Epic Europe: Exploring the Richness of History, Culture, Walkability, and Fresh Cuisine!!

The journey typically from Seattle involves 2 flights and, including a layover of 3-4 hours, the total travel time is approx. 17-18 hours (Additional time lost due to the time zone difference on the outbound trip, which is regained on the return!)

Reminder(s):

• Traveling to Europe with young children can be challenging, especially if they're not accustomed to extensive walking. This becomes even more difficult in the summer heat. My 6-year-old often needed breaks for snacks or rest to regain energy. It's best to keep your itinerary light or be prepared to opt for taxis when necessary.

• If you're traveling during the summer months (June – August), be prepared for high temperatures and packed crowd.

• Remember to factor in over 2 days for round-trip travel, taking into account jet lag and time zone differences.

• For each new city or base change, allocate at least half a day for travel by train or car. It's best to travel light to make moving around easier, especially on trains, so try to minimize luggage and avoid large suitcases.

• When connecting flights in Europe, plan for a layover of at least 3 hours to ensure you don't miss your connection due to the time immigration and security checks might take up around 2 hours depending on various factors.

• We found taxis to be more budget-friendly compared to the US for trips to and from airports and train stations. For other trips, walking, private tours, and the excellent public transport system in Europe were our go-to options.

• In the regular class of local trains within Vienna, it's quite common to find someone already in your seat, as many passengers with train passes tend to occupy any available seats. However, they vacated the seats once we informed them that the seats had been assigned to us. Additionally, seeing passengers sitting on the floor/standing next to your seat is not an uncommon sight, which reminded me of local train experience in India.

• It's advisable to carry at least 200-300 Euros in cash for a week-long trip since smaller shops and cafes might not accept credit cards.

• We opt for the international plan upgrade of our existing mobile plan, which includes 5G data and complimentary local calls. This will be particularly useful for contacting local tour operators, hotels and similar needs as they arise.

• We always use Air tags for our luggage, particularly useful during connecting flights, and subsequently repurpose them as trackers in wristbands for our children, ensuring additional safety.

• Downloading maps and a translator app is helpful, as you might encounter many restaurants and stores that do not speak English, and you'll need to translate to communicate.

  
  

Highlight(s):

• The old but narrow streets are vibrant, filled with history, and many churches where you can hear the church bells. Everything is within walking distance or easily reachable via efficient public transport, allowing you to purchase authentic-tasting chocolates or desserts from any city.

• Every day, you can enjoy freshly squeezed orange juice directly from the machines, along with delicious fresh cheese, pastries, and chocolates, complemented by a wide variety of café and bakery options for breakfast on every street.

• Across Europe, there's a relaxed atmosphere prioritizing enjoying life over work, a perspective we greatly valued. On Sundays/observed holidays, many grocery stores and restaurants are closed, so it's wise to plan ahead.

• Dining out or shopping at grocery stores tends to be more affordable than in the States, which was advantageous for us, with fresh and authentic foods being more accessible.

• Given the absence of a tipping culture and the overall laid-back environment, expect service to be slower compared to the US.

• The streets are always lively with people, an aspect I thoroughly enjoyed and miss now that I'm back in the US.

• Each city or country has its unique culture, language, and cuisine, which can be quite appealing in their own ways, much like how every state in India may have its distinct cultural identity.

Exploring the Charm of Prague, Czech:

The warm summer weather presented some challenges for our daytime activities, but fortunately, we had periods of cloud cover that offered relief. Prague offers a cost-effective alternative to other European cities and even more so in comparison to the US, while also enriching our experiences with a diverse range of tastes and experiences. The chimney cone ice creams were a particularly pleasant find, readily available in many places. We spent three full days enjoying shopping, dining, and exploring both Prague 1 and Prague 2, which was great for overcoming jet lag. Our accommodation in the Old Town was spacious, with plenty of room to unwind and a kitchen that was perfect for quick meals.

Sharing below some highlights of our trip:

First day: Historical Wonders!! We embarked on our journey in Prague's Old Town Square, where the exquisite architecture and lively ambiance captivated us. The Prague Astronomical Clock was our next stop, showcasing its medieval engineering brilliance. We wrapped up the day with a peaceful walk across Charles Bridge, enjoying the stunning views of the Vltava River and the city skyline.

Next day: Cultural Treasures (Purchased a combined ticket for three adjacent sites)

Our exploration continued with Prague's renowned landmarks on the second day. We began at the Old Royal Palace, a site rich in history and splendor. Following that, we admired the St Vitus Cathedral, renowned for its architectural beauty and exquisite stained-glass windows. Then, we explored The Golden Lane, a quaint street with vibrant houses that were once the homes of goldsmiths and artists.

The evening was spent on a serene river cruise, offering a unique view of the city's sights. We also visited the Lennon Wall, known for its message of peace and creativity (optional). Although, we intended to visit the Petrin Tower but ended up not going.

Another day: Modern Marvels and Family Fun

We began with a visit to Prague 2 Vserhad, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city. We also admired the unique design of the Dancing House from the riverside only. The kids were excited to visit the Illusion Museum, where they had a lot of fun exploring the exhibits. To wrap up our trip, we spent the evening in Prague 1, indulging in some shopping at the Palladium, a bustling shopping center with great deals compared to the US.

Overall, during our visit to Prague, we chose to take our time and deeply immerse ourselves in the local culture instead of trying to see every tourist spot. The city offers a wealth of dining, shopping, and exploration opportunities at prices that are generally more affordable than in other European cities. We were also delighted to discover several excellent Indian restaurants near the Old Town area.

Austria

Vienna: The Most Liveable City in the World

A lovely city renowned for its quality of life and rich cultural heritage. Here's a summary of our trip:

First day: Arrival and Initial Exploration 

We arrived in Vienna in the afternoon, traveling by train from Prague. Our accommodation was an Airbnb right in the heart of the action, in the vibrant Inner stat district. After a quick rest, we headed to the main street, where we were delighted to find an abundance of Vienna's famous bakeries, indulging in some delicious pastries, other desserts, and coffee. We spent the rest of the day exploring the old town and the main streets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and admiring the stunning architecture.

Next day: Palaces and Cathedrals 

Our second day was packed with iconic landmarks. We started with a visit to the popular Schönbrunn Palace, a magnificent baroque palace with beautifully landscaped gardens. The kids had a blast at the Children's Museum and navigating the maze next to it. In the afternoon, we visited St. Stephen's Cathedral, an architectural marvel with its intricate design and towering spires. We also took a 40-minute rickshaw tour around the city, which was definitely worth it as it provided a unique perspective of Vienna's historic sites.

Final day: Modern Attractions and Family Fun 

On our final day, we explored Hundertwasserhaus, a colorful and quirky apartment complex designed by the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. We then indulged in more food and lots of ice cream, savoring the local flavors. The highlight for the kids was the Prater Amusement Park, where they enjoyed various rides. It's worth noting that all the rides required cash, so we had to optimize our spending. We wrapped up our trip with some street shopping, buying cookies, chocolates, and other souvenirs to take back home.

Salzburg: A Journey Through History and Beauty

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

We arrived in Salzburg from Vienna by train, a journey that was both comfortable and picturesque. Our accommodation was an Airbnb located in the charming old town, which provided the perfect base for our explorations. After settling in, we set out to discover the city's historic and cultural treasures.

Our first stop was the famous Lock Bridge, where we admired the countless love locks left by visitors from around the world. The bridge offered stunning views of the Salzach River and the surrounding architecture. We then visited the magnificent Salzburg Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece with its impressive baroque design. Although we arrived too late to enter, we were able to appreciate its grandeur from the outside.

Next, we made our way to Mozart's birthplace, a must-see for any music lover. While we couldn't go inside due to the late hour, it was still fascinating to see the building where the legendary composer was born.

Also, remember to check out the incredible, short yet challenging hike up the walking trails of Kapuzinerberg. It's right in the city center, close to many popular attractions and hotels. The climb offers breathtaking panoramic views of the beautiful Salzburg mountains and the peaceful rivers winding through the city.

Our final stop for the day was the beautiful Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Although the palace was closed, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the gardens, taking in the meticulously maintained flower beds and statues.

Day 2: A Magical Half-Day Tour to Hallstatt.  

On our second day, we embarked on a half-day tour to Hallstatt, a picturesque town that is said to have inspired the setting of the movie "Frozen." The journey to Hallstatt was worth every moment, as we were greeted by breathtaking views of the town nestled between the mountains and the lake. The charming streets, traditional houses, and serene atmosphere made it feel like we had stepped into a fairytale.

One of the highlights of our visit to Hallstatt was the Bone House, a small chapel filled with intricately decorated human skulls and bones. It was a unique and somewhat eerie experience, but it offered a fascinating glimpse into the town's history and traditions.

Innsbruck: A Scenic Alpine Getaway

First day: Arrival and Initial Exploration

We arrived in Innsbruck from Salzburg via train, and the train ride was so scenic!. Our hotel was conveniently located right next to the train station, which was especially helpful as it was pouring rain that day. Innsbruck was noticeably cooler compared to the other cities we visited, providing a refreshing change. Despite the weather, we ventured out to explore the city center and the bustling area around it. Everything was within walking distance, making it easy to navigate and enjoy the charming streets and local shops.

Next day: Ascending to the Top of Innsbruck

On our second day, we opted to explore Innsbruck's summit, encouraged by the relatively clear weather. The trip involved a train and a gondola ride, both offering amazing mountain views. Tickets were bought at the counter with minimal wait time. Regrettably, we didn't pack heavy jackets, which was an oversight given the chilly temperatures at the peak, leading to us catching colds that lingered throughout our trip. Despite this, the experience and the panoramic views were truly memorable, even with occasional clouds. However, it's advisable to avoid the trip on cloudy days due to rapid weather shifts. On our return, we visited the Alpine Zoo, which was a delightful experience for the kids.

Final day: Swarovski Crystal Worlds and a Castle Visit On our final day, we spent half a day at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, a magical attraction that showcases the brilliance of Swarovski crystals. There was a convenient bus service that took us there from the train station, and we purchased our tickets for both the bus and the visit from our hotel reception. The exhibits were exciting, especially for the kids, and we enjoyed exploring the crystal cloud and other displays. In the evening, we visited the famous castle, which was a perfect way to wrap up our trip. The castle's history and architecture were fascinating, and it provided a beautiful backdrop for our final evening in Innsbruck.

Milan, Italy

We took a short trip to Italy en route to Greece, landing in Milan. Due to our exhaustion that evening, we didn't explore Milan much. Our journey from Innsbruck to Milan was notable, involving an unexpected additional 2 train transfers in Verona due to boarding the wrong train. This confusion arose because two trains heading to the same station departed from the same platform within minutes of each other, and we overlooked the train numbers. Additionally, the platform signage did not display these numbers. The train experience in Italy left much to be desired; for example, at the Verona station, there was only one elevator available for many people waiting to ascend from the platform, with no escalators and only stairs as an alternative.

On the following day, we embarked on an all-day excursion to Lake Como, a decision made through the GetYourGuide website. Opting for this organized tour proved to be a wise choice, albeit slightly more expensive. It efficiently maximized our day by eliminating the need to navigate the complexities of train travel from Milan and coordinating ferries to visit notable locations such as Bellagio and Varena. The tour included a two-hour journey around Lake Como, focusing on the area's renowned Villas. Reflecting on the experience, allocating additional time to explore the cities would have enhanced our visit. Despite the challenges posed by the crowded conditions and the heat, the day was filled with delightful moments. We indulged in the authentic flavors of Italy at a charming local restaurant and savored the experience of wandering through the quaint, narrow streets. It was a delightful day that gave us a taste of Italy 😊.

The next day, transportation to Milan's Malpensa airport from the main station is quite convenient, with buses and trains departing every 30 minutes or so. We opted for the bus, booking tickets on the spot to match our flight schedule. We flew with EasyJet to Greece, which was a good choice as long as you adhere to their baggage policies.

Santorini, Greece : The Jewel of the Aegean

When planning our trip to Santorini, we were initially confused about where to stay. After some deliberation, we decided to split our time between Fira and Oia to maximize our experience on the island. This decision allowed us to enjoy the unique charm and attractions of both locations without feeling rushed.

Fira, the bustling capital of Santorini, offered us a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of shops, restaurants, and nightlife. We loved wandering through the narrow streets, exploring the local markets, and enjoying the stunning views of the caldera. Staying in Fira also made it convenient for us to access various tours and excursions.

On the other hand, Oia provided a more serene and picturesque setting. Known for its iconic white-washed buildings and breathtaking sunsets, Oia was the perfect place to relax and soak in the beauty of Santorini. We spent our days strolling through the charming alleys, visiting art galleries, and savoring delicious meals at cliffside tavernas.

Also, we initially considered visiting more islands, but we realized that it would require overnight stays (additional hotel check-in and check-out) as the ferries didn't return in the evening at convenient times. This made it challenging to plan day trips to other islands, so we decided to focus on fully experiencing Santorini instead.

Overall, the weather was very hot during our visit, so we mostly stayed inside during the peak hours of 10 am to 6 pm, stepping out only for lunch and short walks. This allowed us to avoid the intense heat and enjoy our time more comfortably. Splitting our stay between Fira and Oia turned out to be a great decision, as it gave us the best of both worlds and made our trip to Santorini truly unforgettable.

Here's a brief overview of our itinerary:

Fira, Santorini: A Sun-Kissed Escape

Day 1: Late Night Arrival and Initial Impressions

We arrived in Fira late at night, having arranged transport with our Airbnb host at an additional cost. t's important to mention that locating Airbnbs in Santorini can be quite difficult due to the lack of street addresses and house numbers. Thankfully, our host, who had organized the taxi, was there to greet us at the taxi stand, conveniently located near our Airbnb. They had even prepared some basic groceries for us, a considerate gesture that was much appreciated. Despite our late arrival, we were pleased to find numerous restaurants still open, as Fira is lively at night. Our accommodation was situated in the vibrant center of Fira town. Although it lacked any scenic views, it was conveniently close to several attractions and featured a private terrace. This terrace was a delightful place to unwind and brought back fond memories of my grandmother's home in India, offering a comfortable space to enjoy the pleasant evenings.

Day 2: Exploring Fira Town 

The first full day was dedicated to exploring Fira town. Given the intense heat, we mostly stayed indoors between 10 AM and 6 PM, stepping out during the day mostly for lunch or groceries. We discovered an Indian thali place that served delicious meals, and a popular 24-hour bakery with a wide variety of options. The vibrant atmosphere of Fira, with its narrow white streets and charming shops, made for a delightful day of exploration.

Day 3: Photoshoot and Private Tour 

On the second day, we started early with the popular Flying Dress photoshoot with my daughter. The photoshoot was a unique experience, capturing the beauty of Santorini and I’m glad she allowed my daughter to join (hey dress was not provided)) without an additional cost. Following the photoshoot, we embarked on a private tour that lasted around hours. This turned out to be a great idea, as we got to see the less busy side of Santorini.

Our tour took us to Akrotiri, an ancient city that offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's history. We also visited Pyrgos, a charming village with narrow streets and traditional houses, and Megalochori, known for its quaint atmosphere.

The tour continued to the beach towns of Kamari and Perissa, where we enjoyed the unique black sand beaches. We also visited the famous Red Beach, with its striking red cliffs and clear waters. Each location was equally beautiful and offered a different perspective of Santorini's diverse landscape. Our guide was super nice and knowledgeable, making the tour even more enjoyable. It's important to remember to keep enough cash on hand, as many places including the tour prefer cash over cards.

Oia, Santorini: A Picturesque Escape

Day 1: Arrival and Initial Impressions 

We arrived in Oia for a 3-night stay, and it was incredibly hot, so we mostly stayed inside during the peak hours of 10 AM to 6 PM, stepping out only for lunch. We had arranged transport with our Airbnb host at an additional cost, which was a wise decision as most places in Oia don't have specific addresses, making them hard to locate on your own. Our wonderful host had porters waiting for us at the taxi stand to take our suitcases to the Airbnb through the steep steps. This same support was provided during checkout as well, and we made sure to tip them, so having cash on hand was essential.

Our accommodation was in the popular cave house area, nestled in the iconic, white-washed village. This unique experience was something my kids and I will never forget. The area was super busy, hot, and crowded, with numerous flying dress photoshoots and other photoshoots happening almost throughout the day, making privacy a bit challenging. Regardless, we had an amazing experience just soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Day 1 and Day 2: Staying Cool and Enjoying the Views

During the first two days of our stay in the Oia village, we mostly stayed indoors from 10 AM to 6 PM to avoid the intense heat. We enjoyed the stunning views from our cave house, which provided a perfect retreat from the scorching sun. It was too hot to venture out for walks during the day, so we took this time to relax, prepare lunch and unwind. We were able to enjoy delightful Greek breakfasts outdoors before 9 AM, which was perfect timing to avoid the crowds from tour buses and cruise ships that arrived after 9am and stayed until sunset. For those looking to capture great photos without the crowds, I recommend going out before 8 AM; the earlier, the better.

Evening 1: Rooftop Sunset Dining

The highlight of our first evening was watching the sunset from a rooftop restaurant. We had made reservations months in advance, which was a wise decision as these spots fill up quickly. Although the restaurant didn't offer a view of the sunset with the Oia village setting, the experience was still magical. It's important to note that these restaurants often have a minimum spending limit per person, so be prepared for that.

Evening 2: Sunset at the Castle

The next evening, we watched the sunset from the Castle in Oia. It was an incredible sight, but also incredibly crowded, with people queuing up three hours before sunset. Fortunately, I managed to find a spot about an hour before sunset. The view was absolutely breathtaking, and it was worth the wait to witness the sun dipping below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the iconic white-washed buildings of Oia. However, the experience was somewhat marred by the sheer number of people and the lengths some went to for the perfect photo. I witnessed folks sitting on the edge of the cliff or even standing precariously on the cliffside for sunset photos, which was quite alarming. In my opinion, the risk was not worth it, and it was a stark reminder to prioritize safety over the perfect shot.

Evening 3: Catamaran Sunset Cruise

On the last evening, we had prebooked a catamaran sunset cruise, which turned out to be the highlight of our trip. The cruise offered vegetarian meal options and included three stops, with opportunities for snorkeling. The view of the sunset with Oia in the backdrop and a much smaller crowd made this an unforgettable experience. The serene atmosphere and the stunning scenery made it a perfect way to end our stay in Oia.

Practical Tips and Final Thoughts One important thing to note about Greece is that toilet paper cannot be flushed, so we had to get used to disposing of it in the dustbins located in the bathroom. Our Airbnb in Oia provided daily housekeeping service, which was a bonus. Additionally, keeping a portable bidet is an option that some people from the US prefer.

Exploring Greece is like stepping into a time machine, with its stunning architecture and vibrant culture taking you away to another world. Every corner of this beautiful country has a story to tell, and the experience is nothing short of magical. I'm hopeful that we'll have the chance to return and uncover even more of Greece's islands, ideally when the weather is better, and the crowds are fewer!

Paris, France (1night/1day)

Arriving in Paris a day early from Santorini, we opted to stay at a hotel connected to the airport terminals. This decision proved beneficial for resting before our next day's long flight to Seattle. Additionally, the hotel offered amenities that were particularly enjoyable for the children.

Feel free to reach out if you're interested in more details or if you'd like information about the accommodation we used!.