Bruges and Ghent, Belgium, were unplanned stops due to strikes in France that we chose to avoid rather than tackle. The moody romance of the architecture, canal beauty, abundance of beer and copious chocolate had Bruges quickly become our favourite city of all.

Germany is a country to return to over and over, and each time we continue to find gorgeous towns and friendly people. Each of the 9 Christmas market towns visited during a December trip, was unique and different from the last with Leipzig and Dresden being stand outs.

Italy will always be a country of immeasurable interest, hence Italy being the starting point of our epic 6-year journey. From its 2000-year-old architecture and tourist saturated beaches to the beauty and tranquility (possibly aided by copious chianti) of Tuscany. And Venice, we expected Venice to be overrated but still a must do. Venice is a city that will leave you breathless and I don't just mean the incredible beauty and wonderment of this fantastic place, I also refer to the prices and apathetic attitude of the retailers. But put that aside and Venice is absolutely worth a 3-day visit. Our love for Italy is the reason it is the first major stop on our epic journey. We are excited to share both old and new experiences as we immerse in, and crisscross, this gorgeous country. Un caffe con latte, per me e una birra per lui, per favore.

One of our top 5 countries to retire to would be Portugal! Porto to be precise. Sintra, Lagos, the Algarve region and its stunning pottery, there is so much to see and appreciate in Portugal. Don't forget to try the port.

Belgium

Germany

Italy

Luxembourg

Lithuania

Portugal

UNESCO Sites visited: Belgium; Bruges, Flemish Béguinages, Belfries of Belgium. Germany; Trier, Aachen Cathedral, Cologne, Regensburg, Bamberg, Garden of Dessau-Worlitz, Palace of Potsdam, Berlin Housing Estates and Museum Island. Luxembourg City. Lithuania; Kernave Archeological Site, Vilnius Historical Centre. Italy; Venice, Florence, Medici Villa, Pisa, San Gimignano, Siena, Val d'Or Cia, Pienza, Rome, Villa Adriana, Villa D'este, Palace Caserta, Naples, Pompei/Herculaneum and Amalfi Coast. Portugal; Porto, Guimaraes, Sintra, Monasteries of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belem and Evora.