Travel Review: European Vacation, France & Italy, Rome, Venice, Paris, Normandy, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Eiffel Tower

We had adventures at all three of our destinations.  We took a day-trip to Normandy to pay our respects to our fallen brothers and sisters.  That was absolutely worth a day doing.  In Paris, our private guide was a great resource for exploring the best parts of Paris, especially since we didn't have a lot of time there.  We wanted a tour that was less touristy and more like what a local would like to do.  There was a torrential downpour the evening we visited the Eiffel Tower.  Dozens of people in matching blue rain ponchos all requesting an Uber to get out of the rain.  After missing three separate drivers, we decided to make the long walk in the rain back to our hotel, and I wouldn't change that part if I could go back and do it over again.

We had an amazing hotel room in Venice.  Singing gondola rides passed under our windows every morning before the heat of the day set in.   We ended up in St. Mark's Square often as we explored the maze of streets.  Shopping for and eating food from the local grocery shops made our stay more authentic.  I also love the spirit of the locals.

Our stay in Rome is what made us fall in love with Italy.  Our hotel was a 20 second walk from Trevi Fountain.  We walked everywhere we went.  I shed a tear or ten in the Pantheon; it's my new favorite place.  We were also given a private tour of the heart of Rome by a former archaeologist who has dug at many of the sites.  She was an amazing guide, and I would use her services again in a heartbeat.  We left a part of our hearts in Rome.  We'll definitely be going back.