To celebrate my daughter’s high school graduation, we planned a once-in-a-lifetime trip through Italy and Greece—a perfect blend of history, beauty, adventure, and relaxation. Over two unforgettable weeks, we explored iconic cities like Milan, Venice, and Rome, soaked in the scenic charm of Lake Como, and embraced the laid-back luxury of island life in Crete before wrapping up with breathtaking views in Athens. It was the ultimate way to mark such a special milestone, and a trip we’ll treasure forever.
🇮🇹 Milan
Where We Stayed:
Milan Marriott Hotel
A comfortable and well-located hotel. While the main restaurant was under construction, they made up for it with a ballroom-turned-dining room setup that worked surprisingly well.
What to See:
- Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco): Renaissance castle with impressive museums and art collections.
- Duomo di Milano: A must-see! This Gothic cathedral offers incredible rooftop views—especially stunning at sunset.
🇮🇹 Venice
Where We Stayed:
Hotel Gardena
Highly recommend! Located at the entrance of Venice, it’s quiet, charming, and makes dropping off luggage easy—especially since there’s no driving allowed in the city. It also offers easy access to many the main points of interest in Venice.
Travel Tip:
We rented a car and parked at Autorimessa Comunale and walked the short distance to the hotel.
Helpful Resource:
Get the Venice City Pass—it’s worth it for easy access to main attractions.
What to See:
- St. Mark’s Square: Visit St. Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile, and Doge’s Palace.
- St. Mark’s Basilica: Famous for golden mosaics and Byzantine domes. Dress modestly.
- Campanile: Climb or take the elevator for panoramic city views.
- Doge’s Palace: Walk through opulent rooms and cross the iconic Bridge of Sighs.
🇮🇹 Lake Como
Our Route:
We started on the west side of the lake, had lunch in Menaggio, took a car ferry to Bellagio, and then drove to our hotel.
Where We Ate:
- Lunch: Ristorante La Fagurida – A rustic hillside gem with spectacular lake views, delicious food, and warm hospitality.
- Dinner: Una Finestra Sul Lago – Elegant dining with a stunning view.
Where We Stayed:
Hotel Aurora, Lezzeno
Highly recommended for lakeside views and affordability. We stayed in a suite right on the water’s edge. Their restaurant (across from the main building) serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with gorgeous lake views.
What to See:
- Villa del Balbianello: Tickets here – A breathtaking villa featured in Star Wars and James Bond.
- Take a boat tour – Great way to see the lake (we planned to but missed out due to weather).
- Scenic Hikes: Try the Brunate to Volta Lighthouse trail or routes around Varenna and Bellagio if time allows.
🇮🇹 Rome
Where We Stayed:
Trevi Rome Suites
This guest house is on the third floor of a 17th-century palazzo. The spacious rooms and central location were perfect for walking to Rome’s top sights. Staff were super helpful with transportation and luggage storage.
What to See:
- Trevi Fountain: Go early or late to beat the crowds.
- Spanish Steps, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, Pantheon, and the Colosseum – All within walking distance.
- Vatican City:
- St. Peter’s Basilica: Dress code is enforced—no sleeveless tops, shorts, or flip-flops. Don’t miss the dome climb.
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Michelangelo’s ceiling is unforgettable.
- St. Peter’s Square: Iconic view of the Basilica and perfect photo spot.
🇬🇷 Crete (Chania)
Where We Stayed:
Thalassa Beach Resort
Adults-only, beachfront, and ultra-relaxing. Swim-up bar, spa, and views of Thodorou Island made this the perfect place to unwind.
What to Do:
- Explore Chania Old Town: Venetian harbor, charming alleys, great shopping and dining.
- Venetian Lighthouse and Nautical Museum: Great waterfront stroll, especially at sunset.
- Falassarna Beach: Gorgeous water and mountain views. Rent beach beds, order food and drinks from the on-site restaurant, and enjoy top-notch amenities.
- Other Ideas (if time allows):
- Balos Beach and Elafonissi Beach – Both are stunning but require long drives.
- Day trip to Santorini – Available by ferry.
- Samaria Gorge Hike: Europe’s longest gorge – a 6-8 hour adventure we didn’t get to, but it’s highly recommended.
🇬🇷 Athens
Dinner Highlight:
Acropolis Secret Restaurant – Located at the beautiful Divani Palace Acropolis Hotel, which we didn’t stay at but would have loved to. The rooftop dinner had amazing views of the Acropolis, excellent food, and fantastic service.
What to See:
- Acropolis & Parthenon
- Acropolis Museum – A must for history lovers.
Effortless Style for a Mediterranean Escape
Packing for a European vacation is all about striking the balance between comfort and style. Think versatile layers, breathable fabrics, and classic staples like linen pants, chic sundresses, and a great pair of walking shoes. Neutral tones with pops of color or pattern work well for mixing and matching, and accessories like scarves or crossbody bags can elevate even the simplest outfit. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, dining al fresco, or strolling cobblestone streets, effortless style is key.
What I Wore
Sandals, (bought the brown, black and white)
Striped Top (This top was an absolute favorite – so versatile and never wrinkled)
Ruched Tank Top (wore under the overalls)
The Most Amazing Journey
This trip was so much more than just a vacation—it was a celebration of a huge milestone and a chance to slow down and truly enjoy time together as a family. From walking historic streets and gazing up at ancient architecture to relaxing on sun-soaked beaches and indulging in some of the best food we’ve ever had, every moment felt special. We made unforgettable memories exploring castles in Milan, sailing across Lake Como, wandering the alleys of Venice, and soaking in the beauty of the Greek islands. Sharing these experiences with my daughter as she closed one chapter and prepared for the next made it all even more meaningful. It was the perfect mix of adventure, connection, and joy—and we’ll be reminiscing about this trip for years to come. Click here for more footage of this amazing trip!
Leave a Reply
