After an amazing driving tour along the coasts of Spain and Portugal, that chapter of our journey finally came to an end. In Bilbao, we turned in our rental car, marking the close of weeks filled with seaside roads, historic towns, and unforgettable landscapes. From there, we boarded a bus to Bordeaux, where we enjoyed…
Category: 2025
Spain 2025 – North Coast – Vigo to San Sebastian
Our journey through Spain’s northern coast, would take us from Vigo in Galicia through Bilbao in the Basque Country to San Sebastián, is defined by rugged Atlantic landscapes, deep maritime traditions, and some of the Iberian Peninsula’s most distinctive regional cultures. In Galicia, the coast around Vigo reflects strong Celtic and seafaring roots. Once a…
Northern Portugal 2025 – Peniche to Porto
The stretch of Portugal’s northern Atlantic coast between Lisbon and Porto is a region shaped by seafaring tradition, medieval heritage, and resilient coastal culture. Once frequented by Phoenician and Roman traders, these shores later became important medieval fishing and defensive outposts, guarded by fortresses such as Peniche’s 16th-century bastion and the hilltop citadels found further…
Portugal 2025-Lisbon and Sintra
After our exploration of southern Portugal, we continued north and arrived in the capital city of Lisbon, eager to delve deeper into the history and culture of this ancient and vibrant metropolis. With its hilltop vistas, winding cobbled streets, and rich maritime heritage, Lisbon promised countless discoveries. We were especially excited to visit the beautiful…
Spain 2025 – Andalusia
Leaving the Costa del Sol, we began our journey inland and westward to discover the deeper history and culture of Andalusia, a region whose identity reaches far beyond its beaches and coastal towns. As we left the Mediterranean shoreline behind, the landscape opened into rolling hills, whitewashed villages, and fertile plains—an introduction to a territory…
Spain 2025 – South Coast – Barcelona to Nerja
It was time to say goodbye to Barcelona and begin the next chapter of our journey. We picked up a rental car that would carry us for the next four weeks as we followed the stunning coasts of Spain and Portugal, winding our way west and north toward Normandy, France. With new landscapes, cultures, and…
Barcelona Spain 2025
After a smooth flight from Milan, we arrived in Barcelona, ready to begin the next chapter of our European adventure. The city’s vibrant energy was immediately apparent—sun-soaked boulevards, lively plazas, and a captivating blend of Gothic history and modernist brilliance. We checked into the Hotel Gaudí, our home base for the next few days. Located…
Milan Italy 2025
From Orvieto, we continued our travels by high-speed train, racing north toward Milan—our gateway to exploring northern Italy and southern Switzerland. As the landscape shifted from central hill country to broad northern plains, we entered a region shaped by elegant cities, alpine scenery, and rich cultural history. Milan would serve as our base for discovering…
Orvieto Italy 2025
From Naples, we continued our journey north by train into the heart of Italy, traveling into the central hill country that has anchored settlements since Etruscan times. Our destination was the ancient city of Orvieto, dramatically perched atop a volcanic tuff plateau. As the train climbed inland, the landscape shifted from coastal plains to rolling…
Naples Italy 2025
After completing our exploration of ancient Egypt, we boarded a flight from Cairo to Naples, ready to begin the next chapter of our adventure. Naples marked the starting point of an ambitious four-month journey that would take us through Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, France, Scotland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Belgium. From Mediterranean coastlines to historic…