Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovenian town by the sea to a forgotten alpine train line in France, explorers have shared their most memorable discoveries from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Right after stepping off the bus, an explorer questioned about their decision. But the first doubts rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This picturesque town provides more than swimming. Visitors can wander through beautiful Venetian squares and narrow passageways lined with busy eateries. Man-made jumping points make the stunning Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Places in town serve up crisp pastries and beverages with warm hospitality.
Vintage Tunes in Berlin
For fans of 1950s rock 'n' roll, retro pop, and Motown, a true find can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a dedicated music bar is a lot of fun. The ambiance is terrific, with a DJ playing only vinyl. Furniture are routinely moved to make dance floor. Open late into the night, the bar occasionally features live music, guaranteeing a memorable night out.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Resort Town
Crossing into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May presents a peaceful escape. Guests can hike to the top of a slope and climb a giant spiral lookout for stunning panoramas over green pastures. This region is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. The local heritage can be experienced through traditional restaurants serving robust dishes and music. A dedicated museum showcases the work of a prolific painter, and the town centre features a number of medicinal water fountains to try.
Sardinian Seaside Gem
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a wonderful find. Featuring multiple beautiful white sand beaches, its vibrant town center comes alive in the evenings with residents. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot offered a more authentic feel at a fraction of the price. A hotel provided easy entry to the beach and a elegant and warm ambiance.
An Iconic Alpine Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border is a little-known train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect day trip from a nearby city. But, this line is reportedly threatened of closure. The ride passes over breathtaking bridges around the locality of Morez, which are seen as beautiful sights. Travelers are urged to ride this picturesque railway soon.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a distinct identity. The main town, Mariehamn, features notable museums and is easy to get to by ferry from nearby countries. The landscape is attractive, featuring coastline, forests, and farmland. A historical site at Bomarsund marks a historical outpost built by Russia and later demolished during the Crimean War. Walking through the fort ruins is complimentary, with a ticket for the on-site museum.
Coastal Tranquility in Essex
One can walk for hours along a part of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering another soul. This undiscovered landscape provides sweeping vistas, seals in the water, and an abundance of birds. The path winds along salt marsh flanking an estuary, where wrecks of ships can be seen. A journey can start at a very old church, reportedly the oldest in England, and finish in a quaint town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt route. Shut during the colder months, it typically opens in early summer. The journey requires constant switchbacks to navigate the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent views. Visitors can drive up to a mountain lake, still surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The drive also presents the chance for seeing animals, adding to the unforgettable adventure.
Island Escape Close to a Metropolis
A quick journey from a bustling city takes people to a peaceful getaway. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle fades for an serene atmosphere. Arriving on the island, guests walk along quiet lanes lined with grand mansions. The pace is slow, frequently interrupted by resident cats and moments to gaze back at the distant mainland. The ferry back is usually spent planning ideas for a comeback to this unique retreat.
Top Discovery: Ancient Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Located behind a Gothic building is a collection that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains numerous of ancient books, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection features exquisite old cartography and
