Tag Archives: sightseeing

Oct27

Italy Adventure: Cortona & Florence

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Italy Adventure: Cortona & Florence

Hello! After an afternoon in Assisi and an evening in Perugia, it was off to Cortona and Florence on our Italy Adventure. We enjoyed a scenic drive through Tuscany to reach Cortona and after our time there, we had the evening in Florence all to ourselves. It was one of my favorite nights of the entire trip because Johnny took me on a fabulous date night. We may not have been able to find the restaurant we originally had in mind but stumbled into a perfect Plan B and it was just the best. Compared to most of the days on our tour through AAA and Collette, this was one of the most leisurely ones and it was so lovely to amble and explore at a less extreme pace with no set plans but sightseeing. Here are some of the highlights of Cortona:

After our tour bus dropped us off in Cortona we had about two hours to take in the sights, pop into quaint little stores, and have a snack or coffee. We spent some time browsing with the rest of my family and then Johnny and I took it to the streets to take in the rest of the city. This was an especially pleasant jaunt as a musician was playing accordion music on the street and it felt like being in a movie! We went through Cortona with nothing in mind and it was so liberating to simply walk and do our own thing. Not to say that it wasn’t a joy being with our group, but it was nice to separate ourselves for a bit and fly solo. By the time it was time to get back on the bus, Johnny and I were able to see a lot of the city and then it was on to Florence.

Of course, before arriving at our hotel in Florence, we just had to stop and see the replica of David by Michelangelo. We didn’t have the opportunity to see the real thing as a group and that was okay! The replica is glorious too:

Post pit stop for the replica of David, it was off to our hotel and then the evening was all ours! I was beyond excited because Johnny proposed a date night and the rare free evening allowed us to do so. Johnny and I stepped into our night on the town with a restaurant in mind. However, it is really hard to get around a city you don’t know without cellular data! Johnny and I tried to follow a map and we couldn’t find this place to save our own lives. It was honestly really frustrating because I just wanted to eat and not walk for a while lol. Eventually, we realized our Plan A was a lost cause and went into the first restaurant that had plenty of vegetarian options listed on their outdoor menu.

As far as we were concerned, Plan A was for the birds and Plan B at Ristorante Pizzeria Trattoria was where it’s at! Johnny and I both ordered the Cacio e Pepe and we got a bottle of bubbly for the table. Our servers were wonderful, the food arrived quickly, and it was absolutely delicious! I am one of those people that has a hard time pivoting from plans and Johnny is super go with the flow. My original frustration of being lost melted away as we laughed and chatted at our table and it was a firm reminder that sometimes I need to lighten up to keep making the best of inconvenient situations. This was a prime example and I tried to employ Johnny’s laid back attitude for the rest of the trip. Especially when memories like these were made:

This chill time in Cortona and Florence was exactly what we needed before a jam packed day. Our full day in Florence that followed was incredibly busy but one of the best, as all of my family agreed. Stay tuned to read all about it!

Do you like to try a lot of new foods on vacation? What kind of restaurants do you like to visit when you are traveling? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct24

Passing Time In Perugia

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Passing Time In Perugia

Hi there! After parting from Rome on our Italian vacation through AAA and Collette, the next cities we visited were Assisi and Perugia. It was a jam packed day of sightseeing and after we made our rounds in Assisi, we took a forty or so minute bus ride right to our hotel in Perugia. Our evening was ours to spend however we pleased and I think we were all looking forward to an individual night on the town. We spent our time in Perugia riding escalators in a medieval castle, shopping till we dropped (Peep my purchases tomorrow), and having a terrible meal at our hotel lol. Let’s discuss:

Our hotel was located on the outskirts of Perugia and there is only one way to get to the city center: The escalator castle! When our beloved tour guide, Savio, was describing the medieval castle with three or four escalators inside, it was genuinely hard to imagine. All of that technology in a location that has been around for centuries! In fact, it was still hard to believe even when we were climbing the escalators to be deposited in the city center. I must admit that the process to get to the heart of Perugia was a bit treacherous. The floors sloped at insane angles, the brick and cobblestone was uneven, and it kind of felt like a recipe for disaster. The name of the game was to tread carefully and while I enjoyed the experience, I was ready to get out into the open air!

Despite the semi scary mode of transport to get into the city center, I look back on my evening in Perugia most fondly. Any guesses why? The shopping, of course! As to be expected, high end stores in Italy are a dime a dozen. And, while Perugia did have some fancy stores, there were also plenty of reasonable ones to browse. I found a fabulous store called Studded that had Zara prices as well as a shoe store called TipTap where I walked away with two gorgeous new pairs of heeled boots. I was in heaven and can’t wait to show you my wearable souvenirs tomorrow! 😀

By the time we were through with our shopping, we were famished. We had plans for dinner at a restaurant in mind but couldn’t find it and opted for a meal at our hotel, instead. We returned the way we came, through escalator castle, and got back to the Sangallo Palace Hotel with bags in tow and ready to eat! All I can say is, I really wish we would have found the restaurant we originally planned on lol. This hotel meal was one of the worst I had on vacation. There was hair in the bread, my meal was freezing cold, and the waitstaff were all really rude. I was SO hungry that I finished my cold meal but felt like I needed a cup of coffee after to warm up. The glass of Prosecco only helped slightly smh.

Stop by tomorrow for my Perugia purchases! And just an FYI, I will be doing hotel reviews too so keep your eyes peeled!

Is it hard for you to find your way around in a new city? Have you had a restaurant meal recently that left a lot to be desired? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct22

Golf Cart Tour Of Rome

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Golf Cart Tour Of Rome

Hi! As you saw in yesterday’s post, our day in Rome continued after the tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica with a golf cart tour of Rome. In our tour’s itinerary, the evening was ours to do whatever our heart’s desired. You could fly solo or go out to dinner with the tour group. As we were prepping for the trip, my dad thought a golf cart tour would be fun and allow us to see all of the different landmarks in person as opposed to on the bus. We are all so glad he came up with this idea because it was SO much fun and the perfect way to see Rome! Check it out:

Our golf cart tour guide, Alessio, picked us up from our hotel promptly at five in the evening for a three hour tour of Rome. Johnny and I opted to sit in the backseat of the golf cart so we could face traffic and wave at everyone! As soon as we were buckled in, we hit the road and it was so crazy! I feel like there are no traffic rules when you drive in Rome and everyone just kind of does what they feel like lol. Our driver took us around with expert care but when we would go fast it was almost like being on a rollarcoaster! All we could do was put our hands up and enjoy the ride and we sure did. It was just really nice to do something on our own away from the group and it was so wonderful to take in the sights firsthand with the wind in our hair.

The first stop on the tour was the Colosseum and that was simply spectacular. We had seen it from the bus already but that is nothing like being outside and seeing it right before your very eyes. We spent some time taking pictures and marveling at such an incredible piece of history and then we stopped in a cute cafe for some gelato before we zipped over to the Trevi Fountain. This was my first taste of Italian gelato and the vanilla did not disappoint. It was so rich and vanilla-y and I couldn’t eat another bite by the time I was halfway done. How fabulous to see the Colosseum and have a little treat afterwards! 😀

The Trevi Fountain was our next stop and my favorite landmark of the night. I was expecting its location to be more pronounced like the Colosseum but the fountain actually emerged in the middle of a block filled with shopping. It was so random to see it in all of its glory in what felt like the middle of nothing! I don’t know if this is bad or not so you tell me but I had no idea what the Trevi Fountain looked like until that moment. I’m glad I didn’t, though, because it was even better than I could have imagined and I just wanted to dive right into the cool blue water!

After the fountain we made a few more stops at scenic areas for photo ops and ended at the Pantheon. By the time we got there, it was getting dark and it was beautiful to see the Pantheon all lit up. It wasn’t all beauty because someone in the square definitely got pick-pocketed – we could hear them yell “STOP! THIEF!” but when in Rome, I guess lol? Once we walked the space and took some pics, it was time to start heading back to the hotel and our tour guide recommended an excellent spot nearby to stop for dinner. We all could have used some real food after the gelato!

Alessio got us reservations at Terme Di Diocleziano and his recommendation was spot on. In fact, we all agreed that this was the best pizza we had in Italy, period. We got a veggie pizza, a spicy salami one for the non vegetarians, and a buffalo mozzarella and tomato which was my favorite. The crust was thin and crisp but the inside was soft, the tomato sauce was sweet, and the buffalo mozzarella was ooey gooey heaven. We barely had room for biscotti for dessert and basically had to roll ourselves back to the hotel. So worth it. 😀

Our whirlwind day in Rome concluded with a quick drink at the rooftop bar of our hotel before heading to Assisi the following morning. I was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow!

Tune in tomorrow for the next stops on our tour of Italy: Assisi by day and Perugia by night. See you then!

What is your dream vacation location? Have you been to Italy before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct21

Guided Tour Of The Vatican Museums

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Guided Tour Of The Vatican Museums

Hello! My family enjoyed the trip of a lifetime to Italy compliments of the most excellent tour through AAA and Collette. Each day of the tour was jam packed with sight seeing, amazing food, fabulous company, and so much fun! While it was exhausting to be going nonstop for days on end, it was so worth it because there was so much to do and see. Our first full day in Rome started out with a bang as we went on a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. As you all know, I am not religious in the slightest. However, I am very fond of religious art and this tour was one of my favorite highlights of the whole trip. Part of it was the sheer beauty of everything we saw but the other part was due to our wonderful tour guide, Julietta. Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

Going through the Vatican Museums was a whirlwind and, honestly, kind of overwhelming. As to be expected, it was incredibly crowded and we had to maneuver being in a large group, following Julietta, looking at everything as we quickly passed by, and still manage to listen to our guide as she gave us historical knowledge and hilarious stories. The Vatican Museums weren’t so much as a walk but a sprint as we navigated to the most well known artifacts while trying to avoid bottlenecks so we could stay within the time frame of the tour.

Because of how quickly we went through the impossibly huge Vatican Museums, the day was a bit of a blur. Everything from floor to ceiling was covered in art and I think you could spend an entire day there and still not manage to see and appreciate every single thing. Of course, one of the major highlights was seeing the Sistine Chapel and that was absolutely glorious. The Sistine Chapel is one of those landmarks that everyone knows and to be able to step inside it and see it with my own eyes is something I won’t soon forget. I also really loved staring up at all of the ceilings of the Vatican Museums which were completely adorned with paintings. They were all so detailed and elaborate and here I am proud that I can draw a stick figure!

After we visited the Vatican Museums, it was time for a well earned break for lunch and Johnny and I spent it tucked in a cozy little restaurant called Borgo Nuovo. He opted for the prosciutto pizza while I devoured a delicious pesto pasta. There is nothing like eating pasta in Italy and I savored every bite. I’m pleased to report that we were both members of the Clean Plate Club and this was one of my favorite meals because Johnny and I were together and it was like a little date. And, as delicious as the food was, it was just as delicious to sit down before a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica!

After our meal at Borgo Nuovo, it was back to the grind for St. Peter’s Basilica. Fun Fact: Our tour guide, Julietta, actually helped restore some of the marble columns in the Basilica as she is one of the leading experts in painted marble. How cool is that?! Here are some pics from the remainder of our tour:

Like the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica featured a huge crowd but this time it felt way more manageable. Rather than a million rooms at the Vatican Museums to explore, there were only a handful in the Basilica which gave the opportunity to take it all in without feeling rushed. Despite lacking religion, it was very special to be in these famous and beautiful churches. Although it was cool to see the bodies of former popes in the Basilica, my favorite thing was a no brainer… I so loved seeing the Pieta by Michelangelo. My grandparents owned a funeral home and my grandma had the most glorious tabletop replica of the Pieta where calling hours were held. It was one of my favorite items from the funeral home and to see the real life statue was breathtaking. In fact, that was one of the best parts of the entire tour for me! ❤

Our sightseeing adventure didn’t end with our guided tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. It was just getting started because my family took a golf cart tour of Rome later that evening! Read all about it tomorrow!

What is your favorite work of art? Do you live near any cool museums? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar26

New Orleans Scenery

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New Orleans Scenery

Hi! I so loved my sister trip to New Orleans and we still managed to do a lot around the city before attending my cousin’s wedding. We explored the French Quarter in its entirety and also walked through the Garden District to fantasize about the mansions we would move into. It was actually SO disappointing because we arrived in the Garden District around one fifteen and an open house finished at one o’clock. It would have been way cool to take a looksee in one of the beautiful properties! As we made our way through the city, I had to take ALL of the pictures and wanted to share the sights with you too. Take a look:

During our weekend getaway, we were averaging at least fifteen thousand steps per day. There was just so much to do and see and we wanted to drink it all in. Trust and believe when I tell you that are dogs were barking when each day came to a close! In the French Quarter, we enjoyed going to all of the different shops, markets, restaurants, and bars. Before the wedding on Saturday, we shopped till we dropped to find the perfect souvenirs for our family and ourselves too. I am beyond happy with the mask I purchased for myself and love seeing it displayed in my apartment!

After all of our shopping, we decided to take a break and had a lovely sit down right by the Mississippi River. It was so relaxing to hear the water, feel the breeze, and watch as the boats passed by. I think it was even better to sit down, though! Once we got some rest, we made the trek back to our hotel with plenty of time to spare to prep for the wedding. We also took the opportunity to lay down and watch a hilarious Hallmark movie and play along to Family Feud. It was very hard to pull ourselves from the comfort of the hotel room but as soon as we were back in the warm sun, we rallied for our cousin’s nuptials. The pre-wedding drink we got at one of the bars also helped a little. 😀

On Sunday afternoon, everything went to crap. See the story about our travel turmoil here! But, before the panic of our flight being cancelled, we went to the Garden District to pick out our new mansion home lol. Every single house was stunning but our favorite was easily the one with the flowers all over it in the picture above. How cute is that?! The houses were all so amazing from the outside that we could only imagine what the interiors looked like. I wish we could have gotten a taste of it at the open house we just missed! Smh.

Although we were on limited time for the weekend, we made the most of it with our sight seeing adventures. We had a blast but were SO ready and happy to go home!

Have you been to New Orleans? What was your favorite thing there? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct3

From Amalfi To Ibiza: A Journey Through Europe’s Iconic Coastal Getaways

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From Amalfi To Ibiza: A Journey Through Europe’s Iconic Coastal Getaways

Europe’s coast is a patchwork of beautiful landscapes, cultures, and views. From the Amalfi Coast’s cliffs to Ibiza’s beaches, a trip to these iconic coastlines is a chance to relax, explore and sunbathe. Each has its magic so whether you’re a beach lover or an adventurer this guide will take you through some of Europe’s most iconic coastlines and what makes each one special:

1) Amalfi Coast, Italy:                                                            

The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline in southern Italy that has been a favorite with travelers for years. Famous for its villages like Positano and Ravello, the Amalfi Coast has cliffs that plunge into the Mediterranean Sea. Here you can eat fresh seafood, shop in charming boutiques, and enjoy views from cliff-top terraces. Whether you’re wandering the narrow streets of Amalfi or lounging on the beach with a good book the area has the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Don’t forget to pack your swimwear for a dip in the blue waters!

2) Costa Brava, Spain:        

In northeastern Spain, Costa Brava is known for its rugged coastline, hidden coves, and fishing villages. From the French border to the bustling city of Barcelona, this region has something for everyone, especially when planning a road trip never to forget. Spend your days on beautiful beaches like Cala Montjoi with its turquoise waters and cliffs or take a leisurely walk along the coastal paths that reveal stunning views of the Mediterranean. Costa Brava is also steeped in culture with Salvador Dalí’s surrealist art and the medieval castles of Tossa de Mar giving a glimpse into the region’s history.

3) French Riviera, France:        

The French Riviera or Côte d’Azur is all about glamour and luxury. Along the southern coast of France, this beautiful region is home to glamorous cities like Nice, Cannes, and Monaco. The beaches are lined with beach clubs and restaurants so you can sunbathe and people watch. You can try water sports like jet skiing or sailing or simply relax on the sand with a glass of rosé in hand. The views of the Mediterranean, the nightlife, and the cultural experiences make the French Riviera a must-stop on your coastal journey.

4) Ibiza, Spain:        

Famous for its nightlife and beaches, Ibiza is the jewel of the Balearic Islands. This island has the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. Spend your days on iconic beaches like Playa d’ Bossa or Cala Comte where you can sunbathe at beach side bars. As the sun sets, Ibiza becomes a party destination with world-famous clubs like Pacha and Amnesia drawing crowds from all over the world. But the island also has peaceful spots like the charming village of Santa Gertrudis where you can eat local food and enjoy art in a quiet atmosphere.

Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the towns, or party the night away this coastal journey has it all. So pack your bags, gather your friends, and get ready for a trip you’ll be talking about for years to come!

Featured Image By: Pexels