A Roman Holiday, a Croatian Escape, and Coastal Magic: 10-Day European Adventure 🇮🇹🇭🇷

This summer, we set off on a trip that felt straight out of a movie—three countries, ten days, and a whole lot of pasta, sunsets, and unforgettable views. From the ruins of Rome to the beaches of Dubrovnik and the cliffside beauty of Positano, this trip had a little bit of everything. Here’s how it all played out (and how you can recreate it for your own dream vacation).

First Stop: Rome – Living the Dolce Vita

After a long-haul flight from Detroit, we touched down in Rome and were whisked away to Hotel Barocco, a charming boutique hotel in the heart of the city, right on Piazza Barberini. Even though we were running on espresso and excitement, Rome’s energy hit us instantly.

Highlights:

• The Colosseum – We spent a few hours walking through ancient history. It’s one thing to see it in photos, but standing inside it? Goosebumps.
  
  
• Dinner at Ristorante Ad Hoc – Romantic, cozy, and the truffle pasta? Unreal. Definitely one of our favorite meals in the city.

Next Up: Dubrovnik – Walled Cities and Seaside Views

From Rome, we hopped on a quick flight to Dubrovnik and checked into the Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel. It’s just outside the Old Town, and gave us the perfect mix of resort vibes and easy access to the city.

What we loved:

• Exploring Old Town – Wandering the medieval streets and walking the famous walls was like stepping into Game of Thrones (literally—they filmed here).
  
  
• Cable Car & Lunch at Panorama Restaurant – The view from the top? 100% worth it.
  
  
• Dinner at 360° – This Michelin-starred spot is right on the city walls, and the tasting menu was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience.
  
  
• Elaphite Islands Boat Day – A full day out on the water, stopping at quiet islands, swimming in caves, and sipping rosé under the sun. Total bliss.

Then, Positano – Cliffside Charm on the Amalfi Coast

Next, we flew to Naples and made our way to Hotel Marincanto in Positano. The moment we arrived, it felt like a postcard—bright bougainvillea, pastel buildings cascading down to the sea, and views we’ll never forget.

Positano Favorites:

• Dinner Trio Night – We couldn’t pick just one place, so we did appetizers at Il Capitano, pasta at Saraceno d’Oro, and drinks at Il Tridente. No regrets.
  
  
• One Fire Beach Club – If you’re looking for good music, sunshine, and an Aperol spritz in hand, this is your spot.
  
  
• La Tagliata Cooking Class – A family-run experience with stunning views and hands-on pasta-making. The food was as warm as the hosts.
  
  
• Exploring Positano – We took our time walking through town, shopping for handmade sandals, and grabbing lemon granita on steep staircases.

Final Night: Back to Rome

Before heading home, we returned to Rome for one last night—this time staying at Le Méridien Visconti. It was sleek, comfortable, and perfectly located to grab a final plate of carbonara before catching our early morning flight.

Final Thoughts (and Travel Tips!)

• Mix culture and coast – The blend of city energy and seaside relaxation made this trip feel balanced and full of variety.
  
  
• Plan your transfers ahead – Having private transfers arranged between airports and hotels made travel days so much smoother.
  
  
• Book early for the special spots – Places like 360° and beach clubs fill up quickly—especially in summer.
  
  

This trip was the perfect mix of adventure and indulgence, and whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary, or just a summer escape, I’d be thrilled to help design something just as magical for you.

📩 Ready to start planning? Reach out today and let’s turn your dream itinerary into reality.

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