Reset search
Europe 2025
  • Soares Travels
  • Soares Travels

Europe 2025

23 days travelling through Serbia, Greece (Halkidiki), Milan, Padua & Rome Read more
FollowInsightsInsightsCalendarCalendarPhotosPhotosShareShareBucket list
Newest first
  • Trip start
    September 1, 2025
    Soares TravelsEurope 2025Traveler

    Serbia - Belgrade Day 1

    Sep 2–5, 2025 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    A sunset cruise on the Sava/Danube River provided some panoramic views of the city. The turtle boat (shaped like a turtle) crossed the confluence point of the Sava and Danube Rivers and took us onto the open waterway of the Danube River. A perfect 1.5 intro to Belgrade from a water perspective.

    Hotel: Courtyard By Marriott, Belgrade City Centre - excellent location and breakfast    Read more

  • Soares TravelsEurope 2025Traveler

    Belgrade - Day 2

    September 3, 2025 in Serbia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Experienced an incredible walking tour around the City Centre. Lots of information about the 114 wars fought by this brave nation and its evolving history and culture.

    Dinner was a delightful experience at Tri šešira. Traditional Balkan cuisine elevated in experience by the serenading of Serbian musicians. The more the world is different the more it seems the same - music unites.

    Highlights of the walking Tour:
    Republic Square:
    The main city square, home to the National Museum and National Theater, and the Prince Mihailo Monument.
    Knez Mihailova Street:
    A vibrant pedestrian area known for its 19th-century architecture, shops, and street performers.
    Skadarlija:
    Belgrade's "Bohemian Quarter," featuring cobblestone streets, traditional restaurants, and live music.
    St. Mark's Church: An impressive example of Serbo-Byzantine architecture
    Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park for history and views,    Read more

  • Soares TravelsEurope 2025Traveler

    Belgrade - Day 3

    September 4, 2025 in Serbia ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Walked the Belgrade Waterfront! It is the second largest mixed use complex under construction in Europe worth $3.5 billion.
    The project is a partnership between the Government of Serbia and an Abu Dhabi–based private investment and development company.

    Early evening cocktails at Republic Square serenaded by a young gypsy boy who had all the smarts and class not to be overbearing. He topped off his repertoire with a couple of roses made from our paper napkins. Working clever & hard for his money 🎶

    Dinner: Salaš Vinarije Zvonko Bogdan Beograd
    The restaurant Salaš at Winery Zvonko Bogdan overlooks the River Sava. The meal was an outstanding array of Serbian cuisine made even more delightful by our Bosnian friends who joined us for dinner.

    Dancing and a nightcap at Cantina de Frida before we called it a “night” at 1.30 am!

    Restaurants:
    1. Salaš Vinarije Zvonko Bogdan Beograd - outstanding meal with a view of the Sava and Danube rivers
    2. Cantina de Frida: Great band with splendid cocktails    Read more

  • Soares TravelsEurope 2025Traveler

    Serbia - day 2 of 3 in Paracin

    September 5, 2025 in Serbia ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Visited :
    1. The Monastery of the Holy Mother of God in Lesje. (the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God) above the village of Lešje is situated about ten kilometers southeast of city of Paraćin and dates back to the Middle Ages, The monastery's treasury holds a particle of the True Cross, part of the relics of the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste, and an epitrachelion of St. John of Shangha. The grounds and churches exuded a deeply spiritual aura. The presence of the Divine was strong.

    2. Grza, also known as Vrelo Grze protected nature monument located about 17 km along the Paraćin–Zaječar road, at an altitude of around 400 meters above sea level . The lush deciduous forests, moss-covered rocks, picturesque bridges, benches, and even a nearby cave contribute to the area’s tranquil and enchanting ambiance.

    Dinner: Gallery (Galleria) Restaurant in Paracin. Traditional Serbian meal of mixed meats, (the best Cevappi thus far), grilled peppers and amazing Cherry Brandy. Vesa, the owner, gave us a personal tour of this heritage restaurant built in the 1930s.    Read more

  • Soares TravelsEurope 2025Traveler

    Serbia- 3 days in Paracin

    Sep 5–8, 2025 in Serbia ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    A 2 hour drive from Belgrade to Paracin took us through the countryside of Belgrade dotted with rustic cottages and farmsteads.
    Paracin - Paraćin pronounced [pâratɕin]) is a town and municipality located in the Pomoravlje District of central Serbia. Located in the Velika Morava river valley, the town has a population of 22,349.
    Driving across a pontoon bridge was a new experience.

    We have had the honour of being hosted by Tania at her Kuća sa karakterom (House with character).

    The first evening was a Serbian feast of salads and cured meats. (Terrine, blistered peppers, potato salad, marinated cow cheese, marinated carrots and a homemade cheesecake). An evening of drinking, dancing and making new friends left our hearts overflowing with love for the beauty of Serbian hospitality. Tania’s table was exquisitely simple.    Read more

  • Soares TravelsEurope 2025Traveler

    Serbia, Paracin day 3 of 3- Despotovac

    September 7, 2025 in Serbia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    A leisurely morning sipping on slow brewed Turkish coffee, followed by an amazing lunch with Natas’s parents - Ira and Pedo.
    Our plan to bring pizza was usurped as Ira produced a homemade meal of various savoury treats accompanied by Civappi. Decadent homemade chocolate hazelnut torte and Turkish baklava rounded up a splendid meal.

    Visited a 14th century Monastery - Manasija Monastery. The architecture and fortress told a tale or two about the hard fought wars (over 114) to preserve Serbia’s independence through the ages.    Read more

  • Soares TravelsEurope 2025Traveler
    1

    Halkidiki - Afytos Adventures contd

    September 9, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    A visit to the weekly market in Kassandreia (held each Tuesday) was a lovely exposure to all things local - Ouzo, vino, pickled anchovies, dried sardines, lots of fresh seafood and vendors making a living selling clothes and home made goods. With a few litres of vino, ouzo and home baked goods stuffed into our bags we made it back to the hotel. Bougatsa from the bakery was fresh and flavourful.

    The glistening Aegean Sea, which was a bit choppy, beckoned us for a couple of hours of swimming.

    Dinner: Stroboulis Restaurant in the village of Afitos.
    Outstanding Moussaka, a seafood platter for two, fried calamari, grilled octopus and some fine vino to wash it all down! Ice cream won the dessert dilemma once again.

    Loving this town immensely!!    Read more

  • Soares TravelsEurope 2025Traveler

    Wrapping up our time in Afitos

    Sep 9–16, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Hotel: Blue Bay, Halkidiki, Afitos
    Great hotel with outstanding staff, food and service. Situated on a cliff - 170 steps to the beach!
    15 minute walk to the town centre & restaurants. This hotel is not suitable for people that are not active.

    Restaurants:
    Gallera - excellent. Grilled Oyster Mushrooms 🙌
    Strouboulis Restaurant - Excellent. Best Moussaka
    Sto Kima (located in Siviri) - Located on the beach. Great sunsets. Can swim, eat and drink whilst enjoying amazing views.
    Sparos by the Sea - Excellent seafood.
    Kardamo - Medicore at best

    Boat Tour to Mount Athos:
    Menia Maria III Athos Cruise around Mount Athos is a must do.

    Visiting and travelling around Afitos requires a car.    Read more

  • Soares TravelsEurope 2025Traveler

    Greece - Halkidiki - Afytos - 7 days

    September 9, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    6 hour drive from Paracin to Northern Macedonia. 2 border crossings and a whole lot of fun driving with our friends to our destination in Halkidiki.

    Our base for then next 7 nights is Afitos (Afytos)Halkidiki.
    Afitos is a traditional village located in Kassandra, the first of Halkidiki's three distinctive "fingers" (peninsulas) that extend into the Aegean Sea. This village, perched on a cliff, offers stunning views and preserves its traditional architecture with stone-built houses and cobbled streets.

    The term "three fingers of Greece" refers to the three peninsulas that form the Halkidiki region.
    1. Kassandra (the leftmost finger):
    This is the most developed peninsula, known for its lively nightlife, beaches, and numerous tourist facilities. It is also our home for next week.
    2. Sithonia (the middle finger):
    This peninsula is celebrated for its rugged natural beauty, secluded coves, and pristine beaches.
    3. Mount Athos (the easternmost finger):
    This is an autonomous monastic state, known for its religious significance, mountainous terrain, and over 20 monastaries.

    We were quick to jump into the Aegean Sea and bask in the balmy waters. Our 4K walk to dinner was a beautiful meander through the town.
    Post dinner we watched the blood moon rise with the stunning Aegean Sea as the backdrop.

    Dinner: Gallera. Excellent grilled Oyster mushrooms, calamari and moussaka rounded off with Greek ice cream.    Read more

  • Soares TravelsEurope 2025Traveler

    Greece, Halkidi - Siviri & Posido

    September 10, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    An incredible day swimming in the many beaches of the Kassandra Peninsula (the first finger). Stops in Possidi and Siviri. Swimming in aquamarine waters. The Aegean hospitality is heartwarming.

    Our evening at Sto Kima being ingratiated by the owner Kosta who I befriended was memorable. A stunning sunset and beautiful meal was food for the soul and spirit. The spirit was good too 😜

    Dinner: Sto Kima, Siviri 630 77, Greece    Read more

  • Soares TravelsEurope 2025Traveler

    Day boat trip around Mount Athos

    September 12, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    My 60th birthday day started off with the hotel staff singing to me at breakfast with a beautiful cake.
    We spent the day sailing the Aegean Sea and swimming in The Blue Lagoon at the Diaporous Island.

    We boarded pirate ship Maria Minea III for a trip around the third peninsula - Mount Athos. Well organized boat tour with a wholesome lunch of cevappi, Greek salad and rice included. Sailed past 20 monasteries with special attention to 4. A very informative boat ride and an incredible experience swimming in the crystal blue waters of the Blue Lagoon.

    Dinner: Spectacular dinner at Oceansides overlooking the Aegean Sea with the grand finale of being serenaded by the staff with a birthday cake.
    The day was made extra special with the kids surprising me with a bottle of champagne, fruit and 2 spas delivered to me by the hotel staff.
    A memorable 60th birthday celebration.    Read more

  • Soares TravelsEurope 2025Traveler

    Milan

    Sep 15–16, 2025 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    A delayed flight from Thessaloniki to Bergamo Airport, got us into our hotel by 7.45.
    Headed out for a splendid Milanese meal. First impressions: Milan is quite overcrowded and not too clean!

    Hotel: Andreaola Central. Excellent location. Old world charm.

    Dinner: Osteria Nanin
    Osso bucco Risotto, Lobster Ravioli and a 2021 Pinot Noir.
    Each dish had a splendid taste with an incredible fragrance.
    This could be the next Michelin Star gem in Milan. Great find. The owner went above and beyond to make us feel welcome.    Read more

  • Soares TravelsEurope 2025Traveler

    Milan - day 2

    September 16, 2025 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Spent 3 hours on a walking tour that was super informative and provided insights into the history of Milan and the unification of Italy.

    Lunch: Materia: known for its organic pizza and fresh ingredients . Did not disappoint!Read more

  • Soares TravelsEurope 2025Traveler

    Padua

    Sep 16–19, 2025 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    A 2.5 hour train ride from Milan brought us to Padua. Happy to visit my Patron Saint - San Antonio of Padua. Managed to get my favourite room overlooking the Basilica of St. Anthony. The next few days will be a combination of walking the cobble streets of Padua enjoying this old town’s arcaded streets and stylish cafes.

    A visit to the Scrovegni Chapel is a must do when visiting this City.
    The frescoes painted by Giotto di Bondone around 1303–1305 are stunning and depict a comprehensive narrative of Christian salvation, focusing on the lives of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ, culminating in the Last Judgment. Giotto arranged them in a carefully structured sequence across the chapel’s walls. 700 years later the building and frescoes are in their original form!

    Celebrating my milestone birthday with a visit to Padua was my wish which has come to fruition.

    Offering the personal intentions of my family and friends at the feet of Saint Anthony has been a privilege and honour.

    We had the most informative and intriguing walk during our visit to the botanical garden of Padua. It is the oldest university botanical garden in the world, established in 1545, to help university students study medicinal plants and observe them in vivo, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.    Read more

  • Soares TravelsEurope 2025Traveler
    1

    Day trip to Venice

    September 18, 2025 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Day trip to Venice: 30 minute train ride from Padova to Venice, Santa Lucia Station.

    Great day meandering the streets of Venice eating Cicchetti (Venetian term for tapas) stopping at various bacaros (local taverns).
    Venice has captured the tourism market making the term tourist trap very fitting.

    We managed to find a part of this City that was less crowded and made the most of the day.

    Dinner in Padova: Boho Padova Ristorante
    An upscale dining experience in a romantic garden setting. Excellent food and ambience.    Read more

  • Soares TravelsEurope 2025Traveler

    Rome- 4 days

    Sep 19–23, 2025 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    4 days in Rome. This City is so busy, touristy and overwhelming. It just can’t keep up. My fifth and probably last visit. Having said that I made the most of visiting my favourite sights and enjoying some great meals.

    The Trastevere area of Rome is vibrant and has an amazing restaurants.

    Notable Restaurants:

    1. Trattoria Vecchia Roma - an icon since 1916. Long line ups but prudently we had made a reservation. The food was outstanding. Smoked Carbonara, Paper thin pizza, amazing Tiramisu.
    2. Adriano - near the Vatican. Great spot after a visit
    3. Marco G Osteria - Outstanding flavours
    4. Tonorello - Excellent Cabornaro
    5. Osteria Emasi - Fettucine Vongole and fresh grilled Sea bass.

    A very special meal at:
    Nannarella - Trastevere area. Excellent Carbonara and Amatriciana pasta.
    We toasted and remembered fondly our larger than life nephew, Rohit (39), who passed away too soon, and has left us heartbroken. Rohit and his parents enjoyed a lovely meal here on their most recent trip to Italy. RIP darling Rohit.    Read more

  • Soares TravelsEurope 2025Traveler
    1

    Rome - it’s a wrap!

    September 20, 2025 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Wrap up of Rome in pictures.
    - Rome is indeed an open air museum. The walking tours tell a tale or two🎶
    - Best drinks: Aperol Spritz, Vino, Lambrusco
    - Best pastas: Cacio e Pepe, Pasta alla Gricia, Amatriciana, and Carbonara; each unique in flavour
    - Best Gelatarias: Giolitti, Fassi
    - Best flavours: Pistachio, Fondente, plus every other flavour we tried 😉
    - Least favourite: The crowds !!!! The Italians have lost their city to the world!
    - Most memorable: Vacationing with Nikita. Every trip with our kids is memorable and precious.
    Bella Ciao Roma!!    Read more

    Trip end
    September 23, 2025
  • 2026© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Help Center
  • Legal notice