Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovene town by the sea to a overlooked alpine railway in France, visitors have shared their most memorable encounters from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Right after arriving, a traveler wondered about their selection. Yet the initial hesitations soon dissipated upon entering Piran. This picturesque town offers more than swimming. Tourists are able to stroll through ornate public squares and stone-paved lanes filled with vibrant places to eat. Man-made platforms make the stunning Adriatic Sea manageable for people of every age. Places in town offer delicious pastries and drinks with friendly hospitality.
Retro Tunes in The German Capital
For fans of 50s rock and roll, retro pop, and soul, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated music bar promises immense fun. The ambiance is fabulous, complete with a DJ using only records. Chairs and tables are sometimes pushed aside to make dancing. Staying open until the early hours, the bar at times hosts performances, guaranteeing a memorable evening.
Ethnic Legacy in a Poland's Spa Town
Journeying into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a peaceful retreat. Travelers can hike to the top of a hill and climb a tall wooden viewing tower for magnificent views over green fields. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. Lemko culture is on display through traditional cuisine serving hearty fare and music. A museum displays the work of a noted naive artist, and the central spa boasts a number of spring water fountains to taste.
Sardinian Coastal Gem
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant discovery. With three wonderful pristine shores, its lively center is active in the evenings with residents. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is nearby, this location delivered a local feel at a a quarter of the price. Accommodation offered convenient a path to the shore and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
A Scenic Alpine Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border is a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a great excursion from nearby cities. Yet, the route is potentially at risk of shutting down. The journey passes over photogenic bridges around the area of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Travelers are urged to ride this special line while they can.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong culture. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting sites and is reachable by ferry from multiple countries. The countryside is beautiful, with rocky inlets, forests, and farms. A historical location at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical naval base built by Russia and then demolished during the Crimean War. Walking through the site is without charge, with a small fee for the information center.
Seaside Tranquility in England
It is possible to walk for miles along a part of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing anyone. This hidden landscape offers sweeping vistas, seals in the water, and an array of birdlife. The path follows along marshes next to an estuary, where remnants of ships lie. A hike can start at a very old church, among the earliest in England, and end in a pretty town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in Romania
Widely described as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved mountain road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it usually opens in June. The drive requires constant switchbacks to climb the dramatic southern section of the Carpathians, offering excellent vistas. Travelers can drive up to a mountain lake, often covered in snow, directly. The journey also includes the opportunity for seeing animals, adding to the remarkable experience.
Ferry Escape Near a Metropolis
A short journey from a vibrant metropolis takes travelers to a car-free island. As the day ends, the urban energy is replaced for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, visitors meander along tree-lined lanes flanked by historic houses. The rhythm is slow, frequently broken by friendly cats and moments to look back at the distant mainland. The trip home is often spent planning thoughts for a comeback to this special sanctuary.
Top Discovery: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection can be found. Tucked away behind a historic church is a archive that is free to enter and incredibly impressive. It houses a vast collection of ancient books, with a centerpiece being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection features exquisite old maps and
