Best Summer European Vacation: 91 Days Athens-Paris

This blog is based on a 100-page Shutterfly book we recently completed. Because Shutterfly is predominantly a photo-based site, it contains far more photos than narrative. However, it quite accurately traces our best European vacation, which we took in the summer of 2024, and we had a great time. We started in Athens, spent a month in the Balkans, and traveled to some of our favorite places, the best European Cities, London, Spain, Portugal, Bordeaux, and ended in Paris for the 2024 Olympics.

While you may not be able to take such an elaborate Summer European Vacation, this post should be helpful if you are just looking for the perfect destination to visit in Europe. The best way to use this blog is to skip to the countries that interest you by selecting your special place from the table of contents below. If you want more details about each of the major cities that we visited and the specific amounts of time we spent in each, please visit our sister blog for timing and the places we stayed. Just click on Cosguide4travel.com/olympic-journey-athens-to-paris/.. 

First Stop on the Best European Vacation: Greece

And so our summer holiday starts in Greece on May 9. This is the best time of year to begin your summer trip. You will be experiencing long days and warmer months. The streets will be a little less crowded, ahead of the full summer months.

We visited two Greek islands, Santorini and Mykonos. We also visited Athens, Piraeus, Delphi, and Meteora. All of our planning was based on research Cos had conducted by following our approach to DIYTravel™.  To learn more about it, click here.

First Island to Visit on the Summer European Vacation: Santorini

Santorini is one of the best European Summer Destinatons. If this is your first visit to Greece, you are likely to want to visit this Greek Island. It was at the top of our bucket list.

Our home base in Santorini was the Petite Palace, a charming collection of individualized guest rooms. The bar and restaurant were excellent, and we were treated to the famous Santorini sunset! This was a summer of over-tourism, but May was a wonderful time.

 

Of course, you must visit Fira, a charming old town, with natural beauty and bougainvillea draped everywhere. The local restaurants, bars, and artsy stores are thriving. We had great food at Kaliya, across the street from Palia Kament, a famous cocktail bar with great sunset views.

 

But do take a trip out of town to visit Akroteri or other small villages where life is more basic and challenging. Our tour included a visit here, a nearby archaeological dig, a short stop in Oia (crowded), and a wine tasting at our favorite vineyard.

The views from our hotel were gorgeous, capturing the famous white structures in the caldera. This is a goodbye to beautiful Santorini and on to Mykonos.

Mykonos, a Beautiful Greek Island

The best things to do in Mykonos are visiting the Windmills, enjoying Greek salads, and exploring the beautiful small towns. One of our walks we booked through Get Your Guide, and it was excellent, a true overview of Mykonos, followed by a down-to-earth walking tour.

We really enjoyed finding out-of-the-way places (although we did indulge in the fabulous Katrin Mykonos Restaurant).

As a day trip, we took a wonderful sailboat ride we found on GetYourGuide from Mykonos to Delos to visit the amazing ruins being excavated. After a delicious Greek supper on board, we were treated to a famous sunset, even more beautiful than Santorini's! And so our sunset sail in Mykonos means it's time to leave for Athens.

 

 

First Major City: Athens

Athens is a city of neighborhoods, with a rich history, including the historic Plaka neighborhood. With the majestic Acropolis towers above it all, joined by the Parthenon and Temple of Athena, Athens is an ideal destination. Fabulous restaurants included Oikeio, Point A, and Varoulko Seaside in the Port of Piraeus, out on the Mediterranean Sea. We loved how friendly everyone was and seemed to enjoy visitors.

 

Here are the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (the Theatre) and the marble Panathenaic (Olympic Stadium), still in use today. We were in awe of the bougainvillea outside the Acropolis Museum. Everywhere we went, we continued to discover ruins.

Delphi

The ancient Greeks considered the center of the world to be in Delphi, marked by the stone monument known as the Omphalos of Delphi (navel). The Temple of Apollo in Delphi included the well-known Delphi Treasury, the Delphi Theatre, and a wonderful museum filled with ancient treasures.

The Ancient Theatre of Delphi is the largest structure in the Temple of Apollo.

The Treasury of Athenians is one of the most impressive buildings in the Sanctuary of Apollo. It looks very familiar to those of us in financial services.

Meteora

The magic of Meteora lies in its isolated monasteries, perched atop impossibly thin rock formations. The Agios Stefanos monastery was just one of them. Not surprisingly, the Monasteries of Meteora made the top 50 list of our Famous Cathedrals in Europe.

We came across a group of Serbian Orthodox parishioners and their priests. They had brought a feast, which they offered to share with us as a thank-you for taking their picture. Their joy was infectious.

Albania

We had a two-week private guided tour in the Balkans, starting with Athens. It was beneficial to have an Albanian gentleman guide us through these countries, not only with language and "road knowledge" but also local culture, history, and insight. This proved to be a very successful trip. There was a similar trip that mirrored ours, but was a family trip for a mother and her son.

Gjirokaster

Our first stop in Albania was Gjirokaster, "Stone City". Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans, and a great first taste of Albania's ancient history. We stayed at a local B&B whose owner was a delight.

 

Ali Pasha figures prominently here and throughout Albania. We had quite a lesson in his influence, including the good, the bad, and the ugly. Despite his shortcomings, most Albanians seemed to revere his contributions. We visited the island where he was finally murdered.

Berat

Byzantine churches, the castle, a town of 1001 windows, the Onufri National Museum, and Saint Maria's Church. This stop was filled with so much history and antiquity.

 

We tasted wine at Cobo and had a unique experience as we took a local cooking lesson with a young couple from Australia in a private home within the Castle. We booked this through Get Your Guide!

 

The birthplace of Onufri, a genius artist known for his Orthodox murals and icons, as well as the founding of a school of painting. He took the secret of his special red/pink color to his grave.

North Macedonia

It is a point of disagreement that today's residents would prefer to call their country Macedonia, but that name is already taken in Greece.

Ohrid

Ohrid is famous for its 365 Orthodox Churches. We saw the Church of St. John at Kaneo. Enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Kaneo featuring the one and only Ohrid trout during the storm. The Lake is one of Europe's deepest and oldest, with a unique aquatic ecosystem of worldwide importance.

 

Next, we visited Tsar Samuel's Fortress and the Monastery of St. Naum. This is a Macedonian Orthodox monastery and is a fine example of Byzantine architecture.

 

Albania

Tirana

The capital and the largest city. Tirana was likely the core of the Illyrian kingdom. It is also the birthplace of Mother Teresa.

Today, it is surprisingly cosmopolitan, poised for tourism and economic development. Recently, a direct flight to the United States was launched, which many hope will lead to additional tourism. We spent two days exploring the city, learning its history, and seeing so many bunkers. We met a charming, famous actor as well as the former ambassador to Mexico and Cuba, who now owns a charming business, Komitet, a cafe/museum.

 

Our delicious visit to Salt and its seafood tower. In the morning, everyone has a breakfast pie from places like the one below.

 

Kruje

Kruje is the symbol of Albanian resistance against Ottoman expansion. We visited Kruje Castle, the Skandere Museum, and the Kruje bazaar, where you can find authentic handicrafts.

 

Kosovo

Decan

The Visoki Decani Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox monastery located near Decan, Kosovo. We found the monastery to have a particularly spiritual atmosphere. It is a gorgeous structure and very well preserved.

 

This is often considered to be one of the most endangered European cultural heritage sites. It is by far the largest medieval church of the Balkans. It has been under the legal protection of Serbia since 1947, guarded 24/7 by a peacekeeping force from NATO.

Albania

Fishte

Back in Albania on our way to Shkoder, we visited Mrizi Zanave, a multi-dimensional agrotourism collective that included a vinyard, production of cheese, pepperoni, jams and jellies as well as a very nice restaurant and retail store.

 

Shkoder

A charming city founded by the Illyrian tribe, clearly influenced by Venice. We enjoyed a boat ride on the Lake of Shkoder, girls dribbling basketballs, a vineyard visit, and the Venetian mask factory (this is our mask below). Also we visited Rozafa Castle which is surrounded by the Buna and Drin rivers..

 

 

Our drive took us by this beautiful natural green reservoir, created by the hydroelectric dam. Much of the electricity in this country is hydroelectric.

Montenegro

Budva and Kotor

Budva on the Montenegrin Riviera is a walled city that has become a destination for the Eastern European jet set. There are incredible tourist stops, and we found this to be very busy.

This was our second time in Kotar, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Adriatic.

 

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Mostar

Many reminders of the war. Mosar was a stunning sight, with the river Buna making its presence known. It is renowned for its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) reconstructed after the war. This was the last part of our Balkans tour.

 

 

Sarajevo

The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. With the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, World War I began.

Sarajevo was the site of the 1984 Winter Olympics. However, most remember the siege of Sarajevo, a prolonged bloody blockade during the Bosnian War from 1992 to 1996. Visiting modern Sarajevo was surprisingly similar to other places we visited, except for the Tunnel of Hope Museum at the airport.

Croatia

Dubrovnik

With its distinctive, massive stone walls, this is a bucket-list item for most people. However, the cruise ship's thirst for this city is taking its toll on this beautiful place. However, we absolutely loved our hotel, the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik.

 

Korcula

Although rumored to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, most people deny this. We were impressed with the stunning architecture and spectacular wine culture. We booked an all-day wine tour through GetYourGuide; you can see our convertible van below! As a result, we fell in love with this great place.

 

 

Hvar

Summer playground for the wealthy. For good reason. It is famous for its buildings, world-class cuisine, and beautiful beaches. We loved our daily walk to town, where there was a great five o'clock cocktail vibe and excellent street music.

 

 

Split on the Dalmatian Coast

A stunning walled city, best known for the Diocletian Palace, which is still inhabited today. We took a wonderful tour of the local markets, the palace, and the People's Square, courtesy of GetYourGuide. Two of our favorite restaurants were Michelin Bib Gourmand SUG and Articok. Split will be one of your best summer destinations, 

 

 

We explored so many places around Split by GetYourGuide's Tuk Tuk (Ivan Mestrovic's home and studio and Tito's summer house) and by boat (historic Trogir, Maslinica Island, and the Blue Lagoon).

See the Croatian football banner draped across our hotel window.

 

 

 

Rovinj

Rovinj became our favorite in Croatia and was one of the best places for the entire trip. And why not? With its picturesque old town, stunning Venetian-like architecture, and crystal clear Adriatic Sea, this is a dream come true. Our accommodation, the breathtaking views at sunset, and wonderful truffle-infused food were all contributors. Plus, it's only a 3.5-hour ferry ride to Venice! The best time ever!

 

 

Zadar on the Adriatic Coast

One of our very best sunsets was in Zadar, Croatia's oldest city. Beyond that, we toured the city with an excellent native guide (through Get Your Guide) and further explored on our own, where we found Nicola Basic's architectural Sea Organ that plays music with the waves.

 

 

 

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park has a chain of 16 terraced lakes, joined by spectacular waterfalls that extend into a limestone canyon. Truly one of the most beautiful waterfalls we have ever visited. We loved staying at Restoran Antemurale, a family run inn, complete with restaurant. Nothing like watching Croatian futbol with the owner!

 

Zagreb 

The capital of Croatia is distinguished by its Hungarian-inspired architecture. Looking forward to visiting, we were disappointed that so much was closed due to the 2020 earthquake. However, we had a delightful tour, visiting famous Croatian statues, from Nikola Tesla to Ivan Mestrovic's statue "Well of Life". We found this local tour on GetYourGuide. I also loved the Ban Jelacic Square, Gornji Grad, and the Croatian National Theatre building.

 

Slovenia

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is Slovenia's capital and largest city. Everything about this city is extraordinary, and we loved it. The way the river meanders through the city, the beautiful castle, and the dragons scattered throughout.

 

 

Slovenian countryside, including Lake Bled, Predjama Castle

Touring Slovenia's countryside offers surprise after surprise. Lake Bled, and its Plenta flat-bottom boats, Predjama Castle built into the mountain, a swan drifting in the fog at Medvode. So surrealistic and somehow so Slovenian.

 

England

London

A few days in London, one of our favorite cities. We stayed at the beautiful Conrad Hotel, complete with an English Breakfast, and visited La Mia Mamma restaurant in Chelsea. The restaurant was fun (all the cooks are mothers imported from Italy), and Chelsea is a great upscale community.

 

We visited both the British Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. Plus, we went to Starlight Express and Back to the Future.

 

Finally, we toured the street art in Spitalfields with a local guide through Get Your Guide and were rewarded with seeing two Banksy's!

Spain

Basque Country

After landing in Madrid, we drove to Parador de Olite in Navarra, but we saw several scary billboard bulls along the highway. We detoured to Zaragoza and spent only a short time, but we were impressed by the baroque basilica.

 

Our Parador in Navarra is a beautifully converted castle, our first stay in a Parador, and our introduction to the Basque Country.

Bilbao

As the Capital of the Basque Country, Bilbao was primarily an industrial city until the opening of the Guggenheim Museum. This brought worldwide fame and attention.

 

 

Gorgeous parks and flower beds, creative Pintxos, statues, the classic train station, the Bilbao Opera House, and the Bilboko Donejakue Katedraia (the Cathedral) make this walking tour an absolute delight. Of course, we found this tour on GetYourGuide.

 

Cangas de Onis

Cangas de Onis was the location of our second Parador. Once a monastery, this was even better than the first. The setting is gorgeous and a very popular tourist attraction. We visited the town and found the Monumento a Don Pelago, as well as a very good wine-and-cheese shop.

Santiago de Compostela

The destination for so many pilgrims following the Camino Frances, the Camino Portugues or the Camino del Norte. It is the site where Apostle Saint James is buried. We were struck by the sheer joy of people in the main square and couldn't visit it often enough. Upon completion, the pilgrims are met by a bagpiper, something we saw in Finisterre as well. The Cathedral itself is very beautiful both outside and inside and holds regularly scheduled services.

 

Our third parador was a converted hospital, Parador de Santiago de Compostela.

 

We decided to visit Fisterra, an alternative final destination for pilgrims who seek to travel beyond Santiago de Compostella. As with Santiago, pilgrims are met with a bagpiper. Fisterra is also known as "Lands End", one of the westernmost points of land in Spain.

Leon

Leon, capital of the province of Leon and site of the gorgeous Gothic Cathedral. It is also home to Gaudi's Casa Botines. Our Parador de Leon is the most stately and luxurious yet, built for the Military Order of Saint James. Its carved facade, cloister, church and magnificent choir stalls are breathtaking. Throughout the city you see the sign of the pilgrims.

 

 

Burgos

What we didn't expect was to find a Cathedral that rivaled Leon Santa Maria de Burgos, which you see below. We stayed in our last Parador, Parador de Lerma. The village of Lerma, outside Burgos, is very small, but we found a convent with several delightful nuns selling their homemade goods.

 

Pamplona

How Ernest Hemingway loved Pamplona, writing "The Sun Also Rises", based on his love for this city and its bull fighting. The Opening Ceremony was pure craziness. And pure fun. Hope this captures some of it.

Madrid

Three days in Madrid, starting with possibly the biggest LGBTQ+ pride parade ever! Remarkably, everything was perfectly restored by the next morning!

We fell in love with Madrid in a way we hadn't before, thanks to our excellent tour guide. Can't wait to go back again!

 

Toledo

Toledo, the city of three cultures, was the first stop on our river cruise. What a wonderful city, filled with stories of religious co-existence.

 

 

Salamanca

Visited the Universidad de Salamanca with its Roman Bridge and ornate sandstone buildings. This university was among the most prolific and prestigious in Europe during the Renaissance and the Spanish Golden Age. Even today, students come here to perfect their Portuguese language skills. Below, you can see a replaced sandstone border featuring an astronaut (!) and a monkey eating an ice cream cone!

Portugal

Castelo Rodrigo & Pinhao

We boarded the Ama Vida, our river home, and visited the Castelo Rodrigo overlooking the River Douro. Beginning the winding journey, we docked in Pinhao, where the blue-and-white tiles at the train station told the story of wine production in Portugal. The next day, we took a short trip to Favios Moscatel, marveling at how the workers navigated the steep narrow vineyards along the hills.

 

More cruising and a visit to Senhora de Remedios with its 686 steps.

 

Wine tasting in the beautiful Jardim da Quinta da Aveleda in Penafiel.

Porto

Then on to Porto, known for its Port, wine and so much more. It is a gorgeous city and our last stop on our river cruise. What an ending.

 

Porto at night.

Tomar

Disembark and drive to Tomar, the Convent of Christ. This magnificent structure comprises a round church, a temple, huge bell tower and seven cloisters. And perhaps the most beautiful window ever built.

Lisbon

The capital of Portugal. A hilly city, complete with trams. Delicious Piri Piri chicken, sweet cherry Ginja de Obidos, and Belem pastries. The enormous Jeronimos monastery.

 

 

 

Almancil

On to Southern Portugal, to the wonderful Conrad Almancil, where we spent almost a week in the warmer weather. We purchased a rental car, started a road trip, took a ferry to drive along the Atlantic coast, and visited the rock formations, which reminded us of Cabo. We also saw where the famous tennis player, Rafael Nadal, has a home. See the gorgeous red rock backdrop behind the beautiful sandy beach.

 

France

Bordeaux

Our first two Olympic events (football), a visit to Cité du Vin, a day with a great wine tour with a picnic, and a visit to Saint-Emilion. It is always wonderful to spend time here, but we were connected to our Paris plans using high-speed train travel.

And Finally, Paris

The Paris Olympics of 2024! We started with beach volleyball in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, and couldn't get enough! A pleasant surprise was how easily we navigated their public transportation system.

Also, we saw Coco Gauff lose to Croatian Donna Vekic. The heat during this match was almost unbearable.

 

 

Paris is magic. Whether you're visiting Avenue George V for window shopping, tasting the goodies at the hospitality suite at the Four Seasons, reminiscing over the Flame of Liberty in Diana's memory or discovering the hidden treasures of Luxembourg Gardens and Palace. It's all bewitching.

 

 

We visited the Louver again and saw exhibits we had never noticed before. The Olympic Cauldron had everyone in awe!

 

 

The Parisians know how to host a hospitality venue...starting with Moet and delicious French food throughout the afternoon. Plus we saw holes 1,2 and 3 plus 15, 16, 17 and 18!

 

 

Heading for the gold! Our champion Scottie Scheffler! However, Jon Rahm's supporters were the best dressed!

 

Last full day in Paris. Final women's beach volleyball, with Brazil taking the gold. Visiting the hosting center. Catching dinner in a bistro and then one last chance to look upon the glistening Eiffel Tower and Cauldron.

 

Ireland

Dublin

Charles De Gaulle to Dublin Airport. The face of Ireland with a Guinness...Unfortunately, Paul's luggage decided to stay in Dublin-town for a couple of extra days.

Back in NYC, we found that we could have stayed here and had the same picture as Paris!