A Romantic Vacation- A trip to Italy & Greece!

Last week the hubs and I finalized flight plans for a much-anticipated trip to Europe- Italy and Greece, here we come!!!

No, this is not a babymoon, let me just address that right now, as it seems to be a popular question ;). However, it is my very first trip to Europe, and since the hubs has only been to Germany, it’s going to be brand new experience for the both of us. I can’t even put into words how excited we are!!!

The first stop on our trip will be Milan. Our stay will be brief (we aren’t even planning to spend a night), but I do hope to catch a glimpse or two of the breathtaking cathedral: Duomo di Milano

After that, we’re off to the highly-recommended, Cinque Terre. It seems that everyone who sets foot in this little city built into the cliffs of the Italian Riviera coastline, falls in love. I have no doubt the hubs and I will too!

I imagine it’s going to be difficult to leave Cinque Terre, but our next stop will make the good-bye a little easier…

I have always dreamed of visiting Venice with my love…walking hand-in-hand through the streets…people watching…enjoying a warm espresso in the morning while gazing out at the lovely canals…perhaps climbing aboard a gondola, and enjoying a romantic cruise through the Grand Canal.

While in Venice, we will also most certainly take a stroll through the Piazza San Marco. I am particularly excited for the Campanile di San Marco, an old lighthouse that features amazing views from the top. Lighthouses have a special meaning for the hubs and I, so this one is a must-see!

Our next stop will be Rome! I have a hunch the city’s incredible history and gorgeous works of art will make it the hubs’ favorite destination. There’s so much to see in Rome…and although we likely won’t get to see it all in one trip, these are the sights at the top of our list:

Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica

Michelangelo’s La Piéta

The Sistine Chapel

The Colosseum

After that, it’s off to Greece…but not before we make a quick stop in Spain. During a 6 hour layover in Madrid, the hubs and I will get a quick taste of this incredible city. Is it possible to see Madrid in 3 hours? Not likely, and after all the outstanding reviews I’ve been hearing, I’ll bet Spain will be at the top of our list next time around.

Tapas!!

Once in Athens, we are looking forward to touring the ancient ruins at Acropolis!

This means we will likely be watching Clash of the Titans and Hercules between now and September :).

Finally, after almost 2 weeks of sight-seeing, the hubs and I will be ready to collapse. That’s why we decided to end our trip in Santorini doing nothing but wine tasting, laying by the ocean, and basking in what many consider to be the world’s most beautiful sunsets.

We’ve booked 3 nights at the Petite Palace, which is a boutique hotel B&B, with views of the caldera from our room.

What do you think of our trip?

I think the hubs may have to drag me home, kicking and screaming, what do you think?

Have you visited any of these cities and have recommendations? Particularly restaurants or places to shop? I’d love to hear them!