From a Venice-like Slovenian coastal town to a forgotten mountain train line in France, visitors have shared their most memorable finds from their journeys.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after stepping off the bus, an explorer pondered about their choice. Yet the early doubts soon dissipated upon experiencing Piran. This delightful settlement provides more than swimming. Visitors are able to stroll through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and cobbled lanes lined with bustling places to eat. Concrete platforms make the majestic Adriatic Sea enjoyable for all ages. Nearby establishments offer crisp pastries and refreshments with friendly hospitality.
Vintage Sounds in Berlin
For fans of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and Motown, a gem can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a specialized music bar offers great enjoyment. The atmosphere is terrific, complete with a DJ spinning only vinyl. Furniture are sometimes moved to make dancing. Operating until the early hours, the bar at times has live music, ensuring a memorable evening.
Ethnic Legacy in a Polish Resort Town
Traveling into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring presents a quiet retreat. Guests are able to climb to the summit of a ski run and climb a tall spiral platform for magnificent vistas over verdant pastures. This mountain range is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. The local heritage can be experienced through rustic dining offering hearty food and music. A dedicated museum displays the work of a renowned painter, and the town centre has a number of spring water sources to try.
Sardinian Seaside Beauty
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a excellent choice. Boasting multiple stunning white sand beaches, its bustling center thrives nightly with residents. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot offered a more authentic atmosphere at a much lower of the price. Accommodation featured convenient entry to the shore and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
A Historic Mountain Train Ride in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border lies a scenic railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This is a great journey from a nearby city. Yet, this line is potentially under threat of being closed. The ride passes over photogenic viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Visitors are encouraged to see this picturesque railway while they can.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong culture. The capital, Mariehamn, offers notable museums and is easy to get to by ferry from nearby countries. The countryside is attractive, with shores, woods, and farmland. A historical fort at Bomarsund reveals a historical naval base established by Russia and later attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the fort ruins is without charge, with a ticket for the information center.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
It is possible to stroll for hours along a stretch of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another soul. This undiscovered landscape offers expansive vistas, seals offshore, and an abundance of birdlife. The trail follows along estuarine bordering an estuary, where remnants of boats can be seen. A walk can begin at a very old place of worship, among the oldest in England, and finish in a charming coastal town with inns, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in The Carpathians
Widely described as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved route. Inaccessible during winter, it typically reopens in June. The trip involves numerous bends to navigate the steep southern slopes of the Carpathians, providing incredible vistas. Drivers can reach a mountain lake, often ringed with snow, by car. The journey also presents the opportunity for seeing animals, completing the remarkable experience.
Island Escape Close to a Major City
A brief journey from a major city takes visitors to a car-free getaway. As the evening approaches, the urban energy is replaced for an peaceful setting. Arriving on the island, visitors stroll along tree-lined lanes flanked by grand mansions. The feel is relaxed, with time interrupted by local felines and opportunities to look back at the skyline of the mainland. The trip home is usually filled with thoughts for a future return to this incredible sanctuary.
Winning Tip: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Housed behind a Gothic building is a library that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It contains a vast collection of ancient books, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection includes exquisite Renaissance-era maps and
