Europe 2024

A 95-day adventure by Wendy Read more

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Day 27
Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 12:29 AM
🌬 26 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Greece Livadia Beach 37.090746, 25.156637°5’27” N 25°9’24” E
24th August Milos
August 25, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌬 26 °C
Had 6 hours to fill in from the time we needed to be out of our hotel & when we would be picked up for our next ferry experience. Left our luggage at the hotel & headed to the beach for a few hours where we were lucky enough to find a bit of shade from a bars umbrella. Then had a bite of lunch at the bar that had provided us shade & used their toilet to get changed in. Made it to the ferry & pleasantly surprised when it was a smaller ferry that didn't take vehicles so was easier to board but complete mayhem with the luggage. It was a pretty rough trip & very hot on the ferry then lots of people got seasick. Fortunately I had packed our neck fans in our back pack so think that saved us from joining them with the help of ginger lollies. Finally got to our hotel in Milos after 9.30pm, went out for a quick dinner then unpacked & fell into bed about 12.30.Read more
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Day 27
Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 8:53 PM
🌙 26 °C
Altitude: 6 m
Greece Neochori 36.726376, 24.45183136°43’35” N 24°27’7” E
25th August Milos
August 25, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌙 26 °C
Slow start today with an excellent balcony off our room for drying washing then wandered down the road for fresh supplies of wine & water. Joined our boat trip to Kleftiko it was very windy & I thought we were in for another paper bag trip. Surprisingly once under way it was pretty good. Milos has an amazing volcanic landscape. Unfortunately we are unable to swim through the caves but did manage to swim off the back of the boat which was amazing (especially to get our non swimmer in also). Returned home for a much needed shower then dinner at a great taverna which we had to queue to get into but that was ok as they brought us wine while in line. Nice meal then finished the night with a wine on the rooftop terrace of the hotelRead more
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Day 29
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 1:45 AM
🌙 26 °C
Altitude: 6 m
Greece Neochori 36.726491, 24.45191336°43’35” N 24°27’7” E
26th August Milos
August 27, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌙 26 °C
Caught the local bus to the other side of the island this morning & visited Kostantakis Cave Winery & enjoyed a tasting of their wines. Had some lunch beside the water where Jeff had a pot of mussels. Back to the hotel for a nana nap. Went to a local taverna for an amazing meal, big jug of wine with little cups felt like we were drinking forever to find the bottom of the jug. Feeling somewhat over full but lovely eveningRead more
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Day 30
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 1:58 AM
🌙 25 °C
Altitude: 6 m
Greece Neochori 36.726404, 24.4518636°43’35” N 24°27’7” E
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27th August Milos
August 28, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌙 25 °C
Had a tour of the island today, the main source of employment on the island is mining, the French mine all the minerals from the volcanic material which forms the island. Then we went on to the volcanic swimming pool Papafragus, & the moon landscape of Sarakinko which was formed by a lava flow but is bleached white. Finishing up at a little fishing village where the old cave boat garages have now been turned into accommodation.Read more
Traveler Just like travel guides
8/29/24Reply
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Day 30
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 9:39 PM
🌙 26 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Greece Kalamítsi 36.772485, 24.55154936°46’21” N 24°33’6” E
28th August Santorini
August 28, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌙 26 °C
Started the day with a catch up with family & continued our home water leak saga. Then onto another chaotic ferry to Santorini. Have the most stunning views from our room & will be a lovely way to say goodbye to Greece for a while. Once settled in we made our way through the maze of steps & lifts until we found the pool. Watched the sunset from our terrace with a drink before finding a restaurant for dinner. Had a magnificent tuna meal just at the top of our steps, somehow managed to get a free glass of wine each.Read more
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Day 32
Friday, August 30, 2024 at 7:45 PM
☀️ 27 °C
Altitude: 210 m
Greece Mesariá 36.394955, 25.43841736°23’42” N 25°26’18” E
29th August Santorini
August 30, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
Had a wander around Imerovigli then got too hot so headed back to the hotel for the afternoon at the pool. Finding internet coverage pretty frustrating as almost non existent. Went to The Greek Wedding Show starting at 9.30pm & became part of the family for the night. Was a great interactive show with singing, dancing & plate smashing for all to be involved in. Finally made it home about 12.30amRead more
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Day 32
Friday, August 30, 2024 at 8:04 PM
🌙 27 °C
Altitude: 133 m
Greece Megalochori 36.366331, 25.42801836°21’59” N 25°25’41” E
30th August Santorini
August 30, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌙 27 °C
Up early this morning for a tour of the island. Santorini had the 2nd largest volcanic eruption in history. We went to a little village with a labyrinth of little alleyways to get lost in. Had lunch at a Perissa beach which was lovely but black sand. Did a wine tasting of Santorini wines & finished up in Oia to watch the sunset. Back at the hotel to pack bags & into bed about 11.30pm & set the alarm for 3am for flight to MadridRead more
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Day 33
Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 2:04 PM
☀️ 27 °C
Altitude: 34 m
Greece Santorini Airport 36.403524, 25.47320836°24’13” N 25°28’24” E
31st August Madrid
August 31, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
After about 2 hours sleep we arrived at Santorini Airport got hit for 60 euro extra baggage this time (we did for some reason get the last excess baggage payment returned to our account?). Made it to Madrid but struggling with suitcases as 1 has 2 wheels with flat side & the other case has a broken wheel - to replace or not to replace is the question. Met some of the people on our tour at the airport. Wheels on 1 case disintegrated so decision made (thanks Greek ferries). Got to hotel & found vanity plug wouldn't hold water when trying to do some washing - plan b use the rubbish bin in the shower then rinse off & ring out. Turned Hilton hotel room into laundry. Rushed out brought new suitcase & Sim card for phone then out to dinner with our tour group & dropped into bed.Read more
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Day 34
Sunday, September 1, 2024 at 11:28 PM
🌙 23 °C
Altitude: 614 m
Spain Olías del Rey 39.937944, -3.9985639°56’17” N 3°59’55” W
1st September Madrid
September 1, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 23 °C
Early start this morning with a tour to Toledo, this old town still has a large population living within the narrow roadways. Then toured around Madrid before stopping at the Prado Museum which was fantastic. Had a quiet dinner on our own.Read more
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Day 35
Monday, September 2, 2024 at 7:21 PM
⛅ 26 °C
Altitude: 908 m
Spain Arroyo de la Pradovera 40.64922, -4.06908640°38’57” N 4°4’9” W
2nd September Salamander
September 2, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
Slept in this morning so was a little stressful getting packed & organised but made it to the bus on time to find our tour director had a stroke & was in hospital. So our driver had to take over unfortunately we missed out on any commentary along the drive. Stopped at Serogovia & was guided through the old town & the aqueduct. After sampling the local wine recommended by the local guide with a bite of lunch I had a nana nap on the bus to Salamanca. Went on a guided evening walk of the lovely city mainly based around the university then had a few drinks & tapas for dinner.Read more
TravelerWe loved Salamanca. Was the farting elephant still in the square?
9/4/24Reply
TravelerDidn't see him must have blown away
9/4/24Reply
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Day 36
Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 10:33 PM
🌙 18 °C
Altitude: 471 m
Portugal Cambra de Baixo 40.680484, -8.16890240°40’50” N 8°10’8” W
3rd September Porto
September 3, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 18 °C
Left Salamanca at a little more leisurely pace with a new tour director for the day (appears we will have several tour directors on the trip as they try to fill the gap). Traveled to Porto had lunch of the Portuguese sandwich Francesinha & a green wine Vinho Verde very nice. Did a port wine tour & tasting then went to our hotel. Took a walk to the bridge then had a group dinner in the hotel so a little earlier to bed.Read more
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Day 37
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 8:46 PM
🌙 19 °C
Altitude: 39 m
Portugal Pisão 40.307414, -8.48816440°18’27” N 8°29’17” W
4th September Lisbon
September 4, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 19 °C
First stop today was Fatima & a visit to the Basilica. Lunch stop in lovely spot called Obidos & the aqueduct that is still used today then onto Lisbon. Caught up on a few emails & some washing then slipped out for an easy dinner & early night.Read more
TravelerWe stayed a night in the castle at Obidos many moons ago
9/5/24Reply
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Day 38
Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 10:37 PM
🌬 17 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Portugal Museu Nacional dos Coches 38.69687, -9.19921238°41’49” N 9°11’57” W
5th September Lisbon
September 5, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ 🌬 17 °C
Toured Lisbon this morning we went to the carriage museum & saw the oldest coach in the world also the 1st taxi of Lisbon. We were then given an original Portuguese custard tart which was amazing. Stopped at Cascais for lunch nice expensive part on the outskirts of Lisbon. Visited the palace then headed back to the hotel to pack. Went to a little restaurant for dinner which was really good & got free Portuguese liquorsRead more
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Day 39
Friday, September 6, 2024 at 9:23 PM
🌙 18 °C
Altitude: 365 m
Portugal Aldeia do Pombal 38.89842, -7.20414338°53’54” N 7°12’15” W
6th September Seville
September 6, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 18 °C
Had a very early start this morning with bags needing to be out for collection by 6.30am. Left Lisbon for Seville crossed the boarder & lost an hour hence the early start. Upon arrival in Seville we did a tour of the cathedral which is the 3rd largest cathedral in world & magnificent. Had a quiet dinner at a local restaurant which we really enjoyedRead more
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Day 40
Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 6:27 PM
☁️ 28 °C
Altitude: 62 m
Spain Hacienda de Tarazona 37.440845, -5.79595237°26’27” N 5°47’45” W
7th September Seville
September 7, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C
Got a new tour director today that will now be with us until the end of the tour. Did a tour to Cordoba to see the huge mosque built in the 8th century which was taken over by the catholic church who built a cathedral inside it. We were to go to a Flamingo lesson & show but there was a small hiccup in the timings so we were taken to the Spanish Plaza built in less than a year in 1929 & then Insight shouted us to tapas & drinks before going to the Flamingo lesson & show a little later than plannedRead more
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Day 41
Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 9:22 PM
🌙 23 °C
Altitude: 20 m
Gibraltar American War Memorial 36.143967, -5.35483636°8’38” N 5°21’17” W
8th September Torremolinas
September 8, 2024 in Gibraltar ⋅ 🌙 23 °C
Crossed the boarder into Gibraltar which is 65% reclaimed land, you can see Morroco & Spain all from British territory. Had a great tour around the rock & up to the caves - we didn't venture too far in as was told don't stand still or the snakes & scorpions crawl up your legs, saw the monkeys & returned to town for a British fish & chip lunch before crossing the boarder back into Spain. It is amazing that the rock is full of tunnels that during war times hospitals & towns were built in the tunnels & these tunnels are still used today by the Americans & British navies. Then headed to Torremolinos & dinner with the group.Read more
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Day 42
Monday, September 9, 2024 at 8:26 PM
☀️ 29 °C
Altitude: 132 m
Spain castle Gibralfaro 36.723542, -4.41001936°43’25” N 4°24’36” W
9th September Torremolinos
September 9, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Had a slower start today with a trip to Malaga & visited Pablo Pissaco.
Costa del sol has 325 days of sunshine a year. Had a lazy afternoon at the pool before finding a barber shop for Jeff & some dinner. Was nice to recharge the batteries. I really wish that the European hand basins had plugs that hold water as had to resort to washing our clothes in the bidet.Read more
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Day 43
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 7:31 PM
☀️ 27 °C
Altitude: 278 m
Spain Casabermeja 36.827127, -4.44450436°49’38” N 4°26’40” W
10th September Granada
September 10, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
Easy start again this morning first stop a little village where we were given a coffee with either brandy or bailey's good way to start the day at 9.45am. We then climbed to 3000 ft & visited a olive oil processing plant & onto a mountain village where in smaller groups went into local homes & the lady of the house produced a 5 course lunch with wine & finished with their homemade liquor, this was a really unique & wonderful experience. Then onto Alicante to see the lovely palaces but after such a big meal the walk was exhausting. Arrived at the hotel with time for a quick shower before Insight's drinks & tapas, then went down the road with some American friends on the tour for a salad & walk around the area with lots of laughsRead more
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Day 44
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 7:00 PM
☀️ 25 °C
Altitude: 976 m
Spain Guadix 37.320574, -3.11831337°19’14” N 3°7’6” W
11th September Valencia
September 11, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
Long driving day today from Granada to Valencia about 5 hours so a few bathroom stops along the way & a movie on the coach to pass the time not to mention a nana nap. Had a tour of the city & a Paella lesson followed by dinner including the Paella. Finished up with a drink at the rooftop bar to see the view.Read more
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Day 45
Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 6:02 PM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Spain Penya-Roja 39.460894, -0.35302639°27’39” N 0°21’11” W
12th September Barcelona
September 12, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
Stopped at a small resort area for a break called Peniscola then a lunch break before stopping at a cava Winery for a look at their museum & processing of the wine, afterwards we had a tasting session with nibbles. Onto Barcelona where our accommodation is about 20 minutes out of the city due to the America's cup & a huge cancer conference there is no accommodation available. Insight are compensating us by offering 2 of the optional tours in Barcelona for free & will also drop us into the city on our final morning closer to the hotel we are moving to. Did the Park Guell tour which was fascinating before dinner at the Port & returned to our average hotel.Read more
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Day 46
Friday, September 13, 2024 at 9:17 PM
🌙 18 °C
Altitude: 74 m
Spain Abrera 41.501259, 1.90870541°30’5” N 1°54’31” E
13th September Barcelona
September 13, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 18 °C
Went up the mountain to Montserrat amazing scenery & the ability to build the church & monestry on such a landscape. Returned to Barcelona for a city tour visited Sagrada Familia which is just mind blowing , it's magnificent architecture, then after Gaudi died this work has continued & won't be completed until 2033. Gaudi did not believe in straight lines therefore all his work at Park Guell & Sagrada Familia is amazing with curves & the details are mind blowing. I think you could look at these buildings for hours & continue to see different details. Our final group dinner was not the best at our pretty average hotel but with the help of a few bottles of wine we had a good night.Read more
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Day 47
Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 8:29 PM
🌙 22 °C
Altitude: 7 m
Spain el Besòs i el Maresme 41.421793, 2.22044241°25’18” N 2°13’14” E
14th September Barcelona
September 14, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 22 °C
We were dropped off in Barcelona & took a short taxi ride to our hotel, where we left our bags & walked down to the waterfront. We were in time to see some of the America's cup boats heading out to race. We walked around the waterfront to the cablecar & took the ride to the top & sat having a drink & something to eat while watching the racing from a distance. We managed to get a Lionel Messi shirt for Grayson & got a really good deal on another suitcase. Brought some cheap wine & some fruit for breakfast & enjoyed a nice dinner just down the road.Read more
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Day 48
Sunday, September 15, 2024 at 9:10 PM
🌙 20 °C
Altitude: 83 m
Spain Basílica de Sant Feliu 41.988145, 2.82402341°59’17” N 2°49’26” E
15th September Barcelona
September 15, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 20 °C
Did a day tour out of Barcelona 1st stop Girona a pretty town with the old city wall which we climbed up to & walked part of it. Next stop in the middle of nowhere was Peratallada where we wandered the labyrinth of alleyways & stopped for a beer & awful coffee before climbing to the top of the tower. Had lunch at Calella de Palafrugell nice seaside town on the Costa Brava this was a nice relaxing day. Found a nice restaurant for dinner where Jeff order a big beer which turned out to be 1 litre - could be up all night.....Read more
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Day 50
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 3:01 AM
🌙 17 °C
Altitude: 24 m
Spain Teatre Poliorama 41.383879, 2.17142141°23’2” N 2°10’17” E
16th September Barcelona
September 17, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 17 °C
Had a bit of a lay in today then headed out to join a free walking tour of the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. This is the original Barcelona before the more modern part was built. We then had a nice tapas lunch & returned to the hotel to pack & have a lazy afternoon catching up on emails & bills before another nice dinnerRead more
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Day 50
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 8:42 PM
☁️ 20 °C
Altitude: 27 m
Spain Barcelona Sants Railway Station 41.379462, 2.14013541°22’46” N 2°8’24” E
17th September Madrid
September 17, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
Transfer to the train arrived early so had to rush the last packing & check out. Got to train station & got stopped at security & taken to a side room as had 2 glass bottles of beer in my back pack they thought were gas cylinders (I think as English wasn't very good) but when found it was beer didn't care - was a bit scary as they were carrying guns. Then Jeff lost a hearing aid & had to get him back out through security to look for it twice as hadn't checked the toilet but still couldn't find it until in the queue for the train & it magically appeared in his ear. Got on train & stowed luggage, travelled 1st class so had a few wines & some lunch. Settled into the hotel for 4 nights & took a walk to find some tapas for dinnerRead more
TravelerNever encountered security at a Euro train station. Lucky you
9/19/24Reply
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