This morning at breakfast many families were excitedly talking about their sightseeing plans in Milan, but for us, sadly it was time to head home. Thinking back on our holiday, there have been so many wonderful highlights at every destination. I’d like to share my favorite ones below.

Walking in the footsteps of history on Hadrian’s Wall where we could see the wide expanse of the Northumberland countryside the ancient Romans saw long ago.

Visiting The World of James Herriot in the Yorkshire town of Thirsk and seeing how the area where the stories took place including the Yorkshire Moors are exactly how I imagined it to be all these years.

Seeing magnificent dinosaur skeletons at the Museum of Natural History, beautiful artwork at the National Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museums, and viewing ancient artifacts at the British Museum.

Hearing the cicadas sing as we looked down into the valley from the hilltop towns of the Dordogne region of France.

Touring the replica cave of Lascaux as well as Grotte du Peche Merle where we saw cave paintings including hand prints and footprints  from 25,000 years ago.

Sailing down the river in Lyon on a warm summer’s evening to see the Notre Dame Basilica fully illuminated high on the hill above the city.

Strolling through the cobblestone streets of Bellagio watching ferries arrive to the call of the captain, “Bellagio, Bellagio!”

Standing in awe of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper.

It has been a memorable holiday. I hope you have enjoyed following our journey with us.