For those planning a holiday in style, Europe offers a variety of options for wine-lovers, culinary enthusiasts, art-lovers or anyone seeking to immerse themselves in local culture. Explore picturesque towns, appreciate the splendour of the mountains, national parks and natural beauty or marvel at the most impressive cities on the Continent. For 2019, travel beyond the gateway cities and discover some of Europe's hidden gems. Here's a pick of five new European discoveries that will ensure your holiday is imbued with fascinating experiences.
Tirana, Albania
Located along the Balkan Peninsula, Albania sits on top of a mountainous valley and offers a little something for those who love history, food, and adventure. Despite being small in size, this former communist country has a lot to offer. Since the fall of communism in the early 1990s, Albania retains a unique personality with diverse relics that remain from its Ottoman, Italian and communist past.
Locals proudly describe its capital city Tirana as a modern metropolis, where the past and modern-day architecture presents an eclectic blend of culture and history. Cafes, restaurants, lively squares and friendly people abound throughout this colourful city. With Eastern Europe and the Balkans rising in popularity, this Eastern discovery adventure is perfect to explore the past and savour the present.
Get a local expert to take you on a walking tour, admire the city's brightly painted buildings, hear the stories of its people and see some of the city's main attractions.
Must-Try Mullixhiu in Tirana is perfect for traditional Albanian cuisine. The chef prepares seasonally inspired small plates that are great for sharing, and use organic Albanian products, fresh meat and wild fish prepared on site every day, and paired with fabulous ingredients;
Cost Eight-course Metamorphosis Menu 15; Lazgush Poradeci Street, Artificial Lake, Tirana,
Ivalo, Finland
Ivalo is a village in Lapland, a winter metropolis located in the northernmost region of Finland. This winter wonderland is perfect for families with lots of activities-from skiing to dog sledding to taking a reindeer-pulled sleigh ride. Take in the breathtaking scenery of Ivalo river and views of the Northern Lights with the striking mountain Korvatunturi, the legendary home of Santa Claus.
Experience authentic Lapland under the Auroras with a fantastic view of the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed when you stay at the Aurora Village in Ivalo. Aurora Village rooms have glass ceilings to view the Northern Lights and hence, tend to sell out really fast. So book early in the year if you want assured reservations.
Cost 500 per night; www.auroravillage.fi.
Kotor, Montenegro
A gastronomic adventure awaits you in Montenegro with cuisine that showcases the flavours of Italy, Turkey, Hungary and Croatia. Traditional Montenegrin dishes include stews, soups and wood-fired meats, accompanied by fine local wines and domestic beers.
The Bay of Kotor is Europe's southernmost fjord and the largest natural harbour in the eastern Mediterranean. Its deep water marina has a large capacity for super yachts, as is the perfect nautical playground where visitors can explore the beaches and bays, stylish restaurants and international boutiques. The UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor is an open-air museum dating back 2000 years ago. Visitors will be rewarded with a treasure trove of medieval monuments and architecture.
Must Try For amazing seafood and impressive views of Kotor town and the bay, consider Galion, which specialises in contemporary Mediterranean seafood. Located on the waterfront, the restaurant offers a romantic setting with the marina view; Suranj bb, Kotor Municipality 85330, Montenegro.
Cost 40 (approx.)
Matera, Italy
Designated European Capital of Culture for 2019 by the EU, this ancient town, the "Sassi di Matera" is located in Southern Italy; its historical centre is famous for its cave dwellings and rock churches. Nestled in a small canyon, Matera belongs to the province of Basilicata, believed to be the third-longest continuously inhabited human settlement in the world.
The unique ancient architecture of Matera has drawn film and TV crews from all around the world to use as the backdrop of biblical scenes in epic movies like The Passion of the Christ and Ben-Hur.
Must Try For a unique experience, visit Panecotto, a bistro built inside a cave. One can find local delicacies like its namesake-a local specialty, or Cialledda (diced bread served with fresh tomato salad); Vico Bruno Buozzi 10 75100 Mater.
Cost 18
Oberammergau, Germany
A stone's throw from Munich, Oberammergau has been the home of the Passion play since 1634. This charming town is located in the Bavarian Alps that tower over its beautifully painted houses. The buildings in Oberammergau feature amazing façade paintings, many that depict Biblical scenes. Another draw is the skills of the local woodcarvers who create amazing designs and collectible pieces using a block of wood.
The Passion play started as a promise from the villagers who pledged to perform the play if God spared the town from the bubonic plague that had claimed many lives. The tradition has since continued over 400 years.
The 2020 performance which will last for over five hours will run from May through October and will be performed five days a week in an open-air theatre.
Must Try For a great dining option, try Husar, which listed in the Michelin Guide 2018, known for their excellent service, seasonal dishes and an impressive wine list. The restaurant's beautifully painted fresco façade is another plus. Fürstenstr. 25, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirche.
Cost from 32 to 75
Note: Getting to some of these towns can prove challenging as public transportation may require a combination of different buses and trains. Driving can also be tedious since some of the roads are steep and narrow, and can get complicated with non-English road signs. Instead, consider a well-planned itinerary by tour specialists instead.
By Anthony Lim
The author is MD, Insight Vacations, Asia