Paris, Sardinia, Bologna, Tuscany, Umbria, Cinque Terre, Rome, Amalfi Coast, Sicily
In one word: Quintessential.
It is as if I was born knowing that these oh-so-classic moments in Europe were made for me. You know them: sidewalk espressos & people watching, long and lazy picnics in the park (made even more perfect because the picnic is supplied by the patisserie around the corner), or long lunches followed by long dinners followed by long conversation over wine. Beautiful churches, incredible art, history at every corner. Then, there's the wandering along narrow cobblestone streets, stumbling upon that perfect little shop or beautiful museum (Rodin, still my favourite), and don't forget those sunny afternoons exploring windy single lane roads flanked by rows and rows of vineyards, or that breathtaking coastal cliff-side drive. And then, of course, the food. the FOOD. Little cafe's, farmhouse meals, grand restaurants, cooking classes, meals made by locals- quintessentially, incredible.
>350 worthwhile steps up to the top of Notre Dame
Joining Parisians (and tourists) for a leisurely drink at sunset, overlooking the Seine river. Many bring blankets, good friends and good food and make an evening of it.
Sacre Coeur at sunset, an incredible joie de vivre in the air. Although the sun leaves the horizon, the happy energy lingers for hours into the cool Spring night.
Lazy afternoons in Sardinia
Farmhouse stay, Sardinia
Incredible home-made, farmhouse food
Rolling hills and vineyards upon vineyards, Montefalco
A little home-cooking, Umbria
Charcuterie in Italy. Incredible. Is this turning into a food blog?
Granita Di Cafe. Icy, creamy with a good espresso jolt. Incredible.
Art by flower petals. Infiorata, Spello.
Farmhouse cooking class, Umbria
Cooking class: The finished product & lunch
Farmhouse cooking class, Umbria. Best done with great friends and family. Perfectly finished with an incredible view of Umbria, delicious lunch and local wine
Manarola, Cinque Terre
Everyone needs to have their photo taken in front of St. Peter's cathedral
How to prevent your wife from shopping in Italy
Positano, Amalfi Coast
Find your own cliff-side perch to watch the sunset. Praiano, Amalfi Coast
Oysters & Champagne, Le Sireneuse. (Or Mojitos are good too)
Pompeii- and the incident of the broken sandal. I have gone through 3 pairs of sandals on this trip already! (One I threw out because I stepped in a large, large, (large) pile of dog poo)
Caves of Mount Etna
Climbing Mount Etna - highlight of the trip (See description in Top T2T section)
Even the cops dress beautifully in Italy
Ear of Dionysus, Sicily
Best pizza in Italy, Taormina
Taormina at night. Magical.
Wine Cellar at restaurant in the little town of Castelmola. Winemaker inspiration?
Last stop of the trip (couldn't miss it- in fact, snuck in the exit at the end of the day to make it): Colisseum
