A Grand Mediterranean Cruise!

Hi there, Friends! My mother and stepfather just returned from a Grand Mediterranean cruise. The photos are absolutely gorgeous and I thought you might enjoy a little virtual getaway! This scenic view is taken from the ship as they approached the port of Venice, on the last stop of their journey. Isn't it breathtaking? 

Port of Venice

Let's rewind to the beginning of their trip when they arrived in Barcelona. My step-father chose Hotel Continental because George Orwell stayed there and it was described as very old and quaint. After a 13 hour flight, they took a long nap before heading out to...

...La Bambia, a promenade with all of the shops, restaurants, tapas, etc.

Day two was Toulon, on the French Riviera. 

All of the cities they visited featured gorgeous architecture and statuary.

The Genius of Navigation bronze sculpture by Louis-Joseph Daumas pointing out to sea.

The next stop was Florence. They traveled about an hour from the ship by bus, stopping first at a leather factory, as Florence is famous for its fine leather goods. Then, onto Piazza di San Croce where the tour guide left them at Ristorante Bocadama--the first of several times they ate pizza in Italy. Yum, makes me hungry, just thinking about it! Below, Basilica Santa Croce, is hundreds of years old, and where Michelangelo and Galileo are buried. There is a statue dedicated to Dante on the far left. So much history and beauty! 

A panoramic view of Florence. Look closely for the red cupola of the Duomo, Florence's cathedral named in honor of Santa Maria del Fiore.  

It's easy to see why my mother was quite taken with Mykonos, Greece! 

She sent me this beautiful cross representing the striking hues of the cerulean Aegean Sea and the white sand of Mykonos. I'll treasure it! 

In Croatia, they visited a charming little cafe and had coffee while they escaped the rain. Can't you almost smell the aroma?

A view of Budva, Montenegro from the ship...

...and the city of Kotor, below. Love those paved streets! I hope you've enjoyed our virtual getaway! 

The holidays are quickly approaching! Have you started your Christmas shopping? In the spirit of supporting small businesses, each Friday in November, my friend Jemma from At Home with Jemma will be featuring select Etsy shops. It's such a fun way to shop for unique gifts and support Mom & Pop shops at the same time, plus you can shop in your jammies! On November 11, Secret Garden Herbs will be featured and I'll be offering a special discount. Please spread the word and visit Jemma for more featured Etsy Christmas shops!