From a Venetian-style Slovene seaside settlement to a forgotten mountain railway in France, visitors have shared their most memorable discoveries from recent travels.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after stepping off the bus, a traveler pondered about their selection. Yet the early suspicions soon dissipated upon experiencing Piran. This charming town provides beyond just a swim. Guests may meander through beautiful piazzas and narrow passageways housing bustling eateries. Man-made platforms make the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for all ages. Places in town provide crisp pastries and refreshments with warm hospitality.
Vintage Sounds in The German Capital
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul music, a real discovery can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed venue offers great enjoyment. The ambiance is terrific, featuring a DJ using only vinyl. Furniture are often pushed aside to create dancing. Operating until the early hours, the bar at times has live music, ensuring a great experience.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Spa Town
Crossing into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a quiet escape. Guests may walk to the peak of a ski run and climb a giant twisting viewing tower for magnificent views over lush pastures. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. The local heritage can be experienced through rustic restaurants with hearty fare and traditional music. A gallery showcases the work of a renowned folk artist, and the main area boasts a number of mineral water fountains to sample.
Sardinian Seaside Gem
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a wonderful discovery. Boasting multiple stunning white sand shores, its vibrant center thrives nightly with locals. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is nearby, this spot provided a local experience at a much lower of the price. A hotel offered easy a path to the sea and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
An Iconic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border lies a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a superb day trip from a nearby city. However, this line is said to be under threat of closure. The ride passes over spectacular bridges around the locality of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Visitors are advised to see this special line soon.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a Swedish identity. The main town, Mariehamn, features notable attractions and is reachable by ferry from several countries. The landscape is striking, characterized by coastline, woods, and farmland. A significant fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century naval base established by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the remains is free, with a ticket for the visitor centre.
Seaside Tranquility in Essex
It is possible to hike for miles along a section of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering another person. This undiscovered area offers sweeping vistas, seals in the water, and an abundance of wildlife. The path meanders along salt marsh next to an river mouth, where remnants of old vessels are visible. A hike can start at a 7th-century chapel, one of the earliest in England, and end in a pretty coastal town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely described as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt mountain road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it usually reopens in early summer. The drive involves numerous bends to navigate the dramatic southern slopes of the Carpathians, providing excellent scenery. Drivers can reach a high-altitude lake, still covered in snow, directly. The route also presents the potential for wildlife sightings, enhancing the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Major City
A quick ferry ride from a vibrant city transports visitors to a car-free getaway. As the day ends, the city chaos fades for an peaceful setting. Arriving on the island, visitors stroll along tree-lined roads flanked by beautiful homes. The feel is leisurely, often paused by local cats and moments to stare back at the skyline of the mainland. The trip home is often accompanied by ideas for a future return to this incredible place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection awaits. Housed behind a Gothic building is a archive that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It houses numerous of rare tomes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The exhibition showcases exquisite 16th-century cartography and
