DB Family Europe Grand Tour 22

A 85-day adventure by Amy, Polka, Eo and 3 others Read more

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Trip start
April 26, 2022
DB Family Europe Grand Tour 22
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Sunday, February 20, 2022 at 4:23 PM
⛅ 45 °F
Altitude: 262 ft
United States Straub Nature Park Park 44.9635, -123.0844°57’49” N 123°4’48” W
Our Grand Tour Plan
February 20, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 45 °F
Is it crazy to think about a 12 week, 12 country journey through Europe right now? Maybe, but our girls are getting older and we want to make memories. This trip is a year in the making and we're 66 days out! Finalizing flight plans (after they canceled our first leg and I had to spend hours on the phone getting something rebooked), double-checking our lodging, and making choices about what we want to see!

UK (Scotland and England), France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Romania, Hungary, Croatia, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, here we come!Read more
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Day 1
Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 4:45 AM
⛅ 45 °F
Altitude: Sea level
United States Portland International Airport 45.58713, -122.5927845°35’14” N 122°35’34” W
Here we go!
April 26, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 45 °F
The clouds over England were amazing at sunrise!
And away you go! [Jack D.]
4/27/22Reply
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Day 2
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 4:12 PM
☀️ 52 °F
Altitude: 312 ft
Scotland Princes Street Garden 55.94848, -3.193555°56’55” N 3°11’37” W
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The Adventure Begins in Edinburgh
April 27, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 52 °F
We've been mostly awake for almost 30 hours now. We're trying to get on track as soon as possible so we still need to stay up for a few hours, so we decided to head straight for Edinburgh Castle. It's a gorgeously sunny day! We found some Latin in St. Margaret's Chapel, saw the huge cannon Mod Meg, the Crown jewels and Stone of Destiny, and the room where King James IV (as in KJV) was born.Read more
The Scottish bagpiper looks pretty dapper. Soft music to stay awake with. You will need some rest now that you have crossed the pond and started the adventure. [Grandpa Bruce]
4/27/22Reply
Off to a great start! You all look pretty good for that long without sleep! [Pamela D.]
4/27/22Reply
Traveler She could fit in there.....easily.
4/28/22Reply
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Day 2
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 5:56 PM
☀️ 50 °F
Altitude: 325 ft
Scotland Old Town 55.94796, -3.1943255°56’53” N 3°11’40” W
Fish and Chips and Haggis
April 27, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 50 °F
We ate at Bertie's and the fish and chips were great! I also liked the haggis, but that got mixed reviews from the girls. - Sean
No thanks on the haggis:) [Pamela D.]
4/27/22Reply
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Day 2
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
☁️ 43 °F
Altitude: 315 ft
Scotland Old Town 55.948037, -3.19404455°56’53” N 3°11’39” W
Lodging: Cosy flat near Edinburgh castle
April 27, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 43 °F
ALTIDO is delighted to welcome you to this charming flat ideally located in the heart of Edinburgh, where city life awaits you around every corner. The area is very handy for visiting all the city’s best attractions, including Edinburgh Castle and Grassmarket. Edinburgh Waverley train station is a short 9-minute walk. The property consists of 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, an inviting living room, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a cosy dining area. Essentials, linen, towels, TV, and WiFi are provided.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/14565705Read more
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Day 3
Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 9:00 AM
☀️ 43 °F
Altitude: 702 ft
Scotland Arthur's Seat 55.94408, -3.1618355°56’39” N 3°9’43” W
Scotchbroom
April 28, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 43 °F
Look, there's scotchbroom everywhere in Scotland! Should have kept it here!
TravelerI totally agree!!!
4/30/22Reply
TravelerWe took this picture just for you.
4/30/22Reply
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Day 3
Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 10:00 AM
⛅ 46 °F
Altitude: 131 ft
Scotland Palace of Holyroodhouse 55.95269, -3.1716155°57’10” N 3°10’18” W
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Holyrood House and Scottish Parliament
April 28, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 46 °F
The grounds of Holyrood House at the bottom of the Royal Mile are beautiful! We also stopped by the Scottish Parliament.

Ah, Holyrood Palace or, as it's formally known, the Palace of Holyroodhouse! Situated at the end of Edinburgh's storied Royal Mile, this isn't just a relic from the past—it's a living, breathing center of Scottish life. Originally established as a monastery in 1128, Holyrood has been the stage for key players in Scotland's rich history, from Mary, Queen of Scots, to Bonnie Prince Charlie. Today, it serves as the Queen's official residence in Scotland, where she performs various state ceremonies and hosts dignitaries. But even when Her Majesty is not in residence, the palace opens its doors to the public. As you walk through the opulent rooms, adorned with intricate tapestries and historic artifacts, you're plunged into stories of power, tragedy, and romance. Don't forget to step outside and explore the peaceful gardens—a lush retreat in the heart of Edinburgh. Whether you're a history aficionado or simply seeking a touch of today's royal life melded with historical grandeur, Holyrood Palace offers an experience that marries Scotland's past and present.Read more
Traveler You can see "IR5" below the unicorn (the national animal of Scotland, because only a unicorn can defeat a lion). This stands for Iacobus Rex 5, or King James the 5th.
4/29/22Reply
Traveler Very nice.
4/30/22Reply
Traveler Interesting
4/30/22Reply
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Day 3
Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 10:44 AM
⛅ 48 °F
Altitude: 344 ft
Scotland Princes Street Garden 55.94886, -3.1947755°56’56” N 3°11’41” W
Tollbooth Kirk
April 28, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 48 °F
- Willow

-----

This eye-catching, Gothic structure stands like a sentinel at the top of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, near the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Built in the 19th century as a church, it's no longer a place of worship but still serves a vital role in the community as The Hub, Edinburgh’s Festival Centre. With its spire soaring to the sky, it's hard to miss and provides a unique blend of old and new. Inside, you'll find a café and information center, making it a convenient pitstop for festival-goers and curious travelers alike. Whether you're in town for the renowned Edinburgh Festival or just meandering down the historic Royal Mile, the Tollbooth Kirk—now The Hub—offers a charming blend of Scottish culture, history, and modern-day festivities.Read more
TravelerThis is not the castle, lol
4/28/22Reply
Travelerit wouldn't let me pick the church thing
4/28/22Reply
Polka Dillon: Please send to Grandpa Beebe a gothic description of something you see there in Scotland to my email address. I would be ever so grateful. [Grandpa Beebe]
4/28/22Reply
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Day 3
Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 12:00 PM
⛅ 50 °F
Altitude: 259 ft
Scotland The Royal McGregor 55.9504, -3.1867755°57’1” N 3°11’12” W
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Royal Mile
April 28, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 50 °F
St Giles Cathedral was beautiful, with a statue of Albus Dumbledore...er, I mean John Knox.

The statue of a stool is in honor of Jenny Geddes, who started a riot by throwing a stool at the bishop in church (they didn't want a bishop, England was trying to force it on them). Willow's comment: I too, would like to be remembered for my murder weapon.

Willow found her dream dress.

The story of Deacon Brodie likely inspired Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

We loved all of the tiny side streets, called closes.Read more
Traveler This is just really cool. All of it.
4/29/22Reply
I love this stained glass. [Aunt Patti]
4/29/22Reply
Traveler Definitely a Willow 👗
4/30/22Reply
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Day 3
Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 1:00 PM
☁️ 54 °F
Altitude: 285 ft
Scotland University of Edinburgh 55.94703, -3.1920955°56’49” N 3°11’32” W
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Greyfriars Graveyard
April 28, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F
We took a tour of Edinburgh's old town and went into Greyfriars Graveyard, which is now used as a public park. In the graveyard we saw the headstone of Greyfriar Bobby, a dog who allegedly stood watch over his master's grave for fourteen years. It's customary for people to leave sticks on his grave for him to play fetch in the after lifeRead more
Traveler Is that in old town?
4/28/22Reply
Travelerit is
4/28/22Reply
The Greyfriar's Bobby movie is worth watching:) Hard to comprehend the estimated number of people buried there! [Pamela D.]
4/28/22Reply
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Day 3
Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 1:00 PM
☁️ 52 °F
Altitude: 249 ft
Scotland Princes Street Garden 55.94738, -3.1959555°56’51” N 3°11’45” W
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Edinburgh AirBnB
April 28, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F
The views from our room
Beautiful. [Aunt Patti]
4/29/22Reply
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Day 3
Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 1:30 PM
☁️ 54 °F
Altitude: 269 ft
Scotland Old Town 55.94833, -3.1916755°56’54” N 3°11’30” W
Lunch at Cafe Andaluz
April 28, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F
Delicious Tapas - Sean
Looks tasty. [Pamela D.]
4/28/22Reply
Looks delicious. [Aunt Patti]
4/29/22Reply
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Day 3
Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 1:32 PM
☁️ 54 °F
Altitude: 266 ft
Scotland Old Town 55.94809, -3.1921355°56’53” N 3°11’32” W
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Grassmarket
April 28, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F
We're staying at Grassmarket. Our room are those paned windows up at the very very top. We have quite a spiral staircase to climb every time we go up. This was originally the hanging square.

The pub called The Last Drop is where people had their last drink before execution, and as you can see, the last drop of the hanging itself.

Maggie Dickson famously survived a hanging (for adultery after her husband disappeared at sea), and a lawyer successfully argued that the law said she only had to hang for 30 minutes, not that she had to be dead at the end. She continued to live in Edinburgh for another 40 years, where she became a local celebrity and received the highest honor of all - to have a pub named after her.

Despite it's rather macabre history, it's a beautiful little square.Read more
Well, we hope the’ll be no hanging of your party while you are there! Nice room with a view. I especially like the idea of the Beehive Inn. Is that an eatery only or a pub with rooms to rent? “I will say of the LORD, He is mr refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” Psalm 91:2 [Grandpa Beebe]
4/28/22Reply
Bet it's a great view from those windows! [Pamela D.]
4/28/22Reply
So many beautiful places. [Aunt Patti]
4/29/22Reply
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Day 3
Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 4:00 PM
☁️ 55 °F
Altitude: 325 ft
Scotland Princes Street Garden 55.94903, -3.195655°56’57” N 3°11’44” W
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Anya's Favorite Illusion
April 28, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F
Where she was taller than Willow...
hahahaha! [Pamela D.]
4/29/22Reply
Even shorter! [Pamela D.]
4/29/22Reply
TravelerLove it
4/29/22Reply
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Day 3
Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 4:00 PM
☁️ 55 °F
Altitude: 325 ft
Scotland Princes Street Garden 55.94903, -3.195655°56’57” N 3°11’44” W
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Camera Obscura
April 28, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F
This house of illusions right next to Edinburgh Castle has one of the few remaining Camera Obscuras. The woman who invented it was almost accused of witchcraft when people saw the moving pictures. It was a neat demonstration and I'm going to have to look up how it works more!Read more
I love this picture! [Pamela D.]
4/29/22Reply
Wow! Not sure about this effect:) [Pamela D.]
4/29/22Reply
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Day 3
Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 6:00 PM
☁️ 52 °F
Altitude: 351 ft
Scotland Edinburgh Castle 55.9487, -3.2004255°56’55” N 3°12’2” W
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More pictures of Edinburgh Castle
April 28, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F
The picture of Edinburgh Castle on the rock is my favorite from our visit. - Sean
It's beautiful. [Pamela D.]
4/29/22Reply
Wow. [Aunt Patti]
4/29/22Reply
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Day 3
Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 6:30 PM
☁️ 52 °F
Altitude: 331 ft
Scotland St Giles' Cathedral 55.94948, -3.1908555°56’58” N 3°11’27” W
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Dark History Tour
April 28, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F
Don't worry, Éowyn had headphones on and listened to the Encanto soundtrack. We had the BEST guide, Jenn, and she led a group sing along of We Don't Talk About Bruno down the walkway to the Royal Mile.

We learned about body snatching, the witch hunts in Scotland, a vampire, Mary Queen of Scots, Enlightenment philosopher David Hume, hangings, and a little bit about Adam Smith, the first philosopher to talk about capitalism.

Éowyn was used to demonstrate why children rarely had to worry about body snatching - not enough bang for your buck.

Willow and Jenn really hit it off and spent most of the time between locations chatting.

Willow got to put Sean's thumbs to the screws to see if he would confess to being a witch.Read more
Traveler Yes, that's Abraham Lincoln in a graveyard in Edinburgh. It's a monument to the Scots that died fighting for the Union.
4/29/22Reply
This looks so fun and informative. Love the video of Sean and Willow demonstrating the thumb screws:) I imagine Eowyn was thrilled getting to do the singalong. [Pamela D.]
4/29/22Reply
Willow looks very happy💕 [Pamela D.]
4/29/22Reply
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Day 3
Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 9:00 PM
☁️ 48 °F
Altitude: 285 ft
Scotland Old Town 55.94869, -3.1928455°56’55” N 3°11’34” W
The Birthplace of Harry Potter
April 28, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 48 °F
JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter at The Elephant House in Edinburgh. Many places inspired her, including Victoria Street right outside our room that you might notice looks a bit like Diagon Alley! Edinburgh Castle was likely the inspiration for Hogwarts, and the Ministry of Magic can be found along the Royal Mile. The graveyard at Grayfriar's is Godric's Hollow.

I also found McGonagall's Gin and Whiskey near The Elephant House (we'd already eaten so didn't go in)Read more
How fun to make all those connections to the books! I'm really enjoying the daily update and pictures❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ [Pamela D.]
4/29/22Reply
TravelerI prepped them all in the train and then uploaded once we had decent wifi. Just arrived in Inverness.
4/29/22Reply
Very cool. [Aunt Patti]
4/29/22Reply
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Day 4
Friday, April 29, 2022 at 7:00 PM
⛅ 55 °F
Altitude: 85 ft
Scotland Inverness Railway Station 57.47901, -4.2257457°28’44” N 4°13’33” W
Walk Along the River Ness
April 29, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 55 °F
Éowyn needed to run around, she told us. So we went for a walk along the river and a park in Inverness at sunset.
TravelerIt's very beautiful.
5/2/22Reply
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Day 4
Friday, April 29, 2022
⛅ 46 °F
Altitude: 66 ft
Scotland River Ness 57.475929, -4.23070757°28’33” N 4°13’51” W
Lodging: Inverness Unit by Norman
April 29, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 46 °F
Lovely spacious apartment situated a stones throw from the River Ness within the Tomnahurich St area of the City Centre. An ideal place to stay for either 2 couples or a family of 3, 4 or possibly 5 depending on ages/sleeping arrangements. There is a sofa bed in addition to the 2 double beds available. Children are very welcome. Despite being in the town centre, general feedback from guests has been that noise level is not an issue. Very central and convenient.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/26842118Read more
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Day 5
Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 11:00 AM
🌧 54 °F
Altitude: 85 ft
Scotland Inverness Railway Station 57.47901, -4.2257457°28’44” N 4°13’33” W
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Inverness Tour
April 30, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ 🌧 54 °F
Inverness is a cute little town up in the Highlands near Loch Ness. I wanted to come see it because of the ties to Outlander and the Battle of Culloden.

We took a tour this morning to find out what else is here!

Legend has it that this is where the legend of a monster in Loch Ness began. In 575 AD St. Columba came to bring the gospel to the local tribes along the river Ness. A family had just lost a son to a monster from the river. As Columba went to cross the river to offer comfort to the family, the monster attacked again. He raised his cross and forced the monster out of the river all the way to the loch, where it still lives today.

The city hall has wolves out front...and someone googly-eyed the skull under its paw. The mercat (market) column was moved in front of it, as was the "gossip stone" from the river where women used to gather to wash clothes.

Leakey's used book store looked like something right out of Harry Potter - our guide called it the most Instagrammable spot in Inverness.

Victoria Market is an indoor mall dating back to Victorian times - and there was a chocolate store with chocolate coos (cows), a rooster and little Nessies.

We finished up with the first (I'm sure not the last) gelato.Read more
Traveler She helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape
4/30/22Reply
TravelerSo much history! It's fascinating.
5/2/22Reply
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Day 5
Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 11:30 AM
🌧 54 °F
Altitude: 85 ft
Scotland Inverness Railway Station 57.47901, -4.2257457°28’44” N 4°13’33” W
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Outlander in Inverness
April 30, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ 🌧 54 °F
Feel free to skip this post if you don't want to nerd out with me over Outlander references.
Traveler They would be sat on the short tombstone-looking stone. The soldiers would use another stone as a sight.
4/30/22Reply
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Day 5
Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 12:00 PM
🌧 52 °F
Altitude: 85 ft
Scotland Inverness Railway Station 57.47901, -4.2257457°28’44” N 4°13’33” W
Rohan
April 30, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ 🌧 52 °F
Éowyn was confused when I told her she had to stop so I could take a picture here.
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Day 5
Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 3:00 PM
🌧 48 °F
Altitude: 66 ft
Scotland River Enrick 57.32411, -4.4419957°19’27” N 4°26’31” W
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Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
April 30, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ 🌧 48 °F
The only Loch Ness monster we spotted was a swan. Urquhart Castle was very neat! Although in ruins, that just made it more picturesque.

Looks like we missed Nessie by just a few days - this is exactly where we were this afternoon!

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.dailymail.co.u…Read more
Traveler A replica of a 'knight's jug' with a fragment of the original decorated medieval tableware that was discarded here.
4/30/22Reply
TravelerNice!
5/2/22Reply
Traveler Wow!!!
4/30/22Reply
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Day 5
Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 3:07 PM
🌧 50 °F
Altitude: 26 ft
Scotland River Ness 57.47867, -4.2281557°28’43” N 4°13’41” W
Firsts
April 30, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ 🌧 50 °F
In the last few days, this girl has gone to a new continent for the first time, ridden on a train for the first time, and is now super excited to ride on a bus for the first time (we're on the way to Loch Ness to look for Nessie).Read more
TravelerWonderful to see her so excited.
5/2/22Reply
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