EXPLORING EUROPE WITH VIRGIN VOYAGES – A Dream Journey from Athens to Barcelona
A European cruise through some of the most fabulous countries should be on anyone’s bucket list. Virgin Voyages, Scarlet Lady, sure did deliver an experience that will forever hold wonderful memories for me. Beginning in Athens and ending in Barcelona, this 13-day journey was filled with unforgettable sights, flavors, and adventures, all with my bestie SheShe. We had exceptional weather throughout…. consistently in the low 70s. It was absolutely perfect, and we felt so lucky to be able to explore some of Europe’s most iconic destinations, all while enjoying the luxurious amenities of the ship.
LIFE ABOARD THE SHIP
First of all, life aboard the Virgin Voyages, was nothing short of luxurious. The modern design, exceptional service, and fantastic dining options (over twenty) made the journey as enjoyable as the destinations. Two restaurants stood out to me….. The Wake, and Pink Agave. The Wake was beautiful and very elegant. Definitely a fine dining experience with a delicious menu. We had the best seats in the house….. right up front looking out at the head of the ship with spectacular views. Second was the Pink Agave…. a modern Mexican concept, with a lively vibe. I sure did love the food there as well. There were so many others, and you can be assured you won’t get bored with the dining options on Virgin Voyages.
My room was beautiful, spacious, and very comfortable. I had a fun hammock out on my balcony which was so relaxing in the afternoons. I really liked that I could order food in the room. This was always so helpful on those busy mornings when I was trying to juggle work, and be ready on time for the excursions. My food was always prompt and delivered warm.
The ship’s crew…. especially my steward (what a gem!), ensured that every detail was taken care of. They even brought me body lotion because I had left mine at home. Fresh towells, help with the TV, whatever I needed they were eager to be there and help.
DAY ONE – STARTING IN ATHENS
After a long flight, day one began in Athens. I didn’t have much time to explore the city, but seeing the Virgin Voyages ship in the port was exciting. The ship’s bold red accents, really made it a standout. Once on board, I was impressed by the modern design, stylish interiors, spacious lounges, and well-thought-out amenities. Everything about it felt fresh and upscale, setting the tone for a great adventure ahead.
DAY TWO – MYKONOS, GREECE SO CHARMING
Our first stop, was the enchanting island of Mykonos. It was everything you imagine Greece to be…. narrow winding streets, iconic blue-domed rooftops, and whitewashed buildings. The village was so charming, with quaint shops and breathtaking views around every corner. Greece has become one of my favorite destinations. Wandering through the streets seriously feels like stepping into a postcard.
These windmills in Mykonos, known as KATO MILI, are among the island’s most iconic landmarks. They sit on a hill overlooking Mykonos Town and the Aegean Sea. Definitely a reminder of the island’s historical importance in grain production during the 16th-19th centuries. An absolute beautiful site!
DAY THREE – AT SEA
Our day was spent at sea, and it couldn’t have been more relaxing. We spent a good part of the day in the spa, indulging in a 90 minute massage. Soaking in the tranquil atmosphere was absolutely perfect after a long flight. Virgin Voyages truly knows how to pamper its guests. There’s nothing wrong with a sea day…. no agenda, lounging in all the corners of the ship, taking in the ocean views, and enjoying the fresh and delicious food available on board. Ahhhhhh…. it was wonderful!
DAY FOUR – MOUNT ETNA AND CATANIA IN SICILY, ITALY
MOUNT ETNA and CATANIA in Sicily, Italy were just beautiful. I’d never been to this part of Italy, so was happy to experience it. We began with a visit to Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. Standing near the majestic mountain and learning about its history was amazing. Next was exploring Catania, a bustling city filled with charm and history. Lunch in Catania was a highlight…. delicious, authentic Sicilian food in the most gorgeous PALACE HOTEL. The pasta was delicious and the decor was colorful and vibrant!
After our delicious lunch at the Palace Hotel, we hiked up to MONTEVERGINE HILL, to explore the ruins and remnants of the Roman Amphitheater. It’s always a super cool experience to stand where ancient civilizations lived. We walked the streets and visited the local shops before getting on the bus and heading back.
DAY FIVE – ANOTHER SEA DAY
More time to relax and enjoy the ship’s many amenities. From the modern workout area to all the different dining experiences…. no shortage of ways to spend the day. I love a “down time” kind of day, to catch up on all my business affairs.
DAY SIX – TOOK US TO ROME
It was as magnificent as I remember. The ancient architecture is always fascinating to me. Afterwards we strolled through Piazza del Popolo where you’ll find the TWIN CHURCHES. The two churches mark the beginning of the Tridente, three important streets that connect many of Rome’s famous landmarks. We enjoyed the pedestrian street browsing all the high-end shops and boutiques. There’s also plenty of gelato, which we indulged ourselves in. Along the way we found THE BEST Margherita pizza just off the Main Street. It’s always fun to go back and revisit Rome… the history is everywhere!
DAY SEVEN – La SPEZIA ITALY: A CULINARY DREAM
My day in La Spezia, Italy, learning to make pasta at VIALTO FARM, was truly unforgettable and easily my favorite of the entire trip. The farm’s enchanting ambiance was so picturesque! The hosts made the pasta-making look so easy! But the real fun was cutting the fresh veggies and rolling out the dough and making our own noodles. The joy of hands-on learning, made this day INCREDIBLY FABULOUS! I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for an extraordinary adventure in Italy!
DAY EIGHT – CORSICA, FRANCE: KAYAKING ADVENTURE
Next up was a day in Corsica, where we participated in a kayaking excursion. It was so much harder than what we were expecting. SheShe and I shared a kayak AND the paddling! Whew!! What an invigorating workout, and very sore arms the next day. It was a fun way to experience the beauty of the island. You’ll see on the map above, AJACCIO, which is the capital and largest city in Corsica. That evening the ship hosted a Halloween party that was festive, lively, and very Halloween-ish!
DAY NINE – CANNES AND ST. TROPEZ: THE FRENCH RIVIERA
This day we explored one of the most glamorous places in the world, the French Riviera. A walking tour of ST. TROPEZ, really showed us why it’s one of the most luxurious destinations ever. The city’s elegance and charm are undeniable. You just feel different there. Even our lunch! I had a fresh truffle omelette along with the most delicious bread and olive oil. We sat in an open restaurant looking out at the water and street performers. It was such a lovely afternoon…. we could have sat there for hours! This is where Brigitte Bardot still lives in her oceanfront property with her animals. That was an interesting tidbit. After our tour, our guide actually spent the afternoon walking to and from her property.
DAY TEN – A SEA DAY
Another sea day and found the best way to relax and recharge. First up was my workout, and then went up on top of the ship to Richard’s Rooftop. This is a really cool outdoor space reserved for guests staying in the RockStar Quarters suites. It has a more private atmosphere with VIP service, and a bar. The perfect spot to bask in the sunshine. Later that afternoon I went and had another 90 minute massage at the spa….. pure bliss! Lots of self-care, and not a bad way to spend the day!
DAY ELEVEN – BARCELONA, SPAIN
Our final destination was Barcelona, a city bursting with culture, architecture, and vibrant energy. We landed there on Sunday, so most of the shops were unfortunately closed. If that’s what you’re wanting, make sure not to be there on Sunday. We had beautiful weather all trip long, except for some rain in Barcelona. However, we made it work! We stayed in the cutest boutique hotel called OCCIDENTAL DIAGONAL. The price point and location were fantastic. As we walked through the heart of the city, we couldn’t help but notice the super cool architecture.
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THE JOY OF CRUISING WITH VIRGIN VOYAGES
Looking back on my trip, I’m so grateful for the memories made and the places explored. From the charming streets of Mykonos, Greece, to the boojie vibe of St. Tropez, and of course not to forget pasta making in Italy, each stop truly was unforgettable. VIRGIN VOYAGES made it so easy and comfortable to explore! They provided the ultimate European cruise experience, and I would definitely sail with them again!
CLICK HERE TO SEE MY REEL OF PARK I OF MY VIRGIN VOYAGE
CLICK HERE TO SEE PART II OF MY VIRGIN VOYAGE
