Back in 2016, I was getting ready to graduate from college and knew that as my grad gift I wanted to go traveling around Europe. I had never been on a huge trip like that before, didn’t know anyone that I could travel with, and had no idea how I would make it happen. I told the parents right before my final semester that I wanted to go to Europe and my mom, being the research-minded person that she is, found a company that takes travels on trips around the world.
EF Ultimate Break is the amazing company that my mom came across and is who I signed up with to go on a thirty-day GrandTour around Europe. (Pro Tip: EF has an age limit of being 18 to 29 years old). I signed up as a solo traveler and didn’t know a single person going on this trip. Two weeks after graduating I was hopping on a flight to London nervous, excited, and eager to experience far off places.
We started our Grand Tour of Europe in London and went on to experience Paris, Amsterdam, Lucerne, Venice, Rome, Florence, Monaco, The French Riviera, Barcelona, and capped off the trip of a lifetime in Madrid.
This itinerary was the best route to follow in order to experience key sites and cities of Europe for the first time. Because I did travel to so many places in a short amount of time, I don’t believe I have enough knowledge to do full city guides for each place. I will say that my top three favorite places on this trip were London, Rome, and Madrid. I constantly crave the opportunity to go back to London, Rome was where I lived out my Lizzie McGuire Movie dreams, and Madrid was a dark horse for me (in the best way possible).
EF gives you the option to pay extra to go off on excursions when in certain cities. (Pro Tip: Depending on the tour guide you get, you could also be given the opportunity to do extra adventures in each city). The following are the excursions that I went on, and that truly enhanced my already wonderful trip:
Versailles – This excursion happens during one of your full days in Paris. It’s the perfect place to spend your day awing over the over-the-top palace of Louis XIV and the magnificent gardens.
Dutch Countryside Bike Tour – One of the only times I was able to work out at all, and it was delightful. Biking through the countryside was an amazing, and different, way to explore Amsterdam, its picturesque windmills and the 17th-century villages.
Swiss Alps Adventure – You can’t travel to Switzerland and not go to the top of the Swiss Alps. For one, you feel like you’ve been placed inside the most beautiful painting when you’re up there and it’s also the best way to create your very own Sound Of Music moment.
The Vatican – There is no way that you can travel all the way to Italy and not visit the Vatican. It’s absolutely breathtaking and moving all at the same time. (Pro Tip: The Vatican is considered its own country so be sure to get your passport stamped there!)
Pasta Making Class – Learning how to make homemade pasta while on a rooftop in Rome is an experience that I remember fondly. This is seriously a MUST when going to Italy. Food is one of the best ways to learn about a new place and culture which is why I loved this excursion so much.
Wine Tasting in Tuscany – Not very many things make me as happy as wine tasting does. I love everything about the experience. Walking through the vineyards, taking in the beautiful landscapes, and pairing wines with foods are just a few of the reasons why I love it so much. Getting the opportunity to wine taste in Tuscany was a dream come true, and is an opportunity that should never be passed up.
Italian Riviera & Cinque Terre – Every single person on my trip went on this excursion. Spend the day swimming and tanning along the beautiful coastal scenery that is so well known.
Monte Carlo – Spend the evening gambling at the famous Monte Carlo casino. Hang with the high rollers or grab a drink and enjoy watching all the glitzy outfits and cars go by.
Toledo, Spain – Located a little less than an hour from Madrid is this ancient city. Known for its medieval Arab, Jewish and Christian monuments it’s the perfect escape back into the past of Spain.
I never could have imagined that a trip across Europe with thirty strangers would change my life forever. Not only did it turn me into a person obsessed with traveling, but it also gave me memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. If you’re someone who’s always dreamed about traveling my advice is to somehow someway make it happen for yourself, because you never know what it could lead to.
