
Hello !
It has been a wild first week and half for us, starting our journey under gray skies and drizzle, only to find that we are now driving through snowy mountain passes a few days later and basking in sunshine by the time we reached the Tuscan countryside.
That’s exactly how our adventure has unfolded so far! From the iconic White Cliffs of Dover to the charming streets of Lucca, our travels have been a whirlwind of changing seasons, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable moments.

We’ve watched Georgia light up at Parisian carousels , marveled at Leonardo da Vinci’s genius in his hometown, and driven through landscapes that seemed to shift with every passing mile—farms, vineyards, snowy peaks, and golden beaches. Each stop has brought new surprises, delicious food, and memories we’ll cherish forever.
Here’s a roundup of our journey so far, with links to each adventure so you can follow along with us. Whether you’re dreaming of your own family adventure or just love to travel from the comfort of your screen, we hope you enjoy coming along for the ride!
1. Departure from Dover

Every great journey begins with a single step—or in our case, a ferry ride! We left the White Cliffs of Dover behind as we set sail for Calais, full of excitement and anticipation for the adventures ahead.
Read about our departure from Dover here.
2. Paris: The City of Lights

Our first major stop was Paris, and it did not disappoint. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre , Paris offered a magical mix of art, history, and fun for the whole family. We loved soaking up the lively atmosphere, and we all indulged in some incredible French pastries while looking at the Notre Dame through the cafe window.
Discover our Paris adventures here.
3. From Paris to Roche-la-Molière

Our journey took us southward, transitioning from wintry drizzle in Paris then blizzards to golden sunlight in Roche-la-Molière. The drive was an adventure in itself, with snow giving way to rolling hills sunshine and cozy villages.
Read about our drive from Paris to Roche-la-Molière here.
4. From France to Italy

Crossing into Italy brought its own share of surprises. From picturesque farms to snowy alpine passes, this leg of our journey was filled with scenic beauty. By the time we reached the Italian coast, we were greeted with blue skies and the shimmering Mediterranean.
Explore our journey from France to Italy here.
5. Lucca: A Magical Day of Festive Charm

Lucca swept us off our feet with its enchanting streets and festive holiday atmosphere . The city felt like something out of a fairy tale, with its Christmas markets, twinkling lights , and warm sense of community. We all loved walking around the car-free streets, and we all agreed that Lucca has a magic unlike anywhere else we had been before.
Read about our magical day in Lucca here.
6. Florence: A Day of Art, History, and a Few Surprises

Florence dazzled us with its artistic treasures and vibrant streets. While it didn’t quite capture the magic of Lucca, the Vinci Interactive Museum and a family carousel ride added highlights to our day.
Read about our day in Florence here.
7. Vinci: Exploring the Birthplace of a Genius

A short trip from Florence brought us to Vinci, Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace. This charming town stole our hearts with its peaceful vibe, fascinating museums, and stunning views of the Tuscan hills worth a few hours to visit if you are passing .
Discover our day in Vinci here.
The Journey Continues
From rainy city streets to sun-drenched Tuscan hills, our adventure so far has been nothing short of incredible. Each destination has added a new layer to our story, and we’re so excited to see what’s next on this ever-changing horizon.
Next up, we’re heading to Rome for a few days to explore its historic sites, including the iconic Colosseum and the grandeur of the Roman Forum . Stay tuned as we delve into the Eternal City’s rich history and vibrant culture!
Join Us on Our Journey
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the places we’ve visited so far—have you been to any of these spots?
Let us know in the comments or follow along on our blog for more stories, tips, and updates.
Adventure awaits!
Dennis, Ali, Georgia, and Dotty
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