Oh my. What another, life changing and fun trip we had! I always write down my thoughts and our itinerary on our flight home, but this one took me a while. Usually makes me sad, but this trip has made me more excited for the next one, which is coming up in TWO WEEKS. This post is all the details of 9 days gallivanting from the UK to Europe!

First stop: London, England 

Where we stayed: Chelsea Harbour Hotel

Gorgeous room with a view and a TON of space–not your typical London flat.

Upon arrival we took a taxi to our hotel, unpacked, freshened up and met our friends to walk around the Tower of London— didn’t go in because access to the the queen Crown Jewels was closed. So we got Fish n’ Chips of course and walked around.

We walked over tower ridge and it was SO WINDY and COLD to see the Christmas markets, and get some mulled wine! Totally worth it.

Afterwards we went for high tea time at the Tower Hotel and it was way more amazing that what I anticipated! Look at our spread.

That night we went to Camden Town to show our friends around and most importantly get a new red hat! I LOST MY ORIGINAL when we went to New York around Thanksgiving last year. I got a grey one too and found out they have a website! Oops…

More mulled wine? YES PLEASE.

Had to stop by one of our fav spots Lock Tavern, for some fish n’ chips and meat pies with mushy peas!

The next day we went to see my first Chelsea match against Stoke City. We slept in a little and headed or around noon to grab some brunch before the match. When we walked through the lobby we saw a bunch of Chelsea fans sitting in the lobby and didn’t think too much of it until we walked outside and saw the team’s bus.

We skipped lunch and waited and HOUR to see the players and meet their coach Antonio. Super cool experience even though we were starving!

The game—it was a blast! The energy was far more intense than any American football, baseball or basketball game I’ve been to. This game was tame compared to bigger team games like Arsenal. We actually didn’t get seats together so I made friends with two guys from Saudi Arabia who actually went to college at Pen State! The difference with Stamford Stadium compared to other stadiums is that it’s outside, people cheer constantly and everyone drinks at halftime at the concession stands—but you have to chug your drinks before going back to you seat! Super cool to meet some new people and celebrate a 5-0 win!

We stopped by Elk Bar, [now closed…] the members only pub to grab some food before the game. Good pub food—just a little Smokey. Everyone smokes in London and appears healthier and happier than most Americans I have seen that smoke. How does that add up?!

The next day we were leaving for our NYE destination in Leipzig, Germany with friends, so we really only had time to grab breakfast. I found this cute restaurant called Megan’s that has two locations in London. We went to the one in Fulham and it was adorable with the most amazing food and coffee.

Our flight to Germany and train ride went quick. we arrived in Lepizig around 5:00pm.

Second Stop: Berlin, train to Leipzig, Germany

Where we stayed: Adina Apartment Hotels

Leipzig–our NYE destination for celebration. We arrived around 5pm and were greeted with champagne at the train station from the airport by our friend Toni! We checked into our hotel and changed for our NYE party.

We met up with our other friend Diana who we learned us ENGAGED to Toni now. So excited for their wedding. This was our third NYE in a row meeting up with them to celebrate and they graciously hosted us this year. They had quite the spread and decor in their flat!

Had to get a pic with the New Year Balloons 🙂

We ate and drank the night away, with fireworks, chants, etc. The first stop of the new year and last stop of the night was McDonalds of all places! Surprisingly, the fast food overseas tastes a lot better than in America. Proof because I ate it 🙂

The next day was a hangover day and we didn’t do anything until the evening for dinner. Our friend Toni took us to Auberbachs Keller for an authentic German dinner to end our time with our friends. had the… and these delicious potatoes.

The next day was a hungover/travel day. We took the train ride to our next destination!

Third Stop: Munich, Germany

Where we stayed: Eurostar 

The train ride from Leipzig to Munich was around 2 1/2 hours. We arrived later in the evening, which cut our day short, but who cares it’s vacation!?

So we checked in to the hotel and headed out for some mulled wine. Two of my favorite things about being abroad for the winter holidays are mulled wine and Christmas markets!

After getting mulled wine and wandering around all the Christmas markets that were still up and going. So magical! We got dinner at the iconic Hofbräuhaus am Platzl! World famous 3-floor beer hall dating back to the 16th century, with a Bavarian restaurant, family style seating, shows & upbeat atmosphere.

We walked around the city during the day, saw the St. Peter’s Cathedral and saw a beautiful view of Munich.

Had to hide from the rain so we grabbed brunch at Cotidiano–usually a wait, but we beat the crowd. Really enjoyed our last meal before heading to ROME!

We checked the forecast for the next day– cold and rainy so we decided to get somewhere sunny and warm sooo ROME. $100 each for a ticket and we booked the night before–no pricing surging in Europe!

Fourth Stop: Rome, Italy

Where we stayed: St. Regis (gotta love those family perks)

Rome is only an hour flight from Leipzig and it was sunny and 65 degrees! I knew this was going to be an EPIC way to end our holiday vacation.

We had some hotel points and referral from my sister who works in hospitality so… we stayed at the gorgeous St. Regis. So GORGEOUS. A lot of the hotel was under renovation, but we got to enjoy what we saw!

When your boyfriend is jet lag and you go to the bar alone–you get free things 🙂

Amazing food and views at the hotel–hard to leave!

The first evening we walked around the area by the hotel and made our way to the Colosseum!

I MEAN…Is this real life?

We enjoyed an amazing dinner at That’s Amore after an amazing first day! We split the tagliatelle with fresh truffle and mushrooms–DELICIOUS.

Had to see the Trevi Fountain at night too–with some gelato of course! This concluded our first evening–busy day.

When in Rome you have to dress comfy for all the walking and the cobblestone. So thankful for my vans–had to snap a mirror pic selfie in this marble bathroom. EPIC.

In love with this city and all of the architecture.

Had to check out the famous Fourm.

Then we headed back to the Colosseum to see it during the day. So incredible.

After an unforgettable day touring the Colosseum we wandered around and stumbled up this grocery called Punturi that had delicious pizza!

We headed back to the hotel for a power nap then headed out to eat MORE. A dinner i will never forget as long as I live. Dinner in front of the Pantheon at Ristorante Hostaria Pantheon. Beautiful view with delicious pasta and wine (can’t remember what we ate, oops…).

PINCH ME. Cacio e pepe–delish. They didn’t bring it out in a wheel–so I guess that’s a touristy thing! Still amazing and look at that VIEW.

We made room for an authentic gelato experience at Gelateria la Romana. Would have helped if we spoke Italian–but it was a fun experience trying to order. Best gelato I’ve ever had, HANDS DOWN. Referral from our concierge at the St. Regis.

Our last night was filled with food as you can tell! So sad to leave Rome–but we were heading back to London for the rest of that day and we had our long trip home from London the next day.

Last Stop: London, England–then HOMEWARD to ATL

Where we stayed: Hilton at Paddington Station

It’s difficult to plan a tour or a quick day trip, when you don’t have a lot of time. We wanted to do a day trip to Bath, but decided against it. So we walked around Paddington Central area which as recently been renovated with fun shops and restaurants.

We had brunch at Beany Green, a hipsterish spot on Regent’s Canal. Had to try their charcoal avocado toast–so good!

On our last night we went to Soho and Chinatown as per usual before heading back up in Chelsea where we stayed the night.

Had to see the last bit of Christmas decorations before they put them away for the year!

Sorry NOT sorry for all the Christmas glee pics!

Last dinner–at some pub I can’t remember the name of..OOPS!

However, I do remember this spot. Last stop of the trip for drinks! Stopped in at Earlsfield’s Graffiti Cocktail Bar complete with Gin cocktails, Paint Buckets, well-decorated drinks and Mai Tais! Party spot with a DJ, who played my fav college jam Tom’s Diner by Susanne Vega.

Of course we had to get some Pret a Manger Love bars before heading home along with some English Breakfast tea. Two of our favorites that make the heart break and jet lag easier. We enjoyed another amazing and unforgettable trip and naturally we watched The Gladiator on our way home–had to!

Please excuse how crazy and tired we look! Stay tuned for our next adventure which is coming up August 28-September 3rd! We will be in Portugal for two days, then back to Leipzig for Toni and Diana’s wedding.

-E