We packed a lot into our first trip to Europe; but of course, no matter how hard we tried, there was no way we could see it all.
So what were some of the tourist-type things we didn’t do in Europe – and do we have any regrets?
1. A Gondola Ride in Venice
Venice was absolutely amazing, and although we might not have boarded a gondola we still managed to travel the waterways on a vaporetto (water bus).
We would have liked a romantic photo together on a gondola; that was the drawcard, more than the actual experience. We did enquire at one stage, but the price of 80 Euro (about $120 AUD) put us off!
2. Mykonos
One of the stops on our cruise was the Greek island of Mykonos – but would you believe we didn’t get off the ship!
We’d already spent a very full day in Santorini, before the ship anchored in the waters around Mykonos around 9pm. We were absolutely exhausted, and as it was dark and we’d already had dinner, we felt (hoped!) we weren’t missing out on too much!
3. The London Eye
Of course we wanted to *see* the famous London Eye; but neither of us really felt a huge urge to actually *go* on it. Is that weird?!
I’ve already experienced the similar (though smaller) Wheel of Brisbane, so didn’t really feel I was missing out on too much.
4. Hampton Court Palace
I would love to go to Hampton Court – the Palace of King Henry the Eighth, but there just wasn’t enough time on this trip. However I am extremely hopeful there will be a *next* time, and I’ll get to see it then!
5. Paris
When it comes to travelling to Europe, Paris is a “must see”; however being inland, it wasn’t a stop on our Mediterranean cruise (you’d think it could have shifted just for us!) 😉 .
Even our stay in London was an afterthought to our original plans – we decided it would be silly not to spend a few days in one of the most famous cities in the world, seeing as we were passing through anyway …
But again, one of the joys of middle age is that I am pretty sure there will be plenty more travels in our future – and Paris will be near the top of the list!
Have you done any of the things we didn’t do in Europe? Which ones would you really want to see/do – and which ones would you be happy to skip?!
Jo Tracey says
We were last in Europe 20 years ago, & I have incredible memories of singing with the gondolier ‘that’s amore.’. We’re planning 5 wks in Britain now for at the end of the year & I’ve just struck Paris from the list- even though I so want to go back. I want us to do London properly more, though. Besides, we’ll be back. Again.
Janet Camilleri says
Sounds like you had an awesome gondolier – most of them these days paddle with one hand, and play on their mobile phones with the other! I feel your pain about taking Paris off the list – we did think about doing a lightning fast visit but felt it would be better to just focus on London this time.
June says
We’ve done three of the things on your list – a romantic gondola ride in Venice (about 26 years ago, during a European coach tour), and visiting Paris (twice) and Hampton Court Palace. I’d love to see Venice again one day. It’s such a beautiful city. I’d also love to visit the Greek Islands and go back to London again (we probably won’t go on the London Eye though). Hopefully we’ll be there next year.
Janet Camilleri says
Fingers crossed for you June! Is Hampton Court worth visiting?
Carol Sternberg says
I’ve been to London three times and each time I went on the London Eye. The first time with my daughter who was fifteen at the time. The last time was with my mother. I took her to London to celebrate her 80th birthday. There are a few others around the world that I would like to go on. It’s nice to have a birds eye view.
Janet Camilleri says
That’s true Carol, I didn’t think of that. Next time! PS I hope my daughter takes me to London for my 80th birthday!!!!
Nicole @ The Builder's Wife says
This trip is right on the top of my must do trips before I get old. Can’t wait to see it all. I cannot imagine there would ever be enough time to do all the things you’d want to do. xx
Janet Camilleri says
I know – we’re already thinking about going back …
Raych aka Mystery Case says
My daughter loved Mykonos. I can’t believe you didn’t get off the boat but you did fit so much in. I wouldn’t have been able to help myself. Paris is on my travel wish list.
Janet Camilleri says
Ah, the spirit was willing but the old flesh was weak 😉
Aroha says
We did the London Eye and being that I’m terrified of heights, I sat in the middle and didn’t budget. I don’t think you missed much. We said “no” to a lot of things because we thought by the time we paid for all THOSE things, we would be completely broke! We skipped Venice all together, and just did Florence and Rome, with a side trip to Pisa and don’t regret that at all. It is hard to say yes to everything financially but you do worry that you might regret it. In all my years, the one thing I really regret when traveling, was being at St Andrews Golf Club in Scotland and not playing it. Still kicking myself for that one, almost 20 years later!
Ingrid says
I would have gone on the London Eye for the birds eye view it would have offered and for the photo opportunities from the top. When I visited London over 20 years ago now it didn’t exist!
I did however visit Hampton Court Palace.
Zita says
The only one I have done on your list is the London Eye and you only missed out if it was a beautiful day! You do those things for the view and the day I did it it was cloudy and overcast, typical London day and so the view was very ordinary…
Paris is definitely high on my list! I did a tour a few years back that finished in Paris and so I thought we’d have time to explore the city before heading back to London… That was not the case, we drove straight to the train station and waited there for the train. I was so disappointed 🙁
KathyMarris says
I would think the gondolier ride in Venice would have been a must do for your 25th wedding anniversary! So romantic! However in saying that it is so difficult to fit everything into a European trip in such a short time span. Paris is lovely and I’m sure you will get to experience it another time. London has so many tourist attractions and is probably worth a trip in itself. There is always next time. 🙂