The Ultimate Old Money European Summer Itinerary
There’s a way to travel Europe that doesn’t rely on trends, hashtags or last minute deals. It’s slower. More refined. Less about doing it all, and more about doing what matters, beautifully.
This is the Elle Blonde European itinerary for those who value heritage over hype, elegance over excess. Each destination has been carefully chosen not just for its beauty, but for its ability to stay with you, long after the season ends.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a summer that feels like a Slim Aarons photograph, this is how it begins.
The Ultimate Old Money European Summer Itinerary
Start in Style at Lake Como
Begin where elegance is part of the architecture, at Italy’s most iconic lake. Think floating breakfasts, villas with painted ceilings, and slow afternoons by boat.
- Where to stay: Grand Hotel Tremezzo or Villa d’Este
- Must do: Charter a Riva, explore Bellagio, visit Villa Balbianello
- Wear: Wide leg linen, silk scarves, soft loafers
Read the Lake Como Travel Guide
Glide into the Glow of Capri
Next, take the boat south to Capri, where bougainvillea spills over stone staircases and long lunches turn into candlelit evenings. Capri is a mood, crisp, cultivated, and never rushed.
- Where to stay: Caesar Augustus, JK Place, or Capri Tiberio Palace
- Must do: Boat past the Faraglioni, sip espresso in the Piazzetta
- Wear: Cotton sundresses, oversized sunglasses, espadrilles
Pause and Breathe on the Amalfi Coast
Trade the island for the hills, where Ravello overlooks Positano and lemon groves scent the air. The Amalfi Coast is where time slows, and every view is art.
- Where to stay: Monastero Santa Rosa, Palazzo Avino, Le Sirenuse
- Must do: Private boat to hidden beaches, Villa Cimbrone gardens
- Wear: Linen wrap dresses, basket bags, pearls at dinner
Sail Up to Portofino
Then, head north to Liguria, where Portofino sparkles like a secret. This is not about being seen, it’s about quiet rituals, sea air, and slipping into a more elegant pace of life.
- Where to stay: Belmond Hotel Splendido or Eight Hotel Portofino
- Must do: Visit Castello Brown, sip espresso in the piazzetta
- Wear: Striped shirts, silk skirts, loafers
Read the Portofino Travel Guide
Step into Grace in the Côte d’Azur
Cross into France for the Riviera’s golden calm. Nice, Antibes, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, each corner of the Côte d’Azur is steeped in legacy and lavender-scented light.
- Where to stay: Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc or Château Saint-Martin
- Must do: Fondation Maeght, Villa Rothschild, a vintage yacht charter
- Wear: Soft neutrals, fine jewellery, vintage Hermès
Read the Côte d’Azur Travel Guide
Experience Timeless Glamour in Monaco
Monaco is misunderstood, it’s not about flash, it’s about finesse. Beneath the surface, you’ll find an unmatched attention to detail and traditions worth protecting.
- Where to stay: Hôtel de Paris or Hôtel Hermitage
- Must do: Casino gardens, Oceanographic Museum, terrace aperitifs
- Wear: Tailored trousers, ballet flats, pearl drop earrings
End with Serenity in Santorini
Close your journey with the quiet magic of the Greek islands. Santorini, when done right, is a place of light, stillness, and sacred slowness. Let it reset you.
- Where to stay: Canaves Oia, Perivolas, or Katikies
- Must do: Private sailing, Akrotiri ruins, wine at sunset
- Wear: White linen, gold cuffs, raffia clutches
Read the Santorini Travel Guide
A Final Word on the Art of Summering
This itinerary isn’t just about where you go, it’s about how you travel. Slowly. Deliberately. Elegantly. Choosing charm over chaos, silence over selfies.
Let this be your blueprint for a European summer that doesn’t fade with the tan. One that lingers in memory, in scent, and in the rhythm of days that never felt rushed.
Luxury isn’t loud. And the best moments don’t need captions.
