We had an absolutely fabulous trip this month. It was technically our long overdue honeymoon. We wanted to make this trip 4 years ago, but my dad’s illness changed our plans. It was now finally a good time to make this trip.

The trip started with 4 days in Rome, Italy. This was an appropriate start since it was on my last trip to Rome in 2002 that I made a wish and threw a coin into the Trevi Fountain. Tossing a coin, according to legend, will guarantee a return trip to Rome. I took my coin tossing very seriously because I had gotten a divorce and was throwing my coins with the added wish to come back again with the love of my life. And here we are!! I took Tom to Trevi fountain and we threw a coin in as a thank you for granting my wish!

Rome was alive with tourists from all over the world. Our first full day was spent at the Vatican. This is a must see for everyone. The art is spectacular. And for me everything the Vatican represents is important. We had a great guide, Massimo, who was fun and informative. We walked and climbed so many steps that my husband called the Vatican a spectacular stair-master!!  The next day we also did a lot of walking seeing many sights that Rome is noted for. We stayed at the Grand Hotel Beverly Hills which is located in a more quiet area near Villa Borghese.  We discovered some “neighborhood” restaurants that were so good.

Then part two of the adventure began! My friend (since the 7th grade!) Carol and her husband Tony joined us and we left on a Mediterranean Cruise. The cruise on Oceania’s Riviera left from the Rome port (Civitavecchia). The ports were Livorno, Italy (which was access to Tuscany- 2 hours drive to Florence and excursions to Lucca and other areas of interest), Portofino, Italy; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Saint Tropez, France; Marseille, France; Barcelona, Spain; Ibiza, Spain; Amalfi/Positano, Italy; and back to Rome. Wow!! We covered 1743 nautical miles.

The beauty of all of the architecture and cathedrals and art put your mind on overload.  Everything is so OLD and majestic in Europe. Then there was the contrast of Monte Carlo. You could actually smell the money! There were magnificent yachts docked there and there was no such thing as a normal car…everywhere you would see a Rolls Royce, Lamborghinis,  and cars that  I could not identify because they were zooming by.  The Principality of Monaco is still very much in love with Princess Grace Kelly. We visited the Prince’s Palace and the Monaco Cathedral. And of course, we had to stop for a wine and Monaco’s own beer (very good by the way). I wanted to go into the casino so that in any future James Bond movies I would be able to identify the location, but, they have a separate casino in the casino for tourists.  I was only interested in the real deal and since we were not interested in gambling we passed on that.

Each of the places we stopped had their own special personality and the weather in this region is glorious. Even though this region is a higher latitude than we are here in NY/NJ, the weather patterns are very different. Much less of their weather comes from the polar regions and they get trade winds that are milder than ours. This results in a drier and hotter climate. This gives way to palm trees, lemon trees and orange trees. Portofino, the second stop made in Italy, is a very picturesque spot. As you approach from the sea your eyes view multicolor villas all along the waterfront. This was once a quiet fishing village which is now full of boutiques, restaurants and beachside cliffs.

Stops in France were Marseille and Saint-Tropez. Marseille is France’s oldest city and a very busy port. The Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde is here. There are 200 steps to reach the Basilica. If we are ever back here we will choose an excursion that involves wine trails! And, I think I’ll remain loyal to Paris as far as French cities are concerned.  Saint-Tropez is another “playground to jetsetters, fashion models and millionaires”. This is the place where Brigid Bardot was “discovered”. Saint-Tropez played a major role in the history of modern art. Paul Signac “discovered this light infused place and inspired painters like Matisse, Bonnard and Marquet to come here”. Saint-Tropez remains an interesting site for painters. Quite a few very classy yachts hanging out here too.

This was my first trip to Spain and it definitely will not be the last. I fell in love with Barcelona. It is a gorgeous, lively city.  Barcelona is a province of Catalonia. It is the capital and largest city. This is the home of The Basilica de la Sagrada Familia.  This basilica began in 1882 and is not yet complete. This soaring basilica was designed by moderist Antonio Gaudi. It is simply incredible. The Poble Espanyol (the Spanish Village) is an architectural museum and a lovely place to walk around and  have lunch and shop in the boutiques. I plan on coming back to Barcelona and exploring the entire city. Our next stop in Spain was Ibiza. Ibiza is part of Spain’s Balearic Islands. The island is 8 miles wide and 25 miles long. In the summer months Ibiza turns into a huge scene for partying and dancing. They say 2 million young clubbers descend on the island to party. Disco is alive and well.

The trip wrapped up in Amalfi and Positano. I have to say, there is NOTHING like approaching the Amalfi coast from the water.  It is truly one of the most breathtaking views you will ever see. There are dramatic cliffs and beautiful scenery. We anchored off the coast and tendered to Amalfi. From there we motor-boated to Positano.  One of my favorite movies is Under The Tuscan Sun.  Positano is where she went to find Marcello (I think that was his name). I saw the apartment balcony where it was filmed.  Got in some shopping in both spots. Did I mention that lemoncello is produced in Amalfi? The size of the lemons are like grapefruits!  And the lemon gelato was delicious!!

Leaving the port, our ship had a very romantic departure. Bellinis were served on the upper deck and Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman were singing “Time to say Goodbye” full blast over the loudspeakers!! Do I have to even say there were tears flowing down my cheeks?? We arrived the next morning back in Rome.

A Mediterranean cruise is one of the most romantic trips you can possible take. It enables you to see so many places and you don’t have to pack and get to the next stop. I recommend Oceania. It is a very classy cruise line…no midnight buffet…no roving photographer wanting you to to buy a picture he took of you!  I highly recommend the voyage and all of it’s experiences. Enjoy.