7 European Countries in 8 Acts . . .

As the sun-kissed cobblestone streets beckon, we’ll follow our recent 2023 journey through Europe—a symphony of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Our canvas spreads out from the ancient ruins of Cyprus and Malta to the bustling romantic allure of Athens, Rome, London, & Paris. Buckle up, fellow wanderer, as we explore through our camera some of the lesser-known treasures that awaited us – with tongue firmly planted in cheek.

Several destinations, like Paris, will have their own posts further along in 2024. Plus, as I update my picture database, I may add some more personal images to the galleries. For now, just click on the early pics to enlarge . . .

1. England: High Tea, Literary Culture, and Green Rolling Hills

📍 London, England

~ We start right off by with a hop across the pond from our layover of 30 minutes in Iceland to the land of afternoon tea and iconic red buses. London beckons with its blend of tradition and modernity. Strolling along the Thames, marvelling at the Tower of London, and catching a glimpse of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace always create a thrill. A personal stop at Abbey Road was required too . . .

Undoubtedly, the crowning jewel (!) this year was the coronation of King Charles III in May. The streets were adorned with vibrant bunting, and the air buzzed with excitement as the new monarch was officially proclaimed. The pomp and pageantry of the event were truly awe-inspiring, with carriages, guardsmen in scarlet tunics, and of course, the dazzling coronation crown taking center stage.

The coronation not only marked a new chapter in British history but also injected a much-needed dose of joy and optimism into a year still grappling with the pandemic’s after-effects.

📍 London’s Green Oasis

~ Kew Gardens, where orchids bloom and ancient trees whisper. We stroll along the Treetop Walkway, our footsteps echoing above the canopy. The Palm House cradles tropical wonders, and the Waterlily House reflects Monet’s palette. Beyond its undeniable aesthetic appeal, Kew Gardens serves as a vital center for plant conservation and scientific research, where scientists work tirelessly to protect endangered species & study the impact of climate change on plant populations.

As the summer sky gleams, Kew Gardens unveils the newly expanded Mediterranean Garden, a testament to the resilience of plants in arid regions. Featuring drought-tolerant specimens from California, Western Australia, and South Africa, the garden showcases the beauty and ingenuity of nature’s adaptations. Visitors enjoyed the fragrant aroma of rosemary and lavender, marveled at the spiky succulents, and learned about water-saving gardening techniques. And as the sun filters through fern fronds, we realize that Kew is not just a garden—it’s a botanical symphony.

📍 Tudor Charm and Literary Whispers

~ Stratford-upon-Avon, where the Bard’s quill inked sonnets and soliloquies. We visit the half-timbered birthplace of William Shakespeare, where echoes of “To be or not to be” linger. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre stages timeless plays, and the Avon River meanders, carrying tales of star-crossed lovers.

2023 saw the triumphant return of “Macbeth,” with Ralph Fiennes delivering a chillingly nuanced performance as the power-hungry king. Or try an interactive experience, and delve into the “Touching Shakespeare” exhibition at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

This innovative exhibit uses multi-sensory elements to bring the Bard’s world to life, from the sights and sounds of Elizabethan London to the textures of costumes and props. As night falls, we raise a pint at the Dirty Duck pub, where actors, visitors, and dreamers all collide.

📍 City of Dreaming Spires

~ Oxford, where ivy-clad colleges nestle by the Thames. We wander through the Bodleian Library, where ancient manuscripts breathe. Punting on the Cherwell River, we glimpse the spires that inspired Lewis Carroll. And as dusk settles, we raise a pint at the Eagle and Child pub, where Tolkien and C.S. Lewis once debated tales of hobbits and wardrobes.

Welcome to the Oxford Botanic Garden, the oldest botanical garden in the United Kingdom. The garden is a year-round oasis of biodiversity, right in the heart of the city. The garden is home to nearly 5,000 different types of plants, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts like us. The garden is open year-round, and there is always something new to see. The garden is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it is easy to see why.

As you enter the garden, you are greeted by a stunning display of flowers and plants. The garden is divided into several sections, each with its own unique charm. The Walled Garden is a beautiful space that is home to a variety of plants, including medicinal herbs, vegetables, and fruits. The Lower Garden is an especially tranquil space that is perfect for a leisurely stroll.

📍 Merseybeat City

~ In Liverpool, the Mersey River hums with nostalgia. One of the most popular attractions in Liverpool is the Royal Albert Dock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and museums, including the Beatles Story, a museum that is dedicated to the life and music of the Beatles.

Another must-visit attraction in Liverpool is the Liverpool Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in the world. The cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and is home to a variety of art and artifacts.

We took some time to visit the Cavern Club, where the Fab Four ignited a revolution, Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields, & John Lennon’s home. And as we sway to “Hey Jude,” we feel the spirit of John, Paul, George, and Ringo on almost every street. It all seemed so appropriate since Eurovision 2023 had taken over the city & music was everywhere.

📍 South Coast Gem

~ Eastbourne, where chalk cliffs meet cerulean waves. We hike along the Seven Sisters cliff formation, with the wind in our hair. Another must-visit attraction is the Eastbourne Bandstand, which hosts concerts from tribute bands to traditional concerts throughout the year from May to September right above the beach.

We got to take many strolls along the recently planted Eastbourne Promenade that runs along the seafront and offers stunning views of the open sea and joins the wooden Victorian Pier which stretches toward infinity. Then we stopped it off with tea at The Grand Hotel in an atmosphere that feels like we stepped into an Agatha Christie novel.  

📍 Thermal Springs Retreat

~ Bath, a canvas of honey-hued Georgian architecture. We soak in the famous Roman Baths – a well-preserved Roman site that is home to a variety of ancient artifacts and exhibits where ancient Romans once healed.

We visit the Royal Crescent, which is a stunning example of Georgian architecture that is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and museums, enjoy high tea in the Pump Room filled with echoes of Jane Austen’s whispers & Mary Shelley’s brooding fears of mortality. And as dusk descends, we stroll past the giant Abbey, and over the Pulteney Bridge, a beautiful bridge that spans the River Avon, murmering Austenian literary quotes between us.

📍 White Cliffs and Channel Views

~ Dover, where chalk cliffs guard England’s shores. We hike along the iconic White Cliffs, wind in our hair, gazing across the English Channel. The Dover Castle whispers of knights and sieges, and the South Foreland Lighthouse stands sentinel. As ferries glide toward Calais in France, we feel the pulse of maritime history from the Normans to the Dunkirk heroes of WWII.

2. Malta: Where History Meets Paradise

📍 Historic Valletta

~ Our first stop is Valletta, capitol city of the tiny island nation of Malta. With its honey-hued limestone architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and turquoise bays, Malta feels like a forgotten page from history. Explore the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta, where knights once donned armor, or the military museum with artifacts from the longest siege of WWII.

And don’t miss the Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni, an underground necropolis that whispers secrets from 4000 BCE. Further afield, take a local water ferry & dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Grotto on the nearby island of Camino for a day – and discover hidden sea caves.

📍 Malta’s Hidden Gem

~Our next stop is Marsaskala, where the Maltese sun kisses limestone cliffs. We swim in the St. Thomas Bay, its waters a mosaic of blues. The Zonqor Point lighthouse stands sentinel, and the Marsaskala Promenade invites us to linger. Here, time slows, and we savor the simplicity of an island lifetyle including seafood pasta.

📍 Malta’s North Coastal Gem

~ Our final destination on Malta’s big island is Bugibba, where the Mediterranean laps against rocky shores. We swim in the Salina Bay, its waters a mosaic of blues. The Bugibba Promenade invites us to linger & watch the fishing boats sway. Here, time slows, and we savor the simplicity of island life.

📍 Roman Acropolis & Citadel

~ Next, we move onto the northern Maltese island of Gozo, a separate island steeped in legend dating back to the Phoenicians and the city of Victoria. There, we explore the Citadella, a limestone walled fortress still guarding medieval tales. The Gozo Museum of Archaeology whispers of Neolithic temples, and the the legend of the Azure Window that once framed sunsets.

And as we try Ġbejniet cheese and watch the sun dip into the sea at dusk, we can feel the legacy of the Knights of St John defending the local seafarers & their families from the invading Moors.

3. Athens, Greece: Myth and Marble

📍 Cradle of Civilization

~ Athens, where gods once roamed. We ascended the Acropolis, where marble columns touch the sky to walk among the remains of the Parthenon guards ancient wisdom, and the Plaka neighborhood entices with meandering alleys. At twilight, after walking under & through the Acropolis Museum, we sip ouzo, gazing at the Temple of Poseidon—a beacon across Aegean waves.

4. Cyprus: Aphrodite’s Isle and Azure Waters

📍 Paphos, Cyprus

Our nexr stop is the island of Cyprus, the mythical birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite. Explore the mosaics and the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, where ancient nobles rest in rock-hewn chambers. Dip your toes in the warm Mediterranean at Coral Bay, and savor meze under the stars. Cyprus is where ancient legends come alive, and love stories are etched into the very stones you’re trodding on.

5. Italy: La Dolce Vita and Renaissance Marvels

📍 The Eternal City

~ Wander through the ancient streets of Rome, where time dances between millennia and the Colosseum stands proud, whispering tales of gladiators and emperors. We hoped to toss coins into the Trevi Fountain, but were amazed & put off by the crowds and the pickpockets. So, as the sun set over the Spanish Steps, we savored a gelato, knowing that every cobblestone below us holds some kind of secret. The next day we revisited the expanded Forums complex & then walked the Capitoline Museums. Ouch.

📍 Tuscany’s Hidden Gem

~ Our voyage moves north to the Tuscan town of Arezzo that dances between past and present. The Piazza Grande hosts an antique fair, where traders weave tales of Etruscan gold and Renaissance art. We climb the Medici Fortress, its stone walls echoing with Medici whispers. And as the sun sets over the Cathedral of San Donato, we savor pappa al pomodoro, knowing that Arezzo is where art and elegance collide.

📍 Cradle of the Renaissance

~ Continuing on north we have a day-trip to Florence, where every stone whispers tales of Michelangelo, Botticelli, and da Vinci. The Uffizi Gallery houses masterpieces that defy time, while the cathedral’s Duomo stands tall, its terracotta dome a beacon we used throughout the day. We stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, where gold glimmers like sunlight on the Arno River. And as the sun sets over the Boboli Gardens, we savor a gelato, knowing that Florence is a garden where many forms of art bloom year round.

📍 Welcome to the Italian Riviera

~ Genoa’s history whispers from every cobbled alleyway and grand piazza. Immerse yourself in the labyrinthine alleys of the Strada Nuova, once home to wealthy merchants and now a vibrant artery lined with opulent palaces and trendy boutiques. For a glimpse into Genoa’s maritime prowess, explore the Porto Antico, the ancient harbor transformed into a lively marina bustling with yachts, museums, and charming ristorantes.

Our thanks to the B&B Hotel Genova next to the train station for saving us at 11 pm from an Air BnB that had suffered a window break-in burglary before our arrival. Air BnB corporate was great about it as well.

6. France: Culture of Lights and Loving Whispers

📍 La Ville Lumière

~ Paris, the epitome of romance! Sip espresso at a sidewalk café, gaze upon the Eiffel Tower, and lose yourself in the halls of the Louvre cradling Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile. We savored croissants by the river Seine, and Montmartre’s cobbled streets lead us up to Sacré-Cœur. Then, as night falls, we cruise the river, Paris’s pulsating heart.

📍 Impressionist Oasis

~ In the French countryside about 20 miles outside Paris lies Giverny, where Claude Monet dipped his brush in watercolor. We tiptoe through his Garden of Water Lilies, where reflections ripple. The Japanese Bridge beckons, and we inhale the scent of blooming irises. Monet’s palette lives on, strokes of serenity.

📍 Provençal Elegance

~ Aix-en-Provence, where fountains dance and lavender fields stretch to infinity. We sip pastis at the Cours Mirabeau, watching the world go by. The Saint-Sauveur Cathedral guards Romanesque secrets, and the Atelier Cézanne unveils the artist’s palette. As night falls, we dine on ratatouille, feeling the spirit of Cézanne in every brushstroke.

📍 Azure Waters and Promenade des Anglais

~ Nice, where the Promenade des Anglais kisses the Mediterranean. We stroll along the palm-fringed boulevard, inhaling the scent of sea spray. The Old Town enchants with its flower markets, polite labor protests, and gelaterias. And as the sun paints the sky in pastels, we sip rosé at a beachside café, watching the world go by.

📍 Azure Waters and Picasso’s Haven

~ Antibes, lies south of Nice In the French Riviera is a sun-kissed haven for water babies like us. We wander through the Old Town, where pastel houses hug narrow lanes. The Château Grimaldi houses Picasso’s musings, and the Cap d’Antibes invites us to dive into cerulean waters. As dusk settles, we sip rosé, gazing at the many huge yachts that dance in the harbor.

📍 History Meets Art

~ Montpellier, nestled in the Occitanie region, exudes elegance. Its medieval roots blend seamlessly with contemporary vibes. The beating heart of Montpellier, Place de la Comédie, buzzes with life. Sip coffee at a sidewalk café, watch street performers, and admire the grand Opéra Comédie. As you walk through the neighborhoods neoclassical architecture, the images fills your imagination with another era.

📍 Gateway to the Pyrenees

~ In the heart of French Catalonia near Spain lies Perpignan, where the scent of spices mingles with sea breeze. We wander through the Palais des Rois de Majorque, its Gothic arches guarding centuries of history. The Castillet stands proud, and the Place de la Loge invites us to sip pastis. As dusk settles, we dine on bouillabaisse, feeling the pulse of the Catalan soul.

7. Valencia, Spain: Paella and Futuristic Beauty

📍 City of Arts and Sciences

~ Valencia, where oranges hang heavy and paella simmers. We marvel at the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, its curving structures defying convention. The Mercado Central teems with colors, and the Turia Gardens invite us to cycle beneath ancient bridges. And as the sun dips below the Malvarrosa Beach, we toast to life, love, and sangria.

8. Faro, Portugal: Cobblestones & Sea Breezes

📍 Capital of the Algarve Region

~ Faro, the capital of the Algarve region, beckons with its blend of tradition and modernity. As you step off the plane, the salty breeze carries whispers of maritime tales. Stroll through the Old Town, where Moorish walls cradle centuries-old secrets. The Arco da Vila, an ancient gateway, welcomes you into a labyrinth of narrow alleys. Pause at the Cathedral of Faro—its Gothic and Renaissance elements tell stories of resilience and rebirth after the 1755 earthquake.

📍 A hidden gem of the Algarve

~ Tavira, a hidden gem in the Algarve, enchants with its timeless beauty. Cross the Ponte Romana, an ancient bridge that spans the River Gilão. From its arches, gaze at the terracotta rooftops and the shimmering water. The 37 churches of Tavira punctuate the skyline, each with its own tale. Dine at riverside restaurants, savoring cataplana de peixe (fish stew) and pastéis de nata (custard tarts). As the sun sets, the Ponte Romana glows, casting reflections on the water—a scene straight out of a fairytale.

Europe is a continent with a rich history and culture, and it is no surprise that it is a popular tourist destination. Some, but not all of our most memorable destinations from the 6-month trip of 2023 are included here. With its diverse cultures, stunning scenery, and rich history, Europe has had something to offer us at each stop of the train. Hence the 3000 foot travelogue format here.

In addition to the cities included above, there are many other popular tourist destinations that we hope to visit & showcase in future blog posts, such as the Greek islands, Morocco, the Swiss Alps, the Scandinavian countries – including ancestral ones like Iceland and even Canada. No matter what your interests are, you are sure to find a place to love when you travel. We sure have.