I thought I would begin my blog of this trip by listing our schedule. We are moving around a bit more this year so I thought this may help everyone keep track. We are very excited but also very sad about leaving our sweet girls!!!
So... where will we be?
May 25-27 - Florence, Italy- we have a great hotel - Borghese Place Art Hotel
I visited Florence in high school on my first trip to Europe 19 years ago. On our honeymoon (more than 11 years ago) our train stopped at the Florence station on the way from Positano to Venice. I had a fleeting moment of regret for not including this fabulous city in our trip. That feeling was quickly replaced with excitement about the thought of coming back there one day with Ryan. I am very excited that tomorrow is that day!
May 27-30 - Vernazza, Italy (Cinque Terre)
Niether of us have been to Cinque Terre (translated as Five Lands). This area of the Italian coast is lined with steep mountains and 5 villages scattered along the coast. No cars are allowed in these tiny towns, they are only accessible by train, boat, or trail. Our original intent (and that of most visitors) was to hike from town to town. However, all but one if the trails will be closed while we are there. Oh well, I guess that means more time in a boat!
May 30-31 - Nice, France - another great hotel with a Nespresso machine in the room! Hotel Beau Rivage
Several years ago I took students to Nice. This was a great place to visit and I think Ryan will really enjoy this area. We are only for one night as a stop over. We will pick up a car Friday morning and spend some time in Grasse (perfume capital) before heading into wine country!
May 31-June 1 - Pezenas, France
We are spending one night in Pezenas to be near Chateau Montpezat - a beautiful winery that produces one of our favorite French wines. Our friend, Frederick, imports this wine and has arranged an appointment for us to visit them Saturday morning. He has also arranged another appointment later in the day at Grand Planal, another favorite, however they do not speak English which should make for an interesting visit! We are still working on a third appointment for that day, but may also visit the Narbonne Saturday Market between appointments (you know I love markets!!!!). From Grand Planal we make our way back to the coast.
June 1-3 - Collioure, France
Our friend, Chris, stayed in Collioure last summer before meeting me in Barcelona. After seeing his photos I knew it was a place we would love. We will have one day here to walk around and enjoy this village. We end our time in France at a top-rated restaurant, Restaurant La Balette, where we will sit on the Terrace and enjoy the sunset. Chris is still raving about his meal here. The next morning we turn in the car and catch the train to Barcelona!
June 3-24 Barcelona!!!!
What a birthday - breakfast in France, dinner in Spain...at Monvinic! Monvinic (translated as World of Wine) is my favorite restaurant. Tetia and I had dinner here last year after Ryan left, and I am so excited to go there with Ryan this year. We have had reservations since April! I bought my dress for this dinner this winter :)
We will stay in the same apartment as last year and will spend one day (June 6) in wine country. Alex, a friend from last year, is helping us arrange an appointment with some of his winemaker friends at Mas Doix Winery. We will also visit Torres winery and possibly one more. We will also spend some time that day in the hillside village of Siurana and end our day in Gava at Torreon, a restaurant that Montse and Rashid took Tetia and I a few nights before I left.
I am not sure what type of cell service or wifi we will have on the first week of the trip. I will update as often as I can. I look forward to a great time with Ryan, great new adventures, and great photos!
Check back soon :)
