A myriad of islands dot the lagoon, a convenient day trip from Venice, the most idyllic of these is arguably Burano. A fisherman’s island village on the lagoon known for the tradition started long ago that each family would paint their home a different color so as to differentiate theirs from the rows of adjoining houses. The effect transforms this little island into a rainbow so whimsical it feels like something out of a dream.

Malta, a tiny island country with its riveting legends and history, complete with its extraordinary mixture of world influences; is an enigmatic and endearing place. It doesn’t take long to see why Odysseus struggled to find the will to sail away from its rocky shores.

Dubrovnik is one of those “all in one” destinations where culture, history and pure recreation exist a short walk from one another. A walled medieval city, rising from a rocky promontory above the sparkling waves of the Adriatic, it’s no mystery why Dubrovnik is the filming location for so many cinematic scenes. 

On an island off the coast of Portugal a stone fort juts sharply above the aquamarine waters of a hidden cove. A thin walkway links the fort to an island, spanning a harrowing drop over the waves below. This secret hideaway is Grand Berlenga Island, a 20 minute boat excursion from the bustling surf mecca of Peniche.

Anatolia is a destination unlike any other. In Cappadocia volcanic rock forms were long ago adapted into cave homes by Anatolia’s ancient inhabitants. The strange tower like rock formations, turned habitation, are so enchanting that they have been dubbed “fairy chimneys”.

The gulf of Orosei in Sardinia is one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in the world. Sailing up the coast, each breathtaking vista is replaced by another. Dramatic cliffs and rock formations drop precipitously to the azure sea where yachts and speedboats dot the turquoise waters, exploring Orosei’s world famous beaches and sea caves.

Amsterdam is a city with a rich and unique history, earning well its place among the capitols of Europe.

Sardinia is full of surprises, from stunning aqua coastline, pristine beaches and dramatic sea caves to medieval castles, and mysterious ruins left by an ancient people. Sardinia is one Italy’s favorite summer playgrounds.

Soller and it’s sister Port de Soller are one of those “best kept secrets” of summer sun seekers in Europe and are among our top most idyllic beach destinations and island getaways.

The exquisite medieval coastal town of Alghero is bursting with charm and local culture. It was once a Catalan speaking city and still retains its uniqueness to the rest of the island. Shops and eateries are abundant in the old town and strings of lights keep its narrow thoroughfares warm and friendly. It was here that I landed in Sardinia.

We got lost in Costa Brava, It was late summer and I was shooting for a lingerie designer in Barcelona. We were done in studio and scouting for a natural location. I wanted ruins, coves and rocky coastline and it was our local model who told us about this place a bit off the map…

Venice appeared to float on the lagoon, the water gleaming like a mirage as the sun began to dip in the sky. Charming outdoor markets, romantically arched bridges and countless gelato purveyors marked our way. We wound through a maze of streets shortly arriving at our Bed & Breakfast.

Townhouse Tessa is the perfect home base while exploring Salzburg.

In Venice the streets near the most typical sights are packed in summer. We preferred exploring corners of the city that were a little more tucked away and we found ourselves venturing under a church into a dark, cavern-like crypt that looked like something out of an Indian Jones film.

Our stay in Venice was made memorable by the endearing company of good friends who kept us laughing, showed us the city from a local perspective and in every way made us feel truly at home. Our last evening in the city was no exception. Conversation and laughter took the place of sleep that night and it was just before dawn when a friend personally ferried us through dark and eerily quiet canals, then out into the lagoon to the airport to catch an early flight.

As sunset met twilight in Paris, we were aloft, the Notre Dame rising from behind the glowing square and infamous glass pyramids of the Louvre. La Tour Eiffel glimmering across the Seine, while opposite, the Sacre Coeur atop Montmartre adorned itself in the last of the evening’s rays. We soaked in the incredible vista as the glow of the city’s lights appeared one by one.

The magnificent Palace of Versailles is one of Paris' crowning jewels. This iconic monument to opulence is a mere 45 minutes by train from the heart of Paris but when you arrive, you enter another world. A brief history of Versailles and what to know before you go...