This winter break my family and I took a cruise to Europe! I had never done anything like it and it was so wonderful to experience all the different cultures of the 3 countries I visited, even if it was just for a day or two.
The cruise started in Barcelona Spain, a city known for its great nightlife and rich history in art. I explored the winding streets off of the famous “La Ramblas” main drive, and stopped in little art galleries and shops to see all the local artistry. The most amazing part was going to Park Guell, a beautiful historical work of art of a park created by the genius architect Gaudi.
Next, we headed to France, stopping in Marseilles, Saint Tropez, and Monte Carlo. I visited museums with ancient artifacts, explored churches, and of course took advantage of all the shopping. In Marseilles I was incredibly impressed by the street art and individual art galleries. Saint Tropez had beautiful beaches and adorable colored houses and neighborhoods that I explored and imagined myself living in. Monte Carlo was an absolute dream, it’s literally impossible to live there if you’re not a millionaire, so seeing all the locals in their designer clothes was really fun. I went to a car museum and took tons of cute pictures with all the stunning views.
Last, the cruise docked in Livorno where we visited Florence, Tuscany, and finished in Rome. Though I have already been to Florence, I loved being able to go back to my favorite jewelry store and walk the Ponte Vecchio once more. Tuscany was absolutely incredible with its rolling hills and vineyards for miles and miles into the mountains. We explored a little town called San Gimignano, which looked like a village out of a fairytale with its ancient bell towers and cobblestone streets. Finishing off the trip in Rome was an unexpected surprise thanks to a cancelled flight. I visited the oldest synagogue in Rome and took pictures on the Spanish steps and the Trevi Fountain.