It’s been just over a year since I lived out the European summer of my dreams on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Even better was fulfilling my goal of spreading my mom’s ashes around the world; on the Amalfi Coast, her favorite place in the world, at the Trevi Fountain, where she was a little over a year before me, and in South Africa and Puerto Rico.

I’ve been reminiscing on my trip often as of late, I’d live it over and over again if I could. And that’s exactly what I’m doing on this blog post! Whether you’re looking for trip inspiration, itinerary recommendations, or just day dreaming about your own European summer, indulge with me as I relive each port stop!

Italy:

Rome

The cruise left from Civitavecchia, a port close to Rome. Rome is somewhere I’ve been before so for this trip I wanted to see it in a different light, quite literally! We took a night tour that hit all the highlights of the city: the colessuem, Trevi fountain, the Vatican, and more.

Positano / Amalfi Coast

To me, the Amalfi Coast was all about driving winding roads lined with lemon and olive trees, taking in the sweeping ocean views, enjoying the quintessential Italian architecture, and of course enjoying wine and, truly, the best olives I’ve had in my life.

My mom swooned when she spoke of the Amalfi Coast, boasting it as her favorite place in the world. Here, I spread her ashes right into the sea, so she can forever live on in this Italian paradise.

Greece:

Known for its blue & white facades and the iconic evil eye, Greece is a country with a vast history, unexpected landscapes and stunning, unique architecture. Our cruise itinerary allowed for numerous stops in the country, including Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini.

Mykonos

Beauty truly lies around every corner in Mykonos. I feel like the best way to enjoy a day in Mykonos is simply wandering the streets. stopping for fresh fare at a restaurant by the gorgeous, clear blue waters, and simply be in the moment as you take in this beautiful Grecian island.

To learn a little more about it’s history, a walking tour is a great way to peruse the streets and educate yourself on exactly what you’re seeing.

Santorini

Santorini is a volcanic island, meaning it’s basically a city a top a huge mountain. When you arrive via cruise ship, you take a smaller tender boat into port. Port sits at the bottom of the mountain, and the favored ways to reach the city are by cable car or by donkey.

As a volcanic island, it’s also home to ancient ruins as past civilizations have succumbed to powerful eruptions. We started our day on Santorini with a tour of the ancient ruins of Akrotiri.

The rest of the afternoon was easily spent purusing around Oia and taking in the famous views of white buildings lining a mountain that hugs the Aegean sea (this is the small city that’s home to the iconic landscape you see in everyone’s Greece photos on instagram).

Athens

When we arrived in Athens, I was quite surprised by how large of a city it is! If it’s your first time in Athens, Acropolis is of course a must see. My advice would be to get there as early as you can, the crowds come in masses as the day passes! After touring the site, we enjoyed a coffee with a view of Acropolis in the background.

Turkey:

Situated on Turkey’s coast, Kusadasi is what I’ll call a hidden gem. That morning we awoke to the sound of Turkish folk music played on the tambourine, flutes, and Bağlama, a stringed instrument. We got off the ship and were greeted by dancers, male and female, in traditional Turkish garb.

The port city has beautiful blue waters, which I found to be unexpected. While it was only a quick stop on our trip, I could see myself returning here to vacation, simply sit on the beach enjoying Turkish delights by the sea.

Kusadasi/ Ephesus

While most go to Greece and Rome to explore ruins and learn about ancient civilizations, less known are the ruins and societies that once thrived in present day Turkey (Turkiye). Ephesus was the second largest city in the Roman empire, and one of the most thoroughly excavated ruins I’ve personally visited.

Not far from Ephesus—and worth the trip if you’re already in the area—is the house of the Virgin Mary. I’m not a particularly religious person, but being at the home of the Virgin Mary was quite powerful, as there’s certainly a presence that brings an indescribable quality to the property.

If this itinerary interests you, check out the exact cruise with took with Royal Caribbean.