A Grand Mediterranean Cruise!


Hi there, Friends! My mother and stepfather just returned from a Grand Mediterranean cruise. The photos are absolutely gorgeous and I thought you might enjoy a little virtual getaway! This scenic view is taken from the ship as they approached the port of Venice, on the last stop of their journey. Isn't it breathtaking? 


Mediterranean cruise
Port of Venice


Let's rewind to the beginning of their trip when they arrived in Barcelona. My step-father chose Hotel Continental because George Orwell stayed there and it was described as very old and quaint. After a 13 hour flight, they took a long nap before heading out to...



Hotel Continental


...La Bambia, a promenade with all of the shops, restaurants, tapas, etc.


La Bambia Barcelona, Spain



Day two was Toulon, on the French Riviera. 


Toulon, France



All of the cities they visited featured gorgeous architecture and statuary.



Toulon, France


The Genius of Navigation bronze sculpture by Louis-Joseph Daumas pointing out to sea.


Genius of Navigation bronze sculpture



The next stop was Florence. They traveled about an hour from the ship by bus, stopping first at a leather factory, as Florence is famous for its fine leather goods. Then, onto Piazza di San Croce where the tour guide left them at Ristorante Bocadama--the first of several times they ate pizza in Italy. Yum, makes me hungry, just thinking about it! Below, Basilica Santa Croce, is hundreds of years old, and where Michelangelo and Galileo are buried. There is a statue dedicated to Dante on the far left. So much history and beauty! 


Basilica Santa Croce Florence Italy



A panoramic view of Florence. Look closely for the red cupola of the Duomo, Florence's cathedral named in honor of Santa Maria del Fiore.  



Florence, Italy




It's easy to see why my mother was quite taken with Mykonos, Greece! 


Mykonos, Greece


She sent me this beautiful cross representing the striking hues of the cerulean Aegean Sea and the white sand of Mykonos. I'll treasure it! 



Mykonos Greece cross



In Croatia, they visited a charming little cafe and had coffee while they escaped the rain. Can't you almost smell the aroma?


Coffee cafe in Croatia



A view of Budva, Montenegro from the ship...



Budva, Montenegro


...and the city of Kotor, below. Love those paved streets! I hope you've enjoyed our virtual getaway! 


Kotor Montenegro


The holidays are quickly approaching! Have you started your Christmas shopping? In the spirit of supporting small businesses, each Friday in November, my friend Jemma from At Home with Jemma will be featuring select Etsy shops. It's such a fun way to shop for unique gifts and support Mom & Pop shops at the same time, plus you can shop in your jammies! On November 11, Secret Garden Herbs will be featured and I'll be offering a special discount. Please spread the word and visit Jemma for more featured Etsy Christmas shops!




Etsy Christmas shop feature


My Thrift Store Addiction signature





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  1. Been to a few of these locations. Beautiful

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  2. I am sure this was an exciting trip for your Mom and step Dad, ... just beautiful scenery. Thanks for sharing the awesome pictures. Love your cross too.
    Did your really mention Christmas shopping?
    I do love your organic rosemary sea salt.

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  3. I have a friend who just returned from a very similar two week cruise! 'Tis the season! ; )

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  4. beautiful places! love the cobbled street, too.

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  5. Gorgeous pictures! How fun to go on a cruise of this beautiful part of the world. I hope to get back there again soon. The first picture brought back memories of Venice.

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  6. Such a wonderful experience ♥

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  7. Those photos are so gorgeous! Thanks so much for the tour. Love that narrow cobbled street. So charming.

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  8. Thank you for taking me to the Mediterranean. I've always wanted to go. Italy is at the top of my travel bucket list.

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing at Snickerdoodle Create, Bake, and Make Link Party!

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