Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian seaside settlement to a little-known mountain train line in France, visitors have shared their standout encounters from their journeys.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after arriving, an explorer wondered about their selection. But the initial suspicions rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This charming town offers beyond just swimming. Guests are able to stroll through beautiful public squares and narrow passageways filled with vibrant seafood restaurants. Man-made diving platforms make the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for people of every age. Nearby establishments serve up crisp pastries and beverages with friendly service.
Retro Sounds in The German Capital
For lovers of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and Motown, a gem can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated club promises great enjoyment. The atmosphere is terrific, with a DJ playing exclusively records. Seating are sometimes cleared to make dance floor. Open until the early hours, the bar occasionally has live bands, making for a memorable evening.
Ethnic Legacy in a Poland's Resort Town
Journeying into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a serene getaway. Travelers can hike to the summit of a hill and climb a giant wooden platform for stunning views over verdant pastures. This region is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain community. Their culture can be felt through traditional cuisine serving robust food and folk music. A museum showcases the work of a noted naive artist, and the town centre boasts multiple mineral water sources to sample.
Sardinian Coastal Gem
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a wonderful discovery. With three beautiful sandy beaches, its bustling center is active nightly with families. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is nearby, this location offered a genuine feel at a fraction of the cost. The lodging provided direct access to the sea and a chic yet friendly environment.
An Iconic Mountain Rail Line in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a scenic rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great day trip from a nearby city. However, the route is reportedly threatened of shutting down. The trip includes photogenic viaducts around the area of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Tourists are encouraged to see this unique line before it's too late.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a strong cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, offers notable museums and is accessible by boat from multiple countries. The natural surroundings is attractive, with rocky inlets, woods, and farmland. A notable site at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century fortress built by Russia and subsequently attacked during the Crimean War. Exploring the site is complimentary, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Coastal Solitude in England
One can hike for hours along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another soul. This hidden world boasts wide-open vistas, seals offshore, and an abundance of birdlife. The path follows along salt marsh next to an river mouth, where remains of old vessels are visible. A hike can start at a ancient church, reportedly the most ancient in England, and finish in a pretty town with inns, galleries, and vineyards.
Engineering Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely known as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt route. Shut during the colder months, it usually opens in late spring. The drive involves numerous switchbacks to climb the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing breathtaking views. Drivers can drive up to a mountain lake, still ringed with snow, by car. The drive also presents the opportunity for seeing animals, completing the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Major City
A quick ferry ride from a bustling city takes travelers to a peaceful getaway. As the day ends, the urban energy fades for an peaceful setting. Walking through the island, guests stroll along tree-lined roads featuring beautiful homes. The rhythm is relaxed, with time broken by local felines and moments to stare back at the distant mainland. The trip home is often filled with plans for a future return to this incredible sanctuary.
Top Discovery: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection can be found. Housed behind a Gothic church is a library that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It holds thousands of ancient tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection showcases detailed old maps and
