From a Venetian-style Slovene coastal town to a little-known mountain train line in France, explorers revealed their standout encounters from recent travels.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after stepping off the bus, a traveler questioned about their selection. Yet the first doubts rapidly vanished upon discovering Piran. This charming settlement offers more than a swim. Visitors can wander through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and cobbled passageways housing busy seafood restaurants. Concrete diving platforms turn the impressive Adriatic Sea enjoyable for everyone. Nearby establishments provide delicious pastries and beverages with warm welcome.
Vintage Tunes in Berlin
For lovers of 1950s rock 'n' roll, retro pop, and soul, a true find exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed club offers great enjoyment. The atmosphere is terrific, featuring a DJ using exclusively vinyl. Chairs and tables are often cleared to allow for space to dance. Open until the early hours, the bar occasionally hosts performances, making for a great night out.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Health Resort
Crossing into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a serene retreat. Visitors can hike to the peak of a slope and go up a giant wooden viewing tower for breathtaking panoramas over green landscapes. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. Their culture can be experienced through traditional cuisine serving hearty dishes and folk music. A gallery showcases the work of a prolific folk artist, and the town centre boasts multiple spring taps to taste.
Sardinia's Coastal Beauty
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a wonderful find. Boasting multiple stunning white sand coastlines, its vibrant center thrives nightly with residents. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this spot offered a genuine atmosphere at a fraction of the price. A hotel provided easy entry to the sea and a chic yet friendly environment.
A Historic Mountain Train Ride in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border runs a scenic railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great day trip from a nearby city. But, this line is said to be at risk of closure. The journey passes over spectacular stone arches around the town of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Tourists are encouraged to see this unique railway before it's too late.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a strong identity. The main town, Mariehamn, features interesting attractions and is accessible by boat from multiple countries. The natural surroundings is beautiful, characterized by shores, woods, and farms. A significant location at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century outpost built by Russia and then demolished during the Crimean War. Exploring the site is free, with a charge for the visitor centre.
Seaside Solitude in England
It is possible to hike for miles along a section of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another person. This undiscovered landscape offers sweeping views, seals offshore, and an profusion of wildlife. The coast path meanders along estuarine flanking an estuary, where remains of ships are visible. A walk can start at a very old chapel, reportedly the earliest in England, and end in a quaint town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in Romania
Widely described as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt road. Shut during the colder months, it typically reopens in late spring. The trip involves many bends to ascend the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible scenery. Visitors can reach a high-altitude lake, sometimes covered in snow, directly. The drive also presents the chance for spotting bears, completing the memorable experience.
Ferry Escape Close to a Metropolis
A quick boat trip from a major metropolis transports people to a tranquil getaway. As the sun sets, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, explorers meander along tree-lined streets featuring grand mansions. The pace is leisurely, with time paused by resident felines and moments to look back at the distant city. The ferry back is usually spent planning thoughts for a future return to this special place.
Top Discovery: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Located behind a historic building is a collection that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It holds a vast collection of ancient volumes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition features gorgeous 16th-century maps and
