NORWAY - Big Challenges And Stunning Scenery.

Tromso is a truly amazing place, filled with such natural beauty. We’re so grateful to have been able to experience all that we did above the Arctic Circle, with such clear weather and fresh snow at the start of our 12 night stay. 

However, while in Tromso, we experienced some of the most stressful and awful incidences of our whole trip. More on that at further down in the blog post. But first, lets admire some of the stunning scenery.

The photos below were taken on a day with beautiful weather - the 22nd of December I think. I was able to wander around town by myself, capturing these beautiful photos during the daylight hours. 

Our Christmas day was very quiet and cosy! We had prepared a few small surprise gifts for the girls and Santa also stopped by with some small presents - mainly books, colouring pens, digital watches and a few trinkets. We were planning to go to the English-spoken Christmas Service at the Arctic Cathedral at 4pm, but by 3pm the bad weather had set in, with rain and strong winds. So we stayed in a watched movies and played monopoly instead. I cooked reindeer stew for dinner and I’m pleased to report it taste just like the stew at the Reindeer excursions with the Sami. (You can get frozen reindeer meat at the local supermarket)

Bad Weather, Missed Flights and Lost Toys

From Christmas Day to the 28th. The weather really turned - it was rainy and windy and the snow all turned to slush, making it really slippery and wet to walk around. I really feel for people who arrived in Tromso on Christmas or after. So many of the whale watching tours and northern lights tours were cancelled - even the cable car stopped running due to the high winds. On these days we ventured off to two of the museums, which I’ve written about in a seperate post, but simply walking around the footpaths felt really dangerous. 

But departing Tromso was one of the worst, most stressful things to happen on our trip, thanks to a rescheduled flight that we missed, resulting in us having to book a whole new flight and an extra night of (very expensive) accommodation 😭😭. What kind of airline bumps a whole family to an earlier flight with less than 12 hours notice - those 12 hours literally being the night before 😡😡😡😡. Wideroe, that’s who! 

Our original flight wasn’t cancelled either, so there was no real reason that we were bumped - I’d be ok with being bumped to a later flight, we would atleast have had a chance to reorganise ourselves. We were definitely not prepared for getting to the airport at 6am rather than 12pm on the 28th. 

However, I am proud of how the whole family handled the awful situation. Braino and I kept our cool, no one raised their voices or lost the plot or had an emotional meltdown. We just got things sorted as best we could in a calm manner. 

I’m also incredibly grateful that we have budgeted well and stuck to our budget, which means we have a healthy amount in contingency put aside for unforeseen things like this. I’m currently trying our luck at getting some sort of reimbursement from Wideroe but I don’t like our chances. Our travel insurance unfortunately won’t cover something like this - I’ve gone through the terms and conditions in detail. 

The other absolute lowlight of our time in Tromso, was loosing Hallie’s treasured toy wombat Happy Bang. It’s been her comfort toy ever since she was one year old and has become some what of a family icon. She mysteriously disappeared from a carry bag that was filled with other toys, gloves and beanies while we were out. ( I was carrying it, so I’m the most to blame 😭😭😭) 

We retraced our steps multiple times, searching high and low, asking in the 7-Eleven we stopped at, contacting the bus company and even making the trip out to their head office to search through the lost and found. The lady who worked at the lost and found department put in an amazing effort to search all the 34 buses and 26 buses for us, the two buses we caught during the short window of time were she could have disappeared. We even posted on a Tromso community Facebook group in the hopes someone picked Happy Bang up. 

Hallie handled the devastation really maturely, she even set up a gravestone for Happy Bang in the yard of the accommodation when we left. Braino and I seemed more devastated about it really. We thought Happy Bang would be the one toy we’d keep forever. It feels akin to losing a pet. We have since implement a no toys to be brought out on day trips rule, even Farley’s favourite Leprechaun Clover. They always end up in a bag or with Braino or I carrying them and we can’t handle another loss, we already had a few close calls before this incident. 

Ironically, we did purchase exactly the same wombat toy many years ago, in the instance that this exact thing would happen. It’s called Sad Bang but it’s face isn’t as cute so it never achieved the same level of attachment as Happy Bang (the name Bang is a reference to the book Happy Birthday Wombat from the Diary of a Wombat book series, where the wombat pops balloons with a BANG! . I read the book to Hallie as a baby and Bang was one of her first words. I guess she always associated the word bang with wombats.) 

Rest In Peace Happy Bang, I hope she has found a loving home in Tromso. 

NORWAY - Family Friendly Museums of Tromso

Tromso has a surprising variety of museums for a smaller, remotely located town. We visited two that were ideal for kids - the Troll Museum and The Science Centre of Northern Norway 

The Troll Museum is quite small but has vast array of exhibits dedicated to the fairy tales and folklore of Norway, many of which the mythoogical creature that is iconic to Norway - The Troll. 

Many of the Norwegian Fairy Tales that feature trolls were displayed as beautiful designed miniature dioramas, along with the some human size trolls. I really like the display that shows all the rock formation around Norway that have inspired Troll myths and legends. Many actually looked like the rock giants from Frozen 2.

 Hallie and Rooney loved the interactive sand display, which has a landscape projected onto the sand from above and changed as they dug out and piled up the sand. The dug out parts would become an ocean via the projection while any piled up parts became island with trolls stomping around. 

The Science Centre of Northern Norway includes a planetarium and I was very keen to see the featured film Extreme Auroras that you can view inside the planetarium dome. It features breathtaking time lapse footage of the Aurora and was shot and produced by renowned photographer Ole Christian Salomonsen,  who is local to Tromso. 

While the Science Centre is on the smaller side, it kept us busy for hours and had a number of interactive displays that we hadn’t yet come across in the other science centres we have visited.

Here is a list of other museums and attractions that would be worth a look. You can purchase a Tromso Pass which provides discounted entry into a number of these museums, along with admission to the cable car. We opted not to get one as we had booked the other excursions like whale watching and reindeers and we wanted to factor in some down time. Plus, not going to lie, Norway is very expensive! The exchange rate against the Australian Dollar is a killer so we had to restrain ourselves when it came to all the touristy recommendations.

Polaria 

An aquarium in a impressive modern architecturally design building that hosts seal shows and a hands on rock pool. 

The Polar Museum

A small museum dedicated to Arctic explorers and expeditions  

Tromso Museum / The Arctic University Museum of Norway

A university museum dedicated to the arctic region, include the history of the Sami, the science behind the Northern Lights and ecosystems of the Arctic. It looks like it has a good kids section too. 

Full Steam Museum 

This museum is located next to the Polar Museum along the wharf area. It has exhibition about the Sea Sami and the Northern Lights. 

NORWAY - Northern Lights Above Tromso

We were extraordinarily lucky to see the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis dance across the skies above Tromso on multiple nights during our stay, between December 17th to December 24th.

Many people book Northern Lights Tours, were they go out with a guide for hours at night, traveling to remote areas beyond Tromso, away from the light pollution of the city. However, we didn’t not plan to book anything like this, mainly due to the high prices and also the fact that it’s not really idea for kids to be outdoors all night in below freezing temperatures. Plus many tours group do not cater to children under the age of 10. But Tromso is know as a place where it is common to see the Aurora Borealis from town and we definitely got lucky with great conditions.

The best vantage point for seeing the Northern Lights is from Storsteinen, which is 421 meters above sea level and is accessible by the Fjellheisen Cable Car in Sollivenien in Tromsdalen, across the bridge from the main island of Tromso. We went up to the top of the mountain around 5pm on a very clear night and miraculously timed it perfectly with a stunning Aurora Borealis display stretching across Tromso. An hour or so later, the Aurora had disappeared but no doubt it returned throughout the night. The girls loved sliding around in the snow, along with a number of other kids who didn’t really understand the magnitude of what they were witnessing in the skies above.

I would have loved to have gone up the cable cab during the daylight hours also, to capture the breathtaking view. But, the cable car is very expensive so we planned our trip to maximise viewing the Aurora Borealis. There is a walking track that leads up the mountain but it’s only recommended for experienced hikers during the winter months.

The view from the top of the Fjellheisen Cable Car

The view from the top of the Fjellheisen Cable Car

The view from the top of the Fjellheisen Cable Car

The view from the top of the Fjellheisen Cable Car

The view from the top of the Fjellheisen Cable Car

The photos below are from a different night where we could first see the Aurora from right outside our door, which why Braino thought it would be funny to go outside in his summer cloths for a photos, despite it being freezing!

Later that evening, I decided to venture off to the other side of town to Prestvannet in Tromso. Prestvannet is a small lake on the highest point of Tromso, which is easily accessible by bus 40 - just get off at Stalheim. The lake was completely frozen, covered in deep snow, with many other groups of people out photographing the Northern Lights too. A lovely couple took my photo in exchange for me taking a photo of them.

The view from our accomodation in Tromsdalen

The view from our accommodation in Tromsdalen

I was incredibly impressed by how well my iPhone 15 captured the Northern Lights, just shooting handheld. Braino much old iphone didn’t produce the same results. From the lake and the top of the cable car, we could see the vibrant green colours of the auroras with our naked eye, but it does look more vibrant through the lens of a camera. Around the town, with a bit more light pollution, the auroras can look a lot more pale in colour to the naked eye.

It’s made me appreciate how much effort and time it takes to capture professional footage of the Aurora Borealis. It’s so incredibly cold, my hands were freezing when I had them out of my ski glove to work the camera. Being outside all night, in remote landscapes, capturing timelapse photos, you’d really need the best quality clothing and camera gear.

The view from the frozen lake at Pressvannet

The view from the frozen lake at Pressvannet

The view from the frozen lake at Pressvannet

NORWAY - Reindeers Sled Rides with the Sami

A few days before Christmas we had a wonderful afternoon learning about reindeers and the Sami, the indigenous reindeer herders of northern Norway with Tromso Arctic Reindeer.

The Sami have inhabited the Arctic region across the north of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia for over 10,000 years. Traditionally, they have had a close bond with reindeers with reindeer herding providing the basis for their economy. There are also Sea Sami who make their living from catching fish and large aquatic creatures.

If you’ve ever watched Frozen 2, the Northuldra people in the movie are some what based on the Sami. We had a very big Frozen 2 phase during 2020, Braino and I probably have more of a sentimental attachment to the movie than the girls to be honest. It certainly kept us entertained during the lock down year of 2020.

The reindeer tours with the Sami run during the winter months and are very popular with tourists in Tromso. We booked our tour via the Tromso Tourism Website and joined 3 other bus load of tourists at the main bus terminal to set off for our afternoon adventure.

The Sami camp and reindeer paddock is about 30 mins north of Tromso, located along the water. After a brief introduction, we were able to fed many of the friendly reindeers in the herd. The reindeers were so sweet and quite slow paced (not like the bossy deer in Nara, Japan). They leisurely ate pellets out of the buckets we were provided with. However the girls were a little nervous about having their big antlers too close. We saw two reindeers locking antlers and fighting but even that seem pretty relaxed.

After some hot chocolate in the dining tent to warm, it was our groups turn to go on the sled ride. The Sami guides led the train of reindeers pulling the sleds around the paddock with beautiful views out across the mountains. The sleds were quite simple wooden platforms with seats and blankets - the girls really enjoyed this part. I had imagined we’d go sledding through a forest but this was still really special.

Once the darkness settled in, all the guests huddled into the traditional Sami tent, a ‘lavvu’, where we were able to try reindeer stew cooked over the fire and listen to stories and information about the Sami culture. This was my favourite part! It was so fascinating to learn about the history of the Arctic and the people who have lived in this part of the world for thousands of years.

Like many indigenous cultures, the Sami have faced persecution and have had to fight to retain their culture and way of life. The Sami religion is similar to Paganism, based around spirits of nature; it came under persecution when Christianity spread across Norway in the 17th Century. The Sami have a special way of singing, called joiking (pronounced Yoiking), it’s similar to a chant and every Sami person has a tune that is unique to them. (Again, it’s similar to what you can hear in Frozen 2) As a big group, we learned how to Joik and sung around the fire.

One of the guides explained how the idea of the tours grew from tourists stopping by the paddocks, asking to pat and take photos with the reindeers. But while the large group did feel very touristy, I appreciate that its a way for the Sami people to earn money while educating the rest of the world about their culture. Being able to get up close to reindeers the snow was obviously a very unqiue Christmas experience for the girls.

If I have one recommendation it would be to book the morning tour so you get a little more daylight, which is better for photos. We left booking a tour a little late and there were only afternoon times available - the daylight disappears around 2:30pm. Alternatively, you can do a tour at night, with the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights along with the reindeers.

P.S: We all really enjoyed the reindeer stew, so much so that I made some more for dinner on Christmas Day.

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NORWAY - Arriving in Tromso, Above the Arctic Circle

When we were planning our trip, we thought how incredible it would be to plan for a white Christmas. But when we starting researching places to go; to guarantee snow at the end of December, we’d have to travel up to Scandinavia.

Rovaniemi in Finland sits right on the Arctic Circle and is a very popular Christmas destination. Known as the home of Santa, the town is fully decked out as Santa’s Village. However, our girls have never really been keen on the whole Santa aspect of Christmas, we’ve never done the shopping centre photos with Santa because the girls simply never wanted to. So a full on Santa’s village with people in costumes didn’t really feel like the best choice for us.

But once we read about what Tromso in Norway had to offer, we decided that was the better option.

Here’s a brief list of the activities and sights we saw in Tromso which I’ll do more detailed blog posts for:

• A whale watching, specifically Orcas, through the Arctic Fjords.

• Reindeer feedings and reindeer sledding with the Sami, the indigenous people of Scandinavia.

• Having the possibility to view the Northern Lights (Aurora Borelis) from the town of Tromso.

These photos were taken on our first full day in Tromso, where we first got to experience the Polar Night. During the winter months, the sun doesn’t technically rise in Tromso, whihc sits well above the Arctic Circle. Between the hours of 11am to roughly 1:30pm, there is a enough daylight peeking over the horizon to turn the sky a beautiful shade of blue, but everything has a subtle bluish tinge. But 3pm it’s totally as dark as night. It’s really magical for those few hours on a clear day with fresh snow.

We have been getting use to the decreasing daylight hours, in Scotland the daylight was gone by 4:30pm and in Stockholm and Copenhagen it was dark by 3:30 - 4pm. But it was a real experience to have such little daylight Very exciting though. I love being in the snow, surrounded by mountain peaks and clear skies.

The girls were so thrilled to play in snow for the first time. Generally the snow was about shin deep, but in some parts of town were the snow had been pushed to the side of roads and footpaths, it was over 6ft tall. The snow was very fresh, fluffy and dry, perfect for rolling around in.

After our little adventure into the main part of town, where we organised bus passes and some of the activities for the coming days, we came home to our accommodation. The girls were so keen to play in the snow some more so we built a snowman out in the front. While the girls were playing, Braino and I were sitting on the porch, when Braino said ‘wouldn’t it be wild if we just saw the Northern Lights in the sky from here’. And sure enough, 5 minutes later, we saw a faint streak of green across the sky!

Braino had spoken to a neighbour early who said that the conditions have been perfect for seeing the Northern Lights from Tromso. It was so extraordinary to see them so soon during our stay and I love this photo of the girls.. but stay tuned for more Aurora Borealis action!

SWEDEN - Vikings, Shipwrecks, Ikea and Go Karts

Stockholm has a wide variety of museums and tourist attractions but we kept our week fairly relaxed. But we did visit some unique museums that are iconic to Sweden as well as  few other activities that we enjoyed as as family. 

IKEA

First up is Ikea. Haha! Ikea originates from Sweden so it felt only appropriate to visit an Ikea and enjoy a lunch of Swedish meatballs. We went to a rather small Ikea in the city centre but it was still a fun experience. we can confirm it’s pretty much exactly the same as IKEAs in Australia. 

THE VIKING MUSEUM 

Djurgården Island is where you’ll find many of the tourist attractions of Stockholm. The amusement park, Grona Lund, the ABBA museum, Skansen, the open air historic village, The Nordic Museum and Junibacken, the museum dedicated to the world of author Astrid Lindgren, who wrote Pipi Longstockings. We decided to visit two of the museums here, the first being The Viking Museum. 

The Viking Museum was small but really well done in terms of atmospheric set and interactive props. The girls know a surprising amount about Vikings and Norse Mythology due to their love for the How To Train Your Dragon movies and their interest in mythological creatures. Hallie loved filling out the workbook where kids have to find the hidden pictures of mythological creatures around the museum and draw and copy down information about each. Rooney was the only one brave enough to try the ‘ride’ in the downstairs part of the museum. I used the term ride loosely though. We sat in a cart that was on a track and it went through a series of dark rooms that had dioramas depicting a story of 10th century Viking who travels across Europe in a series of adventures. While the miniature figures don’t move in each diorama but the lighting, narration and sound effects made it a really interesting way to watch a story come to life. 

THE VASA MUSEUM 

This was a really unique museum! The Vasa Museum  houses a 17th century war ship that was build in Stockholm but sank with the first two kilometers of it’s maiden voyage, due to delibrartely ignored flaws in it’s huling design. It sat on the bottom of the harbour fo 333 years. Plans to raise the sunken warship started in 1950’s but it wasn’t until 1961 that the Vasa first appeared from the watery depths. It took many decades to dry out all the waterlogged wood and recontruct the Vasa to it’s former glory. The museum that existed today was opened in 1990. 

I found this all so fascinating but I have to admit, the girls didn’t really share my enthusiasm. Maybe if they could have gone inside the ship, like the Dunbrody in Ireland,  but that’s not at all possible here. The thing that made this museum memorable for girls was the special LEGO shipwreck exhibit. 

From the website: 

The exhibition was produced by the Western Australian Museum and the Australian National Maritime Museum, the models were built by professional LEGO® builder Ryan "The Brickman" McNaught’.

The exhibition was not originally intended to be a travelling exhibition and has previously only been shown in Australia, but after Sweden and the Vasa Museum, its journey continues in Denmark. In the exhibition, visitors can learn about several famous shipwrecks. In addition to Vasa, the exhibition tells the story of the luxury passenger liner Titanic, the 17th century ship Batavia and HMS Pandora.

So it was pretty cool that this exhibit was original from Australia but we got to see it in Stockholm with the actual Vasa ship. 

On one of the quieter days, we found a local hairdresser and got haircuts for the girls. They all got a huge amount cut off, back up to their shoulders, which was very much needed as their long hair was getting way too knotty. The hairdresser was so lovely and friendly but he didn’t speak much english. A very unique experience for sure. 

We also asked the girls what is one thing they would like to do again and Hallie and Rooney said ‘ride the little Go Karts again’. (like is Glasgow, Scotland) And sure enough there was a Flip Out in Stockholm, albeit out in the suburbs. So we navigated the trains and found Flip Out in a Westfields Shopping Centre! This Flip Out felt like it caters. more really young kids, Braino and I weren’t able to go in the go karts this time around but I’ve already been researching were we can do mini go karts in Brisbane.

SWEDEN - Photos From Stockholm’s Historic Areas

We loved our time in Stockholm, although we did take it a little slower than Copehagen in terms of museums and checking of touristy attractions. Stockholm does have a tourist card with similar attractions to Copenhagen, like an illusions museum and a science museum but we opted for a slower paced week (Although I will share another post with the museums and activities we did visit.)

So this post is basically dedicated to some pretty photos I was able to capture in Stockholm on a gorgeous sunny day.

On the first full day we had after arriving, we did the Kiki’s Delivery Service Movie Location Tour with Aya. This gave us a fantastic introduction to the city centre but we made it a priority to come back to the charming Christmas markets in Stortorget, the oldest public square in Stockholm, located in the historic area of Gamla Stan. 

Iconic building of Stortorget in Gamla Stan with Christmas Markets

Purchasing Glogg at the Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets in Gamla Stan

The old town area of Stockholm was the so beautiful! All of Stockholm was beautiful! The Christmas markets were a highlight! Braino and I tried glogg - a spiced red wine, also known as mulled wine. It’s served warm and usually has spices like cinnamon, cloves, star aniseed and orange. It was surprisingly delicious. 

Christmas Markets in Gamla Stan

The other area we revisited for the purpose of photography and enoying the views of Stockholm was the small island of Riddarholmen, next to Galma Stan. Riddarholmen roughly translates to The Knight’s Islet and contains many historic building and palaces that date back to the 17th century. We came here with Aya during the tour but by this stage in the afternoon it was getting quite dark. So I wanted to return on a day where the sky was clear, just before sunset. During the winter months, the sun sets around 3pm in Stockholm and it stays very low in the sky. I was really pleased to capture some of the golden glow from the afternoon sun hitting the buildings of Riddarholmen.

View of Riddarholmen from City Hall

From Riddarholmen looking across towards Sodermalm

From Riddarholmen, we walked across the bridge to Stockholm City Hall and the continued down the water front, down Norr Malastrand past more historic building, to the Radhuest Train Station. The Radhuest train station is a destination in itself. It’s carved out of the bedrock and still resemble a cavern with red, rocky exposed interior walls. Actually Braino loved checking out all the underground train stations in all the destinations that we have visited thanks to his work in underground civil construction. His camera rolls is mainly photos and videos of all the different trains and stations. I don’t have any photos of the Radhuest train station but many of the underground stations were very impressive.

Stockholm City Hall

Clock tower of Storkyrkan in Gamla Stan

Overall, we really enjoyed the beautiful architecture and historic buildings of Stockholm. On a sunny afternoon, it was so enjoyable to wander around the central area and soak in the atmosphere. The Christmas markets were a very special highlight! It’s amazing how a blue sky can immediate lift your moods. I think us Australians take for granted how often we have lovely blue skies and sunshine.

Buildings along Norr Malarstrand

SWEDEN - Kiki's Delivery Service Movie Locations of Stockholm

One of our highlights from Stockholm, Sweden was the Kiki’s Delivery Service Walking Tour with Aya from Kiki’s Tour. 

Kiki’s Delivery Service is a beautiful film about a young witch, Kiki, who must leave her hometown for a year when she turns 13 to develop her special witch skills. She flys on her broom to the port city of Koriko with her cat Jiji where she starts a flying courier service.

I first came across the work of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli back in film school with Spirited Away but it wasn’t until the last year when both our friends and my niece and nephew introduced the girls to My Neighbour Totoro that the girls fell in love with the films from Studio Ghibli. We love Totoro, Ponyo, Arietty and Kiki’s Delivery Service. ( Ironically not Spirited Away as it seems to scary for now ) 

I love the films because they are so gentle, artistic and beautiful. Not overstimulating like many of the movies that are made for kids these days. The girls also love the How To Train Your Dragon movies but they can be so loud and dramatic and violent. 

If your looking for a calm movie for your kids to watch in the evening while you’re cooking dinner - Studio Ghibli movies are perfect (they’re all on Netflix ).

When I first saw Kiki’s Delivery Service I thought that the city of Koriko that Kiki travels to looked very European but I didn’t recognise any one specific city. 

However, when I was researching things to do in Stockholm, I came across a Kiki’s Delivery Service inspired walking tour. Turns out that the city Kiki travels to in the movie is based on both Stockholm and the town of Visby, on the Island of Gotland.

The tour is run by Aya a fascinating lady who was born in Japan but has lived all over the world. She came prepared with coloured print outs of images from the movie, her big witches broom, a toy version of Jiji the cat and red ribbons for the girls. 

We haven’t done many walking tours of cities because that would be a lot to expect from kids but this one was really special because we could see locations that appear in the film or have inspired the scenery in the film. Many locations are actually a mix of a few places around Stockholm. For example; a fountain in the film is actually inspired by three different fountains and statues around the old town area. 

My inner film nerd found it so fascinating and the girls were very engaged. We had watched Kiki’s Delivery Service the night before we arrived in Stockholm but they wanted to watch it again as soon as we got home. It was a great introduction to Stockholm and we got very lucky with the beautiful clear skies. We’re very grateful to Aya for coming out in the cold to meet us and show us around. 

DENMARK - Highlights from Copenhagen with Kids

We stayed for 6 nights in Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark and while initially we thought it would be a very expensive city, we discovered a fantastic way to explore the city on a budget with kids. 

The Copenhagen Card offers huge savings to visitors, including free entry for kids across all attractions and travel on all public transport. We were thrilled to be able to see much more of the sights than we were anticipating. Copenhagen has a huge range of museums, galleries and fun family friendly attractions - we purchased the 96 hours card (4 days) and we still didn’t see everything that was available. 

NYHAVN

These photos were taken at Nyhavn. This iconic location was once a commercial port where sailors frequented the pubs that once filled the colour buildings. It was also home to Hans Christian Anderson, the Danish fairytale writer. It’s now filled with restaurants and cafes and looks especially beautiful with the Christmas lights and stalls. It’s essentially free to wander the cobblestones streets and take the iconic photos. You can take a boat cruise from here too. One street back is the MACA Museum - The Museum of Contemporary Art - where we visited the current Banksy & The Early Years of Street Art Exhibition. (covered by the Copenhagen Card)

THE TIVOLI GARDENS

Another iconic location in Copenhagen is the Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park right in the centre of the city. It’s actually the world’s second oldest amusement park and it was all decked out with Christmas lights and Christmas stalls, although I’m sure it’s magical at anytime of the year. I was surprised by how well designed and beautiful the rides were, some were extreme thrill rides that you’d see in the theme parks on the Gold Coast in Australia. While the Copenhagen Card covered our entry into the park, it didn’t cover the cost of the rides which are all priced individually - although you can by an unlimited ride package. That was fine for as the girls aren’t into scary rides all that much, so they were happy to go on just one small ride called The Little Dragon. 

We spent a couple of hours in the afternoon at the Tivoli Garden but you could easily dedicate a whole day here if you had the budget for the rides. 

EXPERIMENTARIUM

This place was amazing! It is similar to the Glasgow Centre Science in Scotland but there was enough of a difference in the activities and exhibits to make it really exciting for the girls. Hallie’s favourite was the huge section that had lots of wire ramps that balls rolled through, It was a way to learn about international shipping, one sections represented Copenhagen while the other section represented Singapore and the balls represented produce that is exported around the world. Hallie also really loved the construction sections that had similar ball tracks and kids had to work together to get the balls from one area to the next, using construction like machines . Rooney loved the Tunnel of the Sense and Farley enjoyed the Virtual Reality Bug World. This place was brilliant for the girls, we easily spent the whole day here. Braino and I get involved too and do activiteis with the girls so it’s an overall a great family day out.

COPENHAGEN ZOO

The other big ticket attraction that made the Copenhagen Card such good value for money was the Copenhagen Zoo. We haven’t prioritised many Zoos in the big cities we’ve visited, mainly because Zoos can be an expensive day out and we have been to so many top quality zoos across Australia. London, Singapore, Tokyo, Dublin, Edinburgh all had zoos that we skipped but Copenhagen Zoo has some really unique animals that we have never seen before - like Polar Bears and Pandas. So we decided to add it to the itinerary

I don’t know if it was just the cold, grey, rainy weather that made me feel this way, but the Zoo kind of felt a little depressing. We were able to see a lot of the animals up close but I think this was because the enclosures were rather small. Maybe it looks different in the warmer months but I just felt like Australian zoos are much better when it comes to landscaping and large, themed enclosures. However, in saying that, zoos are always a good day out with kids, we watched the cheeky baby baboons playing for quite a while and there were the cutest lion cubs wresting in their enclosure,  but it did make me feel reassured that we haven’t missed too much by not prioritising zoos elsewhere on our trip. 

Two other places that the girls loved were The Tube & The Museum of Illusions.

The The Tube is a random little attraction in the Central Station. It had some ‘illusions’ but it was most just a series of sets created for fun photo opportunities. Like a ball pit and a tunnel with mirrors and snake skin pattern. (I love the photo we got of the whole family here though) The girls really loved it and asked to go again but I thought it was a little random.

The Museum of Illusions was very similar to The Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions in Edinburgh. But again, the girls love this sort of thing, it is really fascinating to see some of the optical illusions and we really enjoyed the sets that allowed you take the crazy photos like what you can see above. if you’re wondering - the ‘wall’ was actually painted on the floor with a mirror diagonally above it, the photo is taken of our reflection in the mirror, so we’re all actually just laying down on the floor.

The Snake Tunnel at The Tube

The Museum of Illusions

And lastly, it’s worth mentioning that we also went to the National Museum which had an interactive kids sections. Not the most cutting edge thing we’ve been too but the girls were able to dress up in a knights helmet, sword and shield and sit on a fake horse. There was also a small replica viking boat amougt other things.

We certainly made the most of all the museums and attractions the city has to offer. Maybe it was just the fact that the weather was so cold and grey and damp and our accommodation was a little weird, but it felt like the city lacked a certain level of charm. The historic Nyhavn is obviously gorgeous and there were a lot more indoor attractions like art galleries and museums and royal family related sights that we could have seen but both Braino and I would agree that Cophenhagen didn’t quite live to to what we were expecting.

FRANCE - Paris In A Day and A Half with Kids

Flash back to late October when we were in France. We spent one and a half days exploring Paris, so it was a bit of a whirlwind adventure - similar to our day exploring Rome. We had made an event out of watching the Paris Olympic Opening Ceremony earlier in the year, so it was quite special for the girls to see some of the sights we saw while watching it. 

We initially planned to minimise our time in Paris due to the high cost of accommodation; we stayed in Reims for a three nights which is north east of Paris the region known for Champagne . We stayed in Paris for two nights before we flew out of Paris Charles De Gaulle airport.

 Reims was a lovely town but very quiet in terms of touristy things to do, so one of the days we dedicated to travelling into Paris to go to the Louvre. 

The Lourve

THE LOUVRE

The girls were very excited to see the Mona Lisa in Louvre after learning back Leonardo Da Vinci in Florence and also having seen references to the Mona Lisa in one of their favourite book series, Investigators. Did you know, the Mona Lisa was a relatively unknown Da Vinci painting until is it was stolen from the Louvre 1911. It’s theft and subsequent return is what has made it an attraction of the Louvre

I’m glad we dedicated the whole afternoon to the Louvre as it’s so big and very crowded. The amount of people swarming to see the Mona Lisa was unreal. And the girls were also surprised to see how small the painting is in real life. We saw some of the other highlights of the Louvre - the Venus De Milo, the Winged Nike of Samothrace, but it’s so huge! You could really spend a full day or more exploring all the galleries. The Louvre was once the royal palace before the royal family moved to the Palace of Versailles so the building is an opulent work of art in itself.

The Mona Lisa

The Winged Victory of Samothrace

Liberty Leading the People - Eugene Delacroix

NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL

On our full day in Paris, we started with a stop off at Notre Dame Cathedral which has been closed to the public since it was damaged by fire in 2019 (it re opened just recently,  this month in December) We had to change trains at Notre Dame so it was worthwhile popping up and having a look at the facade. In Reims there is another Notre Dame Cathedral that is bigger and more historically significant; we were able to go inside that one for no cost at all, so that worked out well for us.

Notre Dame Cathedral

EIFFEL TOWER

After Notre Dame we caught the train to Pont De Almas and walked around to the Eiffel Tower. We decided to not go the Eiffel Tower, many due to the cost and wait times involved. Plus I had read that you can go up to the top of the Arc De Triumph and get a view over Paris that includes the Eiffel Tower. It’s quicker and cheaper and you get arguable a better view of Paris, so we decided to prioritise that. We walked across to the Esplanade Du Trocadero and admired the Eiffel Tower from there as well

BOAT CRUISE ON THE SEINE

From here it was short walk along the Seine River to the Bateaux Mouches River Cruise Terminal, where we boarded our open top cruise boat. The cruise was a great way to see some of the iconic sites along the Seine River and it tied back into when we were watching the Olympic Opening Ceremony, seeing the boats with all the olympic athletes travelling down the river and that masked figure on the horse-boat-thing that never seemed to stop riding. 

ARC DU TRIUMPH

After the cruise we walked up to the Champs Élysées and headed to the Arc Du Triumph, where we climbed up the spiral staircases. The Champs Élysées and around the Arc was very busy but the crowds were much less hectic at the top and the views were really amazing. The Arc Du Triumph is a war memorial and inside is a small museum and exhibition. 

Arc Du Triumph

The View from the Arc Du Triumph

MONTMARTRE

The last stop of the day was the Montmartre area, where we got a late lunch and visited the Bascilia du Sacre Coeur. This are area in known for its art history, it is said that artist such as Claude Monet, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh and even Salvador Dali had studios and worked in and around here. But, I’ll have to admit, I felt very underwhelmed. The main street, Rue de Steinkerque, that leads from the Anvers train station to the park at the base of Sacre Coeur was fill with the souvenirs shops selling the same tacky trinkets and the steps that lead up to Sacre Coeur were so crowded with people. Maybe if we had spent some more time wandering around the streets, but we were all a little tired and worn out by this point. (We didn’t vneture far enough to see the Moulin Rouge which is also in this area) However, any disappointment was salvaged by the delicious macarons that we ate in the park below Sacre Coeur. What an iconic way to eat macarons! It was actually the first time the girls had tried them. 

Sacre Coeur

Macarons in Montmartre

I’ve been to Paris twice now and both times have been on cold cloudy grey days, so I feel like I haven’t experienced the full essence of the Parisian experience. Paris is really beautiful, I love the architecture. But I haven’t felt any sort of magic that I’ve always associated with Paris It feels like a city you really need to spend a substantial amount of time in, just hanging out and soaking in the vibes, rather than racing around, fighting the crowds to see all the sights. But in saying that, I’m glad we saw Paris, it was a real experience for the girls. It would feel wrong to come all this way and not visit Paris, although I wish I looked a little more fashionable, haha! 

AUSTRIA - The Top of Innsbruck

We stayed in Innsbruck in Austria for two full days but to be honest on the first day we stayed in and had a restful morning, we probably did some washing and schoolwork , if I remember correctly .

We did however go for a walk in the afternoon and found the most incredible playground ever! It was full of mentally and physically challenging obstacles and equipment. The kids loved it and there were even a few obstacles that challenged Braino and I. I wish I had taken photos but it was called the MotorikPark next to the Baggersee Rossau Lake for future reference.

Innsbruck is a really charming, picturesque town, surrounded by the Nordette Mountains. We were staying a little out of the main town but on the second day we headed into the central area and wandered around, visiting a bookshop and indulging in some delicious bakery treats before heading to the Congress lift station in the city centre to catch the Nordkettenbahnen lifts all the way to the top of Innsbruck.

The first leg of the journey is the Hungarburgbahn funicular which takes visitors to the Hungerburg Station when you can then catch the Seegrubahn cable car to Seegrube, 2,000 metres above sea level.

It is even possible to take another lift from there up to the Hafelekar, which is located over 2,200 metres above sea level. While is was a lovely cool autumn temperatures down in the town, up here at the Hafelekar Station, it was so cold and windy! We were very unprepared for the extreme temps and it was too cold to hang around long up there. But if we had been more equipped we could have done a short hikes across the mountain tops. the view was spectacular and there were plenty of people hiking.

Back at the Seegrube level, we found a patch of snow which was hidden from the sun light in a small valley. The girls were over the moon to get their first glimpse of snow. Many snowballs were thrown - mainly by Braino or at Braino.

In the winter this area is used as a ski resort with a number of small chair lifts dotted the hill. There was also a large restaurant which people can enjoy any time the year and even a playground. Braino and I have snowboarded a number of time is the last but we haven’t made any plans to ski or snowboard with the girls on this trip. However, Innsbruck would be such a unique place to ski, being so close to the town. Locals must just be able to come up on the weekends in winter.

The below photo was a view from the balcony of our apartment. So stunning, it would look amazing in winter as well. Overall we had a great time in Innsbruck, the trip up the mountain in the chairlifts was such a fun experience for the girls and the mountainous scenery was unreal! However, two day was fine for us. Austria was fairly pricey compared to Slovenia and Greece.

SLOVENIA - Vintgar Gorge

The morning we left Lake Bled, en route to Innsbruck in Austria, we started our day early with a visit to Vintgar Gorge. This stunning destination is just a short drive from Lake Bled and ranks among Slovenia's top tourist attractions. Vintgar Gorge features a 1,600-meter-long and up to 250-meter-deep canyon, situated on the eastern edge of Triglav National Park, approximately 4 kilometers northwest of Bled's center. Remarkably, it was only 130 years ago that three adventurers first discovered the enchanting Vintgar Gorge.

There are numerous car parks available, and during the peak months, dedicated shuttle buses transport visitors from these car parks to the gorge entrance. I highly recommend booking your time slot online in advance to ensure you get an ideal visit. It's clear why they have made efforts to limit the number of visitors; the gorge is breathtaking, featuring winding wooden paths that trace the base of the steep rock cliffs alongside the rapidly flowing Radovna River. While it is stunning, large crowds could pose additional risks in this area. Fortunately, we arrived early and only encountered two other groups during our time slot, allowing us to take some amazing photos without anyone else in the frame.

Rooney found the sound of the roaring water slightly intimidating, but aside from that, it was a truly remarkable experience walking through nature. We passed beneath the magnificent Bohinj Rail Bridge, and at the end of the 1.6 km trail awaits the impressive 13-meter tall Sum Waterfall.

The trail through the gorge is one-way only, and since it was the low season, the shuttle buses back to the car park were not in service. Our only option was to take one of the scenic walking routes back. On one side of the gorge lies the Vintgaring in the Alps with the King of Triglav Trail, but we opted for the shorter and less steep Vintgaring in the Woods with the River of Trees Trail.

The beginning of this trail involved an uphill climb and was quite muddy! Thankfully, nobody slipped in the mud. After that, it levelled out into a delightful walk through the forest, taking us another hour to return to the car park. The girls managed the hike well; it was a perfect way to get some exercise before our long afternoon drive to Innsbruck.

For reference - purchase your tickets and book your time slot via this website.

SLOVENIA - Lake Bled & Lake Bohinj

We spent two nights in Lake Bled following our stay in Ljubljana. Nestled in the Julian Alps of Slovenia, Lake Bled possesses a truly enchanting atmosphere, even though we experienced quite a bit of cloudy and misty weather that hid the surrounding mountains.

Lake Bled features a charming island adorned with a historic church - The Church of the Mother of God - and bell tower, set against breathtaking mountain peaks that resemble a scene from a fantasy film.

The Church of the Mother of God, Lake Bled

The Church of the Mother of God, Lake Bled

Fortunately, the weather was cooperative, allowing us to enjoy a 6km walk around the lake. The path is flat, making it easy for the girls to navigate. The scenery was stunning, and we spent much of our stroll discussing the pets we might adopt upon our return to Australia.

Several boats transport tourists to the island, where they can climb the tower's stairs and ring the bell. However, these boats primarily serve the large groups of tourists that come and go, and the fares are somewhat high. We thought that the best view is actually from the lake's edge, gazing across at the island.

Walking around Lake Bled

Just a short distance from the main area of the lake, where our accommodation was located, stands a tall rocky outcrop featuring a castle perched at its edge. At this point, we had already seen two castles in Slovenia, so we decided to skip this one. However, it appeared enchanting as it overlooked the lake.

Bled Castle, over looking Lake Bled

Lake Bled

Lake Bled

Kavarna Park - Home of the Orginal Cream Cake

Bled Cream Cake

After our stroll by the lake, Braino made a stop at Kavarna Park, a café located along the lakeshore that proudly claims to be the ‘home of the original Bled Cream Cake.’ The cakes looked absolutely tempting, so he decided to give one a taste. It certainly did not disappoint; it was incredible—so creamy and light!

Lake Bohinj

The Church of John The Baptist 

Later that afternoon, we drove to 30 minutes to Lake Bohinj, another less touristy but equally beautiful glacial lake. We encountered another stunning 700-year-old church, the Church of St. John the Baptist, perched at the lake's edge and surrounded by misty mountains. We enjoyed some time wandering along the lake's shoreline before continuing our drive to Vogel, a well-known winter ski resort. The cable car, which provides access, wasn’t operational during the autumn months, but it sparked our imagination about how wonderful it would be to revisit Lake Bohinj or Lake Bled in the winter to experience the local ski resorts.

Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj

Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj brought back memories of Queenstown in New Zealand, offering a variety of thrilling outdoor activities set against breathtaking backdrops that can be appreciated all year-round. Although the weather wasn't the clearest during our visit, we still loved in the beautiful autumn hues and the serene atmosphere. However, exploring these lakes in the summer or winter would provide a multitude of exciting adventures.

GERMANY - The Black Forest & The Cuckoo Clocks of Triberg

The only destination we visited in Germany was Triberg, a small village in the heart of The Black Forest region. It’s most well known for being the birth place of the cuckoo clock and also the home to Germany’s tallest waterfall. We had actually read a Geronimo Stilton book that was set in the Black Forest and involved the theft of a cuckoo clock so it was so wonderful to experience this fairy tale like corner of Germany in all it’s autumn splendour. (Geronimo Stilton is a great book series for kids. )

In many of the towns across Europe, we’ve had to pay a small tourist tax. It’s only couple of euros per adult so it’s fairly inconsequential but Triberg was the one town where we actually got some benefits from the tourist tax in the form of a free passes to the main attractions of the town. So our two day stay was very budget friendly.

Triberg is very small and has the one main street that runs through the town. At the top of the main street is the famous Triberg Waterfall, which has drawn in tourists for centuries. It cascades down many layers of the mountainside and it looked spectacular surrounded by the autumn foliage. But the highlights were the squirrels! The areas is teaming with friendly squirrels who willingly eat nuts from your hands. The girls loved it so much! I have a lot of video footage, not a lot of photos unfortunately but it was so much spotting the tiny squirrels darting around the forest and enticing them over with the bags of nuts, that are available for purchase at the entrance.

Just across the road from the entrance to the waterfall is the Museum of Triberg, which is also included in the tourist pass. It’s full of exhibits and artefacts that tell the stories of Triberg and the history and culture of the Black Forest I liked learning about the iconic tradition dress and the ghoulish looking costumes that are used in local festivals. The girls loved the section that houses many rocks, minerals and gems in a narrow tunnel that is designed to feel as if you were in a mining shaft. There are a lot of information and displays on clock making and woodcarving, the iconic trades of this area of Germany.

Afterwards we headed to Triberg-Land, which was also included in the tourist. Located a short walk down the main street, Triberg-Land is home to charming model railway exhibitions that are inspired by the towns of the Black Forest. There is about twenty models in the exhibition space and many were interactive with buttons you can push to control the model trains and other vehicles. Hallie especially loves the model trains and was so excited to visit but Farley also loves the miniature town aspect of the models as well. As a family we’ve grown to love these kinds of miniature train models, a lot of skill and craftsmanship (an no doubt money) goes into them.

Afterwards we headed to a neighbouring cafe to indulge in a slice of authentic Black Forest Cake. However, we didn’t realised that an ingredient in authentic Black Forest Cake is Kirschwasser, cherry brandy. The cake smelled and tasted a bit alcoholic! Parenting Fail! Thankfully the girls only really had a few mouthfuls and it didn’t seem to have any effect, I doubt there is enough brandy in it to really do anything. Good thing we didn’t buy a slice each.

The following day was a bit rainy but we continued to make the most of the free tourist passes by taking a train ride on the local trains as I had read that this area of the Black Forest is also known for railway ingenuity and breathtaking scenery. We caught the train to Sankt Georgen im Schwarzwald which was only one stop in one direction and then we caught it back to Hornberg, the next stop beyond Triberg in the other direction and then back to Triberg. This section of the railway is known for its tunnels, bridges and winding tracks that follow the contours of the mountainside. But I would have to say I preferred the scenery on the drive out of the Black Forest the following day. The weather was better on the following day which made a big difference but I loved driving through the valleys, past all the villages and houses that look straight out of a fairytale.

After the train trip, we walked a little further out of town - further than we anticipated - to the worlds largest cuckoo clock! It’s attached to the retail shop of House of 1000 Cuckoo Clocks ( There is a second versions of this shop opposite the waterfall entrance on the main street of Triberg.) We were able go inside the giant cuckoo clock and see the enlarged inner mechanism but after waiting 20 minutes in the drizzling rain for the clock to hit 2pm, we were a little disappointed by the lackluster cuckoo bird that appeared. After visiting both House of 1000 Cuckoo Clocks, it easy to be captivated by the magic and craftmanship of the clocks. The girls loved looking at the all the details and loved the antipation of the clock striking the hour. We were allowed to change the time of many of the display clocks so that they would cuckoo on demand, which was obviously a win for the kids!

Overall, I loved our little pit stop in Triberg, two days was good amount of time to explore the immediate area. Obviously there is so much more to see in Germany but I’m glad we got to experience a part that seems to off the main international tourist trail. It’s rich in history and unique culture and the scenery was amazing!

SLOVENIA - Ljubljana, the charming, compact capital city.

Slovenia is a hidden treasure in Europe. Nestled between Italy and Croatia, this small country boasts a wealth of experiences. It was Braino who recommended we include it in our travel plans after coming across a baseball player sharing videos of Slovenia on social media. And I’m so glad we did! We had an incredible, leisurely six days of exploring the charming capital of Ljubljana and the picturesque Lake Bled.

We stayed in a magnificent old hotel/apartment complex right in the heart of the city, offering breathtaking views of the castle perched atop the central rocky outcrop.

The central area of the town is pedestrian-friendly, making it a delightful experience to stroll through the streets, especially after navigating the narrow, uneven footpaths of Athens and Naxos.

The primary tourist attraction in Ljubljana is a visit to the castle, which was a short walk from our place. We decided to hike up the winding forest trail but opted for the funicular train for our descent. The girls enjoyed a fun activity book where they had to find answers to questions scattered across various locations around the castle.

The highlight of our visit was the 4D film that delved into the history of the castle and Ljubljana. It was exceptionally well-produced, featuring 4D elements like wind, light rain, and vibrations. It was the best historical film we've experienced at a castle or museum.

Additionally, the castle houses a Puppet Museum, an Armoury Museum, and a section dedicated to its history as a prison.

One of the other iconic landmarks in Ljubljana is the Dragon Bridge. The city’s history is rich with dragon legends. According to the tale, Saint George—a revered soldier in Christianity—defeated the dragon that tormented the villages of what is now Ljubljana.

Initially depicted as a monster, the dragon eventually evolved into a symbolic guardian of the city, representing power, courage, and wisdom. This transformation is reflected in the four dragon statues that stand proudly at each corner of the bridge, as well as in the city's coat of arms.

We also enjoyed a leisurely walk through the town to Tivoli Gardens, where we admired the stunning autumn foliage. It was a delightful transition from the summer vibes of Greece to the vibrant autumn colours of Slovenia.

One noteworthy destination to consider when visiting Ljubljana with children is the House of Experiments, an interactive science center specifically designed for kids. Unfortunately, it was closed on the day we planned to visit, but it appears to offer a lot of fun for families.

Ljubljana is a charming, compact city that boasts a fascinating mix of cultural influences. We also encountered incredibly friendly locals, and English is widely spoken. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Slovenia and explored much more beyond Ljubljana, which I will share in separate blog posts.

SLOVENIA- Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle

An easy day trip from Ljubljana is the historic Predjama Castle and the mesmerising Postojna Cave. This trip was not only a journey through stunning landscapes but also a dive into the rich history and natural wonders of this beautiful country.

Our first stop of the day was Postojna Cave, where we ventured into the depths of one of the largest karst cave systems in the world. The journey began with a thrilling ride on a miniature electric train, which took us deep into the underground wonderland. This was surpsiingly fun part of the day, we knew there was going to be train ride but we weren’t prepared for how fast it shot through the tunnels and caverns. The formations of stalactites and stalagmites were nothing short of breathtaking. We had visited two difference cave systems in Ireland, as it’s always a good way to learn about geology first hand, but neither of these Irish caves compared to the magnitude of Postojna Cave.

Guided by knowledgeable and friendly staff, we embarked on a walking tour through the illuminated galleries and chambers. Each turn revealed more stunning rock formations and intricate patterns carved by nature over millions of years. The kids also enjoyed spotting the rare "baby dragons," or olm, a cave-dwelling amphibian unique to this region.

Our next stop was a 30 minute drive away at the awe-inspiring Predjama Castle, perched dramatically on a 123-meter high cliff. As we approached, the we were immediately captivated by the sheer size and unique positioning of the castle, half-hidden within a cave.

Inside, we explored the medieval rooms, winding staircases, and eerie dungeons. The kids particularly enjoyed the tales of the legendary knight Erazem, who famously used the castle's secret passages to evade capture. I was amazed the huge caves that stretched back into the rock behind the castle. The best thing was that it wasn’t even crowded. Postojna Caves could handle a lot of visitors but the we were only a amougst a handful of other tourist. But Braino and I wonders how long it might be before these sites become as crowded as some of the other sites we had visited in Italy and Greece.

Our visit to Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave was a wonderful family experience, adding to the love for history and geology for the girls. The captivating landscapes of Slovenia created lasting memories. We highly recommend including these sites in any family trip to Slovenia for adventure and invaluable learning experiences.

ITALY - A Quick Visit to the Eternal City, Rome

We organized our trip to Rome as a short getaway during our stay in Tuscany for two primary reasons. First, accommodations in major cities can be quite pricey for an extended period. Second, we preferred not to drive our rental car into Rome. Our lodging at the holiday park in Tuscany was such a great deal that it made sense to leave most of our belongings and the rental car there while taking the train to Rome for a two-night stay.

This arrangement gave us one full day along with the morning and afternoon on either side to explore all the attractions in Rome. Was that enough time? Perhaps not. However, we maximised our experience while staying within a reasonable budget and tried our best to steer clear of the crowds. Here’s our plan of action for the day:

Our Neighbourhood - Monti

We arrived in Rome early in the afternoon, following a three-hour train journey from Figline Valdarno, close to Florence. Our accommodation was an Airbnb located in the Monti neighbourhood, near the Cavour Subway stop, which we reached easily on foot from the main Rome Termini train station. The place was suitable as a budget option for our family of five, consisting of a one-bedroom studio with a loft space for additional beds. While it served our needs for two nights, it was let down by the lack of windows!

However, the neighbourhood was fantastic, and I highly recommend it. We were within walking distance of the Colosseum, so we got our first glimpse during our afternoon stroll. It was spectacular to see, sitting in the middle of the large roundabout, a true testament to its centuries-old history! After that, we walked along Via dei Fori Imperiali, where we could see some of the Roman Forums and Imperial Forums from the street, before returning to our accommodation. This was a wonderful introduction to the sights of Ancient Roman history.

Trevi Fountain

The Pantheon

The following morning, we rose bright and early, just before sunrise, intent on avoiding the throngs at the Trevi Fountain. Having seen countless videos on social media showcasing the overwhelming crowds during peak season, I knew it would be my idea of chaos. So, we felt that waking up early would be worthwhile. Since we were staying within walking distance, navigating the streets at dawn became an adventure in itself, though we were surprised to find many others already awake, eagerly awaiting the sun's arrival at the Trevi Fountain.

The fountain is truly impressive and breathtaking. It's easy to see why it attracts so many visitors, with its grand cascading waters and intricate sculptures set against a historic palace backdrop. The centerpiece features Neptune, the sea god, surrounded by magnificent horses and tritons that represent the taming of the waters.

According to legend, tossing a coin into the fountain over your left shoulder guarantees a future return to Rome, which explains the constant stream of tourists making wishes. I followed this tradition during my visit in 2007, and indeed, the legend holds true! We also encouraged the girls to toss their coins over their shoulders.

After visiting the Trevi Fountain, it was only a short stroll to the Pantheon. Originally constructed to honor all Roman gods, it now serves as a church and stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of Ancient Rome. It opens to the public at 9 a.m., and since we arrived around 7:30 a.m., we missed the chance to admire the vast dome and oculus that allows sunlight to flood its well-preserved interior. However, we did enjoy the columns of the front façade without any crowds around us.

Piazza Navona

The Vatican City

St Peter’s Bascillia

Inside St Peter’s Bascillia

St Peter’s Square

Our walking tour next took us to Piazza Navona, which was once an ancient stadium but is now a lively hub filled with charming cafes and rich history. It’s renowned for its breathtaking Baroque fountains, including Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers; however, the fountains were covered and undergoing restoration. With the major Jubilee celebration planned for next year, many of the city's main attractions were also under renovation. Although it was a bit disappointing, we were on our way to Vatican City, and the Piazza was conveniently along our route.

We aimed to arrive at St. Peter's Basilica early to avoid the crowds. In a last-minute decision, I bought tickets for a group tour of the Basilica, thinking it would spare us from waiting in line. Unfortunately, everyone still had to queue for the security checkpoint at St. Peter's. Although entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free, I believed that a guided tour would enhance our appreciation of this monumental site. Inside, it is incredibly ornate and detailed, filled with numerous artworks, sculptures, and chapels, all steeped in cultural and historical significance. We all enjoyed the insights shared by our guide. The tour included a visit to the crypts below, but we hadn’t purchased the option to go up into the dome or visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The duration of the St. Peter's tour felt just right. The girls behaved wonderfully, and several other tour participants even commented on how attentively they listened. However, we would have been stretching it if we expected them to continue with additional tours of the Vatican.

After our time at Vatican City, we returned to our apartment to rest and enjoy a lunch of takeaway pizza and pasta. We needed a little break after such an early start!

The Roman Forums

The Colosseum

The Colosseum

But once we were rested and revitalised, our first stop for our afternoon of exploring was the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, the grand marble neoclassical temple honouring Italy’s first king and First World War Soldiers. It’s free to climb the stairs to the higher levels that offers sweeping views down the Via del For Imperiali, across the Roman Forums towards the Colosseum.

The next part of the afternoon was dedicated to exploring the Roman Forums and then onto the Colosseum. The Roman Forums are a sprawling complex of ancient ruins that once served as the heart of public and political life in the city. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur of Roman architecture and the girls loved searching for the ruins that featured in the book we purchased about Ancient Rome. Our ticket also included the Palatine Hill, but we decided to skip that area in favour of resting our feet and enjoying the view of the Colosseum.

We had purchased a pass that allowed us enter into the Roman Forums and Palatine Hill at any time of the day but we pre-booked a 5:30pm timeslot for the Colosseum to avoid some of the crowds and the heat. This worked out to be a good choice, it was fairly easy to admire the interior of the ancient mega structure. We decided to forego any guided tours but we did watch lots of youtube videos about the colosseum during our midday break, which helped the girls understand the historic significances.

Inside the Colesseum

The following morning we walked over to the ruins of Largo di Torre Argentina which is known for being a sanctuary to the stray cats of Rome. Today, volunteers at Torre Argentina provide care for around 130 cats, many of which are disabled or dealing with illness. Once the site was excavated, Rome's stray cats quickly settled in, and the gattare, or cat ladies, started feeding and looking after them. The girls loved spotting all the cats sleep amongst the ruins. After a detour into a nearby book shop and some lunch, we headed back to the train station and headed back to our accommodation in the holiday park of Norcenni Girsole.

Overall, it was a bit of a whirlwind tour of Rome that involved a lot of walking! But we managed to see the iconic city in a fairly budget friendly way.

ITALY - Birthday Celebrations in Venice

Venice is a truly unique, beautiful, and captivating city; we absolutely adored our time there! Our entire day in Venice was made even more special as it coincided with Rooney’s 5th birthday, making it a cherished memory for us.

We were incredibly fortunate to enjoy breathtaking weather throughout our day in Venice. The clear blue skies and pleasant late September temperatures enhanced our experience. Although there were still noticeable crowds at the tail end of peak season, we found it manageable and not overly chaotic.

Where We Stayed
We reserved a cozy two-bedroom apartment on the ground floor, nestled in a tranquil corner of the Cannaregio neighborhood. Located on Calle Rotonda, close to the rio de S. Alvise, it was just a short stroll to the Madonna dell’Orto ferry stop, which provided direct access to the airport.

We truly enjoyed this area due to its quiet streets, which were free from the crowds of tourists found in other parts of the city. Surrounded by picturesque canals, wandering through this neighbourhood felt like an authentic Venetian experience.

The highlight of our visit to Venice was undoubtedly the gondola ride. While it may be the most touristy activity, it offers a delightful and traditional perspective of the city from its canals. Rooney, the birthday girl, was particularly eager to experience the gondola, and it certainly became one of our favourite memories from the trip. We boarded a gondola at Ponte Ubaldo Belli and glided through the quieter canals before merging into the Grand Canal and returning to our original spot. We had no issues hailing a gondola that was waiting for passengers, and we paid with cash. However, during peak travel times, it's advisable to reserve online in advance.

Aside from the gondola ride, we spent the majority of our day, leisurely wandering and exploring the streets. On the first afternoon, we strolled from our accommodation towards Santa Lucia Train Station and Ponte degli Scalzi, admiring the shops along Rio Tera Lista di Spagna.

The next morning, we walked along Strada Nova, the main shopping district, towards the Rialto Bridge and then onto Piazza San Marco. These two iconic landmarks attract many tourists, making them must-see but vry crowded. From there, we took a water taxi back along the Grand Canal, enjoying views of the Rialto Bridge from the water.

Where we ate

Since it was Rooney’s birthday, we allowed her to choose where to have lunch, and guess what she picked… McDonald's, of course! The McDonald's on Strada Nova was incredibly busy, so we were fortunate to snag a table.

We should highlight another restaurant where we dined twice: Ristorante al Gazebo. This eatery was spacious, the waitstaff were friendly, the prices were quite reasonable, and the food was delicious. They even had robots delivering meals from the kitchen, which was an unexpected delight in Venice, and the kids absolutely loved it. We discovered it on our first night and were pretty happy overall, then on the second evening, we planned to eat at a restaurant with views of the Rialto Bridge but were taken aback by the price hike simply because of its prime tourist location. So, we opted to walk back to our reliable spot from the previous nights. It was here that the girls tried the unique combination of Rockmelon and Prosciutto , a dish we were surprised to find on many menus across Italy.

Getting around Venice

Although we had a rental car, we chose to leave it in the long-term parking area at Venice's Marco Polo Airport and take a water taxi instead. Since we were flying to Greece for ten days afterward, we found that leaving the car in long-term parking was more economical than paying a one-way hire fee. While driving around Venice isn't possible ( it’s totally car free! ), if you do have a rental car, you can drive onto the island and park near the train and bus stations.

I had purchased a Water Bus Transfer from a company called Alilaguna, which seemed like a great deal since it included unlimited access to their water buses for our entire stay. Getting from the airport to our hotel was straightforward; however, our return trip to the airport turned out to be one of the most stressful events of our entire trip. The nearest water bus stop to our accommodation, Madonna dell’Orto, was the last stop before heading to the airport. The water buses operate every 30 minutes, but the 11:30 am water bus was already at full capacity when it reached us, and the following one at midday was also full and could not accommodate us. At this point, we began to stress out, facing the very real possibility that we would miss our flight to Athens.

We decided to walk to an earlier water taxi stop along the same route, thinking our chances of getting on would improve. Even if it meant waiting a bit longer, we’d still get over to the airport eventually.

While strolling down a quieter canal, we spotted an empty private taxi boat passing by. We called out to the driver, who casually responded, “Yes, of course, I can take you to the airport,” as if it were no trouble at all. Relieved that we now had a chance to reach our flight on time, we hopped on board. As we set off down the canal, we noticed a young man who had also been waiting at the original water bus stop. Knowing he was headed to the airport as well, we invited him to join us. It turned out he was a young Ukrainian guy living in Geneva, traveling for a Tae Kwon Do tournament. He was very grateful for our assistance but we were just happy to help him our - our good deal for the day. I felt proud of how we all handled what could have been a very stressful situation, kids included.

So my advice for getting to the airport would be. - book a dedicated private transfer even if it does cost extra money, don’t rely on the water buses unless your at a location that is early in route and your one of the first people to get on.

Venice is a place I would love to revisit and dedicate more time to exploring, avoiding the crowded tourist spots and simply wandering the canals, living like a local. It is truly unlike anywhere else in the world and is rich in history that we barely touched upon. Perhaps one day in the future, we will return

ITALY - San Gimignano and the Tuscan Countryside

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, San Gimignano is a enchanting medieval town that captivates visitors with its rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking landscapes. Known as the "Medieval Manhattan" for its iconic skyline of ancient towers, this picturesque town is like stepping back in time. 

Similar to Carcarsonne in France, the walled city is free of cars and visitors are free to wander the cobblestone streets, exploring its towers, and enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside make it an unforgettable destination. Driving to San Gimignano was a highlight in itself, The road winds gently through the Tuscan countryside, offering glimpses of terracotta-roofed farmhouses nestled among olive groves.

We first enjoyed a delicious lunch of spaghetti, accompanied by a local red wine. It was at this restaurant where the American tourists who were sitting next to us, made the point to say how well behaved our girls are. I think it was because Rooney was making us all giggle with her impression of ‘Sassy Girl’ one of her personas. 

After lunch, we explored the streetS and had a look in the many shops, some were more touristy than others. One highlight was stumbling across a local modern Art Gallery. It was free and filled with some really unique art works. Farley particularly liked it, after visiting the Uffizi Galleries in Florence, which was full of Renaissance masters, it was a nice contrast and interestingly more engaging for Farley. 

Gelateria Dondoli is a gelato shop that sits in the central Piazza della Cisterna. It boosts it’s award winning status and had a continuous line of people lined up, spilling out into the piazza. We bought into the hype and had to try some gelato for ourselves. The gelato was definitely worth the wait! Really delicious, with lots of flavours to choose from.

Spending a day in the enchanting town of San Gimignano felt like stepping right into a beautifully preserved piece of history. I was immediately taken in by the stunning medieval architecture, the delicious food, and those breathtaking Tuscan landscapes that seemed to stretch endlessly.

On a more humourous note, when we told the girls that we were doing a day trip to San Gimignano, the conversation when like this:

Me: San Gimignano is similar to Carcassone.

The girls: What’s Carcassone?

Me: You know, the medieval walled city we visited in France?

The girls: Oh yeah, the place were we got those candy necklaces.

Me: hmmm, yes, thats the place. ** slightly disappointed and slightly amused that was the most memorable thing about Carcassone**

The girls: Can we get another candy necklace?

ITALY - Art History for Kids in Florence

Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, boasts numerous masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. Among its most famous landmarks is the Duomo, a cathedral featuring a terracotta-tiled dome designed by Brunelleschi and a bell tower crafted by Giotto. We took a day trip to Florence while staying in Tuscany, as it was just a brief train ride from the closest station to our holiday park, Figline Valdarno.

Here’s our itinerary for a family-friendly day in Florence.

We made our way from the train station to the stunning Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore, known for its striking red dome and the intricate Giotto’s bell tower.

Entry to the main area of the Cathedral (Duomo) in Florence is free, allowing visitors to explore the interior without needing a ticket. However, access to certain attractions within the complex, such as climbing the Bell Tower or Dome, or visiting the Crypt, Baptistery, and Museum, does require a ticket.

Even with free admission to the Cathedral, we encountered a wait of at least an hour, which we felt was too long for the kids. Instead, we decided to relax at one of the many nearby cafes, enjoying coffee, juices, and croissants. The exterior of the Duomo is so intricately detailed that it remains a breathtaking sight. Although I’m sure the Last Judgment frescoes by Vasari and Zuccari inside the dome are undoubtedly worth the wait and the price if your kids are up for it.

We booked tickets to the Leonardo Da Vinci Interactive Museum, which I knew would be enjoyable for the girls. This museum is dedicated to recreations of the machines and mechanisms that Leonardo Da Vinci designed and documented in his renowned codices.

Visitors can interact with and operate many of these creations, making it a truly hands-on experience to learn about Da Vinci. There are even puzzle tables and areas where you can design a bridge, construct a self-supporting dome, or assemble the Polyhedrals. Additionally, there are rooms featuring reproductions of Da Vinci's famous paintings, including the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. The ticket prices were quite reasonable at €7.90 for adults and €6.90 for children, and the timed entries ensured it didn't feel overly crowded. It was a fantastic way to introduce the girls to Leonardo Da Vinci and the Renaissance history of Florence.

After the Leonardo Da Vinci Interactive Museum we walked to the Piazza della Signoria where a replicate of the Michaelango’s Statue of David stands in front of the Palazzo Vecchio (the real Statue of David is inside the Accademia Galleries which you can visit with an admission ticket) Next to the Palazzo Vecchio is the Loggia dei Lanzi where you can observe a number of other marble statues free of charge. The girls recognised the names of Hercules (who is depicted fighting a centaur named Nessus) and Perseus and Medusa from their interest in myths and legends. However, upon reflects these statues are very gruesome, and depict some shocking things, you may want to gloss over the descriptions for younger kids.

From Piazza della Signoria, we took a short stroll to the Ponte Vecchio, the famous bridge spanning the Arno River. This iconic structure is adorned with jewellery and art shops. While walking across is free, be prepared for the crowds that make capturing good photos quite challenging.

I bought tickets for Farley and me to explore the Uffizi Galleries, located near the Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio. This remarkable venue houses some of the most renowned artworks, including Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Primavera, Leonardo Da Vinci’s Adoration of the Magi and Annunciation, as well as Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo. Farley has a passion for painting and drawing, so it was really special to introduce her to a slice of art history in Florence, the home of many Renaissance masters. Plus, spending some one-on-one time together is always valuable.

I’m certain Hallie and Rooney would have enjoyed the art gallery as well, but we had to weigh the cost of admission against their level of interest. Instead, they spent an hour or so exploring bookshops and toy stores with Braino.

One location we overlooked, but I would highly recommend to others, is Piazzale Michelangelo. Here, you’ll find a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David along with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city—arguably the best vantage point for the Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore. While it requires a bit of a walk across the river, it is accessible via the hop-on-hop-off bus route if you choose to go with that option. The sunset view on a sunny day would be absolutely stunning, though a zoom lens might be necessary to capture a stunning photo.

In summary, while I believe we made the most of our day in Florence, providing the girls with an educational experience, it was here that I thought, "Wow, the crowds are overwhelming!" Of course, we are tourists ourselves, so we can't really complain, but I was taken aback by the sheer number of people queuing at the cathedral and in the streets around the Ponte Vecchio. We visited in the later part of September, which is typically the tail end of the busy tourist season.