Underrated Cities in Europe

David Raminfard, the CEO and president of NewPoint Fabrics and KasLen Textiles, travels the world to source fabrics from international textile trade shows. Over the years, David Raminfard has visited most of the countries in Europe.

Hundreds of millions of tourists flock to Europe every year, yet many of the continent’s cities remain in relative obscurity. Below are some of the most underrated cities in Europe:

- Maribor, Slovenia. Featuring stunning architecture, the city often remains in the shadow of Slovenia’s more popular destination, Ljubljana. Maribor houses the largest grapevine in the world and maintains numerous spas to help visitors relax.

- Split, Croatia. The coastal town maintains numerous attractions for travelers. Visitors to the city can enjoy a variety of dining, shopping, and nightlife experiences or explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Diocletian’s Palace.

- Ferrara, Italy. Surrounded by ancient walls, the city is packed with cathedrals and palaces that date to the 14th and 15th centuries. Thanks to the broad streets, visitors can easily stroll through the city as they explore.

- Vézelay, France. This ancient city was built on a hilltop in the 11th century. Due to its location, Vézelay has awe-inspiring views. The city is also the home of the Shrine of Mary Magdalene.

The Concours d’Elegance on Rodeo Drive

A professional in the textile industry, David Raminfard owns several businesses, including New Point Fabrics Inc., KasLen Textiles, and Luxury Fabrics, a store in downtown Los Angeles. Aside from his professional pursuits, David Raminfard enjoys attending antique car shows in the Los Angeles area.

For more than 20 years, Father’s Day on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills has meant that it is time for the Beverly Hills Concours d’Elegance, in which more than 30,000 car aficionados, collectors, and tourists gather to see one of the world’s best-curated collections of antique and classic automobiles. In 2016, the theme of the show was “The Fast Lane.” The exhibition featured vehicles manufactured by Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Porsche. The best of show award was bestowed on a 1969 Lamborghini Miura S from Symbolic Motors.

The Concours d’Elegance is the largest public event in Beverly Hills, drawing people from all over the world. Frommer's Travel Guide has called the show one of the 300 unmissable events in the world.