Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian seaside settlement to a forgotten alpine train line in France, visitors have shared their most unforgettable encounters from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Shortly after getting off the bus, one visitor pondered about their choice. Yet the initial hesitations soon dissipated upon experiencing Piran. This delightful town provides more than swimming. Guests are able to stroll through ornate piazzas and narrow alleys housing bustling seafood restaurants. Concrete jumping points render the majestic Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Local spots serve up flaky pastries and drinks with warm welcome.
Vintage Sounds in The German Capital
For lovers of classic rock, 60s pop music, and Motown, a gem can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a themed club offers great enjoyment. The atmosphere is terrific, complete with a DJ playing only vinyl. Seating are sometimes cleared to create dancing. Open late into the night, the bar sometimes hosts performances, guaranteeing a memorable evening.
Ethnic Traditions in a Poland's Spa Town
Crossing into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring provides a peaceful escape. Guests are able to climb to the peak of a hill and go up a tall twisting lookout for magnificent panoramas over lush landscapes. This mountain range is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain people. Their culture can be experienced through rustic restaurants with substantial fare and traditional music. A gallery displays the work of a prolific naive artist, and the main area has multiple mineral taps to try.
Sardinian Seaside Beauty
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a wonderful discovery. Featuring three stunning white sand shores, its bustling centre comes alive nightly with locals. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this location delivered a local atmosphere at a a quarter of the cost. The lodging provided direct a path to the sea and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
A Scenic Mountain Rail Line in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a rural rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a perfect day trip from a nearby city. However, this service is reportedly threatened of being closed. The trip passes over photogenic viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are seen as architectural treasures. Visitors are urged to see this special line soon.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a strong cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting sites and is reachable by boat from nearby countries. The countryside is beautiful, characterized by shores, forests, and farmland. A historical site at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century fortress constructed by Russia and then destroyed during the Crimean War. Walking through the site is without charge, with a charge for the visitor centre.
Coastal Solitude in England
It is possible to hike for miles along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another person. This secret landscape provides sweeping vistas, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of wildlife. The path meanders along salt marsh flanking an estuary, where wrecks of boats can be seen. A walk can begin at a 7th-century church, one of the oldest in England, and end in a pretty town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt route. Shut during the colder months, it typically opens in late spring. The trip features numerous switchbacks to ascend the dramatic southern slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible vistas. Drivers can access a mountain lake, often ringed with snow, without a cable car. The journey also offers the chance for seeing animals, completing the remarkable experience.
Ferry Getaway Near a Metropolis
A brief journey from a bustling metropolis takes visitors to a car-free getaway. As the sun sets, the hustle and bustle is replaced for an oceanic calm. Arriving on the island, explorers walk along historic lanes featuring beautiful homes. The rhythm is leisurely, often paused by friendly cats and opportunities to gaze back at the far-off city. The return journey is often spent planning thoughts for a next visit to this incredible sanctuary.
Winning Tip: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Tucked away behind a Gothic church is a collection that is free to enter and absolutely stunning. It holds a vast collection of magnificent volumes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The display includes detailed Renaissance-era cartography and
