Forget those “relaxing on a beach” honeymoons. My wife and I wanted an adventure! So, we packed our bags, kissed boring routines goodbye, and embarked on the craziest, most exhilarating European whirlwind imaginable. Ten cities in twenty days? Challenge accepted!
Imagine waking up to the Colosseum one day and strolling along the Amalfi Coast the next. It was a blur of cobblestone streets, breathtaking views, and more delicious food and gelatos than we could possibly handle.
List of Cities
- Rome, Italy
- Amalfi Coast, Italy
- Barcelona, Spain
- Brussels, Belgium
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Vienna, Austria
- Milan, Italy
- Cinque Terre, Italy
- Pisa, Italy
- Florence, Italy
Rome: Where Gladiators & Gelatos Collide
We kicked off our adventure in the Eternal City, Rome. Think gladiators, gelato, and more scooter rides than you can shake a selfie stick at. This place is a whirlwind of ancient history and modern-day madness.
- Must-See: The Colosseum (duh!), the Trevi Fountain (toss a coin for good luck!), and the Vatican City (home of the Pope and some jaw-dropping art).
- Eats: Get your carb fix with authentic Roman pizza – thin crust, crispy edges, and a whole lot of deliciousness. Wash it down with a cheeky glass of Chianti.
Amalfi Coast: Sun-Drenched Cliffs & Lemon-Scented Everything
This stretch of Italian coastline is what honeymoon dreams are made of – dramatic cliffs plunging into the turquoise sea, colorful villages, and more lemons than you could ever make lemonade with.
- Must-See: Rent a car and drive the Amalfi Coast Road for insane views. Stop in Positano, a postcard-perfect town cascading down the hillside.
- Eats: Seafood is the star here. Try fresh mussels, grilled octopus, or a classic spaghetti alle vongole (pasta with clams).
Barcelona: Gaudi’s Playground and Tapas Heaven
Barcelona buzzes with creative energy. Think Antoni Gaudi’s whimsical architecture, lively beaches, and a tapas scene that could tempt a saint.
- Must-See: La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece. Park Güell is a colorful explosion of mosaics and whimsy. La Boqueria Market will send your tastebuds into a happy frenzy.
- Eats: Go on a tapas crawl – tiny plates, big flavors. Order patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), and don’t forget the sangria!
Brussels: Beer, Waffles, and Medieval Charm
Brussels is where cozy cafes meet grand squares. It’s part medieval fairytale, part modern-day European hub. Plus, this is where the world’s best beer and waffles are made, which alone warrants a honeymoon detour.
- Must-See: Grand Place is the jaw-dropping central square. Manneken Pis is that quirky little statue of a peeing boy. Comic strip lovers, make a pilgrimage to the Belgian Comic Strip Center.
- Eats: Seek out Belgian frites (fries), moules frites (mussels and fries), and a gloriously fluffy waffle. Oh, and beer. Did I mention the beer?
Prague: Fairytale Magic & Beer Cheaper Than Water
Prague looks like it was plucked straight out of a storybook. Gothic spires, and a castle perched on a hill? Check, and check. Oh, and did I mention the absurdly delicious (and cheap) beer?
- Must-See: The Charles Bridge at sunrise is magical. Prague Castle is a must, and if you like quirky stuff, check out the Franz Kafka Museum.
- Eats: Indulge in hearty Czech fare – think roast pork, dumplings, and goulash. Trdelnik, a sweet pastry spiral, is the perfect snack on the go.
Vienna: Elegance, Coffeehouses, and Pretending to Be Cultured
Vienna is like elegance had a baby with a Mozart symphony. – think grand palaces, elegant coffeehouses, and enough classical music to make you feel like you should be wearing a powdered wig.
- Must-See: Schönbrunn Palace is all Hapsburg extravagance. The Giant Ferris wheel is pure touristy fun. And if you’re feeling fancy, splurge on tickets to the Vienna State Opera.
- Eats: Embrace the coffeehouse culture and order a proper Viennese coffee. Sacherorte (decadent chocolate cake) is mandatory. And schnitzel the size of your face? Yes, please!
Milan: Where Fashionistas Strut and Our Wallets Wept
Milan buzzed with energy and elegance. Sleek designer boutiques, stunning architecture… and us, feeling distinctly underdressed in our backpack and well-worn travel clothes. But that Duomo? Wow. It’s like a giant hedgehog made of marble.
- Must-See: The Duomo is an absolute masterpiece, like a giant stone snowflake. Get a little lost in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – it feels like walking through a jewelry box. Catch an AC Milan game if you’re into passionate crowds and sporty vibes.
- Eats: Risotto Milanese is a must-try – a creamy, saffron-infused rice dish. Then, balance your sophisticated dining experience with aperitivo – the Italian version of happy hour with drinks and snacks.
Cinque Terre: Hiking Trails, Pesto Paradise, and Seaside Serenity
Cinque Terre is a string of five colorful villages clinging to the Italian Riviera, connected by scenic trails that made our legs scream (worth it though!). It’s the perfect place to slow down and soak in the simple beauty.
- Must-See: Lace up your hiking boots and explore the coastal paths between the villages. Manarola offers the classic postcard view of colorful houses stacked on the cliffside.
- Eats: This is pesto paradise! Order trofie al pesto, a local pasta dish with the freshest basil sauce you’ll ever have. Grab a cone overflowing with fried seafood for a beachside picnic. Check out the lobster pasta at Trattoria dal Billy.
Pisa: That Leaning Tower and Beyond
Okay, okay, we couldn’t resist a quick stop in Pisa. The Leaning Tower is as delightfully tilted as you’d expect, but this Tuscan town has more charm than just its famous photo op.
- Must-See: Yes, get that obligatory “holding up the tower” picture out of your system. Then, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Arno River and explore the Piazza dei Cavalieri.
- Eats: Discover Tuscan cuisine beyond pizza – try hearty dishes like ribollita soup or a perfectly grilled Florentine steak (if you’re feeling carnivorous).
Florence: Art, Wine, and the Best. Gelato. Ever.
Florence is the kind of place that makes your heart sing. Renaissance masterpieces on every corner? Check. Views from the Duomo that take your breath away? Check. Gelato so good you’ll dream about it for years? Oh yes.
- Must-See: The Uffizi Gallery is a time machine to the heart of the Renaissance. Climb the Piazza del Duomo for the workout and the epic views. Sunset on the Ponte Vecchio is the stuff romantic movies are made of.
- Eats: A classic bistecca alla Fiorentina (a giant, perfectly grilled steak) is the ultimate Tuscan experience. Pair it with a bold Chianti Classico, then top it all off with cantuccini biscuits dipped in Vin Santo dessert wine.
Our honeymoon was a whirlwind of plane rides, train journeys, and enough cobblestone streets to make our feet ache (in the best possible way). Did I mention how incredible it was to do it all with my best friend and favorite travel partner? If you’re looking for a European adventure filled with romance, amazing food, and unforgettable memories, this itinerary is a great place to start. And remember, a few mishaps along the way just add to the story!