How to Plan a Blissful Tuscany Family Vacation Everyone Will Love

Dreaming of a family trip to Tuscany? Start your planning with tips from our kid-friendly Tuscan journey which was all about beautiful scenery, delectable food, and making memories as a family. 

Kid-Friendly Fun in Florence

Our adventure began in Florence, a city steeped in history and culinary delights. With young kids, we knew we had a limited attention span for museums, so we kept our visit to Florence short and only spent one night there. We skipped the other museums and headed to the Accademia Gallery to marvel at Michelangelo's towering masterpiece, David. This stunning (and huge!) sculpture left even my fickle kids in awe of the Renaissance brilliance.

Family-Friendly Accommodations in Florence

When seeking accommodations for our family of four I always do one of two things - find an apartment rental with multiple bedrooms or a hotel suite where the kids can sleep in on a sofa bed in a separate room from me. Not being in the same bedroom is key for us getting better sleep! In Florence, check out Grand Hotel Cavour for their reasonably priced, family-friendly suites.

Kid-Friendly Food in Tuscany

Let's face it, kids will tolerate art, but they're really on this trip for the food. The Mercato Centrale food hall in Florence was our first stop for delectable slices of pizza that satisfied every craving. And speaking of satisfying cravings, the best penne alla vodka we ever had was at the unassuming Alla Vecchia Bettola. The explosion of flavors convinced us that we had hit the culinary jackpot, and I've been on a vodka sauce bender ever since!

Florence is the birthplace of gelato, so it's no surprise that options abound. Gelateria La Carraia will please even the grumpiest kids. Italy pro tip: bribe your kids as often as needed with the promise of a heavenly scoop of gelato! We had it just about every day of our trip. 

Unique Accommodations for Your Family in Italy

Castello de San Fabiano

Tuscany is home to many agriturismos, which are a great option for families, but we opted for something even more unusual. Our base for our Tuscany family vacation was none other than Castello de San Fabiano, a family-owned castle that exuded warmth and charm. The castle's breakfast spread was a true feast served in a lovely room. We actually convinced the family to open a week earlier for the season than they intended so we were the only ones there. The hospitality of the family made us feel like we were part of their story. Although a real castle, the rooms are not fancy, so temper your expectations. For us, it was a reasonable trade-off for the beautiful setting.

Culinary Adventures at Casa dell’Abate Naldi

Food wasn't just about tasting; it was about creating. At Casa dell’Abate Naldi, we got our hands dirty cooking with a real nonna making pici, a thick, elongated pasta popular in the region. Our little chefs loved the whole experience and particularly enjoyed making and eating chocolate salami. I enjoyed sharing such an authentic experience and delicious food in a beautiful old home. This was a highlight of our trip that my girls still talk about!

Chocolate salami and pici at Casa dell’Abate Naldi

Family-Fun in Siena: Almond Biscuits and Piazza Bliss!

Next up was Siena, a medieval town that transported us back in time. Piazza del Campo's charm drew us in as we sipped cocktails at one of the many bars that surround it. My kids were obsessed with this slanted, round piazza, and had to be stopped from rolling themselves down it in a fit of giggles. 

Siena

Don't leave Siena without savoring delightfully chewy ricciarelli, sugar-dusted almond biscuits from La Nuovo Pasticceria. One important note - these little Tuscan towns limit cars, and have confusing signage. We weren't aware of doing anything wrong, but that didn't stop us from receiving a ticket mailed to us in the US months later!

San Gimignano: Skyscrapers and Gelato Dreams!

San Gimignano

Did you know that there were skyscrapers during the Renaissance? I certainly didn't! San Gimignano, a town straight out of a storybook, welcomed us with its medieval skyscrapers and quaint streets. Some background - during the Renaissance, merchant families showed off by building increasingly tall and splendid stone towers. At one point there were 72 of them. Today, only 15 remain, but it makes for a striking syline. 

Da I' Mariani is a must-visit. At this postage stamp-sized charcuterie shop, we let the proprietor choose the meats and cheeses we ate and we washed it down with cheap local wine. It was exactly the kind of meal I find most memorable - spectacularly delicious and hyper-local. We of course had to finish the day off with another gelato, from the fantastic Gelateria Dondoli. 

I operate on a one-for-you, one-for-me travel planning approach. So if the kids get to do their thing (read: stuff their face with gelato), then I get to do mine later. So that led us to a delightful afternoon wine tasting at Azienda Agricola Palagetto. The kids did fine there just hanging out while we lived La Dolce Vita!

Farm Animals and Fantastic Tuscan Photos

The drive to Podere Il Casale 

My only regret is that we didn't get to Podere Il Casale earlier. This farm and garden produces everything it serves at its restaurant, and it struck the perfect balance between kid-friendly fun and refined flavors. The kids were overjoyed to mingle with farm animals and were bummed when it was too dark to see them. The drive through Pienza to arrive passed cypress trees and one of the most stunning sunsets I've ever seen. Other must-see photo spots in Tuscany include Podere Belvedere and the Cypress Road in Monticchiello.

Getting my 'gram on in Tuscany

Tuscany's Family-Friendly Secrets Revealed!

So, fellow adventurers, there you have it—a taste of our Tuscany escapade filled with unparalleled beauty, delectable flavors, and family-friendly fun! Tuscany is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be uncovered. And if you're ever in need of a little boost, just remember the magic word—gelato!  Happy exploring!

Adventurous Tastes is reader-supported. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

Taste the Adventure: Exploring Iceland's Wild Side by Camper Van

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey through the land of fire and ice? Iceland, with its breathtaking landscapes, majestic waterfalls, and unique geothermal wonders, offers an adventure like no other. And what better way to explore this Nordic wonderland than by camper van? Buckle up and join me as we navigate an unforgettable trip around Iceland, discovering hidden gems and indulging our adventurous tastes. Read on for the full details.

Burdir church on Iceland's Snaefellsnes Peninsula

How to plan 4 days in Northern California kids and adults will both adore

Are you ready for an unforgettable family vacation? Look no further than Northern California! With its breathtaking coastline, mouthwatering cuisine, and endless activities, it's the ultimate destination for families seeking adventure. Trust me, my family and I recently took a trip there and had the time of our lives. So, if you're looking for some inspiration for your own Northern California getaway, keep reading after the jump for some of the amazing things we did and highly recommend.

I've included an affiliate link in this article. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

8 Must-Do Rides at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure (and 3 You Can Skip)

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are two of the most popular theme parks in the world and for good reason. They’re packed with thrilling rides, immersive experiences, and all sorts of attractions that will appeal to kids and adults alike. If you’re planning a trip to these parks, you’ll want to make sure you hit all the highlights – and avoid the time-wasters. 

Here are our family’s top picks for the rides you can and cannot miss at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Read on after the jump. 

How do I plan the best trip ever to Universal Florida?

Universal's Hogwarts Express takes you between the parks

Attention all thrill-seekers, Harry Potter fans, and amusement park enthusiasts! If you're planning a trip to Universal Studios in Florida, you're in luck because we've got the inside scoop on how to make the most of your adventure. After a recent visit, we've compiled a list of tips and tricks to ensure your trip is as magical and efficient as possible. So buckle up and let's dive in after the jump.

Want to Experience the Magic of Austria's Christmas Markets with Your Kids?

Thanksgiving is a time for family, feasting, and, in our case, a trip to the beautiful cities of Vienna and Salzburg in Austria. With my husband and two daughters, ages 7 and 9, in tow, we set out to explore the Christmas markets and enjoy all that these two cities have to offer. This was our second visit to European Christmas markets, and we were so happy to be back in action after they were closed for the last few years. Read on after the jump for our recommendations and itinerary!

Gluhwein at Am Hof market

6 tips for planning the perfect trip to dazzling European Christmas markets

I am a Christmas enthusiast. the kind of gal who puts out the tree on the day after Thanksgiving and has holiday music on blast all season. So, it should come as little surprise that I am OBSESSED with European Christmas markets! Want to join in the festive fun? Read on for 6 tips for planning the perfect trip after the jump!

Thurn und Taxis in Regensburg, Germany

How to plan an unforgettable 14 day adventure in Croatia

Wondering what to see in Croatia? There's so much to see and do, so planning a 2-week trip can be overwhelming, but you can save yourself time with my unforgettable 14-day itinerary that covers the best of Croatia's islands, coast, and cities.

Want to plan your own trip to Croatia? Jayway Travel arranged our entire 2-week trip and made the entire process so easy. Based on our preferences, they helped us choose and book everything we did, including all hotels, tours, restaurant reservations, ferry tickets, and private transfers. If you want to plan a trip to Croatia (or elsewhere in Central or Western Europe), working with Jayway is a life-saver.

Read on after the jump for my itinerary.

I've included an affiliate link in this article. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

7 delicious global Christmas cocktails to bring you cheer this holiday

I love Christmas. From the decorations to blasting holiday playlists, I'm all in. But one of my favorite December treats is holiday booze. You've probably tried eggnog and mulled wine, but allow me to expand your Christmas beverage palate with a few other favorites from other cultures.

Read on for holiday cocktails from around the world...

Take your holiday turkey to the next level with a Masterbuilt Turkey Fryer

We took a Masterbuilt Turkey Fryer for a spin back in 2017. Just in time for the holidays, I wanted to share this oldie but goodie again. 

My childhood memories of Thanksgiving include parades, football, and the seemingly endless wait for the turkey to come out of the oven.  Roasted turkey is pretty good when it's smothered in gravy and accompanied by cranberry dressing, stuffing, and all the other goodies that Turkey Day entails, but without all those extras it's a little lacking.  Enter fried turkey.

Read on for more about our turkey frying experience.

Get in the Christmas spirit with 3 delightful days in NYC

Photo by Jay Joshi on Unsplash

From Miracle on 34th Street to one of my personal holiday faves, Elf, Christmas in NYC lives large in our cultural imagination. It's a classic for a reason. There's just something about the decorations, the department store windows, the hustle and bustle of shoppers...

Want to plan your own family-friendly visit to NYC for the holidays? Read on!

How to eat like a local and have a meal you'll never forget in Dubrovnik

I spent 2 weeks in Croatia, so I had many delicious meals, but one stands out above the rest. My husband and I joined Marija Papak, her husband Zlatko, and a group of other curious American and Slovenian guests around a long table in the Dubrovnik couple's outdoor courtyard.

Dinner with Marija and Zlatko starts with homemade Croatian aperitifs (rakija) and a charcuterie spread that will blow your mind. Croatian prosciutto (pršut), local sausages and cheeses, olives, and juicy peaches and figs straight from the farmer's market were gorgeously arrayed on large wooden platters and might have made a meal all on their own, but they were just the beginning of an epic meal. The aperitifs ranged from fruity to herbal, but all were delicious and packed a kick.

Their garden's bounty was on display in other appetizers, like a gorgeous tomato tart and a tomato salad that put all American tomatoes to shame. A soft cheese doused in olive oil, and made just that morning, was a stellar accompaniment. To wash it all down, Croatian wines like the famed red, Plavac Mali, were poured liberally and reappeared in your glass when you weren't looking.

Lamb and potato peka

The main event at Marija and Zlotko's dinners is a traditional Dalmatian peka, a hearty slow-cooked meat and potatoes dish made in a bell-shaped vessel in an outdoor wood fire. Zlotko manned the fire throughout the evening, tending to our lamb peka, a sweltering job on a sticky hot August night. But the results were well worth the effort. The meat was meltingly tender and the potatoes were both crispy and soaked in the lambs juices.

Our hostess Marija Papak

Like your mother, Marija didn't want anything to go to waste, so she cajoled guests to try less popular parts of the lamb, and my husband tucked in for some lamb brains (cream and delicious according to him), while a Slovenian guest was the only taker on the lamb's eyeballs.

Our hostess regaled us with the tale of how these dinners began, first an informal dinner for a visiting journalist, then some serious internal coverage in places like the WSJ and National Geographic, and now regular dinners for tourists, like us, who were looking for a more authentic experience.

I loved the opportunity to interact with a local family plus meet other food-loving tourists. My husband and I always appreciate an excuse to talk t some new people after we've been traveling just the two of us. There's only so many new topics you can find when you're together constantly! And the food was incredible across the board. The hosts are so gracious, the setting so lovely, and the food so divine, that this evening was easily one of my favorite food memories while traveling.

Just when everyone was completely stuffed, out came dessert. Marija's homemade apple strudel was just as good as everything else we'd had that evening, and even though I could barely move at this point, I couldn't resist eating the heavenly figs or ice cream that accompanied it either. We left the evening fat and happy with new friends and excellent memories. 

Want to plan your own trip to Croatia including dinner with Marija and Zlotko? Jayway Travel arranged our entire 2-week trip and made the entire process so easy. They helped us choose and book everything we did including all hotels, tours, restaurant reservations, ferry tickets and private transfers, based on our preferences. You can also book directly with Marija at Eat wth Locals.

I've included an affiliate link in this article. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Say yes to the stellar views and unique wines of Korcula, Croatia

The second stop on our 2 week Croatian vacation was Korcula. Where Hvar is a glamorous scene, Korcula is a much chiller, more family-friendly island. Google maps seemed to struggle with the winding alleyways of Croatia's old towns, so we struggled to find our hotel, the Aminess Korcula Heritage, but it is in fact well located on the water and just a short walk from Korcula's Old Town. The rooms were a bit more basic than I would have preferred, but breakfast had a wide variety of options, and the outdoor dining was pleasant.

More on Korcula after the jump...

Be charmed by Hvar, the glamorous Croatian island of your dream

Hvar is a see and be seen kind of island. The sort of place an Instagram influencer would kill to visit, filled to the brim with luxurious yachts and gorgeous young girls teetering on high high heels as they navigate Hvar Town's stone streets. It was the first stop on my 2 week visit to Croatia and a perfect place to get over jet lag and enjoy some of Croatia's consistently sunny summer weather.

Years ago, I too would have crowded the island's famed beach clubs. But as a 40-something with two blissfully childfree weeks on my hands, I had something a bit tamer in mind. Our room at Heraclea Residential Apartments was a short walk away from the town's harbor, where gazillion dollar yachts lined the water's edge, but far enough away to be quiet. Daytimes were for sailing and visits to rocky beaches, and evenings were for dining al fresco in the town's charming alleyways and strolling around the harbor ice cream cone in hand. 

Sunset strolls in Hvar Town

Restaurant reservations were essential throughout our trip. We watched may a disappointed tourist be turned away from restaurants in each city we visited. Our first night we dined at Bunar, which had especially pleasant and helpful service. Like everywhere in Hvar, it was priced at what I'd consider to be American big city prices, so don't go in expecting Central European bargains. After dinner ice cream at the popular L'amor per il gelato came with a long line, and while good, we found other places in town to be just as good with a lower price tag and shorter wait.

We spent our first full day visiting Pokonji dol Beach, a 20 minute walk from Hvar Town. Despite our best efforts to avoid the route that led to a steep final path down to the sea, we still ended up on it. We looked down at the rocky path down to the beach with concerns for our poor ankles, but we managed to navigate it unscathed. It's not for the faint of heart, and I definitely recommend sturdy shoes and not just flip flops. You'll need those anyway because like nearly all Croatian beaches, this one is rocky. 

The top of a very steep rocky path down to Hvar's Pokonji dol Beach

We were able to rent two comfortable chairs and umbrella for 190 kuna and settled in for people watching. I will long remember the motley crew next to us who chowed down on corn on the cob throughout their beach day! No concrete slab or rocky stretch of coast is too inhospitable to the Croatian sun-worshipers, so you will see people set up for the day on every available surface near water.

The rocks don't stop sunbathers at Hvar's Pokonji dol Beach

That afternoon, we enjoyed a wine tasting tour that brought us to Caric Winery and Plancic Winery. The tour of course came with a variety of delicious local wines and local meats and cheeses, but also was a great opportunity to meet some other travelers, and we enjoyed our evening getting to know our Dutch companions. Pharos Opol, a light and bright rose from Plancic was a particular favorite of the day. We had enough to nibble on throughout that we skipped a formal dinner afterwards and instead headed back into Hvar Town for mojitos at one of the many bustling bars.

No beach is too rocky for Croatians. Here they enjoy a sliver of rocky shores in the Pakleni Islands

The following day we headed to the seas with Hvar Adventure Agency for a day of cruising the Pakleni Islands. The sunbaked islands near Hvar are scrubby and rocky but charming, reminding me of Greek Islands near Athens, such as Hydra and Poros. With a warm breeze and free flowing white Croatian wine, the day of sailing was a delight. 

We anchored in quiet coves and swam in the salty Adriatic, which was perfect for floating with very little actual swimming required to stay afloat. Our skipper offered snorkel gear, but we found there wasn't much to see in the waters of Croatia. It was enough to just enjoy cooling off and jumping from the boat. A brief pitstop on Palmižana allowed for a relaxing lunch at Bacchus overlooking another pebbly beach. A perfectly prepared red snapper, a salad, and two drinks ran us around $100 USD. 

That evening, we dined at Dalmatino, where we splurged on Gnocchi Istria, a black gnocchi with truffles and shrimp,  and well prepared steaks, again with Croatian truffles. It was one of the fancier meals of our 2 week stay, but I thought worth the high price tag in terms of both food quality and service.

Hvar's harbor is full of high dollar yachts

The pretty young things in Hvar really are glorious to behold, and there is plenty of over-the-top fashion to keep people watchers busy for hours. After dinner, those not heading off to clubs like Hula Hula have cocktails at waterside bars or simply stroll around. We would end each evening with an ice cream as we sat on a bench taking it all in. We departed on a morning ferry to Korcula on our 3rd morning in Croatia and felt like 3 nights was the perfect amount of time to enjoy this glamorous little slice of Adriatic heaven. 

Want to plan your own trip to Hvar or elsewhere in Croatia? Jayway Travel arranged our entire 2-week trip and made the entire process so easy. They helped us choose and book everything we did including all hotels, tours, restaurant reservations, ferry tickets and private transfers, based on our preferences. More to come on the rest of our trip in future articles, but suffice it to say that if you want to plan a trip to Croatia (or elsewhere in Central or Western Europe), working with Jayway is a life-saver.

Read more about Adventurous Tastes' recommendations for Korcula

I've included an affiliate link in this article. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

10 spectacular Yellowstone and Grand Teton experiences every visitor should have

It seems everyone has gotten the memo that national parks are the place to be this summer. But you know what's even better than sweating it out while jostling with hordes of tourists for that perfect photo? Going when it's less crowded and cooler but just as gorgeous in fall!

We hit Yellowstone last October and it was absolutely glorious. So what are the 10 most spectacular experiences that you simply must have at Yellowstone? Read on after the jump!

Plan an awe-inspiring trip to the stunning Yellowstone National Park

After 6 months largely stuck at home because of COVID19, I needed some space in a big way. So we decided to take advantage of the relative flexibility of digital learning and remote work and head westward for two weeks of work and play. 

We planned this very quickly and with all of the pandemic restrictions in mind, and it turned out absolutely perfect. Glorious scenery, amazing daily hikes, and a great home base for a week of remote working. I cannot recommend Yellowstone and Grand Teton enough. I am not exaggerating to say that in a very difficult time, it was good for the soul to be somewhere filled with so much natural beauty.

Yellowstone National Park in fall

When considering where to stay in the Yellowstone area, your choices are staying in the actual park, West Yellowstone (west of park) or Gardiner (north of the park). Alas, there appears to be no such thing as a nice hotel near Yellowstone, so no matter what you're stuck spending more than you expect for a 2-star kind of hotel experience. Staying on property has a major convenience factor but properties book up way in advance (as much as a year from what I read) and prices are very high for generally pretty mediocre accommodations. West Yellowstone is a more bustling town with more restaurant and hotel options, so we opted for 3 nights there and 2 in Gardiner. The park is huge, so you'll want to move around if you want to avoid super long driving times. 

We opted for the Best Western Dessert Inn on the West Yellowstone side and the Wyndham on the Gardiner side because they were reasonably priced, well located near the park, and most importantly had kitchenettes which let us eat more meals in our room. I'd describe the hotels as good enough. They're not as nice as what I'd book for myself in most cities (there isn't anything as nice as even your local Marriott) but the beds were comfortable and the rooms were clean. Both came with free breakfast, served in a COVID-safe way, which was a nice bonus.

Yellowstone Itinerary

Day 1: Bozeman, drive to West Yellowstone. Stay: Best Western Desert Inn, West Yellowstone, MT

Day 2: Yellowstone National Park, Stay: Best Western Desert Inn, West Yellowstone, MT

Day 3: Yellowstone National Park, Stay: Best Western Desert Inn. West Yellowstone, MT

Day 4: Yellowstone National Park, Stay: Wyndham Gardiner, Gardiner, MT

Day 5: Yellowstone National Park, Stay: Wyndham Gardiner, Gardiner, MT

Day 6: We continued on for another week in Jackson Hole and Grand Teton, and I'll cover that in another post!

Read after the jump for the day-by-day details including recommended hikes!

Planning made easy - FAQs about the spectacular Yellowstone National Park

How many days should I spend in Yellowstone?

3 full days at a minimum but we found more than enough to keep us busy for 4.5 days of park time, and of course if you add on overnight camping that might get even longer.

What should I see in Yellowstone?

There are so many amazing things to see. Check out my full list of suggestions and a recommended 6 day itinerary for what to see in Yellowstone.

How do I get around Yellowstone?

The park is big and we drove for hours each day. But the scenery throughout is gorgeous so you never mind. Worth noting that even non-hike viewing areas often require a mile of walking around flat boardwalks so dress in comfortable shoes regardless of your plans. Parking at the most popular sites, like Old Faithful, can get crowded even in off-season so plan accordingly. 

Where should I stay if I am visiting Yellowstone?

Ideally you'd spend part of your time in the more bustling West Yellowstone (western entrance) and part in Gardiner (northern entrance). This cuts down on travel time. If you have less time, choose whichever side puts you closer to your must-see sites.

What's the best time of year to visit Yellowstone?

Summer is high season but go during the shoulder of late spring or early fall if you want great weather and fewer traffic jams. I loved late September/early October.

Is Yellowstone safe during COVID?

We found it very safe. Bathrooms are clean and stocked with hand sanitizer. We wore our masks when around others and were never in a crowd. I was ultimately more worried about being eaten by a bear than of COVID, so don't forget your bear spray. Animal traffic jams are also a thing so be safe and drive slowly, especially around curves or in the dark.

What airport should I fly into for Yellowstone National Park?

Jackson Hole and Bozeman airports are both close to the park. We found that car rentals were notably cheaper near Bozeman so we chose to use that airport.

Does Yellowstone have internet access?

No, it's a service dead zone so except for a rare moment atop a mountain or near a lodge (and that was never guaranteed), you will have no service at all. Download your map in advance and don't forget to get your Gypsy Guide!

I don't have much time in Yellowstone, what can't I miss?

Depends on the person but for me it was all about photography and animals, so Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, Grand Prismatic Springs, Artist's Point, and Old Faithful (overrated but too famous to miss) are on my must-list. Hit all the highlights with a full or half day tour of the park.

Is it free to visit Yellowstone?

No, a one week pass will set you back $35. If you think you might visit anywhere else this year, I recommend the America the Beautiful Pass instead for $80.

View more about planning the perfect trip to Yellowstone!

10 spectacular Yellowstone and Grand Teton experiences every visitor should have

Plan an awe-inspiring trip to the stunning Yellowstone National Park

I've included affiliate links to recommended tours. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

7 Delicious Foods in Greece You Can't Miss

Stuck at home and in need of a little travel fantasy? I was digging around in my blog archives and realized I started this post but never posted it. So here are my food lover's tips for Greece. Read and dream on!

Calamari

When sailing in Greece, it's all about the seafood. A gorgeous plate of calamari is always in order. I got the beauty above in Spetses, but you'll find it everywhere. There's plenty of octopus available, too, if that's your jam, but I find their combination of chewiness and intellect unappealing. 

Any and All Salads

Salads were universally amazing in Greece. The produce is all local and seasonal and so so fresh. Obviously you can't miss the classic "Greek salad" chock full of the best tomatoes you've ever had and salty feta cheese. But don't stop there. If you see a watermelon and feta salad, get it. Or really any other combination of fresh, local produce. 

I recall by the end of 10 days actually saying, "I'm tired of Greek salads." Now sitting in the dead of winter in a pandemic, I want to kick stupid 4 years ago me. Just give me one taste of a juicy, flavorful tomato, preferably eaten at a gorgeous Greek seaside restaurant. 

Pistachio Anything

Did you know they're really into pistachios on the Greek island of Aegina? Me neither. But they are, and every variation, from cocktails to jam to soft serve was delish.  

Gyros

A visit to Greece isn't complete without a gyro. These were infinitely better than their US mall food court counterparts. I especially loved the glorious one with fries on it. I'm drooling just remembering it.

Greek Yogurt

I was so obsessed with the yogurt in Greece that it merited it's own post. Read my ode to Greek yogurt. Suffice it to say their yogurt is the absolute business and makes our seem like slop. And don't even get me started on the glorious toppings on offer!

Loukimades 

Loukimades are Greek Donuts. Drizzled in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon -- simply put, they are the bomb.  I got mine hot and fresh at Lukumades in Athens. Do not miss them!

Figs

Remember how I mentioned their produce? Their figs were sent straight from heaven, and I could weep just remembering how delectable this was.

Because quarantine life and winter are both quite lame, everyone could use a little visual break from the monotony, so I've include a few more of my favorite pictures from our wonderful days in the Greek islands. If you have the chance to visit the islands closest to Athens, including Hyrdra, Spetses, or Piraeus one day, I highly recommend it! 

No need to find all of these items on your own. Take a food tour to sate your Greek hunger with a local expert! 

I've included affiliate links to recommended tours. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

No time for a trip to Greece but want to indulge in some daydreaming? Here are a few more favorite pics from our trip!

I've included affiliate links to recommended tours. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.