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DB Family Europe Grand Tour 22
  • Amy DB
  • Polka Dillow
  • Eo Bodeo
  • Amy DB
  • Polka Dillow
  • Eo Bodeo
  • Sean Beebe
  • Coco Banya

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

    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

  • DB Family Europe Grand Tour 22
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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

  • DB Family Europe Grand Tour 22

    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/14565705    Read more

  • DB Family Europe Grand Tour 22
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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

  • DB Family Europe Grand Tour 22

    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

  • DB Family Europe Grand Tour 22
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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

  • DB Family Europe Grand Tour 22
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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

  • DB Family Europe Grand Tour 22
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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

  • DB Family Europe Grand Tour 22
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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

  • DB Family Europe Grand Tour 22
    Hufflepuffs1Scripture above atheist David Hume's mausoleum2Executions took place insideArthur's Seat - no one knows why it's called thisThummykinsAre you a witch?2

    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

  • DB Family Europe Grand Tour 22
    Ministry of MagicI accidentally booked us a room on Diagon Alley!

    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

  • DB Family Europe Grand Tour 22

    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/26842118    Read more

  • DB Family Europe Grand Tour 22
    Googly eyesGossip stone1Flora MacDonald statue on the grounds of Inverness Castle (closed for refurbishment)Charity, Faith, Hope (yes, in that order)Inverness CathedralLeaky's BookstoreOldest house in Inverness - dates back to the 1500'sChocolate coosYes, the entire rooster is made of chocolateOur guide, CathPizza at Black IsleUnicorn Poo gelato

    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

  • DB Family Europe Grand Tour 22
    1Sing me a song of a lass that is gone...
    We're homeschoolers. Of course we need a picture with the trebuchet.211Oh look, they knew my children were coming.Say could that lass be ICorn kilnGrant Tower1It's crazy to me how much this looks like it could be the Cascades!On the shores of Loch Ness with a swan11The biggest artifact they've foundI feel like Boaty McBoatface really needs to sail on Loch LochyWhat the castle looked like at its peak2

    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

  • DB Family Europe Grand Tour 22

    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

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