Starting with a Venice-like Slovene town by the sea to a little-known alpine train line in France, explorers disclosed their standout discoveries from recent travels.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after getting off the bus, an explorer pondered about their choice. Yet the first doubts soon dissipated upon entering Piran. This charming settlement provides more than swimming. Guests can wander through ornate Venetian squares and narrow alleys housing busy places to eat. Man-made diving platforms turn the stunning Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Nearby establishments serve up delicious pastries and drinks with warm service.
Retro Music in The German Capital
For lovers of classic rock, 1960s pop, and soul, a true find exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a dedicated club offers great enjoyment. The ambiance is fabulous, with a DJ using exclusively vinyl records. Chairs and tables are often cleared to allow for dance floor. Staying open late, the bar at times has live bands, ensuring a fantastic evening.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Spa Town
Crossing into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a peaceful escape. Visitors are able to climb to the peak of a hill and ascend a tall spiral platform for breathtaking panoramas over verdant pastures. This region is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Their culture can be felt through rustic cuisine offering robust food and folk music. A museum displays the work of a renowned painter, and the central spa features a number of medicinal water fountains to sample.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant choice. Featuring three wonderful pristine coastlines, its bustling town center comes alive nightly with residents. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is nearby, this town provided a local atmosphere at a fraction of the cost. Accommodation provided direct access to the shore and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Historic Alpine Train Ride in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a superb excursion from the region. However, the route is potentially at risk of shutting down. The journey passes over photogenic stone arches around the locality of Morez, which are regarded as architectural treasures. Travelers are urged to ride this unique line before it's too late.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a distinct culture. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting museums and is reachable by boat from several countries. The landscape is attractive, with shores, forests, and farms. A historical site at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical fortress built by Russia and then demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the site is without charge, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Seaside Solitude in England
One can stroll for miles along a part of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering anyone. This undiscovered area provides expansive views, seals offshore, and an array of wildlife. The path winds along marshes flanking an river mouth, where wrecks of boats lie. A hike can commence at a very old place of worship, one of the earliest in England, and end in a charming town with inns, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in The Carpathians
Widely known as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved road. Shut during winter, it typically opens in late spring. The journey requires numerous switchbacks to ascend the dramatic southern slopes of the Carpathians, offering incredible vistas. Travelers can drive up to a high-altitude lake, still covered in snow, without a cable car. The journey also offers the opportunity for seeing animals, adding to the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Major City
A short ferry ride from a vibrant metropolis takes travelers to a peaceful getaway. As the day ends, the urban energy is replaced for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, explorers walk along quiet roads lined with historic houses. The rhythm is relaxed, often interrupted by local cats and moments to gaze back at the distant mainland. The ferry back is often filled with ideas for a future return to this special retreat.
Winning Tip: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection can be found. Tucked away behind a 14th-century church is a archive that is complimentary to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses a vast collection of magnificent volumes, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection features gorgeous 16th-century cartography and
