Kelley takes on Europe

When I studied at Richmond, The American International University in Florence, I was lucky enough to travel ALMOST everywhere on my wish list every weekend! I visited some really amazing places with Bus2Alps that I’d want to see again, and there are still places out there that I can’t wait to hopefully explore for the first time.

I’ve marked the places I’ve been with an asterisk (*) and each destination has a reason why I love it or am dying to visit. (I even decided this time around to take a week off in the first week of March to get in some more travel). If I could do it all over again as a student, here’s my ideal Spring 2012 semester:

February 2: Interlaken

*Can’t wait for a shot at skiing the Swiss Alps, skydiving, and exploring a traditional Swiss village!

February 11: Venice Carnevale

*Venice for me was one of those great cities you only need in a small dose. A full weekend was too much time – everything I loved about the city could be seen in a day! And combine it with a great Mardi Gras party – this day trip is perfect.

February 16: Barcelona

*My weekend in Barcelona was the craziest weekend of my life! As per Spanish culture, you don’t go out until about midnight so packing all our sightseeing in, enjoying the colorful characters on Las Ramblas, tapas, partying and then waking up late to start it all again was perfect. The nightlife here was like nothing I have experienced elsewhere. And the cheap flights from Pisa make getting there easy, especially if Bus2Alps meets you there!

February 23: Morocco

*Wanna go to Africa? Why not? Would have loved this chance to jump into a completely new culture for a weekend! Camel rides, haggling in Arabic markets, and dining in a Bedouin camp? What a unique trip to tell people you went on. Again, one of those trips where Bus2Alps meets you there!

March 1: The Northern Loop (Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris)

*Some of my favorite cities outside of Italy, rolled into one! Prague’s uniquely eastern European feel and amazing architecture, Amsterdam’s alternative atmosphere and beautiful canals, and the exciting museums in Paris – what could be better? I haven’t been to Berlin but have heard good things, and would be excited to learn about the city’s infamous split in its Communism days.

March 15: St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland

*I can’t even begin to imagine the incredible energy of experiencing St. Patty’s Day in Dublin! The Irish love to party, and they love their country. What could be better? Bus2Alps meets you there!

March 23: Greece Island Hopping

*Hello, dream trip! Having never been to Greece, this 10-day excursion hits every stop I would ever want to visit. The blue domes of Santorini are a vision of Mediterranean life that everyone dreams about. The Pink Palace on the island of Corfu is the spring break party you’ve always wanted. And all the iconic sites in Athens make for photos your friends back home will envy. I would feel like a pretty lucky guy on this trip.

March 29: The French Riviera

* One of the biggest surprises when studying abroad was discovering how opposite of the rude stereotype the French actually were. During my time in Paris, the French were extremely hospitable my friends and I – and only made me want more! Why not dip my toes further into France by visiting one of the most luxurious getaways? If it’s good enough for Hollywood celebs, it’s good enough for me!

April 5: Croatia Long Weekend (Easter)

* Croatia was one of those places I foolishly underestimated. I scoffed at friends who said they were spending a weekend there – why? After seeing pictures of them under beautiful waterfalls and exploring winding wooden footbridges through forests and natural springs, I had to eat my words. Plus white water rafting and blue beaches – I shouldn’t have skipped Croatia!

April 12: The Amalfi Coast

Beach season is my favorite time in any country, but the Amalfi Coast trip with Bus2Alps can’t be beat! It was my very first experience with Bus2Alps and I loved every second of it! Cliff jumping, limoncello shopping, power boating between the most picturesque costal towns and ending it at the infamous Mount Vesuvius makes this award-winning trip one I am so happy I didn’t pass on, and you shouldn’t either.

April 19: Budapest

*This trip was an absolute steal – in my opinion the best kept Eastern European secret. I booked this with my best friend on a whim for a weekend we didn’t have anything else planned and I was floored – the city is gorgeous, the Hungarian history is fascinating and it was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Ever experienced intense caving one day and cheap spa massages the next? This is the city to do it! One of my favorite cities and favorite weekends in Europe.

April 28: Siena & San Gimignano

* Siena too was one of those cities I visited on a whim with a friend one weekend. It’s fairly close to Florence, and wow their shell-shaped Palazzo Pubblico, duomo and little shops were downright charming.

May 3:  Munich Springfest

*  In a close second after my weekend in Barcelona, my Oktoberfest experience in Munich was another one of those crazy weekends you can’t stop telling your friends stories from. Springfest, as Oktoberfest’s little brother is sure to please. From the utter madness of everyone celebrating while gulping on the most delicious, potent beers Germany can offer, to exploring Munich via bike you will fall in love with Bavaria, and remember this weekend for the rest of your life.

May 13: Cinque Terre Day Trip

*Last but not least, Cinque Terre is hands down my favorite place in Italy (at least so far)! Being from Colorado I love to hike, and the trek between five postcard towns on the northern coastline was pretty close to heaven for me. For those who don’t like to hike, there are trains between each down, but the hike was so fun and a great way to spend the day with friends! This is one of those day trips I would happily do over and over again.

Alright, there you go! If I was planning out this next semester studying abroad this is how I’d do it – there’s even some free weekends left to spend soaking up Florence and venturing down to Rome.

Feel free to shoot me any questions or e-mail me at robinson@bus2alps.com! Hope to travel with you soon!