From a Venetian-style Slovene town by the sea to a forgotten mountain train line in France, explorers disclosed their most memorable finds from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Shoreline
Shortly after getting off the bus, one visitor wondered about their decision. But the early doubts soon dissipated upon discovering Piran. This charming town offers beyond just a swim. Visitors are able to stroll through beautiful piazzas and cobbled lanes lined with busy eateries. Concrete diving platforms make the stunning Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Nearby establishments offer delicious pastries and beverages with friendly welcome.
Vintage Tunes in The German Capital
For fans of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul music, a gem awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a dedicated music bar promises a lot of fun. The atmosphere is fantastic, featuring a DJ playing exclusively vinyl records. Furniture are routinely pushed aside to make dance floor. Open until the early hours, the bar sometimes features performances, guaranteeing a memorable night out.
Ethnic Traditions in a Poland's Health Resort
Traveling into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a peaceful getaway. Guests are able to climb to the top of a ski run and go up a giant spiral lookout for breathtaking views over lush landscapes. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain community. The local heritage is on display through rustic restaurants offering hearty dishes and traditional music. A dedicated museum displays the work of a noted naive artist, and the central spa features a number of mineral water fountains to sample.
Sardinian Coastal Treasure
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant discovery. Boasting multiple stunning pristine shores, its bustling centre is active every night with families. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is nearby, this town provided a more authentic feel at a a quarter of the cost. A hotel featured direct access to the shore and a elegant and warm environment.
A Scenic Mountain Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border runs a little-known train route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a superb day trip from the region. Yet, this service is potentially threatened of shutting down. The trip passes over photogenic viaducts around the town of Morez, which are seen as architectural treasures. Visitors are urged to see this picturesque line soon.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, has notable sites and is easy to get to by boat from several countries. The landscape is attractive, characterized by rocky inlets, forests, and farmland. A significant site at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century fortress established by Russia and subsequently attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the fort ruins is complimentary, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Seaside Tranquility in Essex
One can stroll for hours along a stretch of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering another person. This undiscovered world boasts wide-open views, seals offshore, and an array of birdlife. The coast path meanders along marshes flanking an river mouth, where remains of old vessels are visible. A journey can begin at a ancient chapel, among the most ancient in England, and finish in a pretty town with pubs, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved road. Shut during winter, it typically opens in late spring. The drive involves constant turns to climb the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent vistas. Drivers can access a mountain lake, sometimes covered in snow, without a cable car. The drive also includes the chance for seeing animals, enhancing the remarkable experience.
Island Escape Near a Major City
A brief boat trip from a vibrant city transports travelers to a car-free getaway. As the day ends, the urban energy is replaced for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, visitors walk along historic roads featuring historic houses. The rhythm is leisurely, often paused by friendly felines and chances to stare back at the skyline of the mainland. The trip home is usually spent planning plans for a next visit to this unique place.
Top Discovery: Ancient Treasures in Alsace
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection can be found. Housed behind a historic building is a library that is complimentary to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains thousands of rare volumes, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection features gorgeous old maps and
