Katie, Principal Designer and Owner of Atelier Interior Design, is turning the big five-o in September, and what better way to celebrate a milestone birthday than with an unforgettable family adventure across the Mediterranean? Earlier this summer, Katie, along with her family, embarked on a two-week journey that was nothing short of magical. For a gal rooted in Color, Pattern, Culture, the trip couldn’t have been more fitting. Keep scrolling for a sneak peek into the whirlwind of experiences they had!

First Stop: Dubrovnik – Where History Meets the Sea

The adventure kicked off in the enchanting city of Dubrovnik, Croatia. With its 16th-century architecture, this charming city felt like stepping into a history book. For three nights, the family stayed just two miles outside of the town at the Hotel Kompas, nestled near the beach. The views were nothing short of spectacular, and the seaside bars and restaurants added a touch of fun to the historical vibe. Walking through the old town almost felt like time traveling.

Setting Sail on the Azzurra Yacht

After soaking in the beauty of Dubrovnik, the real adventure began. The family boarded the Emerald Cruise’s Azzurra Yacht – an absolute dream vessel accommodating just 90 guests plus an incredible crew. The yacht was the epitome of luxury, with stunning interiors, impeccable service, and food that was divine. For eight days, they cruised through the Adriatic Sea, hopping from one picturesque port to the next.

Exploring Kotor, Montenegro – A Hiker's Paradise

The first stop on the cruise was Kotor, Montenegro. Arriving in Kotor was spectacular, with the dramatic scenery setting the stage for what was to come. The family hiked up to the Kotor Fortress, a challenging but rewarding climb, offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic. After the hike, they explored the charming town, immersing themselves in its rich history and stunning architecture.

Discovering Ancient Wonders in Sarandë, Albania

Next up was Sarandë, Albania, where the family toured Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient city, dating back to the 8th and 10th centuries, was a treasure trove of history. They marveled at the 1,200-year-old tiled floors and intricate details, all while learning about the fascinating history of the site. It was a day filled with awe and wonder as they stepped back in time to explore this ancient marvel.

Island Adventures in Corfu, Greece

The journey continued to Corfu, Greece, where the family toured the island on 4x4s. The beautiful countryside, with its rolling hills and vibrant landscapes, was truly a sight to see. Driving stick shift again brought back fun memories for Katie, and the freedom of the open road added an extra thrill. The views from every corner of Corfu were breathtaking, making it a day to remember — just like the rest of the trip.

Falling in Love with Parga, Greece

Parga, Greece, was a gem that Katie and family absolutely fell in love with. This quaint little town, though touristy, had a charm that was irresistible. They toured the old castle perched on a hill, soaked up the sun on a long white sand beach, and indulged in delicious Greek cuisine at the local restaurants. The fresh, flavorful food in Greece was a major highlight.

Geological Wonders in Fiskardo, Cephalonia Island

In Fiskardo on Cephalonia Island, the family explored the fascinating stalagmite and stalactite caves that were discovered 300 years ago after an earthquake. The geological formations were mesmerizing, and the swirling rocks in the turquoise blue Mediterranean Sea added a touch of magic to the experience. After the tour, they explored a charming marine village and enjoyed the best gyro sandwich of their lives. Making time for shopping was a must and Katie found the most amazing dress at a charming store called Almyra.

Relaxing in Itea, Greece

The cruise also brought the family to Itea, Greece, a simple, laid-back town where they spent the day relaxing on the beach. A lovely church with gorgeous ceiling details caught their eye, adding a touch of culture to the day of leisure. It was the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the serenity that the Mediterranean offers.

Navigating the Historic Strait of Corinth

One of the most unforgettable moments of the trip was navigating through the Strait of Corinth, a canal over 3,000 years old. With just six feet of clearance on each side of the yacht, the journey was thrilling and awe-inspiring. The fact that they passed through this ancient marvel at night made it even more special, with the lights reflecting off the water and adding a touch of magic to the experience.

Final Destination: Athens – A Blend of History and Modernity

The final stop was in Athens, where the family spent three nights at the Electra Metropolis Hotel, right on the outskirts of the Plaka neighborhood at the base of the Acropolis. The view of the Acropolis from their hotel was breathtaking, and the food was equally amazing. The highlight of their stay was a private cooking class with Mama’s Roots, where they prepared a vegetarian feast with six different dishes. The kids declared it a trip highlight – a win for sure!

Athens offered a blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. They explored the flea markets (where Katie snagged the traditional slippers pictured below), museums, and, of course, the iconic Acropolis. The National Archaeological Museum and the National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens were also on the itinerary, with a fabulous feminist exhibit leaving a lasting impression. Though they didn’t make it to the beach this time, it’s definitely on the list for their next visit!

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Katie’s 50th birthday trip was everything she could have dreamed of and more. From ancient wonders to stunning landscapes, and from mouthwatering meals to unforgettable family moments, it was a journey that will be cherished forever. The Mediterranean, with its rich history, beautiful sights, and delicious food, left a lasting impression on the family, and there’s no doubt they’ll be back to explore more of Croatia and Greece in the future.

Oh, and a fun little side note – the family just got a cat six months ago and were delighted to find that the towns they visited were teeming with adorable cats! Unlike Colorado, where dogs reign supreme, these Mediterranean towns were cat crazy – originally brought in to deal with rats, the cats have become beloved features of the towns. It was an unexpected but delightful surprise!

Cheers to Katie’s fabulous 50th and the many more adventures to come!