Get ready for a whirlwind tour of our incredible European adventure! We spent a magical anniversary celebrating in France and Italy, experiencing the charm of Paris, the beauty of Nice, and the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. This was our very first European trip, and we packed in as much sightseeing as we could while still enjoying the laid-back vacation vibe. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the picturesque Amalfi Coast, we’re sharing our itinerary, answering all your burning questions, and showcasing stunning photos from our journey. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s explore!
Paris: City of Lights and Love
We kicked off our European adventure in the enchanting city of Paris. Staying at the Hotel Duquesne Eiffel, we were treated to breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, a quintessential Parisian experience. The hotel’s location allowed us to easily explore the city’s iconic landmarks. While the rooms were compact, the convenience and the stunning views made it a memorable stay. And let’s be honest, a little Parisian charm never hurts! We indulged in the classic Parisian tradition of champagne and macarons upon arrival, embracing the “Emily in Paris” spirit.
Paris was brimming with delightful experiences. We were charmed by the sweetness and kindness of the Parisians. We learned that a little effort goes a long way; trying to learn a few French phrases made a world of difference. Our top three Parisian experiences were the Eiffel Tower’s sparkling lights at night, the Musee d’Orsay, and the magnificent Palace of Versailles.
Here’s a glimpse into our Parisian itinerary:
Day One:
* Afternoon Activity: High Tea at Laduree Champs Elysees or Ritz Carlton (be prepared for a wait, reservations aren’t available)
* Dinner: Sunset Picnic by Eiffel Tower. Find the perfect spot using these coordinates: V75R + W78. Pick up delicious meats, cheeses, wine, and chocolates at Epicerie Fine Rive Gauche or a local grocery store. Alternatively, enjoy dinner at Tour Eiffel, savoring charcuterie and wine. Flexibility is key on your first day in Paris!
* Breakfast: Les Deux Magots, a legendary cafe offering the best cappuccino we had in Paris.
Day Two:
* Activity 1: Food tour in Montmartre. A highlight of our trip! Have a light breakfast, as you’ll be snacking for four hours.
* Dinner: Girafe, if you can snag a reservation! We enjoyed a delightful meal at Monsieur Bleu, which was just as beautiful.
Day Three:
* Lunch: Musee d’Orsay. No reservations are needed, but lines can be long, so arrive early if possible!
* Activity 2: Notre Dame Chapel, Sainte Chapelle, the surrounding flower market, and the charming Cafe Au Vieux. Don’t miss this adorable cafe before it closes at 4 pm (you can stay longer, but they stop serving after 4 pm).
* Drinks: Explore Paris’s vibrant speakeasy scene. There are tons of hidden gems waiting to be discovered!
Day Four:
* Activity: Versailles! Book in advance and dedicate most of the day to this magnificent palace. Take an Uber for a quicker journey than the train and wear comfortable shoes.
* Drinks: Shangri La rooftop bar or their stunning lobby. This hotel is a true masterpiece.
Nice: A Breath of Fresh Air on the French Riviera
After Paris, we made our way to the beautiful coastal city of Nice. We stayed in a breathtaking chateau about 30 minutes from the French Riviera, providing a peaceful retreat after the hustle and bustle of Paris. We were completely exhausted from our whirlwind Paris adventure, so the quiet time was perfect. Nice, with its charming, smaller size, is ideal for driving, and we highly recommend booking an Airbnb instead of a hotel to spread out, cook some meals, and truly relax.
Our advice? Skip the train ride between Paris and Nice. For the time saved and a minimal price difference, flying is the way to go. And, let’s face it, train theft is a real concern, so it’s not worth the worry. Our train ride was delayed for three hours, and even without delays, it’s a six-hour journey.
Here’s our Nice itinerary:
Day Five:
* Travel: Paris to Nice. Fly instead of taking the train!
* Lunch: Get a local recommendation from your tour guide and enjoy authentic Nice cuisine.
* Activity 3: Villa Massena Musee (near Hotel Negresco) OR hit the beach and soak up the sun!
The Amalfi Coast: A Taste of Italian Paradise
We fell head over heels with Italy! Its warm hospitality, kindness, and love of community touched our hearts. Not to mention, the food was simply divine! We stayed at the Hotel Villa Maria Pia in Praiano, a beautiful and centrally located hotel with exceptional staff and delicious food. Praiano is a peaceful escape compared to the lively Positano, offering a tranquil retreat. The hotel is a short 20-minute taxi ride to Positano if you want to explore.
Our Amalfi Coast adventures unfolded as follows:
Day Six:
* Travel: Fly from Nice to Naples. A quick and easy flight.
* Travel: Private car ride from Naples to Praiano (approximately 1.5 hours). Pack some Dramamine for this scenic drive!
Day Seven:
* Activity: Food + Wine Class! Book through your concierge for a memorable experience. We had a fantastic class with the owner of Il Pino, a nearby restaurant. Il Pino is highly recommended! Learn about Italian wine and enjoy delicious food.
* Head to Positano: Arrive early, before breakfast, to see this beautiful town before the crowds arrive.
Day Eight:
* Drinks: Franco’s Bar for stunning sunset and nighttime views!
* Boat Tour to Capri: Book in advance through your hotel.
Day Nine:
* Activities: Capri is bursting with things to do! Arrive early to beat the crowds. The Monte Solaro chairlift offers breathtaking views, and another boat tour to the Blue Grotto is a must. Be prepared for large crowds.
Our Trip: Memories Made and Lessons Learned
Our European journey was a magical experience, filled with beautiful sights, delicious food, and kind people. We were so grateful to explore new cultures and create lasting memories. We couldn’t have asked for a better anniversary celebration.
Paris stole our hearts, with its art, architecture, culture, food, and stunning views. We loved Nice’s laid-back charm and the Amalfi Coast’s breathtaking beauty. We would love to return to all three destinations!
Looking back, we could have spent an extra day or two in Paris and shaved a day off our time on the Amalfi Coast. However, we didn’t feel like we missed anything in Paris. We’re Florida beach bums, so a day less on the Amalfi Coast felt alright, but the beauty of the coast is undeniable! If you prefer a more relaxed vacation, this itinerary is perfect.
La Moressa in Praiano serves up the best pizza with an amazing view! We also can’t wait to share our Europe outfit guide in a future post, packed with all the outfits we wore and links to shop our favorite finds! Our Amazon storefront has all the links to our favorite finds.
Follow us on Instagram and LiketoKnow.it for more style inspiration, home decor ideas, and regular updates. Until next time, bon voyage!
