Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian town by the sea to a little-known alpine train line in France, explorers disclosed their most memorable encounters from recent travels.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after getting off the bus, a traveler pondered about their decision. But the early doubts rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This charming settlement provides beyond just a swim. Visitors can wander through beautiful piazzas and cobbled passageways lined with bustling places to eat. Man-made platforms make the stunning Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Local spots provide delicious pastries and beverages with warm hospitality.
Classic Sounds in Berlin
For fans of 50s rock and roll, retro pop, and soul, a real discovery awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a dedicated music bar promises a lot of fun. The atmosphere is fantastic, with a DJ using only vinyl records. Chairs and tables are sometimes moved to make dancing. Operating until the early hours, the bar occasionally hosts live music, ensuring a memorable evening.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Spa Town
Traveling into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in spring provides a peaceful escape. Travelers may walk to the top of a ski run and ascend a tall twisting viewing tower for magnificent panoramas over lush pastures. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. Lemko culture is on display through traditional restaurants with substantial dishes and folk music. A gallery displays the work of a renowned painter, and the town centre features a number of mineral taps to try.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant discovery. Boasting multiple wonderful white sand shores, its bustling center is active every night with residents. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town delivered a more authentic feel at a much lower of the cost. Accommodation featured direct access to the shore and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
A Historic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border lies a little-known rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great day trip from the region. Yet, the route is potentially under threat of shutting down. The journey passes over photogenic bridges around the town of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Travelers are advised to experience this picturesque line before it's too late.
Island History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish culture. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting museums and is easy to get to by boat from nearby countries. The landscape is beautiful, with coastline, woods, and farms. A notable fort at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century outpost established by Russia and later attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the fort ruins is complimentary, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Seaside Solitude in England
It is possible to walk for miles along a stretch of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing anyone. This undiscovered world boasts wide-open vistas, marine life in the water, and an profusion of birds. The coast path meanders along salt marsh flanking an estuary, where wrecks of boats are visible. A walk can start at a ancient chapel, reportedly the oldest in England, and conclude in a charming coastal town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Engineering Feat in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved mountain road. Inaccessible during winter, it usually reopens in June. The journey features many switchbacks to navigate the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible views. Travelers can access a high-altitude lake, still covered in snow, by car. The drive also offers the opportunity for spotting bears, enhancing the memorable experience.
Ferry Escape Close to a Major City
A brief boat trip from a vibrant metropolis takes travelers to a tranquil getaway. As the sun sets, the city chaos is replaced for an oceanic calm. Arriving on the island, guests walk along quiet streets featuring beautiful homes. The rhythm is leisurely, frequently interrupted by resident cats and moments to look back at the skyline of the city. The ferry back is often spent planning plans for a next visit to this special place.
Top Discovery: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Housed behind a 14th-century building is a collection that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It holds a vast collection of rare books, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The collection includes detailed 16th-century cartography and
