I blame my parents. From as far back as I can remember they were travellers. Always making time for each other, escaping the reality of life with quick getaways to sunny islands and tropical destinations near and far. As my sister and I got a little older, we were invited along for the ride. Allowed to miss school and learn about the world in a different way, by exploring Columbia, Dominican Republic, teeny towns in Mexico… a new place every year. Yes, I blame my parents, they gave me the travel bug, it’s the only virus I have ever wanted to pass on to my children.
The thing about travelling, once it’s in your blood, you really can’t ever shake it. Now as a Mama myself I yearn to show the world to my girls. To start scratching away at my bucket list of amazing destinations . The list of “must see’s” is very, very long. So how do I start? By making a Top 5 List of course! Today I bring you my bucket list of Top Five European Cities I Must Visit With My Children.
Paris, France
The Louvre, Notre Dame, The Arc De Triomphe, The Eiffel Tower. The Notre Dame Cathedral, Luxembourg Gardens and a cruise down the Seine. Window shopping at Christian Louboutin and of course a cup of the famous hot chocolate from Angelina Paris. Le Sigh, I want to show them every little thing!
London, England
So much to do in the country of Harry Potter! The history and the sites! The Eye of London, Tower of London, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Brush off our British accent as we visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum, Kensignton Palace and of course indulge in high tea.
Rome, Italy
The more I read about Italy, the more my desire to explore that beautiful country grows. The city of Rome is topping the list. The Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon, The Colosseum, The Sisten Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, The Vatican, and of course the Spanish Steps! Imagine sipping a cappuccino while watching your children count those steps, or trying to find the best gelato in Rome. This is the way memories were meant to be made!
Venice, Italy
I am so in love with the idea of Italy, it has made my top five list twice! Venice, a city built on a lagoon and surrounded by a sea, that kind of magic tugs at my heart. I’m ready to pack my bags today and explore the architecture, the fashion and the food! I’m sure I would need a new camera card to capture all that is the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace, and Saint Mark’s Basillca. I’m ready to try my hand at some pizza making class and explore the city in a gondola.
Santorini, Greece
I know, rationally, I should be taking my girls to see the sites of Athens Greece. The Parthenon, the Acropolis and it’s Museum, and the beautiful neighbourhood of Plaka. There s so much to learn there!! However the volcanic island I truly want to explore is Santorini. For as long as I can remember I have longed to walk the winding streets of this stunning place, bask in the sunshine, then photograph a sunset before calling it a night in a fabulous cave house! It doesn’t hurt to dream!
Which cities would make your Top Five European Bucket List, and fess up, would you take the kids?
Europe would be such a great place to visit definitely on the bucket list.
I’ve visited all those places except for Greece… Greece, Spain & Australia are on my bucket list 🙂
I don’t have a Bucket list but would so love to go to down DOWN UNDER … 🙂
I have yet to visit any of these beautiful places so they are all my bucket list as well!
Oh beautiful. Definitely on my bucket list.
Love your list. I’ve been to London and Venice and would love to share with my girls one day.
I also am in love with the thought of going to Greece, New Zealand and Germany too.
Don’t forget your favourite sister (Ok only sister) I want to come! Please!
I don’t think I would be brave enough to visit anywhere with my kids, they are still young though maybe when they are older.
When we first started travelling we didn’t venture too far from home. First a cottage rental, then trips to Florida. The more you do it, the more comfortable you become. My girls are 12 and 15 now so it is easier in some ways to keep them happy 🙂
Love your list although I would add Barcelona and Florence to my list. Gorgeous architecture. And although I have been t o Rome and a few other places in Italy, I long to return to that beautiful city.
Love your additions to my list! Barcelona and Florence look like beautiful places.
Great choice with Santorini. I would add that one to my list as well.
Have you been to Greece? Seems Santorini is on so many travel bucket lists!
Oooo I like your picks! Lucky girls when you get to cross these off your list!
I’m not certain we will get the entire list crossed off, but it sure doesn’t hurt to dream!
Haha Le sigh. I also want to go to Paris with my kids. I want to take them to the bridge with all of the love locks and make one with them. I enjoyed reading this post 🙂
I’d love to put a family lock on that bride! It is simply magical!
Santorini is my most favourite island ever! I love being there, it’s heavenly. We are going to Greece this summer, but not going to Santorini. There is a lot lot lot lot of walking up and down steep stairs to get to and from the city (not a bad thing, but I know my boys would start complaining in the heat at some point!) and the beaches are not the best. BUT! Definitely worth going, and your girls are older and would LOVE it.
Oh I am so jealous that you are going (back?) to Greece this summer!! Can’t wait to follow along!!! Hope I can make our dreams a reality soon!
It sounds perfect and they would love it all so much!
Thank you!! I think they are at the perfect age, it’s time to start putting these dreams into action 🙂
Wow!! all very beautiful places, I’ll be your daughter and you can take me with you..lol
No plans just yet, just dreams!! 🙂