A European Adventure to Remember
For Janice Wheat and John Brittain, their recent travels took them through some of the most stunning parts of Italy, Switzerland, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece. What started as a trip for a dear friend’s daughter’s wedding in Italy turned into a once-in-a-lifetime journey filled with breathtaking sights, incredible experiences, and cherished moments with friends and neighbors from Sugar Mill Pond.
Exploring Italy: The Beginning of an Unforgettable Journey
Their adventure began in northern Italy, where they rented a car and explored with a friend from Rome as their tour guide. They attended a beautiful wedding in Castel Gandolfo, a charming town just outside of Rome. From there, they visited iconic landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Vatican City, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum. A major highlight was attending mass with Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica, an unplanned but deeply moving experience where five saints were canonized.
From Rome, their journey continued with a train ride from Milan to Venice, where they soaked in the beauty of the Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace, and San Marco Cathedral, and of course, enjoyed a classic gondola ride through the canals. They also made a stop in Pisa, marveling at the famous Leaning Tower before embarking on the next phase of their adventure.
A Dreamy Cruise Through the Adriatic and Mediterranean
After their road trip through Italy, Janice and John set sail on a nine-day Norwegian cruise, coordinated by Two Travel Gurus, from Trieste, Italy. Along the way, they met up with fellow SMP neighbors and friends for an unforgettable voyage.
Their stops included Slovenia, where they took a scenic bike tour, and Dubrovnik, Croatia, where they walked the historic city walls. In Greece, they took a boat tour around Corfu, while in Sicily, they indulged in a wine tour in Messina. One of the most awe-inspiring experiences was touring the ancient ruins of Pompeii, where history came to life before their eyes.
Favorite Moments and Travel Tips
Two experiences stood out as absolute highlights:
- Mass with Pope Francis – A completely unplanned yet unforgettable experience that felt like a true blessing.
- Bellagio on Lake Como – A picturesque destination with breathtaking views, charming streets, and easy access to its sister towns by water taxi.
For those considering a trip to these destinations, Janice and John highly recommend:
- Renting a car to explore the countryside
- Taking the train for easy access between major cities
- Indulging in local delights like fresh pasta, pastries, gelato, wine, cappuccinos, and Aperol Spritz!
The Trip of a Lifetime
What made this journey even more special was the company. Janice and John shared their adventure with fellow SMP residents Joy DeCourt, Ricky Landry, Donna Trahan, Rachel Cunningham, and Tammy & Chad Ronsonet, along with many other dear friends. Whether exploring ancient ruins, savoring fine wine, or cruising along the coast, every moment was filled with laughter, exploration, and memories to last a lifetime.
Their verdict? This was truly a “trip of a lifetime,” one they will cherish forever. If you see them around the neighborhood, be sure to ask them about their incredible European adventure!