From a Venice-like Slovenian coastal town to a little-known mountain railway in France, explorers have shared their standout discoveries from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Right after getting off the bus, an explorer wondered about their decision. Yet the initial hesitations rapidly vanished upon experiencing Piran. This charming town offers beyond just swimming. Tourists can wander through beautiful public squares and cobbled alleys lined with bustling seafood restaurants. Man-made jumping points render the impressive Adriatic Sea enjoyable for everyone. Places in town provide delicious pastries and refreshments with genuine welcome.
Vintage Music in The German Capital
For fans of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 60s pop music, and soul, a gem exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a specialized venue offers immense fun. The atmosphere is fabulous, featuring a DJ spinning only records. Furniture are sometimes pushed aside to create dancing. Operating late, the bar at times hosts live bands, guaranteeing a great night out.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Resort Town
Crossing into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in spring presents a peaceful retreat. Guests may walk to the top of a hill and go up a large wooden lookout for breathtaking views over verdant pastures. This region is home to the Lemkos, a mountain people. Lemko culture is on display through traditional restaurants offering substantial fare and music. A museum celebrates the work of a prolific painter, and the central spa has several medicinal taps to sample.
Sardinian Seaside Treasure
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a wonderful find. Boasting three wonderful pristine shores, its bustling town center is active every night with residents. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is nearby, this town delivered a genuine atmosphere at a much lower of the price. A hotel featured easy entry to the shore and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
A Historic Alpine Train Ride in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border runs a scenic rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a great excursion from a nearby city. But, the route is said to be threatened of being closed. The trip includes spectacular viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are regarded as photographic gems. Travelers are urged to experience this picturesque railway while they can.
Island Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish identity. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting museums and is easy to get to by ferry from nearby countries. The countryside is beautiful, featuring shores, forests, and farmland. A notable location at Bomarsund reveals a historical outpost constructed by Russia and then destroyed during the Crimean War. Exploring the remains is without charge, with a charge for the information center.
Seaside Solitude in England
One can hike for miles along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing anyone. This secret world provides expansive views, marine life in the water, and an profusion of birds. The trail follows along salt marsh bordering an estuary, where wrecks of boats can be seen. A walk can start at a very old chapel, one of the earliest in England, and end in a pretty coastal town with inns, galleries, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in Romania
Widely regarded as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt mountain road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it typically opens in June. The journey requires numerous bends to ascend the dramatic southern slopes of the Carpathians, providing excellent scenery. Visitors can access a mountain lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, directly. The journey also presents the potential for seeing animals, adding to the memorable experience.
Island Escape Near a Major City
A brief journey from a bustling city takes visitors to a peaceful island. As the sun sets, the urban energy fades for an serene atmosphere. Exploring the island, visitors meander along tree-lined lanes featuring grand mansions. The feel is slow, frequently broken by local cats and moments to look back at the far-off city. The return journey is usually accompanied by thoughts for a comeback to this special place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection can be found. Housed behind a Gothic building is a archive that is complimentary to enter and absolutely stunning. It contains thousands of ancient volumes, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The collection features gorgeous Renaissance-era cartography and
