As my 4-month adventure comes to an end, I find myself reminiscing about the incredible experiences I’ve had and the breathtaking places I’ve visited. From ancient cities steeped in history to awe-inspiring natural landscapes, this journey has been nothing short of magical. Here are some of my most cherished memories from this unforgettable trip:
Hiking the Dolomites, Italy – Surrounded by towering peaks and crystal-clear alpine lakes, the Dolomites were a dream come true for my love of the mountains. Whether it was taking in the views or learning about the local apple industry, my time in the Dolomites was a perfect mix of adventure and serenity.
Exploring Venice by Boat – Gliding through the canals of Venice in a gondola was everything I imagined. The city’s timeless charm, with its narrow streets and historic architecture, made me feel like I was stepping into another era. Venice’s unique beauty and vibrant energy made it a highlight of my trip.
The Climb to St. Peter’s Dome in Rome – Scaling the 500+ steps to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica was no small feat, but the panoramic views of Rome from the top were absolutely worth it. The grandeur of the Vatican Museum, and all the masterpieces in St. Peter’s is definitely someone should experience once in their life.
Wandering through the Ancient Ruins of Pompeii – Standing in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, I could almost feel the presence of the ancient Romans who once lived in Pompeii before the catastrophic eruption in 79 AD. It was both haunting and fascinating to explore the well-preserved ruins of this once-thriving city.
Gelato in San Gimignano – Let’s be honest, Italian gelato deserves its own special place on any list of favorites! My favorite gelato was the Bailey’s Irish Crème in San Gimignano. The shop calls itself the best gelato in the world, and they weren’t kidding.
Cooking Class in Florence – I loved the 3 hours I spent learning how to make fresh homemade pasta and lasagna. It was so fun to cook, enjoying a couple glasses of wine and laughing with people from all over the world while you need pasta dough. Truly a fun experience.
The Swiss Alps from Lake Zurich – My boat ride on Lake Zurich was a peaceful escape into the beauty of nature. The fresh mountain air and stunning views of the Swiss Alps provided a perfect contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life, making Switzerland one of my favorite stops along the way.
The Fairy-Tale Castles of Bavaria, Germany – Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany felt like stepping straight into a fairy tale. This iconic castle, with its towering spires and storybook setting, was the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. The nearby Linderhof Palace was equally captivating, with its opulent design and lush gardens.
A Bike Ride through Amsterdam’s Countryside – This was one of my favorite excursions. Experiencing Amsterdams countryside, seeing how they make Gouda cheese, and trying out how they make their traditional clogs was so much fun.
Exploring London with Kate – There is nothing better than making memories with my daughter, and this was no exception. Kate loves London, and it was such a joy to explore London with her for 8 days. From street markets, to the English pub to watch the England vs Spain soccer game, we had a wonderful time!
Sound of Music Memory Lane in Austria – Going on a day trip visiting all the locations where they filmed the movie ‘Sound of Music’. It was such an emotional day, because it reminded me so much of my mom, who passed in 2022. She loved musicals, and Sound of Music was her favorite.
Exploring Scotland – From the ancient streets of Edinburgh with its medieval castles, hidden alleyways, and striking architecture to the Rainforests outside Dunoon and Dunnottar Castle located on a cliff. I loved spending a month in Scotland truly exploring this beautiful country.
This journey has been full of so many incredible moments, from the bustling cities to serene landscapes, with each experience adding something special to my adventure. As I prepare to return home, I’ll carry these memories with me and look forward to future travels, with a heart full of gratitude for the amazing places I’ve been fortunate enough to visit. I am also grateful for all the ways I have grown as there is something about solo traveling that empowers you, expands you and grows you in ways you can’t ever predict.
