🏛️ Europe: From the Eurail Trail to the Continent’s Edges
The exploration of Europe began with a classic rite of passage: a 2005 Eurail pass and a map of the great capitals. From the streets of London to the ruins of Rome, that era was defined by train whistles and city skylines, a high-energy orbit through the continent’s most famous icons.
In the decades since, the focus has shifted from the "Grand Circuit" to the slow-burning beauty of the Mediterranean and the rugged soul of the North. Broad exploration has evolved into a deep study of the edges, including the sun-drenched cliffs of the Cyclades, the ancient monasteries of Meteora, and the rugged, salt-sprayed soul of the Scottish Highlands. Trading the 'must-see' icons for complete immersions into the landscape, the architecture, and the essence of each destination.
This is a collection of two decades of European travel—spanning the fast-paced adventures of youth and the intentional, curated journeys of today.
The Mediterranean & Southern Europe: The Shift to Slow Travel
While the great capitals provided the foundation for European travel, we eventually found ourselves drawn away from the crowds and toward the 'slow' side of the continent. Recent travels focus on the textures of the South, where the pace of travel is dictated by the wind and tides.
These are complete immersions: navigating the hidden coves of the Mediterranean by catamaran or getting lost in ancient olive groves. Whether by sea or by backroad, these journeys are about the luxury of time—measured by the movement of the sun across white-washed walls and the quiet discovery of a glass of a local vintage.
The British Isles: Landscapes of Stone and Mist
Our travels through the British Isles are driven by a search for history, character, and a sense of place. While the continent offers warmth in the South, we find ourselves repeatedly drawn back to the moody, evocative landscapes of the North.
These are complete immersions into the soul of the Isles—from timber-framed history, medieval castles, to volcanic crags. We’ve found a unique sanctuary here; a place defined by ancient stone and rolling mist, where a day can begin in bustling historic towns and end in the quiet, salt-sprayed solitude. For us, the Isles offer a timelessness that is felt in every gust of wind from the seas.
The Archive:
2005 | The Grand Circuit
The Foundation: Where it All Began
Before the focus shifted to the rugged north and hidden coasts, the exploration of Europe was defined by a rail pass and a relentless curiosity. There is a belief that one must see the icons to understand the soul of Europe. While current travels focus on uncovering the hidden layers, the cities below represent the 'Grand Circuit' that first sparked an interest in this continent. Beginning in London and looping through the historic centers across Europe, this is the archive of a time spent in constant motion, the beginning of wanderlust and the foundation upon which future travels have been built.
The Cities of the 2005 Grand Circuit: 18 cities, 9 countries
🇬🇧 London • 🇮🇪 Dublin • 🇫🇷 Paris & Versailles • 🇫🇷 Marseille • 🇪🇸 Barcelona • 🇮🇹 Rome & Vatican City • 🇮🇹 Florence • 🇮🇹 Venice • 🇩🇪 Munich • 🇦🇹 Salzburg • 🇦🇹 Vienna • 🇭🇺 Budapest • 🇨🇿 Prague • 🇳🇱 Amsterdam • 🇩🇪 Berlin • 🇩🇪 Frankfurt
Ready for the ultimate European road trip? This 22-day Portugal itinerary guides you from Lisbon to Porto, through the Douro Valley wine region, into the country's only national park (Peneda-Gerês), and finally down to the shimmering beaches and sea caves of the Algarve coast.