Chasing sunsets and train schedules

Two girls, two backpacks, one summer

Yaz (@thetraveladdict) and I set off around Europe with no big plan - just our Interrail passes, a rough route, and the hope we’d have a good time. We ended up with late check-ins, cheap wine, a lot of pasta, and the kind of friendship that holds up under hostel bunk beds and heatwaves.

Highlights along the route

Paris: Explore iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum. Climb up to Sacré-Cœur for the best view of Paris and explore the artsy streets filled with history.
Madrid: Explore the heart of Madrid, Puerta del Sol & Plaza Mayor, where you'll find a blend of history, shopping, and vibrant street life. Walk through the grand halls of Spain’s Royal Palace
Porto: Take a guided tour to taste some of the best port wine and visit the famous wine cellars
Lisbon: Ride the historic tram 28 through Alfama district
Seville: Admire the Alcázar Palace and Plaza de España and don’t miss a traditional flamenco show
Valencia: Discover the futuristic architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences
Nice: Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and relax on pebbly beaches and hike up to the castle ruins for panoramic views of Nice and the surrounding coastline
Milan: See Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' and shop in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Lake Como: Take a boat tour to picturesque towns like Bellagio
Florence: You can’t visit Florence without seeing the iconic Duomo Walk across this medieval bridge lined with jewellery shops and enjoy views of the Arno River, and walking up to Piazza Michelangelo for one of the best views
Pompeii: Explore the ancient ruins preserved by volcanic ash
Amalfi Coast: Drive along the scenic coastal road and visit towns like Positano and Ravello
Puglia: Experience the unique trulli houses in Alberobello and the baroque architecture of Lecce

Brussels, Belgium

We didn’t plan much - just knew we were starting in Brussels because the train tickets and with our way one way ticket there was no turning back now/ On day one, we made our own little walking tour of the city, Googled the main sights, and set off with no real agenda. Walked through the Grand Palace, the gardens and A lot of waffles and fries later, we ended the day at Dellium - probably my favourite bar to date.

Paris, France We had two full days in Paris and made the most of them. The first was all about the tourist spots — walked up the Arc de Triomphe (brutal in the heat), strolled down the Champs-Élysées, then had a picnic opposite the Eiffel Tower with a baguette, some cheese, and the cheapest bottle of wine we could find. Day two was more our speed. We explored the Gothic Quarter — easily our favourite part of the city. It felt less polished, more lived-in, and full of those narrow, slightly scruffy streets you don’t want to leave. We stayed at St Christopher’s Inn, right above the sports bar. It was loud but had a good vibe — we did a hostel pub crawl one night, met a load of fun people, and somehow ended up singing karaoke with Australians we never saw again.