Europe Archives - Shared Adventures

5 Reasons You Should Visit Europe in Winter

August 12, 2025 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Generally, when people consider a winter vacation, they are either heading to the mountains to ski or to the tropics to enjoy the beach away from the cold weather. But what about everything in between? In ways that are almost too magical to explain, European destinations can come alive in the winter. Here are our top 5 reasons why Europe is one of our favorite places to visit in the winter:

Fewer Crowds & Better Prices – Perfect for Typically Busy Cities

Winter is an ideal time to visit major cities that are usually teeming with tourists all trying to see the same famous sites. In winter, these cities become more authentic, with more of a local atmosphere – everything feels a bit calmer.

While the cities certainly won’t be empty, visiting in winter means you get to enjoy shorter lines to see the most well-known sites. Suppose you’ve always wanted to see the Louvre or climb the Eiffel Tower with ease. Or maybe you dream of seeing St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice or experiencing the incredible La Sagrada Familia without waiting in the impossibly long lines of summer. Winter is the perfect opportunity.

Because it is the low season in most of these cities, you’ll also spend less. If you’re concerned about the budget, this is a great way to save and still see everything on your bucket list. Not only are hotels cheaper, but flights to Europe are usually less expensive too.

Where to Go:

view of the grand canale in venice from the Rialto bridge

Paris – for wine bars, cozy vibes, and cafes with heat lamps and furry blankets. Enjoy the window and light displays, spend more time in the museums, and linger over the pastries in the bakeries. Plus, in January and February, you can take advantage of the winter sales at all the best shops.

Venice – Easier to navigate and easier to enjoy without shuffling along the narrow streets with the crowds. You’ll see the city in a new light with a mysterious and romantic atmosphere brought by the faint fog and overcast skies. Here you can revel in the local vibe.

Barcelona- Known for being a vibrant summer destination, in winter things slow down a little, and you’re able to walk Las Ramblas without feeling overwhelmed. Enjoy the shopping, the architecture, and hiking in the parks.

[Photo Credit: Shannon & Lou via Shared Adventures- read about their winter honeymoon in Northern Italy here!]

Cooler Weather – Perfect for Typically Hot Destinations

Looking for a bit of relief from the heat? If you’re someone who runs hot, then visit the southern European countries in winter. It is the best way to enjoy them without melting into the pavement. With mild climates and beautiful weather, you won’t have to worry about a lack of air conditioning or blistering sun.

Where to Go:

Greece – the islands may close down in the winter, but the rest of the mainland enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. Allowing you to enjoy all the ancient history and mouth-watering markets at your leisure.

Southern Italy – Winter is the perfect time to visit places like Pompeii, Rome, and Sicily. Marvel at the fabulous outdoor sites without the sun beating down on you. You’ll find it easier to walk around and enjoy the cities on foot without showing up to your dinner reservation hot, sweaty, and tired.

Istanbul, Turkey– Visit the Hagia Sophia with ease, and enjoy a steamy hammam if you get a little chilly. Revel in the unique blend of history and culture that Istanbul has to offer. Stunning architecture and warm drinks are waiting to be explored in winter.

Malta– An island with a Mediterranean climate, a rich history, intriguing architecture, and a vibrant culture. The winter temps hover around 50 – 60 degrees, so it’s perfect weather for hiking and exploring.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures]

Coziness – Perfect for Coffee Shops, Bookstores, and Wine Tasting

If you’re ready to embrace the biting cold of the north, then you’re also ready to experience the Danish ‘hygge’ – or the concept of coziness itself. All over the Nordic countries, and in neighboring northern Europe, you can revel in the coziness of warm interiors, delicious hot chocolate, and hearty foods. Indoor spaces in these regions feel like a warm hug. There’s nothing nicer than coming out of the cold into a warm pub, bar, or local café to enjoy a local mulled wine by the fire. These destinations will let you slow down and relax into the winter warmth.

Where to Go:

Copenhagen – the home of ‘hygge’, the Danes really know how to embrace the cold with cozy nooks and cafes. There are plenty of beautiful lights and museums to enjoy, indoor activities, and a tradition of hospitality, saunas, and comfort.

UK & Scotland – filled with plenty to do indoors, from museums to quaint bookstores, afternoon tea to cozy pubs. There’s no place better suited for moody skies and cozy coffee shops. Here you can enjoy a break from the cold in the old pubs or more modern drinks in festive igloos and unique indoor spaces.

Amsterdam- a perfect city break with festive lights and comforting food. If you’re lucky, you could go skating on a canal and then find yourself in a cozy nook eating a hot waffle. There are so many museums and galleries in Amsterdam that you’ll spend plenty of time indoors feeling satisfyingly warm.

Romantic Vibes – Perfect for Cities with Medieval Architecture

Places always seem more romantic with a light dusting of snow. The warm glow of lights and the gothic architecture and medieval castles that you find all over Europe just add to this fairytale feel. Snuggle up next to your partner as you wander through a classic Christmas postcard.

Where to Go:

Innsbruck & Vienna, Austria – both cities boast beautiful scenery and stunning medieval architecture that feels like you’ve stepped into a fairytale. With modern comforts and plenty to do and see, these are perfectly romantic cities to walk around in winter.

Tallinn, Estonia – charm and turreted castles, in lovely locations. Tallinn is a wonderfully preserved historical center in Europe. With medieval churches and merchant houses, you’ll enjoy exploring the historic city center.

Latvia – 800-year-old churches, bustling markets, and solstice traditions all greet you in Latvia. Combine it with sledding and hiking, and you get a romantic blend of snow and city.

Winter Sports – Perfect for Mountain Destinations

Of course, there is the classic reason to visit Europe in winter: winter sports! If you like a bit of adrenaline, adventure, and soft powdery snow, then Europe has so much to offer you. Imagine skiing down the Matterhorn or snowboarding through clear blue skies and white powder. For a change of pace, you can try tobogganing and dogsledding – winter sports abound in northern Europe.

Where to Go:

a man skiing down the slopes with the sea and mountains in the backgroun in Norway

Swiss Alps – The Alps call loudly to sports enthusiasts. Scenic trains transport you to your destination. Revel in the light festivals and mountains to ski, snowboard, and toboggan down. It’s the perfect way to enjoy winter with adrenaline.

Lapland – the hometown of Santa Claus – should be visited in winter when you can enjoy the magical atmosphere. Enjoy winter activity parks and light displays. This is a great option for a family winter sports adventure. A quintessential winter holiday from sledding to snowman building.

Norway – combine ski resorts with northern lights, unique cabins, and stunning views. Enjoy dog sledding, ice fishing, tobogganing, saunas, and snowshoeing as you explore this winter wonderland.

Are you ready to start planning your winter adventure to Europe? We’d love to help you find the perfect destination for your winter experience – get in touch now to make your magical winter adventure a reality.

Why You Should Visit Mainland Greece Instead

July 18, 2025 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Thanks to movies and social media, the Greek Islands are usually the star of the show when planning a trip to this fabulous country. But there’s much more to Greece than just Santorini and Mykonos. The Greek mainland offers incredible sites, beautiful photos, and ancient history just as much as the islands. But without the throngs of tourists.

Mainland Greece is a perfect option if you want to enjoy all the typical experiences of a Greek adventure without the crowds and higher price tag. A classic week-long Greek adventure includes Athens for history and a few islands for stunning beaches and unique towns. Here are three regions of mainland Greece that include all of that and more.

If you’re excited about the idea of the Greek Islands with their stunning blue water, consider a trip to….

The Peloponnese

This peninsula, located in southern Greece, has a little bit of everything. From beaches to history, this region is the perfect spot to while away a week or two. You can go sailing and wine tasting, enjoy pristine beaches, and hike dramatic gorges. It’s ideal to explore by car, with short drives and good quality roads.

Home Base: Nafplio

Nafplio is one of the most photogenic towns on the mainland. Tucked into a bay, Karathona Beach is a beautiful stretch of soft white sand and blue water. The city itself offers tranquil views, interesting architecture, and food. You’ll see a variety of architectural styles from Ottoman to Venetian. It’s a good home base as you explore the rest of the Peloponnese peninsula.

[Photo Credit: Despina Galani via Unsplash]

Explore: Marathopoli, Navarino Bay & Areopoli

Marathopoli

This quaint fishing village is about three and a half hours from Athens. It’s a small, laid-back town with stunning coastal scenery. The perfect place to relax.

Navarino Bay

A bay with a unique shape, surrounding cliffs, and amazing blue waters. It’s an incredibly scenic beach with calm, shallow waters close to a nature reserve. You can hike to the Neda waterfalls through a lush gorge with a series of waterfalls.

Areopoli

Historic stone villages with crystal-clear waters and seaside tavernas. The Mani Coast is wild and perfect with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and clear waters. This region is good for slow travel, peaceful coasts, postcard-perfect villages, and excellent snorkeling.

[Photo Credit: greece-newstart via Unsplash]

If you’re most interested in unique experiences, a bit of history, and lots of natural beauty, consider heading to:

Thessaly

Between Macedonia and central Greece, this natural scenery inspired the ancient Greeks. There are archaeological sites including amphitheaters, bridges, castles, Byzantine churches, Orthodox monasteries, and stone-age ruins. You can visit one of the best preserved monuments in archaeological history – the tomb of King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. On top of that, you can enjoy lush forests, natural beauty and plenty of hiking.

*[Photo Credit: Nestoras Argiris via Unsplash*]

Home Base: Volos

From beaches to shopping to history, this vibrant town is a great stop on your Thessaly road trip. It’s also a gateway to some of the lesser-known islands (and filming locations for Mamma Mia!) – Skopelos, Skiros, and Alonissos. Volos is home to an advanced Neolithic history, which shows in the city’s Archaeological Museum. In this museum, you’ll find artifacts from the time associated with the legends of the Trojan War and Jason and the Argonauts. The surrounding area boasts several archaeological sites and plenty of hiking in leafy green forests.

Explore: Pelion, Mount Olympus & Meteora

Pelion

A stunning blend of natural beauty, history, and architecture. Known for its captivating landscapes, this is a hidden gem of an authentic traditional village. Surrounded by lush forests and the Aegean Sea, Pelion is often referred to as the mythical home of the Centaurs. With cobblestone streets and centuries-old stone houses, this is the perfect place to slow down and relax.

Meteora

The destination offers striking rock formations and sprawling Eastern Orthodox Monasteries perched on top. You can drive or hike up to the monasteries. At the top of these rock formations, you’ll experience a serene, magical, and mystical view that you won’t soon forget.

[Photo Credit: Luna Zhang via Unsplash]

Mount Olympus

Yes, that Mount Olympus. The legendary home of the gods has hiking trails, scenic walks, and serious climbs. You’ll be struck by the dramatic views as you zig zag across this famous mountain.

If you’re most excited about the contrasts, the dramatic scenery, and enjoying a little bit of everything all in one place, you should visit…

Central Macedonia

Central Macedonia is full of contrasts – ancient ruins, bustling cities, towering mountains, and sunny beaches. With history, nature, and charm, this region has something for everyone. This is the birthplace of Alexander the Great and the home of incredible mosaics and artifacts from that era. Additionally, it hosts some of the best blue flag beaches in Greece.

Home Base: Thessaloniki

Greece’s second-largest city with a major airport and seaport. A UNESCO city for gastronomy – this is a perfect place for foodies. There’s a vibrant coffee culture, and a variety of modern to historic cooking techniques to enjoy. Plus historical sites, quality restaurants, bustling nightlife, and plenty of shopping. This is a lively, fun, and extremely walkable city. Possibly even more accessible than Athens. Here you’ll find a bustling waterfront with hundreds of traditional Greek and international restaurants.

[Photo Credit: Miltiadis Fragkidis via Unsplash]

Explore: Sithonia Peninsula, Pella & Halkidiki

*[Photo Credit: Alexandros Mouratidis* *via Unsplash]*

Sithonia Peninsula

East of Thessaloniki, this peninsula resembles the Greek Isles without the whitewash. Instead, you have red terracotta rooftops, mild climates, pristine beaches, and quiet hamlets. The Aegean beaches are also blue flag beaches.

Pella

Once the capital of ancient Macedonia, this town is steeped in history and culture, with the ruins of ancient structures, including the palace of Alexander the Great. The old town has charming cafes, traditional tavernas, and will transport you back in time.

Halkidiki

A region just south of Thessaloniki, with 1,000 beaches and most of them with shallow waters, this is the best destination to enjoy a beach holiday. It is the number 1 blue flag destination in Greece, and it’s worth taking time to explore them all. Traditional villages are dotted around the area and offer a beautiful stop between beaches.

Which region in mainland Greece appeals to you most? Are you ready to plan an adventure full of hidden gems and incredible experiences? Let us know! We are always excited to help our clients discover and plan unique, one-of-a-kind trips!

Packing Tips for Multi-Country Travel

May 13, 2025 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

If you’re planning a multi-country adventure, from the sunny Italian seaside to the snowy French Alps, or through Austria, Germany, and the UK, some amount of packing and unpacking along the way will be unavoidable. So, what is the best way to pack and prepare your suitcase to ensure it doesn’t become a cumbersome part of your adventure? And how should you pack for multiple climates? Here are our top Multi-Country Packing Tips:

WHAT TO PACK

a rainbow across the rainy green hills of Snowdonia Wales

Check The Weather Forecast

It’s easy to have a preconception of what the climate will be like in a given destination. Then, you pack, only to find out when you arrive that they are having some unseasonably hot or cold weather. Before you start packing, take time to look up the forecasted weather in your destinations. Then you can focus on packing only what you need.

Pack Versatile Layers

When packing light or for multiple climates, layers are key. Bring versatile clothing that you can dress up or down, that can easily mix and match, and that can be worn as second or third layers depending on the weather. Consider a lightweight jacket that is also waterproof – something you would wear on a cloudless night out but also in a light rain shower.

Consider a Travel-size Steamer

If you’re packing to save space, rolling thinner clothes, and compressing thicker items, then a little travel steamer is an easy way to go wrinkle-free. Just remember you’ll probably also need an electrical converter/adaptor.

HOW TO PACK

A Bag For Everything and Everything In Its Bag

people walking down the cobblestone streets of Bologna with carry-on luggage

Normally, travel gurus tote compression bags as the best way to save space – and they’re not wrong! BUT compression bags and packing cubes serve an even more important purpose when you have a lot of unpacking/ packing to do – keeping everything organized.

Don’t spend time digging through your suitcase every time you need a specific shirt. And don’t unpack your whole suitcase at each destination. Sort your bags/cubes by destination and activity. When you arrive in a new location, all you need to do is pull out one specific bag and leave the rest of your suitcase already packed and ready to go!

Finally, when we say a bag for everything, we mean everything! Think beyond just clothes and get a little bag for electronics, airplane essentials, day-trip items, a compression bag for laundry, a shoe bag, and a toiletry bag.

Ditch the Nooks and Crannies Process

It’s so tempting to try to maximize space by storing smaller items like sunglasses, phone cables, and jewelry in the nooks and crannies left in your suitcase after you’ve packed all your clothing. If you’re traveling to multiple countries and destinations, ditch this method! It’s only a recipe for losing or forgetting things. Keep everything in its proper bag and ensure you put it back in the same place every night. The only exception is socks – they can go in your shoes. Make it easy to see if anything small is missing.

a backpack with three small bags in order to better organize your carryon

Don’t Forget to Organize Your Carry On

We have a PDF checklist of what should go in your carry-on, but make sure that it stays organized in there as well. You want to ensure your essentials and valuables stay with you, and you can easily reach for what you need without too much digging.

Create a Checklist for the Most Important Items

When you’re on the go every few nights, it increases the chance you’ll leave something behind. Things like phone cables, passports, medication, jewelry, and wallets should be on your out-the-door list that you check before you leave. Put your hand physically on the item and say aloud, “ I packed my X” to ensure you really have it, and you remember later that you did.

If you feel ready to embark on a fabulous multi-destination adventure – Let us know! We’re always excited to help our clients create the best vacation possible.

Italy with a Toddler

April 1, 2025 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Traveling with a toddler is a unique experience. It will, of course, change the way you travel. But if you’re ready to embrace those changes – it is absolutely rewarding. Liz’s family, including her young nephew, recently visited her in Italy for the holidays and she learned a LOT about traveling with little ones! Here is her top “Toddler in Italy” advice:

Fewer Daytrips and more Overnight Stays

Liz’s family was visiting her in her small town and therefore they did a lot of day trips to larger nearby cities. Day trips are do-able, and the train rides are entertaining, but she discovered that having a home base that you can go back to for a mid-day nap is incredibly useful with a toddler. It can give you more time to explore and enjoy the city at a slow pace. Cities with a lot to do and see like Rome, Venice, and Florence deserve a few days each.

That being said – don’t fear the train rides. Toddlers ride for free if you don’t book them a seat. And, with the way the trains are set up, it’s easy to keep them entertained while you travel. Much more relaxing than a car ride!

Enjoy the Piazzas and the room to run

One of the nicest parts of Italy is the big piazzas — open squares where kids are allowed and even encouraged to run. Making use of these areas is the perfect way to enjoy Italy with a toddler. Liz’s nephew loved chasing the birds and running around the piazza with his new toddler friends. You’ll often find other kids enjoying the space to run and make noise while their parents sit nearby and sip a spritz.

Venice especially has enclosed campos that are perfect for a toddler to run around. Without the danger of falling in the water or wandering off too far.

For the locals, piazzas are about community. They’re a place to hang out and enjoy the sunshine. And a place where children are expected to run. Our best advice for Italy with a toddler: revel in the piazzas.

Italian Food is Delicious

Italian food is incredibly kid-friendly. In almost every restaurant (even the most specialized) you can find pasta pomodoro (spaghetti with tomato sauce). If your toddler is more adventurous in their tastes, there are plenty of other kinds of pasta, cheeses, and meats for the little ones to enjoy! And, of course, gelato abounds. Liz’s little nephew had a great time at all the restaurants.

Not Every Activity Can or Will Involve the Toddler

Not every activity that you want to do in Italy will be suited for your toddler. If you have a group, it’s nice to have one person watch your toddler chase pigeons in the piazza while the others go to enjoy Michaelangelo’s David. This is obviously more difficult if you’re just a couple, but traveling in a multi-generational group can help spread the child-care burden and make sure that everyone gets a little adult time to enjoy the wonders of Italy solo.

Find out what’s most important to each adult and what the others don’t mind missing. While Liz’s family was on the Parmigiano tour, for example, Liz was able to step away with her nephew when his attention wandered. Having someone who could step away from the tour to play with the toddler was incredibly helpful. And it made the tour all the more enjoyable for her sister and brother-in-law who were the most excited about taking the tour.

Find Kid-Specific Activities – Even if They’re Not Specific to Italy

In Bologna, Liz found an optical illusion exhibition. While not in any way Italy-specific, this was a great highlight for little Noah. Every city will have exhibitions, museums, and activities that are geared toward the local children. Embracing these kinds of spaces can make your trip all the more fun as you watch your little one enjoy and explore. The exhibit was also pretty cool for the adults on the trip.

Much like the illusion exhibition, playgrounds and parks are not unique to Italy. However, taking some time from the museums and sightseeing to let your toddler get some of their energy out on the playground or in a park is a great way to balance your vacation

Slow Down and Watch

This is advice we’d give to anyone traveling in Italy, even without a toddler. To sit in a café and soak up the vibes. To watch the world around you and absorb the culture instead of rushing from site to site. It’s absolutely our preferred way to see and enjoy Italy! And with a toddler it’s even more important.

They are learning about the world and absorbing new sites and sounds all the time. And they get pretty excited about small things (like dogs and boats). Take some time to sit (or stand) and watch the boats go by in Venice. Or the dogs and people pass in Florence — it’s a perfect way to spend the afternoon.

Castles are Great Adventures

Castles, old ruins, and other open-plan adventures are perfect for toddlers. While you delight in the frescos, toddlers can enjoy the freedom to roam and explore interesting new structures they’ve never seen before. The Italian countryside is dotted with old castles. Many of them are in quaint little villages that offer a perfect fairy-tale feel to your vacation.

So while you’re traveling in the countryside for wine tastings and unique meals, stop at a castle for a fun family activity!

Backpacks/Carriers are Key

Italy can involve a lot of walking. A stroller is usually the perfect way to transport your kid. But, sometimes there are spaces where a stroller is impossible. Liz’s family decided to climb the Florence belltower and used a backpack for the stairs between the platforms. It was difficult but effective.

A backpack was also the perfect way to contain and ensure Noah’s safety on the Vaporetto (ferry) in Venice. With all the luggage, having a hands-free way of containing and carrying your toddler will make a big difference.

Are you ready to explore Italy with your toddler? Let us know! We’re always excited to help families make new memories in Europe!