MOM'S LITTLE BLACK BOOK | A European Travel Adventure

Epic European Escapade

As the mom behind #MomsLittleBlackBook for Glancer Magazine, I’ve logged many magical memories—but this summer - it was epic! My daughters and I packed our bags and passports for a whirlwind Euro adventure and #GlancerGoesGlobal came to life in full color.

It all began in Paris, where we touched down and hopped aboard a train straight to the heart of Paris. After freshening up, we jumped into a vintage sidecar motorcycle for a bucket-list Txango Tour past Versaille, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc du Triomphe, Panthéon, and Champs-Élysées.

That night, we sipped champagne on a private Seine River cruise, with Visite Paris En Bateau. Perfection is an understatement as Captain Artur stationed us front and center when the Eiffel Tower magically twinkled at 11 p.m.

The next day, croissants in hand, we flew to Venice. That evening, a moonlit stroll took us past Doge’s Palace and the Grand Canal. The next day? Pure magic. We took a leisurely boat ride to a Murano Island glass blowing factory and handmade our very own glass flowers in a once in a lifetime workshop. We later drifted through the canals in a gondola ride straight out of a storybook, complete with the most wonderful musicians, and a personal serenade that echoed between the historic walls of the Venetian buildings, courtesy of local operator Italy on a Budget Tours.

From Venice, we relaxed on an express train to Milan where we curated unique charm bracelets, hand-picking each special pendant at Vigano 1919; then stood in amazement in front of the Milan Cathedral; and window-shopped in the glam Quadrilatero della Moda passing Chanel, Prada, Giorgio Armani, and the like. The next morning we joined a hands-on pasta and tiramisu cooking class in the Italian Village with Pasta Pietro, and delighted in the mile long dough creations and delicious outcome!

Our final stop was Turin. We picked up a rental car and made our way to Cocconato—a postcard-perfect Italian hillside village that felt like stepping into a painting. The cozy countryside, the winding roads, the vineyards— the family - yes, we visited the Bava Winery - my cousins, and everything my daughters needed to feel awake with wanderlust, as we tasted and toured our heritage.

In just one short week, we danced between languages, ate our weight in pasta, and made memories that none of us will ever forget. We toasted 20+ years of motherhood and sisterhood with Aperol Spritzes in hand and hearts full of gratitude.

Europe…. you dazzled us!

ABOUT THE WRITER

Kristen Kucharski’s days are never dull, her kids are never bored! Over the years #MomsLittleBlackBook has explored hundreds of kid friendly things to do in our surrounding community and on the road. As her girls have grown and gone away to college, she continues to enjoy unique activities, excursions, day trips, weekend get-a-aways, and road trips while rediscovering my own passion for adventure with friends, girls nights outs, and date nights. In her words: “Life is a journey–might as well have fun along the way. Go, fly, roam, travel, voyage, explore, discover!”