Travel Archives - Alex W Photography

Scandinavian Vacation in Copenhagen and Stockholm

Earlier this year my girlfriend Lindsey and myself flew out to Europe to enjoy a little Scandinavian vacation. We have a tradition that every year on our birthday we fly one another to a destination of our choice, so this year Linds and I decided to fly to Denmark and Sweden. Since we would be leaving in January we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to indulge in some wintertime fun and take in the sights. We decided to spend a week in each city, starting with Copenhagen and ending our trip in Stockholm.

We got into Stockholm late in the evening. Most of the city was already asleep, so we decided to check into our hotel and go grab a bite to eat before resting up for tomorrow’s adventures. We booked our accommodations at Hotel Danmark, a modern boutique hotel located in the city center. After dropping off our bags in the room we headed down the street for a late night bite. We stumbled upon an authentic Danish restaurant that we thought would be perfect to hit the spot and would be a perfect welcome to the country.

Before the trip we saved all of our highest points of interest so that when we arrived we could start out on a good foot and start knocking locations off of our list right away. In the morning we had some breakfast downstairs in the hotel (which was delicious!) and then headed out for the day’s excursions. During our seven days in Copenhagen we visited a variety of beautiful hotels, exquisite restaurants and pastry shops, and toured opulent castles. We walked the narrow, stone cobblestone streets of the city and marveled in the country’s vast history. One of the days we headed to Nyhavn, one of the most popular little parts of Copenhagen. Everyone knows this area for the colorful buildings overlooking the water. From there we took a (very cold) boat tour around the city.

Our second stop on our trip was to the city of Stockholm. One of my good friends from college and previous brides Ellie lives just outside of the city and picked Lindsey and I up from the airport. We headed out to visit one of the country’s castles- Drottningholm. Including Copenhagen, this was our first trip that we ever stepped foot inside of a castle. The words extravagant and palatial don’t even begin to describe what these places look like. After our tour we headed to a nearby restaurant for some tasty Swedish waffles. Later that day we headed into downtown Stockholm where our hotel was- Hotel Drottning Kristina. This base of operations for us was just a stones-throw away from endless restaurants, amazing shopping, and right off the water.

Over the next few days we visited enormous churches, toured design museums, shopped like it was going out of style, and indulged in the best Swedish meatballs I’ve had. We even stopped off at an outdoor zoo which was snow-covered at the time and beautiful to see! We ended our trip with full hearts (and stomachs) and brought back with us some once-in-a-lifetime memories. If you ever have a chance to do a Scandinavian vacation of your own I highly recommend doing so!

Scandinavian vacation

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Scandinavian Vacation

copenhagen

European Vacation in Italy

Last Summer, we flew to Italy to photograph a wedding in Tuscany. Since we had already made the trip, we extended our stay to enjoy a European vacation in Italy. We landed at Fiumicino Airport in Rome in the early hours of the morning, hopped in our rental car, and headed out to Firenze. The first three days of our trip were spent exploring this spectacular city. While walking down the narrow streets and along the Arno, we feasted on spaghetti, gelato, and lots of tasty Italian beers.

In Italy, Florence specifically, is known for its leather goods. While walking the city streets one will see endless vendors selling everything from jackets and belts to shoes and backpacks. Other local artisans can be found throughout the city. Painters recreating local scenes are a sight to behold and their talent is just incredible.

San Gimignano and Siena

Following our stay in Florence, we headed South to Tuscany where our second stay awaited us- Borgo San Luigi. Nestled deep in the Tuscan countryside, this stunning resort was home for us for two nights. The staff took the absolute best care of us and we recommend to anyone who is planning a European vacation in Italy.

Breakfast consisted of an omelette bar with farm fresh eggs, a veggie and fruit juice bar, and daily-made pastries that knocked our socks off. Two major towns were located just a short drive away from where we were staying- San Gimignano and Siena. San Gimigano was at the top of our list of places to visit during our trip. This 800-year-old walled medieval town sits atop a hills and boasts 360 degree Tuscan views.

Nicknamed the medieval Manhattan, San Gimignano is known for its towers that are spread throughout the town. With classic architecture, absolutely incredible food, and unparalled views, we could have wandered around forever.

The next stop on our trip was the town of Siena. Most famous for their food, narrow streets, and the famous bi-annual Palio, this town is just overflowing with things to do. It just so happened that our visit would coincide with the famous Palio. This event, dating back to the 1600’s is the most important event that takes place in Siena. Ten riders, each representing a different city ward, ride horses bareback in the city center for three laps.

It is absolutely something one must experience in their lifetime.

Rome

Ah, Rome. Where do we even begin with this spectacular city. Filled with a seemingly endless list of landmarks to visit, we only just scratched the surface of this magical place. Only having a day here to explore before our flight home, we saw as much as we possibly could in 24 hours. The great coliseum was at the top of the list, followed by the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Altar of the Fatherland.

Needless to say, all of the walking and exploring certainly gave us quite the appetite. Fortunately, we just so happened to be surrounded by some of the most excellent restaurants in the world. For ten days straight we were in pasta, pizza, and truffle heaven!

On the morning that we were set to head home, I woke up before sunrise to capture the sleeping city, before the streets were overrun with people. There’s just something about that warm light from sunrise and a quiet city that’s just magical.

Borgo Santo Pietro

One venue in particular that was a must during the trip was Borgo Santo Pietro. This five star estate is truly a dream come true. They havean infinity pool, suites fit for royalty, lush gardens, and a spa that I could die happy in. We spent the first few hours of hour visit exploring the seemingly endless grounds. They have an organic farm that is absolutely mind blowing- not to mention their vineyard and culinary gardens. This property is truly like something out of a fairy tale.

We stopped into their restaurant, Trattoria Sull’Albero which hands down serves the best prosciutto pizza I’ve ever eaten. After a mild food coma, we continued our tour inside the property’s 13th century villa.

Amalfi Coast

One of our last stops on our trip was to visit the infamous Amalfi Coast. We stayed in Serrano, ja quaint little town just a short drive from the town of Positano. No one told us that parking a car in Positano is a hopeful wish. We left our rental at the top of the hill upon arriving and made our way down via a series of steep, narrow steps. After about a mile of descending, we finally made it.

The narrow streets were fulls of tourists and vendors who were selling their goods. The buildings in the town are almost overlapping one another, similar to Santorini. This place really exudes relation to whoever visits. Being there makes you want just kick back with an aperol spritz on your hand and your feet up. We (slowly) headed back up to the car after a relaxing lunch to visit our next destination: Villa Cimbrone in Ravello.

Villa Cimbrone

I knew before even leaving for Italy that we absolutely had to visit this iconic hotel. Villa Cimbrone is perched atop the Amalfi Coastline overlooking the Mediterranean and has been around since the 11th century. This venue contains the iconic Terrazzo dell’lnfinito (perfect for cocktail hour) and an ancient crpyt that hosts the most beautiful wedding reception you’ve ever seen.

We had the most wonderful time visiting this beautiful country and we can’t wait to return for our next adventure!

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European vacation in Italy

Must-See Places to Visit in France

Just before COVID-19 took the world by storm, Lindsey and I took a Wintertime trip to France. We had been dying to visit for years and decided it was finally time to take the plunge. We made a list of must-see places to visit in France and spent ten days traveling around the country. My Rolleiflex came everywhere we went so I could document all of our experiences along the way. I even made it a point to wake up every day before sunrise. This allowed me the opportunity to enjoy the stillness of the morning and wander the streets before the hustle and bustle began.

We began our trip in Paris, where we spent six days exploring the city. Following Paris, we rented a car and took a day trip North to Normandy to visit Mont Saint Michel. The last three days of our stay were spent in the stunning countryside of Chambord.

Paris

Reading about Paris and seeing it in movies doesn’t come close to experiencing the real thing. This city is something that must be experienced by all of one’s senses. Walking by the cafes and brasseries, smelling fresh coffee and cheeses with bread stimulated all of our olfactory senses.

Ritz Paris

The Ritz Paris is one of the most iconic and beautiful hotels in all of Paris. This venue is known for hosting celebrities and providing 5 star service. Renowned for its opulent design, it’s worth a visit even just for lunch or a cappucino in one of their salons.

Notre Dame

The Notre Dame is currently undergoing a rebuild since the unfortunate fire they experienced a few years back. Nevertheless, this historic cathedral is still worth visiting and learning about it’s centuries old history.

The Eiffel Tower

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Paris is the Eiffel Tower. This historic monument is without question a staple of France and shouldn’t be missed during your visit. There are even restaurants inside the tower you can enjoy a meal or cocktail along with a spectacular view. Just be sure to make a reservation in advance because they book out far in advance!

We recommend visiting early in the morning to get great photos of the tower without hoards of tourists obstructing your view. Because the tower can be seen from various locations around the city there are seemingly endless viewpoints it can be photographed from. We recommend scouting out your locations in advance if time permits. It’s also highly recommended to visit the tower at night at the top of the hour to view the spectacular light show.

Jardin des Tuileries

We stayed at Hotel Brighton just across the street from the Jardin De Tuileries. This beautiful and expansive garden is filled with beautiful views of the Louvre and the south side of the river Sienne. We walked through the garden daily on our way to and from our hotel just getting lost in the endless rows of trees and historic sculptures.

The Louvre

The Louvre was at the top of our list of places to visit in Paris. This historic museum filled with priceless art from around the world is an absolute must when visiting the city. I recommend arriving early in the morning to walk and explore the open courtyard as well as snag one of the first spots in line.

Luxembourg Gardens

The Luxembourg Gardens are truly a sight to behold. Every flower and plant there is immaculately cared for alongside the palace itself. It dates back to 1620 and is a wonderful place to stop by for a picnic and enjoy some wine and cheese on the lawn.

Montmartre

If you’ve seen the movie Moulin Rouge then you’ve definitely heard of Montmartre. This hilltop neighborhood used to be the hangout for Paris’ Bohemian crowd and is now a destination hotspot. It’s filled with trendy cafes, the Sacre Coeur, colorful ivy-covered houses, and cobblestone streets. Definitely make sure to stop by this fun little town and grab a bite and cocktail while you’re there.

Musee Rodin

Paris is bubbling with a seemingly endless list of historic museums. We weren’t able to visit them all but we did spend an afternoon at the iconic Rodin Museum. It is located in the 7th Arrondissement and was by far one of the highlights of Paris. The gardens are filled with authentic sculptures including the infamous “Thinker”. Spend an afternoon wandering the gardens and then head inside for an in-depth tour of Auguste Rodin’s works.

Maison Sauvage

Maison Sauvage is a beautiful little restaurant located in the 6th Arrondismont. We stopped off there one day for lunch and are so happy we did. I enjoyed one of the best burgers during my trip to France along with their signature “Pornstar Martini”. We knew as soon as the drink was suggested to us that we had to order the cocktail. It was served in a chilled martini glass with vanilla vodka and topped with passionfruit alongside a shot of champagne. Trés magnifique! The restaurant even has a quaint little second floor that you can dine and overlook the street.

Monet’s Garden

There is a quaint little town located near Normandy called Giverny. Pronounced “G-ver-knee”. This town is special because it hosts Claude Monet’s home, gardens, and water garden. The beauty of this property is immediately apparent after stepping foot on the grounds. Every flower, tree, and plant is perfectly maintained. It’s no wonder Monet created work as beautiful as he did while being surrounded by such beauty. We were fortunate enough to visit during Fall when the leaves were turning to brilliant shades of yellow and orange.

Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint Michel is a tidal island and historic abbey in Normandy. It’s about a two-hour drive from Paris but the trip is well worth it. You might or might not catch the island surrounded by water since the tide is always changing. If you do luck-out and get there during high tide you can take a long walk around the island for some truly unique photo perspectives. It boasts gothic architecture and has a quaint little town nestled inside that you can actually stay in if you choose.

Chateau De Chambord

Chateau De Chambord is another absolutely stunning destination located just two hours south of Paris. It’s one of the most recognizable chateaus in the world and for good reason. In addition to it being absolutely massive, it has very distinct French Renaissance architecture. We toured the property in a golf cart we rented because we knew walking would take us hours. Not to mention our feet were already so tired from the six prior days of walking around Paris. It was affordable and well worth it. We would just pull over whenever we wanted to stop and take in the view or capture photos.

We chose to stay in the hotel just next door- the Relais de Chambord. This modern hotel was overflowing with amenities including a sauna, jacuzzi, spacious rooms, white-linen dining, and tennis courts.

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Springtime Vacation Around the Island of Iceland

This post is long overdue but better late than never! It’s thrilling to share this Springtime vacation around the island of Iceland. This trip was taken two years ago and thinking back to our adventure, it feels like just yesterday. We spent 10 incredible days driving over 1,200 miles around the island.

Never before in my life has visiting an unknown land felt so otherworldly. From the steaming natural thermal spas to the beaches filled with car-sized pieces of ice, Iceland is like no other. It’s mind-blowing to experience just how many unique features the island has to offer. We must have seen at least 50 waterfalls and hundreds of Icelandic ponies in the first day alone of our drive

The first few days were spent in the South where we visited Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and the Skógafoss waterfall. Let me just say right now that I could happily have my last days on Earth at Diamond Beach and Glacier Lagoon. Beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe the breathtaking sights at the two locations. Conveniently located just right across the road from one another, these two locations literally took my breath away. Glacier Lagoon is not just stunning to see but it’s so eerily quiet and peaceful, it would be a spectacular place to meditate, camp, or even have an elopement. As the glacier ice breaks apart and eventually melts, it makes its way across the lagoon and eventually onto Diamond Beach. There, among the black sand stands huge chunks of ice that’s as clear as glass.

The next morning, we continued our journey along the south until we arrived at our next destination- Black Sand Beach. This location is truly a sight to behold. While strolling along the beach you’ll hear the sound of pounding surf and admire the giant caves and geometric basalt columns that line the sand. Many people have been pulled out to sea by the force of the rip currents. Everyone was made well aware of the signs they passed to not suffer from the same fate and be careful.

During the loop around the island, we stayed in a different home every night. This was a fantastic opportunity to connect with the locals and learn about Iceland. One of the homes was located on an active farm which hosted sheep, horses, and the friendliest husky.

90% of the meals that were eaten were cooked and prepared ourselves. Before leaving Reykjavik we made a stop at the local grocery store and stocked up on produce, fresh fish, and local spices. I made the silly mistake of asking the staff if the sold coolers in the store. With befuddled looks on their faces, they replied, “This is Ice-land. No coolers needed.” So from that moment on, all of the food was packed in grocery bags and topped with snow. One night, in particular, there was no access to a fridge so the food was left outside to chill.

The East and North points of the island were still very much suffering from winter. Besides for epic amounts of snow, there wasn’t too much to stay around to see. The last leg of the trip, however, was definitely a favorite. If you’ve never seen a geothermal vent before, it’s quite a sight to behold. Just outside of the small town of Myvatn is a location called Hverir. Here, one is welcomed with the smell of rotten eggs thanks to the endless amount of sulfur being pumped out. The geothermal vents are incredibly loud and quite scary, to be honest. Steam is constantly shooting hundreds of feet outwards from the vents protruding out of the Earth.

The last stop, and what I would consider being the highlight of the trip was our visit to the Blue Lagoon. This geothermal spa had been on our bucket list for quite some time and it sure did live up to its reputation. The lagoon opens at 8am every morning and we were sure to be the first ones in the water. Without anyone else around us, we captured some truly incredible images! Most people only visit for a couple of hours but we made an entire day out of the experience. It was truly a memory we will never forget and we hope to return again soon!

If you’re considering making a trip out to this incredible country, do it. You won’t regret it.