We take off for London today!!. With just a backpack on our back we are ready to take on one month in Europe. Our itinerary is a busy one as you can see below. Wish us luck!

London/Cambridge- 3 nights

Paris- 1 night

Lake Como- 2 nights

Venice- 2 nights

Cinque de Terre- 2 nights

Florence- 2 nights

Tuscany- 1 night

Rome- 3 nights

Santorini- 5 nights

London/Cambridge- 3 nights


1
Prince of Wales Theatre

Day 1 in Cambridge/London. Ryan planned an entire day for us. We starting by walking around his current town, Cambridge. Can I just say, England is beautiful!! We met up with Chandler and trained into the city for dinner and a show.

For dinner we ate at an amazing restaraunt called Fallow. All together we shared beef carpaccio (yes raw meat!), buratta, sourdough, aged dairy cow steak, halibut, and the fallow burger. Yum.

Following, we \240went to the The Book of Mormon. A hilarious comedy that I would recommend to anyone.

We ended the night staying at a fun boutique hotel in a quaint little neighborhood. A perfect way to start our trip!!

2nd day here but first day waking up in London!!! Starting to get used to the 6 hour time difference. We spent the morning wandering London and checking out all the fancy brands at a store called Hallards. Before leaving we grabbed some yummy donuts at Crosstown!

Afterwards, we took a train back to Cambridge and spent the evening doing a Sunday roast at Brewhouse. We then went on the water and tried out Punting; a famous Cambridge tradition. Our guide was Emily and I don’t think she would have trusted us doing it alone, espicially since we brought a bottle of Prosecco to enjoy on the ride! Lastly, we sent Chandler on her way via scooter/one wheel, but don’t worry we made it back safe and sound. On to day 3!

Today is when we seperate from Ryan for our own adventures. We headed back into London via train to check out the sites not yet seen.

First we had to stop at Big Ben. I have seen Big Ben before but it always blows my mind just how big it is.

We then walked along the river to The London Bridge. Along the way we had to stop for crepes. It was a cloudy day but perfect for walking with tempatures about 75F.

We ended the night eating at a local pub and ordering the famous “fish and chips” and the special grilled tuna to share. Off to Paris tomorrow!!

We arrived in Paris via the Eurostar which is an ultrafast train the can travel at speeds up 200 mph and travels under the sea. Definitely a fun experience.

France is beautiful, but I’m not sure I would call it our Friend. Somehow Cody lost his cards (credit, debit, and ID) while I came down with a cold. Don’t worry we did have backup cards in case this happened but had to spend some time getting it sorted out. We didn’t get to venture around as much as I’d hope. I knew I needed to lie down to start feeling better. We did still see the Eiffel Tower, \240which we took a nap by, the Arc de Triumph, and went to a caberet show. We also tried their croissants, macaroons, and baguettes. It was fun but we are ready to be in Italy!

We arrived in Italy by train. The ride took 8 hours but atleast it had terrific views. We have also learned that trains are much comfier than planes.

Once in Como, we were both starving and headed to find a restaraunt for some pizza and pasta!!! Yes, it is true. They are so much better in Italy!! Afterwards we stopped for some gelato. Something I hope to eat everyday while here. We ventured the town a little than called it a night after a long day of travel.

Our first town of Italy; Como. Italy is definitely a lot warmer than London with a high today of 91F. We both slept in after our early mornings the previous two days. I ventured to a local market to pick up some fruit and eggs for breakfast. We then decided to check out a little beach called Villa Olmo for the day. It was beautiful and fealt wonderful to spend the day relaxing by the water. We tried some fun cocktails and then decided to find a grocery store and make our own pasta. It was quite the walk in the heat but we finally found one! We headed home made some delicious homemade pasta and watched Paddington 2 before bed. Off to Venice tomorrow.

Today we traveled to Venice. Arriving around 3pm we were able to wander the city streets during the evening. Venice is AMAZING. It is truly jaw dropping. I love every little bridge and canal and there are LOTS. We wandered through the major sites including the grand cana and St. Mark’s square. We took the ever famous gondola ride at sunset and ended with an amazing dinner and gelato by the water. I already can tell I am going to love it here.

A full day in Venice. We started the day with some delicious marmalade croissants and just sat on the steps watching people wander.

Finally we took the long walk to a ferry to go to an the island of Burano (known for its bright colored houses). It is about an hour ferry ride. Once there we wandered the many colored streets until we found a restaraunt that appeared to have delicious pizza.

We sat down and ordered the famous drink “Aperol spritz” as our Airbnb host told us about. We got a carbonara pizza and some seafood. It was all amazing and even got a littler serenade during lunch.

Afterwards, we headed back into the main island of Venice. We wandered to the famous bridge or Rialto (built in 1172) and a few others.

We were exhausted so headed to the grocery store for some watermelon and snacks. We sat right in the grand canal munching away and enjoying the views.

We needed the with a night in watching tv and getting ready for another travel day tomorrow. I would definitely recommend Venice to anyone. I had a blast and now but now we are ready to see the little towns of Cinque de Terre.

Today we traveled from Venice to Manarola (part of Cinque Terre). I accidentally thought we were at a different train station and we missed the first train 🙈. Whoopsies. Cody was quick to act, however, and we made it on another train within the hour. We arrived in Manarola at around 3:00pm. We got to explore this adorable town and ate at a delicious restraunt on the seaside sharing seafood and pasta. We ended our evening with a bottle of wine watching the sunset from our Airbnb. We can already tell we are going to love it here!

Today our plan is to hike through all five villages that compose Cinque Terre: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. We decided to train all the way to Monterosso to start. This first town was a beach town and the water is a crystal blue.

We took off to hike between the first two towns. This hike was going to be about 2.5 miles and 1,000 feet elevation change. It took us about and hour and a half. We were dripping in sweat. The views were incredible but we decided maybe we wouldn’t hike them all 😂.

This next towan is called Vernazza. It was very crowded but we were starving so we stopped for some sandwiches. From here we decided to ferry back to our home island Manarola. It was a lot less weird and still had some incredible views.

Once we got back I wandered the shops then we took the train to Riomaggiore for dinner. We had some yummy pizza. We both wandered the town a bit but after an exhausting day we’re ready to head back to our place and just hang out. We watched the sunset once more before heading off tomorrow to Florence.

Today we head to Florence, but also have a quick stop in Pisa. We took the 1 mile walk to the tower in our packs then headed back to the train station. It is HOT today, not my favorite for carrying a big pack around.

Once we arrived in Florence, we decided to buy groceries as we have our own kitchen! We checked out the famous leather market and then bought some wine and gelato for a movie night in.

Today is our day to explore Florence. We departed by foot to the famous bridge, Ponte Vecchio.

We then made the hike to Piazza Michelangelo where there is a beautiful overlook of the city.

The day was already heating up and we built up an appetite. We decided to stop at a famous sandwich shop; Al Antico. From there we booked a tour to see the Accademia museum featuring the statue of David.

Afterwards we had another tour to explore the Duomo. This is the massive church in Florence with the big dome.

After we headed back to our place to do some laundry and pack up as we head to the Tuscany countryside tomorrow! Along the way we stopped and picked up some Peroni’s, a beer we have found we love.

Today may be one of our favorite days yet. We rented a car (go Cody for saying he would drive in this crazy city) and headed to the Tuscan countryside.

It is so picturesque, I could just stare at the view all day. We have a little Airbnb rented where we will be doing a couple’s cooking class.

The location was a little family farm and the class was run by two woman. For the class we made bruschetta, homemade pasta, stew, and for dessert tarimusu.

There was a total of 8 in the class and it was fun because we were all from a different countries. We were joined by a group of four from England and Belgium and a couple from Australia. After the class we all got to eat our delicious food, drink wine, and chat.

It was so fun comparing the similarities and differences of our countries. Again look at that view 😍. So peaceful I wish we had more time here but we are headed to Rome tomorrow to meet up with Ryan!

Today we are headed back to Florence to take a train to Rome and meet up with Ryan! It is full day of activities including a 3 hour colosseum tour. Cody was ready to be done driving. One day was enough for him 😅.

We picked up some cheap coffee and croissants and boarded our train. Once in Rome we had to take a bus to get to our Airbnb. Well what we didn’t know was we needed a ticket to board. We road (for free-whoops) for a while but I got worried we were going to get caught once I read about it online so I made Cody and I get off and walk the last mile to our place. We have 3 days in Rome so we finally get to settle in a tad. Ryan joined us and we took right away to get to the Colosseum. The tour was very cool and we got to learn a lot about the Colosseum and the Roman hill.

Ryan, however, was not feeling the best and looked like he might just tip over at any moment (poor guy).

Afterwards we walked and had a delicious meal. We called it an early night as we have another tour bright and early tomorrow of The Vatican!

Day 2 in Rome. We got up bright an early for a 7:00am Vatican City tour. Exhausted from our walking the day before, we decided to hop on the electric scooters and cruise the cobblestone streets. Cody and I tried to share but let’s say that did not go well!!! The Vatican is massive. So much artwork you can stop walking in full circles to take everything in.

You are not allowed to take pictures of the Sistine chapel and you are not supposed to talk. It was very interesting to just look at the beauty in silence along side hundreds of other viewers. The last stop was the St. Peter’s Basilica. The pictures of this place just do not do it justice. It is MASSIVE!

Afterwards we were welcomed with our first day of rain, but with the heat it fealt hood. We wandered our way to the famous Trevi Fountain. It is worth the hype. It is BEAUTIFUL 😍. I of course had us all throw a coin in and make a wish

Our next famous spot to check out was the Spanish steps. The boys were lame and didn’t want to walk up and down them so I went alone. And of course, my graceful self took a big tumble on the way down the slippery steps as they were watching me 😅.

With that we were all starving. Ryan found us a top google reviewed place and it was delicious! Some true Italian food, yum! As you walk around Rome, their is trul history everywhere you look. Here a few pictures of the random things we passed just walking around.

In the evening we went out to a fun cocktail place and sat as we watched cars try to parallel park in impossible spots. Easy entertainment. Our last day in Italy tomorrow!

Our last day in Rome and in Italy. Today is another rainy day and we we’re slow moving. Finally we got out of the house and walked to check out a flea market. Honestly it is just a bunch of junk like the US ;). Ryan then found us an amazing pizza place and we sat down eating some random pizza on the sidewalk. It’s the little moments!

And we of course had to stop for gelato to celebrate our last day.

Because we decided we needed to do more hiking, we went to check out an overlook of Rome. Rome is HUGE. So much history and I love the cobblestones.

On our way down we ran into this fountain. Not the Trevi fountain, but still amazing and a lot less crowded. We sat and wat he’d a young boy as he splashed around in the water. So cute. We have to be on a flight at 6am tomorrow so we called it an early night as we are off to Greece tomorrow.

A bright and early morning as we are off to Greece. Italy was amazing but I am ready for some relaxation and ocean views!!!

It was fun to see all the small islands of Greece as we flow into the small island of Santorini.

Once we arrived we got an Uber to take us to our Airbnb. He was an awesome elderly Greek gentlemen who told us all about the island and even stopped quick to take a picture of us at this overlook. So kind 🤍.

From there we were met by a gentlemen who helped carry our bags as he led us to our Airbnb. It is a big maze of houses on the hill so I am thankful for the guide. And can I just say, I am already obsessed with Greece. And our place 😍!!!

We were supposed to go on a wine tour today, however the information got all messed up and as we sat waiting for our tour bus munching on gyros, it never arrived. Finally when we called apparently we were supposed to meet them but they worked with us and we got the tour moved to Wednesday. So we headed back to our place.

The pictures above ars literally the views right from our house. I am living my Sisterhood if the travelling pants dream! The guide also told us about some fun local things to check out. One of which was cliff jumping. We decided we had to try it.

On the way we got to check out this beautiful look out of the villages of Santorini before descending down 300+ stairs to the bottom. It is crazy how the wind whips when you come up to the other side of the hill.

At the bottom we wandered a small path to the little cliff/rock to jump off. It took some encouraging but I did it! Such a fun experience.

What we didn’t think about, was what the trek was going to be like on the way back up. It was a WORKOUT! But fun to do atleast once :)

We worked up an appetite so went out for dinner at this fun little place. We are \240obsessed with the Greek salads! I can’t wait for the rest of our time here.

We slept in today probably because the cave stays so dark with the windows closed! We decided we were going to travel around the island on atvs/mopeds. It is so small you can drive the whole thing. Cody and I shared a moped and Ryan drove an ATV. I was not so sure at first and was clenched fists at first but after a bit I was so glad we did it. One of my favorite memories so far this trip

We drove to the black sand beach, white sand beach, an overlook of the cliff side, and Bach to Amalfi coast where we ate dinner. So many photos/videos taken during.

Tonight our dinner was at the amalfi coast at sunset. A high recommendation people gave. What we didn’t look at however were prices. Once we got there, we realized the prices were INSANE. So we all ordered the cheapest seafood things we could find 😅. They were still delicious. \240I got black squid and turned my whole mouth black but it was worth it!

Once we got back to our place we sat outside omenjoying a few drinks and decided to check out a place we walked by a few times called the “boozery”. When we were looking at the menu we ran into a man named Tasos. I happened to point to the most expensive \240drink and Cody said “what are you rich” and Taos says “You are rich? Come inside”. He then went behind the bar and made us all drinks and introduced us to two women from … we got to chatting with them and learned Tasos also made them drinks and he works at the bar but has been off shift for hours. The girls were really cool and we were just laughing about the nasty drink he made for Cody. All of a sudden he told us this bar was closing and we needed to check out the next place, Mary Kay’s. Now this bar was still packed and did not appear to be closing but we had heard of this other bar so we all ventured to this next place: Tasos, the two girls, and Ryan’s, Cody and I. This place was hopping. As soon as we got there Tasos buys us a whole round of tequila. Now this was very nice, but I don’t drink tequila so Cody got two shots. The. He buys another round!!! Oh man. Before you know it it is 3am and the night got away from us haha. We slowly wandered away back down to th hill to our place not so gracefully. Although Cody and I did get one of my favorite pictures of the entire trip and Ryan was randomly snapping candids 😅. \240I don’t know how this 5 hour 10am winery tour is going to go tomorrow!

Just as I guessed it, today is not starting off great for us. We barely made it onto the bus in time as we have to venture to another town for the Winfrey tour. And on the way the bus was winding around and around and I thought I was going to throw up. Well Cody must’ve been feeling the same because as soon as the bus stopped he bolted and was the first one off 😅. We are off to a great start to be drinking wine for the next 5 hours. Ryan and I stopped at a little stand quick and we’re buying as much Gatorade and water as we could. When she said cash only we looked at ourselves, piled the rest of the cash we had together and walked away without even questioning where we will get money for the bus ride home. As we slowly made our way to the next bus we were to board I think we were all seriously considering just turning around and going back to bed… but we didn’t. We were on a tour with you guessed it, a bunch of middle aged couples who were defs having a better morning than us. The first stop was the oldest winery in Santorini and also was the most unique. As they gave us a history lesson we sat minching the little pieces of break and peanut ts they gave us. It was a rough start.

By the third glass at this place and the snacks though, I could feel myself turning anew leaf. We wandered through the rest of the tour and even had some laughs with the tour guid who definitely had a crush on Ryan.

As much as we made the most of it, we were all ready to head back to our place and take a nap. Which ended up being a 5 hour nap and skipping our dinner restaurant. That’s okay, we just decided to go and get some more gyros and Greek salad. No complaints!

Okay a fresh new start today!!! We got up early to do the Fira to Oia hike. I am so glad the boys are such good sports and put up with all the adventures I find and want to do. I am glad we started in the morning before it got too hot/windy and there were barely any other people.

From here we booked a 5 hour catamaran tour. By far another favorite memory of the trip. It was definitely a party boat and with unlimited drinks and dinner the night was a fun one. We got to first stop and swim in the hot springs (spoiler, still cold!!) and also went and snorkeled by the red sand n

Today is our last day in Greece. We are switching from our beautiful cave house to the other side of the island. Our place was this adorable bnb with a beautiful pool. We spent the day relaxing and enjoying our last day of warm weather/sunshine.

We decided to go out for one last Greek meal. On the way we got to watch another gorgeous sunset. A perfect ending to a perfection country 🤍.

Today we headed back to The UK. Before our long travel day, we enjoyed an amazing Greek breakfast and some relaxation by the pool. It was a long day of flying and our last day with Ryan. Once we got back to Cambridge, we were exhausted so just chilled and watched some Netflix. Not the most exciting day. I did \240capture this beautiful photo of London from the train station 🤍.

Today is our last day in Cambridge. Chandler kindly offered to bring us out to breakfast at this local spot. It was so much fun getting to know her. Afterwards she wandered the town with us and we took in all the beautiful architecture. That evening we decided to prepare for our last days by doing laundry, hanging out, and ordering some delicious sandwiches for encouragement. We of course had to ride a scooter to get them. It is so much fun adventuring with my best friend :).

Our last day in London and our 2nd anniversary. I could not imagine a more perfect way to celebrate. Today we packed up from Ryan’s and headed into London. We booked a hotel close to the aiport as we had an early flight tomorrow. We had also received recommendation for dinner from the couple we met at our Italian cooking class. Before our reservation we headed into the city and wandered picadilly circus, China town, and some shops. It was a perfect, relaxed last day. The restaurant was called black lok. It has delicious meat and cocktails. The ambience was amazing. We sat enjoying cocktails and reliving our last 3 weeks. Although sad that our trip is over, we are excited to get back to our Girl Scout and real life. An amazing trip I’ll never forget.