Ciao! Summer Vacation

A few years ago we had an incredible experience on our cruise to the Greek islands, so when we saw a sailing for this summer with an itinerary that included our favorite ports plus some new ones, we just couldn't resist.  This time, we paired it with nearly a week in Tuscany, and voila--Dotson family vacation 2018 was born! Over two weeks of stunning scenery, divine food and wine, amazing history, fantastic shopping, and fun in the sun across Italy, Dalmatia, and the Greek islands was every bit as awesome as we anticipated.

First up was Tuscany, which we fell in love with easily. It was the perfect place to unwind in peaceful bliss before we geared up for more hard core sightseeing.

Some much needed chill time as the world melted away.

 Our first hotel was a paradise for the senses, literally -- the vista, gentle breeze, aroma of flowers and vineyards, birds chirping, mouthwatering food-- the stuff of dreams.  We splurged for a candlelit dinner in their courtyard restaurant, which was Simone's first Michelin starred meal.

Couldn't resist a visit to the acclaimed Antinori winery.  As much a  museum as a functional winery, it really was a sight to behold (and taste).  

Of course, wine on the veranda was a necessity here, we happily sampled their most famous Tignanello.

We meandered around a number of Chianti towns -- Greve, San Casciano, San Gimignano, Monterrigioni, and Gaiole -- all charming and quintessentially Tuscan.

After our fill of the countryside, we went to soak in some urban fun in Florence.  The statue of David, the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Boboli Gardens, and some of the best shoe shopping and gelato ever were the highlights.

Next up, over to Venice with a stop in Padova -- different vibe than Tuscany, but both amazing.

From Venice we boarded our ship -- stops in Dubrovnik, Montenegro, Kefalonia, Athens, Santorini, and Split.

Montenegro was a very pleasant surprise -- such a beautiful little country.

We had a relaxing beach day in Argostoli on the incredible island of Kefalonia.

The girls totally loved their rides on the inflatable pulled by the speedboat.  The mommies joined them once, and then we just watched the second time around.  Great fun -- but let's face it, we're not 21 anymore!  lol!

Some of the biggest smiles of the week!

Can't overstate the grandeur of the Parthenon -- truly a bucket list experience.  Possibly the oldest thing we've ever seen in person.

Santorini's stunning beauty has not faded one bit, and was again one of our favorite ports.

Wine tasting and lunch at Santo Wines smack in the center of the Cauldera. INCREDIBLE!

Beautiful Split -- definitely need to spend more time in Croatia!

Literally as happy as a kid in a candy store!

We were actually in Croatia on the day of the World Cup final game between France and Croatia.  The city was abuzz with excitement and Croatia shirts were everywhere!!  We couldn't resist becoming fans even though none of us know or care about soccer whatsoever!

And last but not least, we took one last day trip to the city of Verona once we returned to Italy.  Another surprisingly charming walled city -- home to the inspiration for Romeo and Juliette.

Juliette's balcony.

And there you have it -- our vacation recap.  We had such a great time and are so blessed to be able to make these memories together in such magical places.  These are the things you never want to end, but as I tell Simone all the time-- even good things need to end so that you can move on to the beginning of other good things!