Ryan and I like to get the most out of our vacations. Our first trip together we took a cruise to Bermuda that left from NYC, thus allowing us to also have a New York vacation. We plan on doing the same for our honeymoon. Our cruise leaves from Florida so what else could we cram in? DISNEYWORLD! I had an alarm on my phone for exactly 180 days prior to the date we would be there so I could start making some reservations. Here is what we plan on doing:
Dinner at the Hollywood Brown Derby followed by a showing of Fantasmic with special seats.
Watching the Fireworks on the Tomorrowland Terrace while enjoying the dessert buffet.
High tea at the Grand Floridian.
Dinner at Victoria and Albert.
Sandwiches at Earl of Sandwich.
Breakfast at the Crystal Palace with Pooh and PIGLET
That's all I've done so far! I have to wait paitently for May so I can buy the Mickey's not so scary Halloween Party tickets. Very, very excited!
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
What to buy in Costa Rica
Lauren and I are traveling to Costa Rica in exactly 4 months! SO excited! Because it's a cold, rainy day here I decided to do some research on what to buy in tropical "CR" as we have been calling it. Here are some items I plan on picking up:
Cafe Britt coffee (yes please)
Banana paper made from, well you guessed it...recycled banana leaves.
Sibu Chocolate (double yes)
Deli Sweet Jelly
Cafe Rica, a coffee liqueur
Mango salsa
I need to make sure to have enough room in my suitcase for coffee, the mother ship is calling me home...
Cafe Britt coffee (yes please)
Banana paper made from, well you guessed it...recycled banana leaves.
Sibu Chocolate (double yes)
Deli Sweet Jelly
Cafe Rica, a coffee liqueur
Mango salsa
I need to make sure to have enough room in my suitcase for coffee, the mother ship is calling me home...
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Our day in Florence
Our day in Florence
We left a rainy Rome to a rainy Florence. It is still so beautiful though! Our hotel won't let us check in for another two hours so we are still in a cafe sipping cappuccino and eating croissants! And! Ryan is actually sipping the cappuccino haha! Normally he hates coffee! I swear I refuse to spend money on anything besides plain coffee unless I'm here, it is out of this world!
When we can finally go to our hotel, we can get all cute and explore...
After we checked in to this super cute B&B - Locanda die Ciompi (very nice, helpful, and so close to the main attractions) we set out and went right to the Piazzale Michaelangeo which is up on a hill and over looks the entire city! We were so lucky because as we left the hotel, the rain stopped so we got some amazing sunny pictures! A short walk to the ponte vecchio we got to see all of the jewelry shops and the gold! So much gold! Next was a stop at my favorite place, the plazzo vecchio where there are about 15 marble statues that are so massive they make people look about two feet tall. My favorite is one of the only bronze statues and shows Percious beheading Medusa. Most of the statues in this square have been there since the 1700's dating back to the 1500's. The last before our lunch break was the famous "Duomo" or Cantedral di Santa Maria die Fiore which is a huge white, pink, and green set of a bell tower, chapel, and Basilica.
Ryan needed a small nap due to head ache, so I watched real housewives. Gotta love my iPad! Ryan was good to go in about an hour so we got to see more sites like San Marco's square, Basilica di San Lorenzo, and the Palazzo Pitti. Dinner was so good, it was gone in 5 minutes, there is no picture evidence but let me tell you, to die for. We ate at Il Vegetariano, a small but intimate vegetarian/Italian place. We shared things like Brie and Spinach lasagna, rice and ricotta casserole, and some kind of fritata with broccoli and grains. It was gone before it even hit the plate! Now back in the hotel, we are relaxing and have barely unpacked because we leave again tomorrow morning for Venice!
We left a rainy Rome to a rainy Florence. It is still so beautiful though! Our hotel won't let us check in for another two hours so we are still in a cafe sipping cappuccino and eating croissants! And! Ryan is actually sipping the cappuccino haha! Normally he hates coffee! I swear I refuse to spend money on anything besides plain coffee unless I'm here, it is out of this world!
When we can finally go to our hotel, we can get all cute and explore...
After we checked in to this super cute B&B - Locanda die Ciompi (very nice, helpful, and so close to the main attractions) we set out and went right to the Piazzale Michaelangeo which is up on a hill and over looks the entire city! We were so lucky because as we left the hotel, the rain stopped so we got some amazing sunny pictures! A short walk to the ponte vecchio we got to see all of the jewelry shops and the gold! So much gold! Next was a stop at my favorite place, the plazzo vecchio where there are about 15 marble statues that are so massive they make people look about two feet tall. My favorite is one of the only bronze statues and shows Percious beheading Medusa. Most of the statues in this square have been there since the 1700's dating back to the 1500's. The last before our lunch break was the famous "Duomo" or Cantedral di Santa Maria die Fiore which is a huge white, pink, and green set of a bell tower, chapel, and Basilica.
Ryan needed a small nap due to head ache, so I watched real housewives. Gotta love my iPad! Ryan was good to go in about an hour so we got to see more sites like San Marco's square, Basilica di San Lorenzo, and the Palazzo Pitti. Dinner was so good, it was gone in 5 minutes, there is no picture evidence but let me tell you, to die for. We ate at Il Vegetariano, a small but intimate vegetarian/Italian place. We shared things like Brie and Spinach lasagna, rice and ricotta casserole, and some kind of fritata with broccoli and grains. It was gone before it even hit the plate! Now back in the hotel, we are relaxing and have barely unpacked because we leave again tomorrow morning for Venice!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Day 1 in Rome
Train to Rome/Rome day 1
After waiting in the train station for a few hours, we boarded our overnight train to Rome. I think Ryan was thinking we were going on some luxurious hotel/train so he was a little disappointed at the size but I was just happy not to deal with the snooty hotel clerk in Paris. She was just awful.
We are now here in Rome and our room is fantastic. It is a bed and breakfast with a balcony and a view of the Vatican. The owner gave us his cell number and a ton of maps to help us, he was so nice! Way different than Paris. Today we don't have anything planned until our ghost walk tour at 9pm so we will see some sights and have a nice hot lunch (finally).
12am: we're back from the most perfect day in Rome! We started our journey with gnocchi for Ryan and some fresh minestrone soup for me, so good! We had lunch right outside looking to the Vatican. We took the 64 bus straight to the Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II which is this large, white building signifying the union of Italy, or at least from what I can remember. It is covered in statues and Italian flags. A short walk to the right and we found ourselves right outside the Foro Traiano and the Foro di Cesare. There must have been some kind of festival because the roads were clear and people were performing everywhere. We even got to sit and watch some tug of war. Once we made our way to the Colosseum, we noticed the line was pretty much wrapped around the entire thing. I guess on Thursday it rained so bad the whole Roman Forum was flooded and closed for three days which explains the line. So tomorrow it looks like we are going to pay for the tour which is three hours and takes us through the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palestine Hill. The Colosseum is to Ryan what the Eiffel Tower is to me.
About a twenty minute walk down the Via del Corso, you can find Trevi Fountain once you turn down Via Della Muratte. And those eggplant mozzarella paninis I once raved about? I sure did point out that cafe on the corner of villa c. Battisi and Via Della Corso. After making our wishes into the Trevi fountain, we walked to the Pantheon and making a pit stop at Tazza D'oro for a "cafe creme." A few blocks down we found the Piazza Navona which is so full of life and beautiful it's hard not to love it. The center has the beautiful and giant fountains of the four rivers which depicts the four large rivers of the world known at that time. Right behind it, tucked away is the best gelato ever. Coconut was the best but honorable mention was defiantly for the pistachio. So worth it. We kept walking down the Via di Ripetta to find the Piazza del Popolo and continued down to the Spanish steps and saw my favorite fountain which is said to have the sweetest water in Rome. It's a large boat with water overflowing, which of course I can't remember the name for at the moment.
I took Ryan to this old crypt that I discovered on contiki, completely weirded him out and then had my first cappuccino for the trip while we rested our feet. I read once that Campo de Fioro comes alive at night and is a great place for dinner or drinks. We went and had the most romantic meal of the trip so far. This mixed with perfect sunny but not too hot weather made the perfect day. We ordered a smoked Gouda and honey bruschetta and a veggie pizza. Dinner was over with just enough time to meet our ghost walking tour group at the sant'Andrea Della Valle Church. The tour was put on by "the dark heart of Rome" and took us around all of these dark corners and random spots to tell stories of Rome that we have never heard before. Tales of popes, witches, and pointed out "little madonnas" all over. "Little Madonnas" are small paintings on certain corners which shows The Virgin Mary watching over the street. Legend says that because they are there, no one will try to harm you (back in the days before street lamps). The night ended with a super easy bus ride back and now we're back to relax and rest our feet! Tomorrow is the Vatican and our Gladiator tour. I just hope I can get Ryan not to yell "THIS IS SPARTA" every three seconds!
After waiting in the train station for a few hours, we boarded our overnight train to Rome. I think Ryan was thinking we were going on some luxurious hotel/train so he was a little disappointed at the size but I was just happy not to deal with the snooty hotel clerk in Paris. She was just awful.
We are now here in Rome and our room is fantastic. It is a bed and breakfast with a balcony and a view of the Vatican. The owner gave us his cell number and a ton of maps to help us, he was so nice! Way different than Paris. Today we don't have anything planned until our ghost walk tour at 9pm so we will see some sights and have a nice hot lunch (finally).
12am: we're back from the most perfect day in Rome! We started our journey with gnocchi for Ryan and some fresh minestrone soup for me, so good! We had lunch right outside looking to the Vatican. We took the 64 bus straight to the Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II which is this large, white building signifying the union of Italy, or at least from what I can remember. It is covered in statues and Italian flags. A short walk to the right and we found ourselves right outside the Foro Traiano and the Foro di Cesare. There must have been some kind of festival because the roads were clear and people were performing everywhere. We even got to sit and watch some tug of war. Once we made our way to the Colosseum, we noticed the line was pretty much wrapped around the entire thing. I guess on Thursday it rained so bad the whole Roman Forum was flooded and closed for three days which explains the line. So tomorrow it looks like we are going to pay for the tour which is three hours and takes us through the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palestine Hill. The Colosseum is to Ryan what the Eiffel Tower is to me.
About a twenty minute walk down the Via del Corso, you can find Trevi Fountain once you turn down Via Della Muratte. And those eggplant mozzarella paninis I once raved about? I sure did point out that cafe on the corner of villa c. Battisi and Via Della Corso. After making our wishes into the Trevi fountain, we walked to the Pantheon and making a pit stop at Tazza D'oro for a "cafe creme." A few blocks down we found the Piazza Navona which is so full of life and beautiful it's hard not to love it. The center has the beautiful and giant fountains of the four rivers which depicts the four large rivers of the world known at that time. Right behind it, tucked away is the best gelato ever. Coconut was the best but honorable mention was defiantly for the pistachio. So worth it. We kept walking down the Via di Ripetta to find the Piazza del Popolo and continued down to the Spanish steps and saw my favorite fountain which is said to have the sweetest water in Rome. It's a large boat with water overflowing, which of course I can't remember the name for at the moment.
I took Ryan to this old crypt that I discovered on contiki, completely weirded him out and then had my first cappuccino for the trip while we rested our feet. I read once that Campo de Fioro comes alive at night and is a great place for dinner or drinks. We went and had the most romantic meal of the trip so far. This mixed with perfect sunny but not too hot weather made the perfect day. We ordered a smoked Gouda and honey bruschetta and a veggie pizza. Dinner was over with just enough time to meet our ghost walking tour group at the sant'Andrea Della Valle Church. The tour was put on by "the dark heart of Rome" and took us around all of these dark corners and random spots to tell stories of Rome that we have never heard before. Tales of popes, witches, and pointed out "little madonnas" all over. "Little Madonnas" are small paintings on certain corners which shows The Virgin Mary watching over the street. Legend says that because they are there, no one will try to harm you (back in the days before street lamps). The night ended with a super easy bus ride back and now we're back to relax and rest our feet! Tomorrow is the Vatican and our Gladiator tour. I just hope I can get Ryan not to yell "THIS IS SPARTA" every three seconds!
Monday, October 17, 2011
WE LEAVE TOMORROW
I don't think it's actually set in only because I'm so focused on work I haven't let myself get excited! Everything is packed and ready to go including "Horrible bosses" on my ipad. In just a short amount of time, Ryan will see the Eiffel Tower for the first time! I'm so excited for him, the first time in Paris is just magical!
Well, until tomorrow when I post from the plane!
The first night we plan on going to a cafe for creme brulee, stroll down the Champs Elysees, and set on our mission to find the best cheese in the world!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
THE TWO WEEK MARK! - The Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay
When I was in Paris the first time with my Contiki tour, we barley had time to do much besides walk the beautiful streets and gaze at the Eiffel Tower.
This is right around where my Forever 21 sandals broke leaving me to buy a 20 euro pair of leather ones from a market. Arg.
Pont Alexandre III bridge, my favorite. I love the detail.
We mostly spent our afternoon doing this, so sleepy and our feet were killing us!
The first time I saw it, I'm pretty sure I screamed like a little kid.
After we reached the top!
Today is dedicated to two places I didn't get to experience. I did see it from the outside, but I didn't get a chance to go in and wander around. I think this was one of the purchases I made when we started planning, I bought two tickets to the Louvre and have tried to figure out how to do this whole thing in a reasonable amount of time. Here is a list I have of things I must see (minus the obvious - the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo). There are three wings: the Denon, Sully, and Richelieu. Both the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo are located in the Denon.
The Dying Gladiator by Pierre Julian
Christ on the Cross by El Greco
The Raft of Medusa and The Woman with Gambling Mania by Géricault
Art from Iran
The Egyptain wing (Sully wing)
The Winged Victory of Samothrace (Denon wing)
the Salle des Caryatides
The Galerie d'Apollon - also check out the collection of crown jewels
The Musee d'Orsay, some say, is better than the Louvre. Less hype and more beautiful works of impressionism.
Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette, Montmartre - Renoir
La Gare St-Lazare - Monet
Church at Auvers-sur-Oise - Van Gogh
Le Déjeuner sur l'Herbe
Félix Nadar's portrait of Charles Baudelaire
Obviously there is a lot more to see than what I have but unless I plan on moving there (OH! good idea!) I will have to just see the highlights.
Today is dedicated to two places I didn't get to experience. I did see it from the outside, but I didn't get a chance to go in and wander around. I think this was one of the purchases I made when we started planning, I bought two tickets to the Louvre and have tried to figure out how to do this whole thing in a reasonable amount of time. Here is a list I have of things I must see (minus the obvious - the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo). There are three wings: the Denon, Sully, and Richelieu. Both the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo are located in the Denon.
The Dying Gladiator by Pierre Julian
Christ on the Cross by El Greco
The Raft of Medusa and The Woman with Gambling Mania by Géricault
Art from Iran
The Egyptain wing (Sully wing)
The Winged Victory of Samothrace (Denon wing)
the Salle des Caryatides
The Galerie d'Apollon - also check out the collection of crown jewels
The Musee d'Orsay, some say, is better than the Louvre. Less hype and more beautiful works of impressionism.
La Gare St-Lazare - Monet
Church at Auvers-sur-Oise - Van Gogh
Le Déjeuner sur l'Herbe
Félix Nadar's portrait of Charles Baudelaire
Obviously there is a lot more to see than what I have but unless I plan on moving there (OH! good idea!) I will have to just see the highlights.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Day 17, Jardin du Luxembourg
Located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris you will find Paris' second largest park, Luxembourg gardens. Luxembourg palace was built in 1611 for Marie de Medicis the widow to Henry the 4th. The gardens itself have terraces, orchards, statues of former queens and saints, fountains and is a perfect romantic place for a picnic.
After running around and site seeing all day, it's a nice place to relax in the calm of the trees and fountains. A place to really just be in Paris. With plently of places to stop and eat nearby, it's the perfect place to people watch. Just be sure to leave at sunset, there is a closing time!
After running around and site seeing all day, it's a nice place to relax in the calm of the trees and fountains. A place to really just be in Paris. With plently of places to stop and eat nearby, it's the perfect place to people watch. Just be sure to leave at sunset, there is a closing time!
I haven't told Ryan much about this place, mostly because I want him to be surprised when we get there at the amazing things Paris has to offer. All he's asked for months now, is for a place to picnic. I can't think of a better place!
If you find yourself around the area, here are some great places to stop by to eat or pick up a meal to eat there:
Les Papilles which is on Rue Gay Lussac - No menu! They serve what the special is of the day.
Dalloyau - across from the entrance.
If you're going more the market route, here are some options:
KAYSER boulangerie at 10 r de l'Ancienne Comédie
PAUL'S boulangerie at 77 r de Seine....
CHAMPION supermarché at 79 r de Seine
La FROMAGERIE 31 at 64 r de Seine (all near r de Buci).
Le DERNIÉRE GOUTTE, round the corner at 6 r de Bourbon-Le-Château & r de l' Echaude.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
20 days! When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie....
That's amore!
Can you smell it?
Can you smell the CHEESE?
One thing we both are looking forward to is getting in our fill of real pizza. The kind with a thin not overly doughy crust, small but good quality blobs of cheese, fresh basil, and fresh tomato-y sauce.
Due to my google facination, here are some places we plan on going:
Pizza Zaza Piazza Sant Eustachio, Rome
Monecarlo near the Piazza Navona, Rome
Anywhere in Trastevere
Da Baffeto, 114 Governo del Vecchio, Rome
I have also heard that anywhere near the squares and piazzas are the best place to find good and cheap pizza. I can smell it now!
Can you smell it?
Can you smell the CHEESE?
One thing we both are looking forward to is getting in our fill of real pizza. The kind with a thin not overly doughy crust, small but good quality blobs of cheese, fresh basil, and fresh tomato-y sauce.
Pizza Zaza Piazza Sant Eustachio, Rome
Monecarlo near the Piazza Navona, Rome
Anywhere in Trastevere
Da Baffeto, 114 Governo del Vecchio, Rome
I have also heard that anywhere near the squares and piazzas are the best place to find good and cheap pizza. I can smell it now!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Day 26, have a spot of tea!
I am very excited for the tea in London. I've been on a tea high lately and I can' wait for our special high tea at Fortnum and Mason! We have a 6pm reservation for scones, crumpettes, tea, and finger sandwiches! I better get my facinator so Duchess Kate will approve!
The Vintage Emporium is located on 14 Bacon Street and is one of the best kept secrets in London.
The Humingbird bakery on 133 Portobello Road (hold the song) is known for it's amazing buttercream or cream cheese frosting cupcakes. One of the best parts is that the cupcakes come in mini sizes which only means you can buy more to taste! This strawberry milkshake cupcake is perfection!
I'm so excited for rainy, cozy London I can't even stand it!
For a less formal tea adventure, here are another great places to get your tea on.
The Tea Rooms located on 155 Stroke Newington Chruch st and is best known for it's gingerbread (yum) carrot cake, and shortbread.
If you stop by, check out the apple pie, I hear it's to die for!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
27 days - Tribute to Trastevere
Trastevere is a little neighborhood in Rome, south of Vatician City loaded with pubs and restaurants. The cobbled filled streets are as charming as the Italian culture.
I have a small list of pubs and attractions I would like to see. For the most part, I'm just excited to sit in the Santa Maria della Scala and soak up the Romain atmosphere.
If you find yourself in this quaint little place, be sure to stop by and try the Roma Sparita for some pizza! Anywhere you wander, you're almost guaranteed to find an authentic, well cooked meal that will leave you full. It's what people say is the "true Rome."
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
28 days and counting
I am in LOVE. With maccroons. Small enough to eat one without feeling too bad and they come in enough colors and flavors to satisfy anyone's sweet craving. After endless research for the perfect pastry, I have come across the adorable Laduree.
With flavors like caramel, chocolate, orange, pistachio, and coffee I might just have to buy a few!
This will be one of our first stops on Day 1 while we walk down the Champs Elysees. Another great maccaroon place with flavors like balsamic and pear is called Gerard Mulot.
Monday, September 19, 2011
29 bottles of beer on the wall...
Ok, so today is actually 29 days! YAY! Work seems to drag on as I look at my calendar trying to pass the days! I have to say though, the best part about vacation is right before you leave. The excitement and anticipation is such a great feeling! I keep telling Ryan to enjoy this time because once we get there, it will go by so fast. Today is sunny and warm and makes me think of beer. Beer makes me think of Ireland(well, of Germany but we aren't planning that trip yet!). Today, I give you the Temple Bar in Dublin.
Yes I know this is about as adventurous as going to the Eiffel Tower in Paris but I can't help myself, look how cute it is! I can't wait to curl up with a pint and people watch!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Water water everywhere and not a drop to drink!
Well, that's not exactly true. Do you know that Rome is covered in spouts providing fresh, clean drinking water? At first glance when I saw someone drinking from one I was horrified but little did I know that this was completly safe!
Fontana di Nettuno
(picture taken from http://members.cox.net/mkpl3/italvac/ithumb.html)
One of the things I love about Europe is the amazing decoration of architecture and art. Every direction is something new and most of all, every step you take has been a place of history. The squares in Rome are just incredible, lined with cafes and music it's just a wonderful display of culture. Do yourself a favor and when in Rome, look for the fountains!
Piazza del Popolo (The people's square)- Giuseppe Valadier designed this square somewhere between 1811 and 1822. In the center of the square is an Egyptian Obelisk, the fountain you see below is one of four mini fountains surrounding the obelisk.
Fontana dell' Obelisco
(tripadvisor.com)
Via Staderari between Piazza della Rotonda and Piazza Navona- Fontana dei Libri (fountain of the books) is dedicated to the near by Sapienza University and was constructed in 1927.
Fontana dei Libri
Piazza Mattei is home to the Fontana delle Tartarughe (Tortoise Fountain) built by Taddeo Landini and Giacomo della Porta in 1658.
Fontana delle Tartarughe
Piazza di Spagna (Spanish square) - home to the Fontana della Barcaccia (the leaking boat) located at the foot of the Spanish steps was designed in 1598.
Fontana della Barcaccia
Piazza Barberini is home to the Fontana del Tritone designed in 1642 by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The fountain portrays Triton, a merman, standing on a large shell held up by four dolphins and holding a conch to his lips.
Fontana del Tritone
Piazza Navona is probably one fo the most popular squares in Rome and one of the oldest. It dates back to 1 AD and used to host the games that the acient Romans would come to watch or "agones". The Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi is my favorite, the fountain of the four rivers. This fountain was created in 1651 by Gianlorenzo Bernini who was commissoned by Pope Innocent X. The Danube (Europe), The Ganges (Asia), The Nile (Africa) and the Rio de la Plata (America - a river between Argentina and Uruguay) are all reprosented by a river God for the four continents known at that time. The Ganges (a river in India) is shown to have an oar to show how easy they could access it, the river God also is shown to be near a serpent and palm tree. The Nile has a lion and a covered head, to show the mystery and undiscovered nature of Africa. A boar and a Papal coats of arms depicts the Danube because it is close to Rome, and the Pope. At the time, America was still a place considered to be a new begging and filled with riches so this side of the fountain is covered in coins, which stands to show what America would mean to Europe.
Fontana Dei Quattro
And to the most famous fountain in Rome: The Fontana di trevi (Trevi fountain) which is the largest Baroque fountain in the city. The legend says that by throwing a coin into the fountain, you will return to Rome. Oceanus, the God of water, is seated at the top with tritons, horses, and vases of water surrounding the whole fountain. This fountain was finally completed in 1762 by Giuseppe Pannini after numerous artists started this project.
Fontana di Trevi
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Of course there are many, many more to see in Rome that I would reccomend during a stroll and a bite of crossant. Here are a few more:
Fontana di Nettuno
Fontana di Piazza Farnese
Fontana del Mosè
We leave in 4 weeks!
I am very excited to say that in 4 weeks from today, we will be on a plane to Paris! I can't decide what I'm most excited for. Ryan keeps asking "So tell me what we're going to do, day one." He's asking of course, because I've had a full itinerary planned now for a few months. No, I'm not a complete control freak. It's mostly due to it being dealthy slow at work and the fact that I always have my head in some far off destination. I have googled endlessly for months for the best crossants, bread, crepes, espresso, etc and now I can say I'm pretty happy I did all of that. To be honest, we will probably stick to about ten percent of everything I have planned mostly because the joy of traveling is making your own foot print and finding your favorite cafe and spot for a picnic but I'm glad I've been able to get to know the cities a little bit better. Here are the major places we are going:
Paris
(Please tell me you've seen "Forget Paris" if not, you must!)
Next we're off to Rome:
Then off for a day in Florence:
After Florence, we leave for our day in Venice:
We bought a cheap flight to Barcelona for a three night stay:
I've never been to Barcelona but I hear it's a very interesting city, I'm excited to explore. I knew I couldn't have a Europe trip without stopping by London!
Originally, I had a day trip to Scotland planned but it just seemed way too expensive so we looked at aerlingus.com and got a 20 dollar flight to Dublin!
The whole trip is 17 days, including Halloween! I am desperate to find something to do in London for Halloween since Ryan feels the way about Halloween the way I do Christmas. Here is a day to day what we have planned (Ryan, you really should print this out seeing as you ask every day haha)
PARIS
After just a short day in Venice, we're flying off to Barcelona! I can't wait for authentic tapas!
Paris
Next we're off to Rome:
PARIS
- DAY 1: arrive at 1pm, check in, walk day 3 of map, eat at L’as du falafel for dinner, walk down to the Eiffel tower, Notre Dame, walk down the Champs Elysees to the Louvre, and then eat crème brulee at Les Philosophes.
o Les Philosophes 28, rue Vieille-du-Temple Metro: Hotel de Ville or St.Paul
o L'As du Fallafel - 34 rue Des Rosiers 75004 Paris Neighborhood: 4ème arr. For dinner
o Walk down the Champs Elysees and go to Laduree to get maccarrons for later. – 75 Champs Elysees open til 11pm.
o Place de l’Hôtel de Ville – 4th
- DAY 2: (see the Opera Bastille, Pantheon, Palais de Luxembourg, Montparnasse) breakfast, Louvre until 1030, bike tour at 11am meet at Eiffel tower. dinner.
o Creperie Josselin - 67, rue de Montparnasse – eat after day bike tour, go see montparnesse and the sacre coure. Open 12-11pm.
o Before bike tour:
o Pascal Barillon (Au Levain d’Antan), 6 rue des Abbesses, GREAT pastery shop/bread.
o Shakespeare and Company - 37, Rue de la Bûcherie
o Musee d’orsay is open 9:30-6pm and 8 euro.
- DAY 3 Walk some of our walking tour maps, night bike tour.
o Louvre 9-11,
o opera bastille, pantheon, palais de Luxembourg
o BAKERY - Miss Manon - 87, Rue St Antoine – go before the louvre to get breakfast, go to yeliz after for lunch then 7pm bike tour.
o Yeliz – good cheap Turkish food 41, rue de Clignancourt Go to Miss Manon after.
o Arc de Triumphe is open 10am-1030pm.
- DAY 4- Versailles come back at 12, lunch, train to rome.
o Lunch: Le Grenier a Pain - 38, Rue des Abbesses – GREAT pastry shop
Some other great places to eat that I want to try:
Fauchon (30 Place de la Madeleine, in the Eighth; 33-1-7039-3800
Dalloyau. 101 rue du Faubourg St-Honoré, 8e
Ladurée Royale. 16 rue Royale, 8e
Pierre Herme - 72, Rue Bonaparte
Le Soufflé – 20 euro - 36 rue Mont Thabor
ROME
- Day 1: arrive at 10 am, walk around and get lunch and an espresso. Night tour at 6:30 pm to see the most famous sites at night.
o Coffee: Tazza D'Oro Coffee Shop: Via degli Orfani, 84, 00186 Rome
o Coffee by the coliseum - Collio Oppi
o Deli - Volpetti Delicatessen or Market in Campo Defiori
o Pizza: Pizza Zaza Piazza Sant Eustachio, Rome, Italy
o Dessert: Sweety Rome: Via Milano 48, 00184 Rome, Italy
- Day 2: 8:30 AM tour of the Vatican followed by a 1:15 private viewing of the Necropolis. Stop for lunch by the Vatican, spend our last night over pizza and a bottle of Pinot Noir.
o Deli : Osteria Pistoia Piazza Madonna delle Salette, 13-14, Rome, Italy
- Day 3: Bus to Pompeii for the day, grab some local pizza and gelato and see the ancient sites! Things to see in Pompeii:
Ancient ruins, Oplontis and Villa Poppea,
House of the Mysteries (Villa dei Misteri), Forum,
House of Menander, Fullonica di Stephanus,
Great Theater (Teatro Grande), House of the Faun (Casa del Fauno),
Temple of Jupiter, street of tombs.
We have to come back to the hotel, pack and leave for Florence early the next morning.
Apparently in Rome there's a little secret that bakeries make fresh baked crossants at 1 am and if you're lucky enough to find one open, it's the best time to buy. Here are a few places I've heard about: Pasticceria Laboratorio Lambiase-Via Cernaia, Trastevere: Unnamed bakery/pastry shop on Vicolo del Cinque, No name pastry workshop on Via Alessandro Volta.
FLORENCE:
- Lunch: Trattoria Mario: Via Rosina 2r | Corner of Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 50123 Florence, Italy – kinda pricey.
- After lunch there will be a possible bike tour, or we will just rent a few and get a little lost in the city.
- Sites to see: Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio, Il Duomo - Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio bridge, Galleria degli Uffizi museum, buy tickets ahead of time. Boboli Garden and Pitti Palace look at the garden, across from the bridge.
VENICE:
- After taking the ferry from our hotel to San Marco’s square, we meet with a small tour just to see the most famous things in Venice followed by a gondola ride. Al Bottegon is a great place for a meal that is light on the wallet.
- Make sure to see the Palazzo Capello Malipiero, Palazzo Dario, Santa Maria Della Salute, Palazzo Grassi and if you have the time go to the Grand Carta restaurant, even if it’s just for dessert.
- The best thing about Venice is getting lost in the narrow streets and alleys. There aren’t any cars so the city has a peaceful feel!
(Grand Canal Restaurant)
Barcelona:
- Walk up and down Passeig de Gràcia - specially around 7pm when everyone is out for a stroll. Just take in the wonderful architecture and do a bit of window shopping.
- Day 1: Arrive at 2 pm, walk around and see Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, Guell Park and have a picnic, Casa Milla, Passeig de Gracia. Take the rest of the evening to walk around and find a good dinner.
o Maitea Taberna - Casanova, 157 - tapas
o La champaneria - Carrer de la Reina Cristina, 7 – tapas and beer
o La Plata - Carrer de la Mercè, 28 – tapas
o Some great grocery stores to check out are: Granja Viader, Mercat de La Boqueria, or Pastisseria Escriba.
- Day 2: Walk around the gothic quarter: Barri Gotic is Barcelona's most famous district then at 11:30 meet up with our bike tour. (I purposely schedule all of these walking and biking tours to offset all of the tapas and wine!)
o Magic Fountains of Monjuic. They run from 9.30pm - 11pm - free!
o Dessert at: Escribà, Papabubble, La Granja
o Dessert at: Escribà, Papabubble, La Granja
o Wander to find some of the most beautiful churches: Sant Pau del Camp and the Santa Maria del Mar.
- Day 3: walking tour of the Gothic quarter.
o Rita Rouge for dinner.
(Tapas in Barcelona)
London:
- Day 1: Arrive on Halloween around 1pm, check in and head to St James Park for a Halloween festival! That night walk around and just enjoy all of the city, it’s so beautiful at night!
o Have a few drinks at the Ice bar - 31-33 Heddon Street, London, W1B 4BN. Take the tube or oxford circus or picadilly circus
o Ye Olfe Cheshire Cheese - 145 Fleet Street (pub)
- Day 2: Day tour of Warwick castle, Oxford, and the Cotswolds. Yes, Oxford was where scenes from Harry Potter was filmed and yes I will try not to act like a total tourist when I see it!
o Sherlock holmes pub – closes at 11pm - 10-11 Northumberland Street, Westminster, take the tube to embankment
o The Grenadier - 18 Wilton Row (Pub)
- Day 3: High tea at Fortnum and Mason, walk around to see Buckingham and Kensington Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London (I have a small obsession with Henry the 8th and Anne Boleyn so I’m really excited!)
o Windsor Castle Pub - 114 Campden Hill Road
o Wagamama – cheap chain food place, really good
o Tamada restaurant. 122 boundary road
(The English Cotswolds)
There you have it! A rough draft of what I hoep to do (and eat) on our trip! With such little information so far, I can't believe this is all I have! I better get back to my google searches!
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