From a Venice-like Slovene seaside settlement to a little-known alpine train line in France, visitors have shared their standout discoveries from their journeys.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after getting off the bus, one visitor pondered about their selection. However the early doubts quickly faded upon entering Piran. This delightful settlement presents beyond just a swim. Guests are able to stroll through ornate piazzas and cobbled alleys filled with bustling eateries. Man-made jumping points turn the stunning Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Places in town offer flaky pastries and beverages with warm service.
Vintage Tunes in Berlin
For lovers of classic rock, retro pop, and soul music, a real discovery awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a specialized music bar is immense fun. The vibe is terrific, featuring a DJ playing only records. Furniture are sometimes pushed aside to create space to dance. Operating until the early hours, the bar sometimes hosts performances, ensuring a memorable evening.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Health Resort
Crossing into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a peaceful escape. Travelers may walk to the top of a ski run and climb a giant spiral lookout for magnificent views over lush fields. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain community. Lemko culture can be experienced through rustic restaurants with substantial fare and folk music. A gallery displays the work of a renowned painter, and the central spa boasts a number of mineral water sources to sample.
Sardinian Seaside Gem
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful choice. Boasting three beautiful white sand shores, its bustling center thrives nightly with residents. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this location provided a local feel at a fraction of the price. A hotel provided easy entry to the shore and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
An Iconic Alpine Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border lies a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect excursion from nearby cities. Yet, the route is potentially under threat of shutting down. The trip includes spectacular stone arches around the area of Morez, which are regarded as photographic gems. Tourists are urged to see this picturesque railway soon.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a distinct identity. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting sites and is easy to get to by ferry from nearby countries. The countryside is striking, featuring coastline, woods, and farms. A notable fort at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century naval base built by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the Crimean War. Exploring the site is without charge, with a charge for the visitor centre.
Coastal Tranquility in Essex
One can hike for hours along a part of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering another soul. This secret landscape boasts wide-open vistas, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an array of birdlife. The path meanders along estuarine bordering an river mouth, where remains of ships can be seen. A walk can start at a very old place of worship, one of the oldest in England, and end in a quaint coastal town with inns, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in Romania
Widely regarded as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved route. Shut during winter, it typically opens in June. The trip requires many turns to navigate the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing breathtaking scenery. Travelers can access a mountain lake, still surrounded by snow, directly. The drive also includes the opportunity for seeing animals, adding to the memorable experience.
Island Escape Close to a Major City
A brief journey from a bustling metropolis transports people to a car-free island. As the day ends, the urban energy is replaced for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, guests walk along quiet streets lined with beautiful homes. The feel is slow, with time broken by friendly felines and moments to look back at the distant city. The return journey is often accompanied by thoughts for a next visit to this unique sanctuary.
Winning Tip: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection resides. Tucked away behind a 14th-century building is a collection that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains numerous of magnificent books, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The display includes exquisite old maps and
