The Best Day Trips from 4 Top Destinations

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How much of your precious vacation time do you want to spend traveling from place to place, versus actually exploring (and enjoying) the destination that you’re visiting?

 It can be really hard to balance a long wish list and a limited number of vacation days. And a big part of our job as professional travel advisors is helping you to do that by making smart choices.

To that end, one of the “travel hacks” we recommend is to choose one place that’s a good home base (great hotel option, lots of good restaurants, easy transport connections) and then add some easy day trips from that base. You check in and unpack once, stay longer, and see other destinations from there as day trips.

Where does that work well? So glad you asked! Here are a few of our faves:

Florence

a street view of the Florence Duomo and the street artists next to it

This pedestrian-friendly, walkable city is the perfect home base to explore all of Tuscany. You can spend a day or two enjoying Florence’s charms. And then hop on a train/bus to nearby Bologna, Lucca, Pisa, or Siena. (all are within 1 to 1 ½  hours).

[Photo Credit: Liz via Shared Adventures. Read about her adventure in Florence here! ]

Rome is a 90-minute train ride away, and even Venice is do-able as a daytrip (two hours on the train). If you rent a car for a day (or hire a driver) you can explore Chianti villages like Greve and Radda. Or, Tuscan hill towns like San Gimignano and Volterra. And you could also do a daytrip to the coast, for hiking in the Cinque Terre.

Athens

Lots of travelers blow through Athens in a night or two because they’re focused on the Greek Islands, but there’s an argument to be made for staying put for a little while longer and using Athens as a home base. When you’ve had your fill of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the ancient Agora, and the Plaka, you can hit the beach at Cape Sounion (about 2 hours away) and check out the Temple of Poseidon while you’re there.

[Photo Credit: Alicia & Jay via Shared Adventures. Read about their family trip to Greece Here! ]

A family visiting the Acropolis in Greece

Or visit the original capital (Nafplio). Which is one of the prettiest towns in the country (about an hour and 45 minutes away). The closest island is Aegina, where lots of Athenians have weekend homes. And you can get there on a 40-minute hydrofoil from Athens’ port of Piraeus.  Or you could do an organized group day trip to Corinth, Delphi, or Meteora.

Lucerne

The Swiss rail system is easy, efficient, and scenic. Why not take advantage of that by using Lucerne as a home base and exploring the surrounding country from there! Spend a day in Zurich (45 minutes by train), Bern (one hour), or Interlaken (two hours). Or connect from there to a mountain town like Grindelwald.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures]

London

With so many fabulous cities/towns so accessible by train, this one is a no-brainer. Spend a few days in London itself, and then hop on a train to Windsor (50 minutes), Oxford (one hour), or Bath (90 minutes). Spend a day in the Cotswolds (about two hours), or head to the coast (Dover and Portsmouth are both about two hours away). If you get an early start, you can even do Paris as a day trip (about 2 ¼ hours each way on the train through the Chunnel)

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures. Read about her trip to England here!]

a selfiev in front of the London Eye

I think you probably get the idea by now! You can get more out of your vacation time/money by moving less and seeing more with a smart home base and fun day trips. Let us know if you want to try this strategy for your next trip!

How Many Days Should You Spend in Rome?

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“How long should we spend in Rome?” This is something we get asked practically every day, and the answer is “it depends”.

If you’re short on time and your wish list is long, it’s okay to do a quick two-night spin through Rome to see a few highlights and move on. But if you really want to experience Rome, and have the time to do more than just scratch the surface, you could easily spend a week in this fascinating city 

Realistically, most of our clients choose “option A”– the quick hit – in order to spend more time in Florence, Venice, Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, etc. And our first few visits to Rome looked like that too. But we just spent six nights there. And it opened our eyes to new neighborhoods, hidden gems, fabulous restaurants, and cool daytrip possibilities. So we thought it might be interesting to compare what you can see/do in two nights versus a longer stay. 

A Weekend in Rome 

With just two days in Rome, you’ll need to be ruthless about cutting back your wish list. Most importantly, the two marquee attractions, the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum. Each merit a half-day (3-4 hours minimum). And you’ll want to pre-arrange skip-the-line visits for both, so that you don’t waste time waiting in long lines. There are some early-morning and early-evening time slots. These help free up more of your day. But you should still anticipate that you’ll have just two half-days to explore the rest of the city. 

One of those mornings or afternoons could be spent walking around the central historical district to see the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, etc. (If you want to go inside the Pantheon, be sure to pre-book those tickets as well).  

With the remaining half-day, you could choose another neighborhood to explore (Testaccio, Trastevere, Ostiense, etc). Or dive deeper into a specific interest (churches, shopping, food/wine, etc) 

In conclusion, in two days you can get a great introduction to Rome. Try a couple of restaurants, and knock the Vatican and Colosseum off your bucket list. And hopefully, that will leave you wanting more! 

A Week in Rome 

It’s interesting that people will happily spend a week in Paris or London but resist spending that much time in Rome. If you’ve already done a quick visit and are ready for a deeper dive – or if you’re embracing the idea that Italy is meant to be lingered over, region by region, and not “done” all at once in one trip – then there is MORE than enough to fill a full week in Rome and its surroundings. 

Consider devoting a full day to Vatican City. Linger longer in the Vatican Museums to see the lesser-known galleries. And spend a few extra Euros to climb to the top of St Peter’s and explore the crypts underneath. While you are on that side of the river, check out Castel Sant’Angelo and the views from its rooftop. 

Take a food tour. Rome has some great foodie neighborhoods with outdoor markets and fabulous local restaurants. It makes all the difference to have an expert guide you through them and show you the best spots. For example, we ate in Trastevere one night and were underwhelmed. But when we came back later in the week on a guided food tour of the same neighborhood, it was a highlight of our trip. 

Find some smaller lesser-known museums to explore. Whatever you are into (history, art, fashion, architecture, photography, and more) we can guarantee there’s a museum you’d find fascinating. Spend an hour or two in one that looks interesting. We absolutely loved the Doria Pamphilj Gallery and the Museo Boncompagni Ludovisi. 

Seek out green space. Stroll through the Borghese Gardens, or the Appian Way.

Act like a local. Visit a less-touristy neighborhood like Prati or Testaccio and linger over aperitivos at a neighborhood cafe. Similarly, pop into a grocery store to see how Romans live (and grab some snacks to picnic on.) 

Take a daytrip. From Rome, you can easily spend a day in Naples (one hour by train) or Florence (90 minutes) and be back in time for dinner. In the summer, you could even hit the beach (Ostia is just 30 minutes outside the city). 

If you’re ready to really appreciate Rome’s charms, let us know. We’d love to help you plan a fabulous itinerary!

A Family Adventure in Iceland

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Jill and Kevin (and their girls, ages 9 and 12) came to us for some help with a spring break trip to Iceland. They wanted outdoorsy adventure, family-friendly accommodations, and some unique local experiences. We helped them find the right balance between pre-planned activities and free time to explore and find hidden gems on their own. Here’s how their Iceland adventure went:

We had a wonderful time in Iceland!  

Activities

The highlight for the kids was the Icelandic horses. They were gentle and easy to ride. The woman who led us was great with the kids.  

We all loved a 2-mile hike that we did which led us to some natural hot springs to bathe in on the side of the mountain. Cold getting out but worth the pain!

Hrunamannahrepp was an unexpectedly lovely spot to park and explore.

Kevin and I both enjoyed the snorkeling. (at Thingvellir) The process of getting ready takes a very long time but the company we went with was great. Such a unique experience.

The kids in particular like The Secret Lagoon. I vote for the Blue Lagoon but loved both experiences.

Room & Board

Our favorite place that we stayed was Seljalandsfoss Horizons. It was the perfect tiny house! They thought of everything and the house was so thoughtfully designed.

The domes were a mixed bag. The domes themselves were fabulous. A unique experience and beautiful on the inside. But they are next door to a mini golf place. Not a huge deal off-season but might not be what someone is wanting if mini-golf was open. Also, they are far closer to the main road than one might imagine. For us, they worked but depending on the client proceed with caution. 

A few fun food finds were Friðheimar in Selfoss. A beautiful tomato greenhouse where they served tomato soup and fabulous bread. Gorgeous setting to eat lunch. We all enjoyed Flúðasveppir Farmers Bistro which was a mushroom restaurant. I was shocked when my son decided to enjoy the mushroom buffet and went back for a second bowl of mushroom soup.

Overall we loved the trip! Thank you for helping with the planning!

-Jill & Kevin

Spotlight On: Antarctic Cruises

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Have you ever dreamt of witnessing a landscape untouched by time? Where towering glaciers carve their paths through sculpted mountains, and vast icebergs shimmer on pristine waters? A cruise to Antarctica is your portal to this extraordinary reality. Here is a brief introduction to what you can expect from an Antarctic Cruise!

Where & When?

On an Antarctic cruise, you’ll explore one of Earth’s most remote and isolated places. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and experience something extraordinary. These unique voyages typically depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, often dubbed the “End of the World.” And go on to explore the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula.

[Photo Credit: Rebecca Hausner via Unsplash]

However, for the ultimate adventurer, a select few cruises venture into the Weddell Sea on the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. These cruises promise an even more remote and untouched experience.

All the commercial operators run their cruises during spring and summer in the Southern Hemisphere. With the majority going from November to February. November is a beautiful time to visit as the cold icy winter is just beginning to recede leaving behind an absolutely pristine landscape. But the seas and weather are still a bit unpredictable and landings may not be possible.

[Photo Credit: Jeremy Stewardson via Unsplash]

December and January are the peak months with the best weather and also the highest number of people. Finally, February and March see the incredible humpback whale migration. This balances against a dirtier landscape as much of the snow and ice has started to melt and been trampled on all through the summer.

How Long is An Antarctic Cruise?

Antarctic cruises themselves typically range from 11 to 18 days. However, reaching the continent takes a minimum of two days of sailing each way across the infamous Drake Passage.

Therefore, the actual time spent exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and its wonders is closer to 4-5 days. Don’t forget, to reach Ushuaia, you’ll likely need at least one to two days of flying, depending on your origin. So, when you factor it all in, an Antarctic expedition becomes a minimum two-week commitment.

[Photo Credit: 66 North via Unsplash]

taking a photo on an antarctic cruise

What to Expect: The Ship

A ship and ice flow on an antarctic cruise

Luxury cruising in Antarctica is a unique experience compared to its tropical counterparts in the Caribbean. While you’ll find a range of ships, Antarctic cruises prioritize intimacy and exploration over extravagant amenities.

[Photo Credit: Torsten Dederichs via Unsplash]

The most recommend voyages are between 100- 300 passengers. This is because international regulations to protect the pristine environment restrict the number of visitors. At any one time, a maximum of 100 people may be on land. This smaller guest count translates to a more personalized experience. With rotations ensuring everyone gets ample time exploring via Zodiac landings and cruises. Think simple elegance in staterooms. And, a focus on communal areas designed to gather and share stories of the day’s adventures rather than to entertain.

Beyond the awe-inspiring landscapes and wildlife encounters, Antarctic cruises offer a thrilling array of excursions. Imagine kayaking amidst ice floes, feeling the exhilaration of a polar plunge, or even camping overnight under the stars. You can choose to explore Antarctica via kayak each day of the cruise. Or you can do a day paddle as a one-off experience.

[Photo Credit: 66 North via Unsplash]

Experienced guides lead hiking, mountaineering, and climbing excursions on the continent. Most excursions last 1-2 hours, and a moderate level of physical fitness is essential to fully enjoy all that an Antarctic adventure has to offer.

What to Expect: On Land & Wildlife 

two travelers in red survey the icy landscape of an arctic adventure

Antarctica boasts no traditional ports, you’ll take Zodiacs directly onto the continent. There are no facilities or amenities here – the focus is on appreciating the raw beauty and untamed wildlife in its natural habitat. Your expert guides mark out specific paths to ensure environmental protection. So, while the vastness stretches before you, you’ll always be within sight of your fellow explorers. Once you exit your Zodiac, you’ll see research stations, viewpoints, and unique wildlife.

[Photo Credit: Cassie Matias via Unsplash]

The thrill of encountering penguin colonies teeming with life, lounging seals basking on the ice, and majestic whales gliding through the frigid waters is unparalleled. While respecting a 15-foot distance is encouraged, some curious creatures may approach you for an unforgettable close encounter. Most commonly, you’ll see Gentoo and chinstrap penguins, whales like minke, humpback, and orca, and a variety of seabirds and seals. Each wildlife encounter is unique and unpredictable. Have your camera ready at all times – you never know when you might spot these incredible animals.

[Photo Credit: Tam Minton via Unsplash]

What to Expect: Day-to-Day on an Antarctic Cruise

Your days will be a captivating blend of exploration and education. Seadays are filled with enriching lectures by your onboard experts. They’ll delve into the fascinating history, geology, and wildlife of Antarctica. No two days are the same, with the ever-changing scenery and exciting wildlife sightings keeping you enthralled. In between lectures, you might find yourself relaxing on deck with a steaming cup of tea, captivated by a pod of whales breaching in the distance.

a small dingy in front of an ice arch on an arctic expedition
[Photo Credit: Long Ma via Unsplash]

Shore excursions are the undeniable highlight, with most days offering two opportunities to explore. You may find yourself marveling at penguin colonies on land in the morning, and then hopping on a Zodiac for an exhilarating cruise along the dramatic coastlines after lunch. Evenings conclude with a comprehensive debrief from the expedition team, recapping the day’s adventures and outlining the exciting possibilities that await you tomorrow.

Costs

The cost of such an incredible journey is what one might expect. Between extraordinary shore excursions and a crew of experts, you can expect to pay between $5,000 – $50,000 per person for the cruise. It all depends on the size of the ship, the luxury of the amenities on board, and the length of the journey.

Are you inspired to begin planning your own Antarctic adventure? Reach out and let us help you find the perfect ship, itinerary, and price point for your adventure into this pristine, unparalleled other-world.

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You provided excellent guidance for us. I appreciated that you really had us think about what was most important to us when we were selecting the right cruise – and not to totally focus on what other people had to say. THANK YOU for helping to make this a memorable trip for our family! It really was a trip of a lifetime!

– Clare and Mark (family cruise to Alaska)

The level of service we experienced was out of this world (and we did NOT make it easy on Ann). We weren’t quite sure where we wanted to go, when we would be able to go, or what “vibe” we were going for. After asking us some key questions (what we liked, didn’t like, why, etc.) Ann helped us narrow down our trip details and planned the honeymoon of our dreams. She helped book some of our excursions, answered some emergency questions while abroad and was always available/willing to help. I think it’s safe to say we won’t be using anyone else for future travel planning – Ann is a rockstar!

– Carli (Italy and Spain)