A Journey We’ll Never Forget
We recently returned from thirteen unforgettable days in Europe with nine of those sailing the Mediterranean-a trip so full, so rich, and so beautifully overwhelming that it took us an entire week to recover from the time zones, the long flights, and the whirlwind of experiences. It was the kind of vacation that stays with you long after you unpack your bags.
This adventure was a true partnership, but I have to give full credit where it’s due: my husband, Mike, did the heavy planning lifting. His research, curiosity, and attention to detail shaped this into a once‑in‑a‑lifetime journey. We sailed on the Sun Princess during its first Mediterranean voyage of the season, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. We were just ahead of the tourist rush, which meant quieter ports, slower moments, and the chance to experience each place through the lens of everyday life rather than crowds.
Barcelona: Where It All Began
We started with two nights in Barcelona, staying in the heart of the financial district-a bustling, energetic place where people moved with purpose and rhythm. We explored the city by hop‑on/hop‑off bus, taking in the iconic and whimsical works of Antoni Gaudí. Casa Batlló, with its skeletal balconies and dragon‑scale roof, felt like stepping into a dream. And the Sagrada Família-still under construction since 1882-was breathtaking. Inside, the towering columns truly do resemble a forest canopy, with light filtering through like sunbeams through leaves.
Even our arrival was memorable. As we descended into Barcelona, the snow‑capped Pyrenees stretched out beneath us-a stunning welcome to Europe.
Italy, France, Greece, and Turkey: A Tapestry of Beauty
Every port offered something different, something memorable, something that made us pause.
Marseille, France
Marseille, France was warm, welcoming, and rich with stories. We spent the morning exploring the Zoological Gardens Park at Palais Longchamp-a stunning complex of fountains, terraces, and grand architecture. We wandered through the Natural History Museum, the Musée des Beaux‑Arts, and even the historic Observatory. A quiet café on the grounds offered one of my favorite moments of the day: a true espresso, small but impactful, enjoyed while taking in the beauty around us. From there, we made our way to the iconic Notre‑Dame de la Garde Basilica, where panoramic views of the city stretched out in every direction. Absolutely stunning and unforgettable.
Genoa, Italy
Genoa, Italy quickly became one of my favorites. We met our guide, Lorenza, outside Christopher Columbus’s home and wandered through narrow cobblestone streets that opened into charming piazzas and centuries‑old churches. The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, with its striking black‑and‑white striped façade, was unforgettable-a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and home to the relics of St. John the Baptist.
Rome, Italy
Rome, Italy was humbling in the truest sense. Standing in St. Peter’s Square-in the heart of Vatican City, a country within a country and one of the most influential places in the world-was surreal. The scale, the history, the significance of it all left us speechless. We didn’t see everything-how could we? But what we did experience will stay with us forever.
Pompeii, Italy
Pompeii, Italy was a completely different kind of experience-sobering, powerful, and unforgettable. Walking through the ruins felt like stepping into a moment frozen in time. The massive cobblestone streets, the storefronts, the remnants of humble homes… all of it offered a window into a once‑vibrant and incredibly creative community. The preserved remains of citizens, encased in glass, were a stark reminder of how powerful and unpredictable nature can be. It was emotional, humbling, and something that stays with you long after you leave.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini, Greece was everything you imagine it to be: whitewashed buildings, blue domes, dramatic cliffs, and views that make you stop mid‑sentence. Our tour took us from north to south, east to west, revealing the island’s layers of history and beauty. The only thing we missed was one of their famous sunsets-a reason to return someday.
Kusadasi, Turkey
Kusadasi, Turkey was warm, vibrant, and full of charm-a day that unfolded like a series of small treasures. We began at a workshop where artisans create exquisite jewelry from shell-traditional crimshaw-each piece stunning and truly one‑of‑a‑kind. From there, we visited the Seven Sages Winery, tucked into beautiful grounds lined with tall grass and wild green beans, with the Ancient Mountains of the Aegean rising in the distance. The wine tasting was peaceful and intimate.
Next came a captivating rug‑making tour at a sanctioned school. Watching the artistry and patience behind each piece was mesmerizing. We were welcomed with delicious Turkish tea and the traditional drink Raki, or “Lion’s Milk.” Mike gave it a brave try-not his favorite, but he was a trooper. And yes, we purchased our very first (and probably last!) handmade rug-a stunning piece that took 18 months to create. Worth every penny.
Crete, Greece
Crete, Greece surprised us with its towering White Mountains-more than 8,000 feet high and completely snow‑covered, rising dramatically above the landscape. Even with uncooperative weather, our excursion team outfitted us in rain gear and sent us off on a 4‑wheeler adventure through the island. We ended at Lake Kournas-the only freshwater lake on Crete-known as the “only daughter” of the island. It was serene, mystical, and unforgettable.
We also visited an incredible olive oil production plant, where we were guided through the entire process from harvest to bottle. The tasting was exceptional-rich, peppery, and unlike anything we’ve had at home. Their shop was filled with beautiful olive wood products, and of course, we brought home new kitchen utensils that will last a lifetime.
Athens, Greece
Athens, Greece was a highlight for Mike. The Arch of Hadrian, the Temple of Zeus, the Roman Agora, the Panathenaic Stadium (the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble), and of course, the Acropolis-each site offered its own “wow” moment. Standing before the Parthenon, with the city stretched out below, was surreal.
