Unforgettable Mediterranean Magic: Our Princess Cruise Adventure, Part 2 – From French Countryside to Italian Riviera Dreams
Welcome back, fellow travel enthusiasts! If you’ve landed here, you’re likely eager to dive deeper into our incredible Mediterranean cruise journey. After the initial excitement of Part 1, which whisked us away through Spain and Gibraltar, prepare for an even richer tapestry of experiences. With an abundance of stunning photographs to share, breaking this adventure into two parts was a delightful necessity. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every moment as we relive the breathtaking beauty and charm of France and Italy.
Our European odyssey was made possible through an amazing partnership with Princess Cruises. We embarked on this grand voyage alongside a fantastic group of fellow bloggers, turning a dream trip into a shared adventure. Our companions included the creative minds behind Coco Kelley, Sugar & Charm, New Darlings, Color Me Courtney, Corporate Catwalk, Livvy Land, Hi Sugarplum, Princess Pinky Girl, and Smart Schoolhouse. Traveling with such a vibrant community truly enhanced every stop and memory.
This second installment of our Mediterranean cruise recap focuses on the enchanting destinations that captured our hearts: Aix en Provence, the picturesque Italian Riviera towns of Portofino, Rapallo, and Santa Margherita, and the iconic Cinque Terre, before culminating our cruise adventure in magnificent Rome. If you’re looking for an unforgettable European adventure, the Italian coast, in particular, proved to be an absolute dream – easily my favorite segment of the entire trip!
Navigating French Charm: Marseille, Aix en Provence, and the Hunt for Poppies
Our journey into the latter half of the cruise began in France. One crucial lesson learned early on: pack for all seasons, even in the Mediterranean! Coming from Texas, I was woefully unprepared for the chill, often finding myself bundling up against the brisk air and intermittent rain. But even a little cold couldn’t dampen our spirits for exploration.
A Private Car Adventure in Provence
Upon docking in Marseille, we opted for a private car excursion, which we shared with fellow bloggers Courtney and Olivia. This choice proved invaluable for maximizing our time and experiencing as much as possible in each port. While our itinerary planning could have been more precise, the flexibility of a private driver allowed us to weave through the region’ at our own pace, discovering hidden gems.
Our first stop was a scenic drive through Marseille, leading us to the panoramic overlook at Notre Dame de la Garde. The views of the bustling city, stretching out to the sparkling Mediterranean, were truly breathtaking. After soaking in the coastal vistas, we ventured inland to Aix en Provence. This charming town offered a welcome contrast to Marseille’s urban energy, with its more walkable streets and relaxed atmosphere.
Aix en Provence immediately charmed us with its quaint streets and vibrant local life. We indulged in a delightful lunch, savoring delicious crepes that perfectly complemented the local ambiance. A visit to a famous soap shop was also a must, offering a sensory experience of Provence’s renowned lavender and natural products. It’s places like these that truly immerse you in the local culture and create lasting memories.
The Magical Poppy Fields of the French Countryside
After a wonderful time wandering, capturing countless photo opportunities, and enjoying some local shopping, our adventurous spirits led us to the French countryside. Our mission? To find a field of vibrant poppies. This quest turned into one of the most memorable and humorous parts of our day. It took us what felt like an eternity to locate the elusive poppy field, involving a rather comical episode of off-roading in our Mercedes and accidentally ending up at someone’s private chateau! The journey itself became part of the story, filled with laughter and unexpected detours.
Finally, just when we thought we might give up, we stumbled upon it – a glorious field of poppies, blooming right off the side of a main road. Standing amidst a sea of red in the tranquil French countryside was an utterly magical experience. It was a true “pinch-me” moment, a testament to the rewards of a little perseverance and a lot of spontaneous adventure. It’s moments like these, unplanned and perfectly imperfect, that truly define a remarkable travel experience.
The Jewels of the Italian Riviera: Portofino, Rapallo & Santa Margherita
The next day brought us to the stunning Italian Riviera, an experience that immediately cemented my love for Italy. From the Genoa port, we embarked on an excursion to visit the iconic towns of Portofino, Rapallo, and Santa Margherita. The journey itself was part of the charm, offering glimpses of the dramatic coastline and azure waters.
Rapallo: A Taste of Local Life
Our first stop was Rapallo, a picturesque town approximately 30 minutes by bus from the port. We spent a delightful hour or so immersing ourselves in its vibrant atmosphere. Here, we savored authentic Italian cappuccinos and flaky croissants, indulging in the simple pleasures of a European morning. The focaccia, in particular, was an absolute revelation – a true highlight of our culinary journey!
We also enjoyed strolling through the lively market along the seafront, browsing local crafts and fresh produce. A memorable detail from this part of the trip was our audio tour gadgets, which our charming Italian guide affectionately called “whispers.” Jared and I found this so amusing that “box of whispers” became our running inside joke for the rest of the trip, adding a touch of humor to every new discovery.
The Allure of Portofino
From Rapallo, our bus journey continued to Santa Margherita, a brief scenic drive that offered little time for extensive exploration but was a picturesque prelude to our next destination. From Santa Margherita, we boarded a ferry, gliding across the sparkling Ligurian Sea towards the legendary Portofino. This iconic fishing village, renowned for its vibrant harbor and exclusive atmosphere, lives up to every expectation.
Portofino is, without a doubt, spectacularly beautiful. Its pastel-colored houses clinging to the hillside, reflected in the calm waters of the harbor, create a scene straight out of a postcard. While undeniably expensive, the sheer beauty and charm of Portofino make every penny worth it. We would return in a heartbeat to spend a night or two, truly soaking in its luxurious tranquility. Finding a lunch spot by the water required navigating the lively crowds, but enjoying fresh seafood with such a stunning backdrop was an experience not to be missed.
A Culinary Delight: Gelato, Focaccia & Aperol Spritz
No trip to Italy is complete without indulging in gelato, and we certainly made the most of it – enjoying it approximately a million times throughout our Italian stops! Portofino was no exception, even if the warmer weather meant our scoops melted almost immediately. It was one of the few truly warm days we experienced, making the refreshing coolness of gelato even more welcome.
We often chased our gelato with more delightful focaccia, effectively putting ourselves on a delicious, dairy-rich diet. Add a refreshing Aperol Spritz into the mix, and our Portofino experience was complete – a perfect blend of stunning scenery, delectable treats, and relaxed indulgence. These culinary explorations truly immerse you in the local lifestyle and flavors, making the journey even more memorable.
Cinque Terre: A Rainy Day, Still a Dream
Our final major excursion day led us to the world-famous Cinque Terre, a collection of five vibrant cliffside villages that had long occupied a prime spot on my Pinterest dream boards. My anticipation for this day was immense, making the fact that it poured rain the entire time almost tear-inducing. Despite the relentless downpour and the necessity of donning ponchos, we somehow managed to transform a potentially disappointing day into a hilariously fun and unforgettable adventure.
Joined by Courtney, Jenn, Olivia, and the boys, we embraced the challenge of exploring Cinque Terre in the rain. Getting wonderfully lost in the narrow, winding streets, sharing copious amounts of wine, and feasting on endless plates of pasta became the order of the day. A $10 Italian rainbow umbrella also proved to be an unexpected source of happiness and a splash of color against the grey skies. It taught us that even when the weather doesn’t cooperate, the spirit of adventure and good company can make any destination magical. The vibrant hues of the villages still shone through the mist, creating a unique and atmospheric experience that we wouldn’t trade for anything.
Disembarking in Rome: Vatican City and Beyond
Our incredible Mediterranean cruise concluded in Rome, a city steeped in history and grandeur. On our final day, we chose an excursion to Vatican City. However, in our excitement, we didn’t fully account for the logistical challenge of catching a noon train to Venice later that day. This meant hauling all our luggage through the cobbled streets to the Vatican for our tour – a less-than-glamorous but ultimately successful endeavor. My giant suitcase jostling over the pebble-stone streets was certainly not our most elegant travel moment, but we made it work, soaking in the majesty of the Vatican despite the practical hurdles.
After the cruise, Jared and I decided to extend our overseas adventure by staying an extra week in Italy, eager to explore more of this beautiful country. We visited Venice, Florence, and of course, spent more time in Rome. I’ll be sharing detailed photos and stories from that extended journey in a future post, so stay tuned for even more Italian inspiration!
Why Cruise? The Unpacking Advantage and Future Horizons
Our experience with Princess Cruises solidified our love for this mode of travel. The unparalleled convenience of unpacking just once and waking up in a new, exciting destination each day is truly a game-changer. It eliminates the constant stress of navigating airports, repacking suitcases, and finding new accommodations, allowing for pure enjoyment of the journey. We’re already itching to embark on another overseas cruise, with the Baltic Sea cruise at the top of our wish list. If any of you have experienced the Baltic Sea or similar itineraries, we would absolutely love to hear your advice and recommendations!
A heartfelt thank you once again to our wonderful friends at Princess Cruises for partnering with us and making this unforgettable Mediterranean adventure a reality. It was a trip filled with laughter, discovery, and memories we’ll cherish forever.