Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian coastal town to a forgotten alpine train line in France, visitors revealed their most memorable encounters from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after stepping off the bus, an explorer questioned about their choice. Yet the initial hesitations soon dissipated upon experiencing Piran. This picturesque location presents more than swimming. Visitors can wander through ornate piazzas and cobbled passageways housing vibrant seafood restaurants. Man-made diving platforms make the impressive Adriatic Sea enjoyable for all ages. Places in town offer flaky pastries and drinks with friendly welcome.
Retro Sounds in Germany's Capital
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, retro pop, and soul music, a true find can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed club is great enjoyment. The vibe is fabulous, complete with a DJ spinning exclusively vinyl. Chairs and tables are often pushed aside to allow for dance floor. Open until the early hours, the bar occasionally features live music, ensuring a memorable experience.
Ethnic Heritage in a Poland's Spa Town
Traveling into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a quiet escape. Guests are able to climb to the peak of a slope and ascend a tall twisting viewing tower for stunning vistas over verdant fields. This mountain range is home to the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. The local heritage can be experienced through traditional restaurants with robust food and folk music. A dedicated museum showcases the work of a noted painter, and the town centre boasts multiple medicinal taps to try.
Sardinian Seaside Gem
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant choice. With multiple beautiful sandy shores, its lively centre is active nightly with residents. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this location offered a more authentic experience at a much lower of the price. Accommodation provided convenient entry to the beach and a elegant and warm ambiance.
An Iconic Mountain Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border lies a little-known train route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a perfect day trip from a nearby city. Yet, the route is reportedly under threat of being closed. The trip includes breathtaking bridges around the locality of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Travelers are advised to see this unique railway while they can.
Island History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting museums and is accessible by ferry from several countries. The countryside is striking, characterized by shores, forests, and farmland. A historical site at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical outpost established by Russia and subsequently attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the site is free, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
It is possible to stroll for hours along a part of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another soul. This undiscovered landscape provides sweeping views, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of birdlife. The path follows along marshes flanking an river mouth, where wrecks of ships are visible. A journey can commence at a ancient chapel, reportedly the oldest in England, and conclude in a quaint coastal town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt mountain road. Closed during winter, it typically opens in early summer. The journey involves numerous switchbacks to climb the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, offering incredible vistas. Drivers can drive up to a high-altitude lake, sometimes covered in snow, by car. The route also presents the opportunity for wildlife sightings, enhancing the unforgettable adventure.
Island Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A quick ferry ride from a major metropolis transports travelers to a car-free island. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, explorers stroll along tree-lined streets featuring historic houses. The rhythm is relaxed, with time interrupted by local cats and chances to gaze back at the skyline of the mainland. The return journey is often spent planning thoughts for a comeback to this incredible retreat.
Top Discovery: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Located behind a historic church is a archive that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It houses thousands of rare volumes, with a highlight being over a thousand ancient texts. The display features gorgeous old maps and
