We’ve officially hit the two-month mark on our Europe trip! Just two months ago, we were relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Puerto Rico, and before that, pet-sitting in Barbados and Grenada.
Before arriving in Europe, we had spent the last two years exploring tropical countries in the Caribbean and Latin America. However, we felt it was time for a significant change.
We wanted to swap beach towns for old towns, jungles for mountains, and archipelagos for architecture. This European adventure is everything we hoped for—a stark contrast to our tropical experiences.
In these short two months, we’ve visited seven countries in Europe. Even though the sun hasn’t shone as much as we would like, we’re loving this region. And the best part? Our European journey is just getting started. We plan to travel around central and eastern Europe until mid-June!
Here are some highlights from our time on the road:
Bulgaria was almost a mystery to us before our visit. We spent seven nights there, five of which were in Plovdiv. We embraced the local term “aylak,” meaning super relaxed, similar to “limin’” in the Caribbean. The friendliness of the people and the laid-back vibe made Plovdiv a fantastic stop.
Nick and I have been together for nine years, with seven of those spent traveling side-by-side. In Macedonia, we hit the slopes for the first time together, despite neither of us having skied or snowboarded in 15 years. It was a blast, even though we spent a lot of time falling!
We were honored to speak at a prestigious travel blogging conference in Istanbul. It was a fantastic event, and we loved meeting other travel bloggers and attending the sessions.
One of the highlights in Macedonia was visiting Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest lakes. We arrived during the Epiphany celebrations, which included cold swims, homemade brandy, and traditional foods. It was a memorable experience!
In Albania, we embarked on what was possibly the most scenic drive we’ve ever taken, from Saranda on the coast to Tirana via the Llogara Pass. The breathtaking views of the sea, mountains, and villages were unforgettable, despite some stressful moments with crazy drivers and bad roads.
Our travels through the Balkans have been a feast for the eyes, with narrow alleyways, cobblestone streets, and historical sites aplenty. A standout experience was walking on the walls of Dubrovnik and taking in the stunning views of St. Lawrence Fortress and the red-tiled roofs below. Despite the crowds, Dubrovnik felt like a fairytale.
Over the past couple of years, we’ve become foodies and self-proclaimed wine connoisseurs. Each country in the Balkans has offered delicious cuisine, from seafood on the coast to grilled meats and Mediterranean dishes inland. We especially loved Turkish food, Bulgarian grilled meats, and Macedonian delights. The wines from Bulgaria, Croatia, and Macedonia, such as Mavrud, Melnik, Crljenak, and Vranac, were among our favorites.
In Albania, we enjoyed some of the best traditional food we’ve ever had. Vegetarian dishes were our favorites, but Nick also loved the lamb meals. Our top dining experience was at Magalemi Hotel in Berat, a must-visit if you’re ever in the area.
Bosnian cuisine, with its hearty soups, stews, and grilled meats, also delighted us. A local restaurant in Split, Croatia, called Villa Spiza became our go-to spot for soups, pastas, and seafood. And in Dubrovnik, we found a fantastic vegetarian restaurant just before leaving.
In Montenegro, staying on the Bay of Kotor meant our meals often featured seafood and Italian cuisine. We also discovered an excellent Asian restaurant in Budva called Taste of Asia.
One pleasant surprise was the affordability of food and wine in the Balkans. Except for Croatia and Montenegro, meals usually cost between $2 and $5. In Croatia and Montenegro, prices were slightly higher, between $8 and $15 per meal.
Next up, we’re heading back to Split, Croatia, before taking a seaplane to Italy with European Coastal Airlines. We’ll spend a few weeks in Italy and then explore the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania. Who knows where else we might end up!
If you have any tips or advice for our upcoming destinations, feel free to leave a comment below!
