All Around Italy, Spain, Portugal, & More!



I spent 3 months traveling all over Europe, and about 6 months before that doing nothing but researching and planning. This is my list of favorite spots for a honeymoon or an elopement trip: SO many amazing hidden gems, the best of the best activities, and the yummiest food in every city. It isn't a complete guide, just the places I loved most and would send you to first.

Person sitting poolside on a rooftop infinity pool at sunset with golden sky reflections on calm water.
Panoramic sunset view over Florence rooftops with terracotta tiles and colorful buildings against an orange sky.
Florence Cathedral facade with intricate Gothic marble details, rose windows, and Giotto's Campanile under blue sky.
Newlywed couple posing outside a historic Florentine building on a cobblestone street with passersby.
Breathtaking interior dome fresco of the Last Judgment inside Florence Cathedral with Gothic vaulted ceiling.
Medieval Palazzo Vecchio with its iconic crenellated tower and clock face in Piazza della Signoria, Florence.
Bronze Perseus statue by Cellini displayed under Gothic arches of the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence.
Scenic view of the Arno River in Florence with historic bridges, colorful buildings, and rowing boats.
Scenic view of the Arno River with historic bridges and colorful buildings in Florence, Italy.
Narrow Italian street flanked by tall ochre buildings with wooden eaves against a blue sky.
Hand holding a wine glass through a Gothic stone arch window in a yellow stucco wall.
Vintage Fotoautomatica photo booth with red doors and cherub mural on an Italian street.
Two gelato shop workers scooping artisan gelato from stainless steel display counter.
Two women enjoying Aperol Spritz on a riverside terrace at golden sunset in Italy.
Ornate gilded coffered ceiling of an ancient Italian basilica with decorated nave columns.
Vintage wrought iron cage elevator with decorative metalwork in a historic Italian building.
Stand mixer whipping cream beside a bowl of ricotta during an Italian cooking class.
Plate of gnocchi in tomato sauce with red wine and pasta on an Italian dining table.
Dramatic nighttime view of the Colosseum interior with spotlights illuminating ancient ruins.
Night view of the Colosseum interior hypogeum with dramatic lighting illuminating ancient stone arches.
Underground hypogeum tunnel of the Roman Colosseum with brick arched corridors and modern walkway.
Exterior daytime view of the iconic Roman Colosseum with arched facades and palm trees.
The Roman Colosseum viewed through lush green trees in a sunny park in Rome, Italy.
Vintage wooden bar counter with mirrored shelves stocked with liquor bottles and wine glasses.
Cozy stone-vaulted lounge with colorful artwork, vintage chairs, and tiled floor in Rome.
Stone staircase leading to a small chapel entrance beside the ancient Pantheon rotunda in Rome.
Pasta Fresca restaurant counter with neon sign and fresh pasta display in Rome, Italy.
Chalkboard sign advertising lunch and dinner for 4.50 euros at a Roman restaurant in Italy.
Exterior storefront of Pastificio Guerra, a traditional Italian pasta shop in Rome, Italy.
Elegant vintage bar interior with portrait gallery wall, warm lighting, and mahogany reception desk in a classic Italian establishment.
Ancient Roman ruins of Palatine Hill dramatically illuminated at night against a dark sky in Rome, Italy.
Outdoor Italian street market with colorful clothing stalls, white canopy umbrellas, and sale signs showing 2.99 euros.
Stunning ornate golden dome ceiling of St. Peters Basilica Vatican with elaborate Renaissance frescoes and architectural details.
View through an open window of a typical Italian urban courtyard surrounded by residential apartment buildings at dusk.
Two young men in swimwear posing on dramatic rocky coastal cliffs with cloudy sky and ocean in background.
Picturesque Venice canal with historic brick buildings, arched bridge, and moored boats under a clear blue sky.
Scenic view of the Arno River in Pisa with colorful historic buildings and Santa Maria della Spina church on the bank.
Tourist balancing on fence post for photo with Pisa Baptistery dome and Cathedral in Piazza dei Miracoli background.
The iconic white marble Leaning Tower of Pisa standing against a vivid blue sky in Piazza dei Miracoli, Italy.
Busy outdoor market stalls with souvenirs under beige umbrellas on a sunny day in Italy.
Picturesque Venice canal with historic buildings, a small bridge, and moored boats under blue sky.
Italian naval flag waving over Venice Grand Canal with white baroque church in background.
Two-scoop gelato cone held up against a red Italian Renaissance building with balconies.
Crowds of tourists gathered around the iconic Trevi Fountain in Rome at dusk.
Baroque Trevi Fountain sculptures bathed in golden sunlight in Rome, Italy.
Colorful fresh vegetable market stall with wooden crates in Venice, Italy.
Serene Venice canal with moored boats, historic buildings, and a seagull in flight.
Spanish Steps in Rome at twilight adorned with pink azaleas and illuminated lamp posts.
Crowds at Spanish Steps in Rome with pink azaleas and Trinita dei Monti church backdrop.
The ornate Baptistery of Pisa with its white marble facade and terracotta dome against a clear blue sky.
Rows of white sailboats moored in a calm turquoise marina under a bright blue sky in Venice, Italy.
Scenic view of Venice Grand Canal with boats and Santa Maria della Salute basilica at golden hour.
Colorful pink Venetian building with laundry hanging on a clothesline between buildings in Venice, Italy.
A gondolier in a red and white striped shirt rowing a gondola on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy.
A classic brick arched bridge over a green canal with colorful historic buildings in Venice, Italy.
Vibrant multicolored houses lining a canal with moored boats on the island of Burano, Venice, Italy.
Ornate golden Byzantine facade of St. Marks Basilica with detailed mosaics and arches in Venice, Italy.
The Fountain of Neptune white marble statue with water splashing near Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy.
Panoramic view of Venice Grand Canal with historic buildings and a wooden boat under cloudy skies.
Gondola moored on the Grand Canal in Venice with historic buildings and green-domed church in background.
Three young people blowing up yellow balloons at a restaurant table with drinks.
Pink graffiti-covered bathroom walls and door with mosaic tile wainscoting in a trendy bar.
Narrow Venice canal with colorful historic buildings, small boats, and arched stone bridge reflection.
Aperol Spritz cocktail in wine glass on terrace with Italian cityscape in sunny background.
Tall Italian stone pine trees in a lush green park under a bright blue sky in Rome.
Ornate antique stone well with wrought iron arch in a Tuscan winery garden with cypress trees.
Virgin Mary shrine covered in colorful rosaries and bracelets in a tree-lined park setting.
Colorful pink, green, and orange houses along a canal in Burano, Venice, Italy.

Italy


Venice


Take a ferry to Burano


Tour the Chapels at San Giorgio Island


Cinque Terre


Hike between all 5 cities!! You'll wander through the most beautiful hillside vineyards and see the most breathtaking coastal views the entire way.


Eat / Drink at:

Nessun Dorma (famous for a reason, home of the homemade pesto cooking class!)


Bar e Vini a Pié de Ma (a hidden gem tucked away behind the train station but incredible ocean views and the best focaccia) I spent hours here hiding out from the rain and came back a second time!


Bar Terza Terra di Cadario Alison might be the best restaurant view of all time. After a long hike I was so excited to see this little hole in the wall bar and get a limoncello spritz and cake and when I took it out to the patio my jaw was on the floor.


Rome


A night tour of the Colosseum. I can't put into words how cool it was to see one of the New Seven Wonders of the World on a private night time tour. There's usually up to 3,000 people visiting at a time and if you go during the day you'll see how crazy packed it is. Tickets are only 50 Euros and sell out fast!


The Trevi fountain - If you find my picture above I went at the total wrong time in the middle of the day around noon. I had to squeeze through the crowd just to get a picture with a million people in it. It's worth it to get up at dawn to see it without the peak crowds.


The Spanish Steps.


Eat at Pastificio Guerra this might be the best hidden gem I stumbled upon on my entire trip. This was by far the best pasta I have ever had in my life. I went back 5 or 6 times, it was basically all I ate in Rome.


The Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica

I didn't have time to tour the Sistine Chapel but wish I had made time! I was blown away by the architecture of St. Peter's Basilica.


Tuscany


Florence


Get a glass of wine from the wine window


Pisa


I booked a train with a stop in Pisa and walked 20 minutes into the city to see the tower. It was totally worth it just to see all the tourists doing the famous pose. There was at least a hundred people (myself included) all doing the same pose at once it was hilarious.

Overhead view of a large metal bowl filled with red wine sangria topped with fresh fruit chunks and a ladle.
Tropical straw thatched beach umbrellas on a sandy shore under a clear blue sky at a seaside resort.
Historic stone archway passage between ornate buildings with decorative lanterns under a bright blue sky.
Ornate vintage carousel with golden decorations and glowing lights in front of a classic European building.
Intricate Romanesque arched stone doorway with carved decorative moldings on an ancient cathedral facade.
Large street mural on building exterior depicting woman in red dress floating in boat against cloudy sky.
Orange trees with ripe fruit growing in courtyard of historic Gothic stone building in Valencia Spain.
Outdoor news and coffee kiosk on sunny European pedestrian street with magazines books and bicycle nearby.
Gothic vaulted ceiling with twisted stone columns and ornate chandeliers inside La Lonja de la Seda Valencia.
Calico cat resting on gravel beside traditional whitewashed thatched roof cottage in rural countryside setting.
Traditional Spanish paella with chicken and vegetables served with red wine and fresh salad at Restaurant Turia.
Cyclist riding along dirt path beside railway tracks under blue sky in suburban Valencia Spain.
Large paella pans cooking over open wood fire with smoke rising in traditional Spanish restaurant kitchen.
Vintage weathered billboard sign for Restaurant Montoliu surrounded by pink oleander flowers and green trees.
Colorful residential apartment buildings in blue yellow and orange under blue sky in Valencia Spain neighborhood.
Two people dressed in black walking toward a gate surrounded by lush green trees in an outdoor gravel area.
A draft horse pulling a traditional wooden cart with a rider on a sunny rural road in Spain.
Roadside sign for Restaurant Barraca Toni Montoliu surrounded by farmland and palm trees under blue sky.
Rustic restaurant interior with wooden chairs, thatched ceiling, and decorative hats mounted on the wall.
A vibrant peacock displaying its colorful teal feathers near a lemon tree in an outdoor enclosure.
Bicycles parked under shady trees near a waterfront with people gathered on a sunny day.
View from a bicycle handlebar approaching a lush green ivy-covered archway in a scenic park path.
Pink oleander flowers blooming along a red bike path beside green farmland under a blue sky.
A wooden park bench surrounded by tall blooming acanthus plants in a shaded garden setting.
The historic Torres de Serranos medieval gate towers in Valencia, Spain, under a partly cloudy sky.
Historic arched passageway with mural and graffiti in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter narrow street.
Narrow Spanish alleyway with historic buildings leading to illuminated church tower.
Colorful storefronts including La Estrecho and Milberg restaurants on a Spanish street.
Colorful historic building facades with Telas Metalicas sign in Valencia, Spain.
Two large glasses of fresh orange juice served at an outdoor Spanish restaurant table.
Interior of Valencia's Mercado Central market with fresh produce stalls under ornate ceiling.
Seville Cathedral illuminated at dusk viewed over ancient rooftops and stone walls.
Woman riding red Vespa scooter past El Arenal restaurant on a Spanish city street.
Restaurant bill calculation on menu with iPhone calculator at a Spanish tapas restaurant.
Traditional Bar Alfalfa entrance with vintage lanterns and classic signage in Seville, Spain.
Avocado toast with sesame seeds on sourdough served with coffee, orange juice, and a pink smoothie.
Rustic cafe interior with straw hats displayed on a wooden wall rack above a bench.
Scenic boat ride on the canal at Plaza de Espana in Seville, Spain under a cloudy sky.
White swan swimming in a long green reflecting pool surrounded by manicured hedges in a park.
Ornate tiled fountain surrounded by palm trees and sculpted hedges in a formal Spanish garden.
Intricate Moorish arch at the Real Alcazar palace in Seville framing a blue cloudy sky.
Stunning golden geometric dome ceiling inside the Real Alcazar royal palace in Seville, Spain.
Courtyard of the Maidens at the Real Alcazar palace in Seville with a central reflecting pool.
Ornate Moorish garden fountain with green reflective pool, terracotta wall niche, and lush palm trees at Alcazar Seville.
Vibrant red hibiscus flowers in full bloom on a lush green bush against a sunny Spanish garden wall.
Three fluffy ducklings foraging on green grass while a man walks along a tree-lined garden path in Seville.
Two stunning peacocks with iridescent blue-green plumage resting on grass beneath tall trees in a Spanish garden.
Historic Andalusian pavilion with arched colonnades and terracotta tile roof surrounded by palm trees in Seville Spain.
Sunlit narrow corridor with curved cream stucco walls casting dramatic shadows on stone tile floor in Seville Spain.
Dense tropical garden featuring large monstera deliciosa leaves beneath a canopy of trees with vibrant red flowers.
Aerial view of manicured geometric hedge maze with tall palm trees and lush greenery at Alcazar gardens Seville.
Yellow church bell tower with pink accents against a cloudy blue sky in Seville, Spain.
Panoramic sunset view over Seville rooftops with golden horizon and dramatic clouds.
Historic Plaza de Toros bullring facade with yellow and white baroque architecture in Seville.
Bartender pouring drinks behind a bar stocked with wine and spirits bottles in Spain.
Stunning Art Nouveau ceiling with stained glass windows inside Valencia Central Market, Spain.
Contemporary art gallery with colorful paintings and bronze sculpture in stone-vaulted space.
Grand Plaza de Espana semicircular building with arched colonnades under dramatic cloudy sky Seville.
Orange trees with ripe fruit in a historic Valencia plaza with medieval stone walls and classic Spanish architecture.
Stone archway corridor in Park Güell Barcelona featuring repetitive curved arches creating a tunnel perspective.
Ornate Gaudí-designed mosaic tower at Park Güell Barcelona against a bright blue sky with decorative spire.
Street musicians performing in front of Barcelona Cathedral Gothic facade with tourists on sunny steps.
Grand baroque fountain at Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona with golden sculptures and turquoise reflecting pool.
Formal garden with sculpted topiary trees, stone statue, and vibrant pink bougainvillea in Spanish courtyard.
Two women dining outdoors at Spanish tapas restaurant enjoying rosé wine and traditional Spanish appetizers.
Kiosco Abilio Spanish bar chalkboard menu listing traditional tapas including boquerones and croquetas de jamon.
Six shot glasses lined up on reflective bar surface under dramatic teal neon nightclub lighting.
Large golden bronze sculpture of a figure with raised arm on display in a white museum gallery.
Panoramic aerial view of Barcelona cityscape with stadium lights and mountains in the background under blue sky.
Historic Horchateria de Santa Catalina storefront with ornate tilework sign in Valencia, Spain.
Seville Cathedral illuminated in golden light at night, viewed from a rooftop in Spain.
Colorful goldfish swimming in the green water canal at Plaza de Espana, Seville, Spain.
Street vendors selling shoes and accessories on Las Ramblas boulevard in Barcelona, Spain.
Seville Cathedral Gothic architecture rising above terracotta rooftops under cloudy sky.
Stone cairn topped with a Christian cross against a clear blue sky in Spain.
Arc de Triomf red brick triumphal arch in Barcelona, Spain against a bright blue sky.
Two Jean-Michel Basquiat neo-expressionist paintings displayed on white gallery wall.
Rooftop pool with glass railings overlooking Barcelona cityscape at sunset with colorful sky.
Tree-lined promenade with tall palm trees under bright blue sky in Barcelona, Spain.
Spanish tortilla tapas served on white plate with bread and red wine at restaurant.
Large oil painting of woman with animals including cats and heron on garden steps.
Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados with dome under blue sky in Valencia, Spain.
Colorful mosaic dragon fountain sculpture at Park Guell designed by Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona.
Spanish newspaper stand displaying ABC, Levante, Las Provincias and El Pais with magazines.
Abstract close-up of warm orange and copper metallic wavy reflective surface texture.
Bold pop art painting of guitarist playing electric blue guitar on gold background.
Ivy-covered walls of Montjuic Castle with Catalan flag flying under cloudy blue sky.
Ornate Moorish archway framing lush garden views at the Real Alcazar palace in Seville, Spain.
Bright orange 24-hour convenience store with ATM, vending machines, and checkered floor in Spain.
Colorful Mediterranean apartment buildings with balconies against a clear blue sky in Valencia, Spain.
Traditional Spanish tapas bar with hanging Iberico ham legs and wine bottles in Seville.
Vibrant abstract art installation with pink, orange, and purple light panels in a modern gallery.
Pink and yellow historic Spanish buildings with ornate balconies and iron railings in Seville.

Spain


Barcelona


Go to Platja de la Mar Bella (a clothing optional beach) and call over one of the passing salesman to buy frozen daiquiris.


VALENCIA

Eat at Barraca de Toni Montoliu - Paella doesn't get more traditional than this!! A 7 course meal. Easily the best dining experience of my life.  


Golden sunset over a river harbor with string lights and city skyline in Porto, Portugal.
Ornate São Bento train station interior featuring yellow ceiling, white baroque moldings, and blue azulejo tile murals in Porto, Portugal.
White sculptural hands mounted on wall pouring red wine from bottle into glass with dramatic shadow art installation.
Stunning blue and white azulejo tile panels depicting historical scenes covering the walls of Porto's São Bento railway station.
Person standing atop dark staircase sculpture installation with panoramic view of Porto cityscape and Douro River behind.
Sandeman Port wine tasting flight featuring three glasses of white, ruby, and tawny port on branded tasting mat.
Collection of antique dark green glass wine bottles displayed chronologically on illuminated wooden shelves in a wine museum.
Dark cellar corridor lined with stacked oak aging barrels at Sandeman Port wine lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
Vintage 1978 Sandeman Port wine bottles stored horizontally in traditional wooden wine rack in dimly lit cellar.
Massive antique wooden oak barrel used for aging Port wine stored in historic cellar at Porto wine lodge.
Dramatic symmetrical corridor of stacked oak barrels stretching into arched distance at Sandeman Port wine cellar, Portugal.
Panoramic view of Porto's colorful terracotta rooftops along the Douro River with the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge.
Assorted Portuguese pastries and croissants served on napkins with dark ceramic mugs on a wooden table.
Aerial view of Porto's historic terracotta rooftops and traditional buildings stretching toward the Douro River.
Intricate blue and white Portuguese azulejo ceramic tiles featuring ornate floral and scroll patterns.
Crowds of tourists exploring the ornate Gothic interior and red-carpeted staircase of Livraria Lello bookstore.
Stunning stained glass ceiling with colorful geometric and floral patterns in blue, red, and gold tones.
Bird's-eye view of Livraria Lello's famous red spiral staircase surrounded by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
Neo-Gothic facade of Livraria Chardron bookstore in Porto featuring ornate carvings and decorative murals.
Two glasses of red Port wine with a wine flavor wheel on a modern white tasting table.
Modern wine museum display with illustrated hanging banners and Port wine bottles on white pedestals.
Panoramic view of Porto's colorful rooftops and historic buildings with the Dom Luis I bridge in the background.
Passengers seated inside a modern green-themed train car during a scenic sunset journey through the countryside.
Outdoor terrace of the famous Sandeman port wine lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, filled with evening diners.
Gold-framed painting of a mermaid resting near an olive tree with a bottle of wine in a museum gallery.
Long gallery wall displaying large gold-framed botanical paintings in a modern well-lit museum exhibition space.
Dimly lit vintage lounge with green velvet sofas and a view of Porto's terracotta rooftops through the windows.
Aerial view of Porto's orange terracotta rooftops along the Douro River under a clear blue summer sky.
Outdoor rooftop cinema at night with rows of deck chairs facing an illuminated movie screen in Porto.
Outdoor cinema screen displaying Little Miss Sunshine title card on a rooftop venue at dusk in Lisbon.
Crowd of people relaxing in red and white deck chairs at an outdoor rooftop cinema event at sunset.
Two smiling vendors serve popcorn at a wooden outdoor food stall with warm lights at dusk.
Discarded mattress with handwritten breakup message outside graffiti-covered building in urban street.
Tourists walk near blooming white tree with historic Belem Tower in background on sunny day.
Two director chairs face scenic river view with red suspension bridge under clear blue sky.
Vintage red food truck offering wine with a view parked by waterfront on sunny day.
Rows of sailboats moored in a sunny marina with hills in the background.
Hand holding iced berry mojito cocktail with red striped straw over green grass background.
Iced berry cocktail in glass mug on wooden table at sunny outdoor waterfront cafe.
Three wine bottles including Maria Bonita Vinho Verde displayed on a shelf in a shop.
Fresh oysters and white wine glass on wooden table at waterfront food truck bar.
Chalkboard sign advertising glass of wine and 3 oysters for 8.50 euros on cobblestone street.
Sailboats on blue water with iconic red suspension bridge under clear sky in Lisbon Portugal.
Traditional pink Portuguese building with decorative facade and palm tree on cobblestone plaza.
Formal garden pathway lined with trimmed hedges and cypress trees under bright blue sky.
Ornate bookshop interior with colorful books on decorative teal shelves and painted ceiling.
Decorative teal shelving filled with colorful packaged products in an ornate Portuguese shop.
Vintage van converted into charming outdoor market stall selling plants and handmade crafts.
Eclectic bookshop cafe with yellow bar counter and books displayed on tables in Lisbon.
Busy independent bookstore interior with bicycle installation hanging from high vaulted ceiling.
Outdoor market street with colorful restaurant facades and cobblestone walkway in Lisbon Portugal.
Yellow vintage tram on cobblestone streets of Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by colorful historic buildings.
Person relaxing under a large white flowering tree in a sunny green park with blue sky.
Portuguese breakfast spread with espresso, orange juice, cake slice, and bread roll on red table.
Ornate tiled garden bench surrounding a tall conifer tree in a lush Portuguese courtyard garden.
Buffet breakfast table with bread, pastries, orange juice, and fresh fruit by a sunny window.
Dramatic rocky sea cave opening revealing calm ocean water through a narrow stone arch passage.
Illuminated narrow tunnel carved through dark volcanic rock with pathway leading toward golden light.
Wall covered in hand-drawn red ink sketches on paper scraps in a quirky bar setting.
Ornate Portuguese azulejo tile fountain with obelisks and decorative stonework in a lush garden.
Exotic long-stemmed tropical plant with dramatic curved stalks overlooking lush coastal mountain scenery.
Sunbathers relax on a golden sandy beach beside dramatic ochre cliffs under a clear blue sky in the Algarve, Portugal.
Stylish hostel dormitory with ornate arched metal bunk beds, warm pendant light, and hardwood floors in a modern room.
The ornate Gothic spires and grand facade of Quinta da Regaleira palace surrounded by lush green gardens in Sintra, Portugal.
The colorful yellow and red Pena Palace perched dramatically atop a forested hill under cloudy skies in Sintra, Portugal.
A decorative stone fountain monument topped with a tall tree fern on a cobblestone street in the Azores, Portugal.
A large bunch of green unripe bananas growing on a tropical banana tree with a red flower bud in a lush garden.
Terraced farmland with red soil slopes down toward a scenic coastal village and deep blue Atlantic Ocean in Madeira.
Colorful garden with red roses and blue agapanthus flowers blooming beside traditional stone buildings in Madeira, Portugal.
Panoramic view of Porto's historic hillside cityscape with terracotta rooftops and grand buildings under overcast skies.
The ornate Moorish-style Monserrate Palace with a domed roof and sculpted fountain surrounded by exotic gardens in Sintra.
Colorful vegetable dish served in a dark bowl with red wine and flowers on a patterned green table.
Ancient stone grotto with cave entrance surrounded by rocky formations and lush green plants near water.
Pink corner building with vertical signage on a sunny street in a Portuguese town.
Ornate Gothic stone archway with intricate carvings at Quinta da Regaleira palace in Sintra, Portugal.
Moss-covered stone stairway winding through a dense, lush forest with gnarled tree branches overhead.
Illuminated train station platform at night with wet cobblestone floors reflecting warm golden lights.
Light blue Piaggio Ape food truck named Ciana serving customers in a sunny green park.
Two glasses of beer on a colorful outdoor cafe table in a lively Portuguese street.
Elegant white marble colonnade with ornate Gothic arches and carved columns at a historic palace.
Vibrant rainbow-colored umbrellas hanging over a narrow street between buildings under a clear blue sky.
Dramatic green cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean coastline in Madeira, Portugal.
Moss-covered stone steps and walls in a lush, ancient forest garden setting.
Ornate small Catholic chapel interior with stained glass windows and wooden pews.
Urban street graffiti art with smiley face and handwritten text on white wall.
Aerial view of Porto cityline along the Douro River on a cloudy day.
Ryanair airplane wing visible through oval window at golden sunset above clouds.
Stunning waterfall cascading down lush green cliffs into turquoise ocean in Madeira.
Weathered stone statue of a figure surrounded by tropical palm trees and flowers.
Person holding coffee cup with scenic coastal cliffside village view in background.
Ancient twisted laurel trees shrouded in mystical fog at Fanal Forest, Madeira.
Colorful red staircase decorated with children's drawings at a whimsical bookstore.
Panoramic view from ancient Moorish Castle stone walls overlooking Sintra, Portugal.
Traditional Santana thatched-roof cottage with blue trim surrounded by colorful flowers in Madeira.
Natural volcanic rock ocean pools with white painted steps in Madeira, Portugal.
Ornate blue and gold Portuguese azulejo tile bench in a lush garden setting.
Small white roadside religious shrine with decorative tile mosaic and cross in Portugal.
Lush green vegetable garden with mountain backdrop between residential homes in Madeira.
Sandy beach with tidal stream flowing to calm ocean under overcast skies in Portugal.
Blue and white azulejo tile mural on medieval stone castle wall in Portugal.
Large dramatic agave plants with sharp pointed leaves growing in a woodland garden.
Stone staircase leading through a moss-covered rock arch surrounded by lush green trees.
Aerial view of coastal village rooftops with colorful wildflowers and ocean horizon in background.
Hand holding a watermelon and vanilla gelato cone with ocean and blue sky backdrop.
White marble reclining sculpture in a cobblestone plaza with palm trees and colorful buildings.
Tall waterfall cascading down a lush green mountainside through dense tropical vegetation.
People relaxing on grassy terraced steps in a sunny park with palm trees and blue sky.
Traditional thatched-roof Santana house with tall tree ferns under a cloudy sky in Madeira.
Person jumping with arms raised on a rocky outcrop surrounded by calm blue ocean water.
Wine bottle and glass of orange juice on windowsill overlooking terracotta rooftops and cityscape.
Hand holding a glass of poncha liqueur with green mountain valley and red umbrellas behind.
Jacaranda tree with purple blooms lining a sunny European street with white buildings.
Large abstract sculptural installation with cream and black organic shapes in a modern gallery.
Mister Tapas food truck with outdoor seating on a cobblestone plaza under a shade sail.
Historic pink stucco farmhouse with red tile roof and cobblestone courtyard surrounded by forest.
Airplane seatback screen displaying the movie Babylon during an in-flight entertainment session.
Gift Shop Lagos storefront displaying colorful souvenirs, clothing, and accessories in Portugal.
Interior view of a tuk-tuk ride through narrow colorful streets of Lisbon, Portugal.
Hand holding a bottle of Boeira Douro DOC white wine with appetizers in background.
Stone castle towers with battlements surrounded by lush green trees at Quinta da Regaleira.
Colorful ceramic fruit-shaped vases including lemons and strawberries displayed on a wooden table.
Dramatic limestone cliffs overlooking vivid turquoise Mediterranean sea waters under a clear blue sky.
Colorful laundry hanging on a clothesline across a yellow building facade with stone-trimmed windows.
Lush green plants and tropical foliage growing inside a bright glass greenhouse structure.
Refreshing lime caipirinha cocktail with a bamboo straw on a table against a reed fence backdrop.

Portugal


Lagos

My favorite city in Portugal. I could live there. It's a tiny little beach town.


Visit Benagil Cave. Take a bus and kayak to the cave. Or hop on a boat tour. (I opted for "party van" with a charismatic Australian expat who led a group swim to the cave and packed us a picnic lunch, it was a blast let me know if you want his number)



Lisbon


Watch an outdoor movie at Cine Society - I saw Little Miss Sunshine. Easily the best movie theatre experience of my life.

Wine with a view, Gelato, and Oysters

Menina e Moça - I somehow managed to find two bookstore bars!


Porto


Tour of Sandeman Wine Cellars & Wine Tasting

World of Wine

Livraria Lello - Known as the inspiration behind Harry Potter, it was packed but so worth seeing



Madeira


I did a super jeep tour all around the island to hit the highlights including:

The Funchal Forest

Baths

Waterfalls


Switzerland

My Swiss stops were Interlaken, a secret waterfall, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen.

Central Europe & beyond


Amsterdam, The Netherlands


Thrifting

Red Light District Museum & Sex Museum

Coffee Shops

The Tulip Fields


Budapest, Hungary


Thermal Baths

Champagne Danube River Cruise

Buda Castle



Prague, Czech Republic


Prague Castle

Beer Spa - One of my favorite experiences of my trip.

Beer Museum - You can bottle your own beer to take home!



Ljubljana, Slovenia


Lake Bled Boat Cruise to the Castle - the city of Ljubljana was nice but I wish I had spent an extra day in Lake Bled instead. This was such a picturesque village. I spent an entire day here hiking, walking around the lake, and eating the traditional Blejska kremšnita cake.


Bratislava, Slovakia


72 Wines in 100 Minutes Tasting - This might not sound like the ideal honeymoon destination but might be worth a stop if you like wine. It's easily the best value for wine tastings in the whole world. You have an hour and a half to sample 72 different wines in all varieties from local regions.  It's a self pour experience in an underground wine cellar. It's definitely a challenge to sample every single one but I gave it my best shot and don't remember how many I got to!


Vienna, Austria


Kunst Haus Wien. Museum Hundertwasser was my favorite museum of the whole trip. He was such a talented and unique artist creating in so many different mediums from paper to the building itself.

Phil is one of the coolest bars I've ever seen. It's tucked away within a bookstore.


General Travel Tips & Resources

Get Your Guide and Viator are my two favorite places for booking excursions and finding fun stuff to do. I found and booked 90% of my activities on those two sites. You can also check Airbnb Experiences and Tripadvisor. Depending on your trip length, a Eurail pass can save you a ton of money on train tickets, and Skyscanner is my favorite site for booking flights.

I photograph destination elopements, so if one of these spots is calling your name, I'd love to hear about it. Take a peek at my elopement work and see how my experience works. Share as much or as little as you'd like. I'll reply asap with availability.

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