Meet Catherine
I’ve always believed that the best trips aren’t about seeing everything. They’re about experiencing a place in a way that feels natural, enjoyable, and memorable.
After spending over two years living in Europe, I developed a deep appreciation for a different pace of travel: one that prioritizes long meals, walkable neighborhoods, and discovering places just slightly off the main path.
What started as planning my own trips (and helping family and friends do the same) quickly became something more. I found that many people wanted a beautifully planned trip, but without the overwhelm of researching every detail.
That’s how Europe with Catherine began.
Today, I design thoughtful, personalized itineraries that help you experience Europe with ease, confidence, and a sense of discovery.
Need some trip-spiration? Check out some places I love to visit below!
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Living in London, I’ve come to appreciate the UK as a place best experienced at a relaxed pace, balancing iconic sights with quieter, more local moments.
While highlights in London like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London are well worth visiting, I often recommend exploring lesser-known spots like Little Venice, the charm of Primrose Hill, or the village-like feel of Richmond.
Beyond the city, places like the Cotswolds, Oxford, and Bath offer a beautiful contrast with countryside charm and history. Extending your trip to include cities like Belfast and Edinburgh can broaden your experience.
With the right balance, the United Kingdom offers a trip that feels both effortless and deeply rewarding.
🇫🇷 France
France combines culture, beauty, and a quiet sense of elegance, and is often best enjoyed through its smaller, less obvious moments.
Landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum are certainly worth seeing, but I also tend to guide clients toward more tucked-away corners of Paris, like the charm of Rue Crémieux or the peaceful feel of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, where the city feels more personal and less hurried.
Beyond Paris, the South of France offers a slower pace with coastal towns, local markets, and scenic landscapes.
With the right balance, France feels polished and deeply enjoyable without being overwhelming.
🇮🇹 Italy
Italy is rich in history, food, and atmosphere, and is often best experienced by balancing its iconic sights with more local, everyday moments.
In Rome, places like the Colosseum and Pantheon are essential, but I often recommend spending time in areas like Trastevere or visiting quieter spots such as Giardino degli Aranci for a slower, more authentic feel.
Bologna offers a different experience entirely, known for its incredible food scene and relaxed, local atmosphere, with highlights like wandering beneath its porticoes or exploring the historic centre.
Create a trip that feels both culturally rich and genuinely enjoyable with all the amazing food and culture Italy has to offer.
🇪🇸 Spain
Spain offers a vibrant mix of culture, architecture, and exceptional food, with each city bringing its own distinct atmosphere.
In Barcelona, while landmarks like Sagrada Família are unforgettable, I often recommend exploring areas like Gràcia for a more local, laid-back feel.
Madrid brings a different energy, with grand boulevards, world-class museums like the Prado Museum, and a strong food culture that’s best enjoyed slowly.
For something more relaxed, San Sebastián offers a coastal setting with incredible dining and a quieter pace.
With the right balance, Spain feels lively, varied, and easy to enjoy.
🇮🇪 Ireland
Ireland is known for its natural beauty, warm atmosphere, and a sense of place that feels both relaxed and deeply rooted in tradition.
Sights like Trinity College in Dublin are worth visiting, and there is nothing like live traditional music in Galway pubs. I suggest taking a ferry to the Aran Islands for a more unique, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Beyond the cities, Ireland really shines through its landscape, from the Cliffs of Moher to smaller countryside towns and winding coastal routes.
With a thoughtful plan, Ireland offers a trip that feels scenic, welcoming, and refreshingly unhurried.
🇬🇷 Greece
Greece offers a beautiful mix of history, scenery, and a relaxed pace that naturally encourages you to slow down and enjoy where you are.
In Athens, while landmarks like the Acropolis are essential, I often suggest balancing sightseeing with time in neighborhoods like Koukaki or Pangrati, which feel more local and less crowded.
Beyond the city, the islands are where Greece really shines, whether it’s the iconic views of Santorini or quieter options like Paros.
With the right balance, Greece offers a trip that feels both restorative and memorable.
🇳🇱 Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of my favorite places to travel to (I have gone 1-2 times every year for the past 3 years!), offering a mix of charm, culture, and an ease of travel that makes it especially enjoyable.
In Amsterdam, sights like the Anne Frank House and canal views are iconic. I often recommend exploring quieter neighborhoods such as De Pijp or the Jordaan for a more local feel.
Beyond the city, it’s worth taking time to experience smaller towns like Haarlem or Utrecht, which offer beautiful architecture and a slower pace. With its compact size and relaxed atmosphere, the Netherlands is incredibly easy to navigate and consistently one of the most enjoyable places to explore.
✨ And More
Beyond these highlights, I also plan trips throughout Europe, often incorporating destinations that add something unique to an itinerary.
From the coastal charm of Portugal to the storybook cities of Belgium, or the elegance of Austria and Hungary, there are so many places that can complement a trip beautifully.
Central Europe offers incredible depth as well, with destinations like Czech Republic, while countries such as Croatia and Germany bring a mix of scenery, history, and culture.
Many of these are best experienced as part of a larger journey, and I help clients weave them into a trip in a way that feels seamless and thoughtfully paced.
If you have a destination in mind, even if it’s not mentioned here, I’m always happy to help bring it into your itinerary.
🇭🇷 Croatia
🇭 🇺 Hungary
🇦🇹 Austria
🇩🇪 Germany
🇧🇪 Belgium
🇵🇹 Portugal
+ Many More to Explore!