After saying goodbye to continental Europe, we left Normandy, traveling first to Paris and then onward to Edinburgh, Scotland, marking the beginning of a new and eagerly anticipated chapter of our journey. Our time in Scotland began in the best possible way—with the warm hospitality of our dear Scottish friends, Maggie and Gordon White, whom…
Normandy France 2025
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…
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…
Portugal 2025 – Porto
After an exciting and memorable drive up the Portuguese coast from Faro, we finally arrived in Porto, a city we had long looked forward to experiencing. The journey north had taken us through dramatic cliffs, peaceful lagoons, historic fishing towns, and sunlit beaches—but Porto promised something entirely different: a layered, atmospheric city where Portuguese history,…
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…
Southern Portugal 2025 – Faro to Lisbon
After leaving Andalusia the next phase of our journey took us to Southern Portugal, stretching from Faro in the Algarve to the coastal plains south of Lisbon. This region has been shaped by a succession of civilizations drawn to its mild climate, fertile land, and Atlantic coastline. The Algarve Region, centered on Faro, was first…
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…