Turning Dreams into Destinations: Our First European Adventure

Santorini

Debra and I had dreamed of traveling to Europe for years. In early 2016, we finally turned talk into action, planning a 15-day European holiday. We flew to Rome in May, spending three days exploring its iconic landmarks, indulging in exquisite Italian cuisine, and immersing ourselves in the city's rich culture. (Click HERE to read about our experiences in Rome.)

Then, we boarded the Celebrity Equinox for a 12-day eastern Mediterranean cruise, sailing from Civitavecchia (Rome’s port city) to Barcelona with stops in Italy, Greece, and Turkey. It was an unforgettable voyage!

Sailing in Style

The Celebrity Equinox was the grandest ship we had ever cruised on. Launched in 2009 as the second of five Solstice-class ships in the Celebrity fleet, it boasted spacious cabins, a real grass lawn on deck 15, a two-story library, a living tree in the atrium, spa services by Canyon Ranch, and an impressive grand buffet—plus much more!

A Perfect Itinerary

Each destination was a marvel:

• Italy: The stunning Amalfi Coast, the preserved ruins of Pompeii, and the charm of Sicily
• Greece: The historic city of Athens, plus the breathtaking islands of Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini
• Turkey: The coastal beauty and ancient wonders of Kusadasi

To make the most of our time, I arranged private tours for four ports of call—luxury cars, customized itineraries, and expert local guides. In two other ports, we embarked on self-guided walking tours, freely wandering the picturesque towns. And for one port, we joined a Celebrity-organized excursion. No matter how we explored, each stop offered incredible history and stunning scenery.

An Adventure to Remember

Our first European trip exceeded our expectations, setting the stage for many more adventures there. I’m excited to share our most treasured experiences and memories with you. 

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From Ancient Ruins to Coastal Splendor: A Day Trip to Pompeii & Amalfi

Salerno served as our gateway to two extraordinary places: the haunting ruins of Pompeii and the stunning Amalfi coast. Each promised adventure, and both delivered beyond expectations, leaving us with unforgettable memories!

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Mykonos, The Island of the Winds

Debra and I were in Chora, the capital of Myknonos, a picturesque island in the Aegean Sea. We loved this quaint town with its cobble streets and whitewashed buildings. It was a magical day!

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Ancient City of Aptera

​Debra and I were on the Greek island of Crete, a one-day stop on our Mediterranean cruise. Early afternoon, we explored a diverse archaeological site, the ancient city of Aptera. It was awesome!

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Gateway to Ephesus

Debra and I never imagined we'd be in Turkey. And yet there we were, in Kusadasi. The House of the Virgin Mary, ancient city of Ephesus, Temple of Artemis, and more. It was a magical day!

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The Heart of the Mediterranean

Debra and I spent a day on the island of Sicily, the Heart of the Mediterranean. The Godfather. A medieval city. An active volcano. Mama Mia - it was an extraordinary day!

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