve up delicious pastries and drinks with warm service.
Retro Music in Berlin
For fans of 50s rock and roll, retro pop, and Motown, a gem awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed music bar is a lot of fun. The atmosphere is fabulous, with a DJ playing exclusively vinyl records. Furniture are routinely moved to create space to dance. Staying open late, the bar sometimes hosts live bands, ensuring a great evening.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Spa Town
Traveling into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May provides a quiet getaway. Visitors can hike to the peak of a hill and climb a giant twisting platform for stunning views over green landscapes. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Their culture can be experienced through rustic dining serving hearty dishes and music. A museum showcases the work of a noted folk artist, and the town centre features a number of medicinal taps to try.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a excellent find. With several stunning white sand shores, its lively center thrives every night with families. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot offered a more authentic atmosphere at a fraction of the price. The lodging provided easy entry to the shore and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
An Iconic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border runs a scenic rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great journey from the region. Yet, this service is potentially at risk of closure. The journey includes spectacular stone arches around the locality of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Travelers are advised to experience this unique railway before it's too late.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong identity. The main town, Mariehamn, has notable sites and is reachable by boat from nearby countries. The countryside is striking, characterized by shores, forests, and farmland. A notable site at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century outpost established by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the Crimean War. Exploring the site is without charge, with a ticket for the visitor centre.
Coastal Solitude in England
It is possible to walk for miles along a part of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing another soul. This hidden world boasts wide-open vistas, marine life in the water, and an abundance of birdlife. The path winds along salt marsh flanking an river mouth, where wrecks of boats lie. A journey can begin at a 7th-century chapel, among the oldest in England, and finish in a charming coastal town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in Romania
Widely regarded as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved route. Closed during winter, it typically opens in late spring. The trip features constant bends to climb the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible scenery. Drivers can access a high-altitude lake, still ringed with snow, without a cable car. The drive also offers the chance for wildlife sightings, completing the remarkable adventure.
Island Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A brief ferry ride from a bustling metropolis takes people to a peaceful island. As the day ends, the hustle and bustle is replaced for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, explorers meander along tree-lined streets flanked by historic houses. The rhythm is leisurely, with time broken by local cats and moments to stare back at the distant mainland. The trip home is usually filled with ideas for a next visit to this incredible place.
Winning Tip: Ancient Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Tucked away behind a 14th-century building is a library that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses numerous of magnificent books, with a highlight being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition includes exquisite 16th-century maps and
