Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian town by the sea to a forgotten alpine railway in France, visitors have shared their most unforgettable encounters from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after stepping off the bus, an explorer wondered about their choice. Yet the early doubts soon dissipated upon experiencing Piran. This delightful town offers more than swimming. Visitors can wander through ornate piazzas and narrow lanes housing busy seafood restaurants. Concrete diving platforms render the majestic Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Nearby establishments serve up delicious pastries and refreshments with genuine hospitality.
Vintage Tunes in The German Capital
For aficionados of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 60s pop music, and soul music, a gem can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed venue is a lot of fun. The atmosphere is fantastic, with a DJ spinning only vinyl records. Seating are often pushed aside to allow for dancing. Operating late into the night, the bar at times hosts performances, making for a memorable night out.
Ethnic Traditions in a Poland's Resort Town
Crossing into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a serene escape. Visitors may walk to the top of a slope and ascend a large spiral lookout for magnificent views over lush pastures. This area is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. The local heritage can be felt through traditional cuisine offering substantial food and folk music. A dedicated museum showcases the work of a noted naive artist, and the central spa has a number of spring taps to taste.
Sardinian Coastal Gem
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a excellent choice. Boasting three beautiful white sand coastlines, its bustling centre is active every night with locals. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this town provided a local experience at a much lower of the cost. A hotel offered direct entry to the beach and a elegant and warm atmosphere.
An Iconic Mountain Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a little-known rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a superb day trip from a nearby city. But, this service is said to be under threat of closure. The trip features photogenic stone arches around the locality of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Visitors are urged to see this picturesque line while they can.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, offers notable museums and is easy to get to by ferry from several countries. The countryside is attractive, with coastline, woods, and farmland. A notable location at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century naval base established by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the remains is free, with a charge for the visitor centre.
Seaside Tranquility in England
One can stroll for hours along a part of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing anyone. This secret world provides expansive vistas, seals offshore, and an array of birdlife. The trail meanders along estuarine next to an estuary, where remains of boats lie. A journey can start at a very old place of worship, among the most ancient in England, and finish in a quaint town with inns, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in The Carpathians
Widely known as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved mountain road. Inaccessible during winter, it typically reopens in early summer. The drive features numerous turns to navigate the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing breathtaking scenery. Drivers can access a mountain lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, by car. The route also offers the chance for wildlife sightings, enhancing the memorable adventure.
Ferry Escape Close to a Metropolis
A brief ferry ride from a bustling city transports visitors to a tranquil getaway. As the day ends, the urban energy is replaced for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, guests walk along historic streets featuring beautiful homes. The rhythm is relaxed, frequently paused by local felines and moments to stare back at the far-off city. The trip home is often spent planning plans for a comeback to this unique place.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Treasures in Alsace
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Located behind a historic building is a collection that is free to enter and absolutely stunning. It houses thousands of magnificent books, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection showcases gorgeous Renaissance-era cartography and
