Our European Getaway Revealed

In a continuation from my previous post, we put serious consideration and thought into rounding out our two weeks in Europe. With so many destination possibilities that fit our desires (culture, art, architecture, and great food), it was tough narrowing the field down, but we finally had an itinerary in hand. Take a gander at the photo below and see if you can guess our first stop before clicking through!

Image via Norman Allen Group Travel

If you said Scotland because of my study abroad experience, you were very close. Our first destination will be the Emerald Isle, where we'll arrive in Dublin, Ireland and take a day to recuperate from the long flight and explore the city itself.

Image via Trek Earth / Photo by Todd Adams

However, we're definitely scheduling some day trips to explore the haunting and enchanting coastline on the West of Ireland, and would like to visit the Wicklow region just south of Dublin that's home to the monastic settlement of Glendalough.

Image of the Cliffs of Moher via Ten Foot Square

Our next stop is one I've dreamed about since I was a little girl: Paris! You can't see me, but I'm doing a little chair dancing right now and wriggling around in joy. I'm beyond ready to discover the wonders the City of Lights has to offer. It's going to be a jam-packed 5 days!

Image of the Louvre via earth in pictures

I believe I told Mr. Tartlet that I would refuse to come back without going to Versailles:

Image of the gardens of Versailles via Travel France

Image of the Palace of Versailles via Flickr / Photo by Wally Gobetz

I might have also informed him that I'm moving into one of the majestic Loire Valley Castles:

 Image of Château de Chambord via famouswonders.com

And then there's the street markets. Oh, Rue Cler--watch out, I'm coming for you.

Image via Smithsonian Magazine

A trip to Ladurée is in order so my stomach can pay homage to the beloved macaron.

Image via Flickr / Photo by Béatrice Peltre

 
We'll spend a few days marveling at the historical essence of Prague (and perhaps make a day trip to Vienna), and then head off to Zurich, Switzerland for two days before flying back home.

Image of Zurich via Everything Beautiful

And here's where you come in again, dear Hive, because it's beyond fantastic getting advice from those who have traveled to a country. The last time I went to Europe was 2002, and a lot has changed since then. There were so many helpful suggestions and tips on my previous post (thank you!), and I'm hoping to continue the streak and find some folks who know of places worth seeing in these locations, both on and especially off the beaten path!