Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian town by the sea to a forgotten mountain train line in France, visitors have shared their most memorable discoveries from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after stepping off the bus, an explorer pondered about their selection. But the first suspicions quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This charming location offers more than a swim. Guests can wander through elaborately decorated public squares and cobbled lanes housing bustling places to eat. Man-made platforms make the majestic Adriatic Sea manageable for people of every age. Nearby establishments serve up flaky pastries and beverages with genuine hospitality.
Vintage Tunes in Germany's Capital
For lovers of 1950s rock 'n' roll, retro pop, and soul music, a real discovery exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed club promises great enjoyment. The ambiance is fantastic, complete with a DJ using exclusively vinyl records. Seating are routinely moved to create dance floor. Open until the early hours, the bar at times has performances, guaranteeing a great night out.
Ethnic Heritage in a Poland's Spa Town
Journeying into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May presents a quiet retreat. Guests can hike to the summit of a hill and go up a large spiral viewing tower for stunning vistas over verdant landscapes. This region is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Their culture can be experienced through traditional dining offering hearty fare and traditional music. A gallery displays the work of a prolific folk artist, and the town centre boasts multiple spring water fountains to try.
Sardinia's Coastal Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a excellent choice. With three beautiful white sand beaches, its vibrant centre thrives nightly with residents. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot delivered a local atmosphere at a much lower of the price. Accommodation provided direct access to the beach and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
A Scenic Mountain Train Ride in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border runs a scenic railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great journey from a nearby city. Yet, the route is reportedly threatened of being closed. The ride includes breathtaking stone arches around the town of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Visitors are urged to see this special line while they can.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a Swedish culture. The main town, Mariehamn, offers notable sites and is easy to get to by ferry from nearby countries. The landscape is striking, characterized by shores, forests, and farms. A historical fort at Bomarsund marks a historical naval base built by Russia and later attacked during the Crimean War. Walking through the remains is free, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
It is possible to stroll for hours along a stretch of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering another soul. This undiscovered area provides expansive views, seals offshore, and an profusion of birdlife. The coast path winds along estuarine flanking an estuary, where remains of old vessels are visible. A journey can begin at a ancient place of worship, one of the earliest in England, and end in a charming coastal town with pubs, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved mountain road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it usually opens in late spring. The journey requires constant switchbacks to navigate the dramatic southern slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent scenery. Visitors can access a high-altitude lake, often covered in snow, without a cable car. The drive also presents the opportunity for spotting bears, adding to the unforgettable adventure.
Island Escape Close to a Major City
A short journey from a bustling metropolis transports travelers to a tranquil island. As the evening approaches, the urban energy dissipates for an serene atmosphere. Walking through the island, guests meander along tree-lined streets featuring historic houses. The rhythm is leisurely, often paused by resident cats and opportunities to stare back at the far-off city. The trip home is usually filled with ideas for a comeback to this special place.
Top Discovery: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Located behind a Gothic church is a collection that is complimentary to enter and incredibly impressive. It holds numerous of magnificent volumes, with a highlight being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection features detailed old cartography and
