Europe 2025: A Journey of Contrasts

From the majestic peaks of the Alps to the gritty history of Sicily, this trip was about finding the hidden gems beyond the big tourist icons. By researching the route ourselves and skipping the tour groups, we were able to find those out-of-the-way places that most people drive right past. Whether we were navigating mountain passes or exploring the narrow alleyways of an old Sicilian town, every mile was about seeing the real Europe at our own pace and making memories that actually last.

Day 1. Dubai Stopover

Skyscrapers and The Chicken Fail

Day 2-3 Annecy: Alpine Venice

The Leopard Seal Moment

Day 4. Saint-Gervais-les-Bains

Hire Car Stress and 70s Fondue Fails

Day 5. Mont Blanc & Chamonix

A Sky High Day in the French Alps

Day 6-7: Switzerland: Gruyères Castle

From Lakeside Markets to Medieval Castles

Day 8-10 Switzerland: Lauterbrunnen

Mountains, Valleys, and Lion Monuments

Day 11. Colmar: Venice Canals

Fairytale Streets and Rental Car Hassles

Day 12. Strasbourg: Tarte Flambé 

A Tale of Two Alsatian Cities

Day 13. Exploring the Wine Route

Ribeauvillé, Hunawihr & Riquewihr

Day 14. Colmar at Night

A Fairytale Farewell to the Alsace

Day 15. Gengenbach, Black Forest

A Hire Car Company That Didn't Exist

Day 16. Black Forest Road Trip

Schiltach, Triberg & Haslach im Kinzigtal

Day 17. Baden Baden 

Strolling the Oos River and Elegant Gardens

Day 18. Ulm, Lovely One Night Stay

Hotel Mysteries, and a Helicopter Surprise

Day 19. Salzburg, So Much to See

Trains, CEOs, and the Perfect Schnitzel

Day 20. Salzburg Walking Tour

Tiny Umbrellas and Monastery Beer

Day 21. Exploring Salzburg

Hohensalzburg Fortress and Hellbrunn Palace

Day 22. Bad Ischl, Second Floor Mystery

Scenic Views and Rock Hard Beds

Day 23. The Ghost Town of Ebensee

Ebensee, Where Time Stood Still

Day 24. Lake Wolfgangsee, Stunning

A Picture Perfect Day for Lake Wolfgangsee

Day 25-26. Vienna, Palaces and gardens

Day 27. Sicily, Syracuse

Bus Chaos, and Hidden Sicilian Gems

Day 28. Ortigia, Street Food and Ruins

Misto Pesce, and a Tourist Circus

Day 29. Ortigia, A Food Tour

The Underground Secrets of the Jewish Baths

Day 30. Taormina, Finding Our Feet

White Lotus Location and Surviving the Crowds

Day 31. Taormina, Time to Explore

A Plan of Attack and Hidden Garden Gems

Day 32. Castelmola & Isola Bella

Mountain Views and the Stairs to the Abyss

Day 33. Messina, Give it a Miss?

Trying to Find The Cities Beating Heart

Day 34. Cefalù, Now We're Talking!

Does Cefalù! Have The Best Lasagna Ever?

Day 35. Cefalù, Bumming at The Beach

Beach and a 16th Century Washhouse

Day 36. Palermo, and an Octopus Beak

You Can't see The Forest For The Trees

Day 37. Mondello, Beach Time

Goodbye Palermo, Hello Mondello

Day 38. Arona, Lake Maggiore

Finding Elephants and Penguins

Day 38. Dubai, Homeward Bound

From Alpine Air to 35°C Heat