When I imagined retirement, I knew I wanted to celebrate it with more than a dinner or a party—I wanted a full immersion into the freedom I had waited so so long to enjoy. With a heart full of anticipation, I planned a six-week journey through Europe. Finally, we had the freedom to travel slowly, deeply, and intentionally. What started as a bold idea became one of my life’s most enriching, soul-filling chapters.
WHAT IS IN THIS POST
Six weeks. Sixteen cities. Countless memories!
Munich: Comfort, Culture, and my first Pint (or Two)
We began in Munich. A mix of regal architecture and warm Bavarian hospitality, it was the perfect blend of tradition and livability. I visited the Residenz, walked through the English Garden, and stopped to celebrate with a cold beer and pretzel at Viktualienmarkt. You know I’m not even a beer drinker! I found comfort in the rhythm of the city and the kindness of strangers. Retirement already felt right.
Museum-hopping by day, beer gardens by evening. I found joy in the everyday details: flower boxes, quiet plazas, friendly strangers, the vegan bratwurst, and fluffy apple strudel. The kind of place that quietly reminds you how good it feels to just be. Munich offered the perfect blend of elegance and coziness.
Neuschwanstein Castle near Füssen
One of the most iconic highlights? Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle near Füssen. Staying overnight in this charming Alpine town allowed us to catch the castle in the early morning mist—magical from every angle. It truly felt like living inside a fairytale. It did rain a bit when we visited, but that didn’t stop me.
As you might know, Neuschwanstein Castle is the inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella Castle. It was commissioned by King Ludwig II in the 19th century and was inspired by medieval German designs and Wagner’s operas. The castle is famous for its unique architecture, including grand turrets, towers, and spires.
Germany’s Romantic Road: Driving Through a Fairytale
Renting a car and driving the Romantic Road was a bucket-list moment. We started in Fussen and passed through dreamy towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber—it looked like a page out of a Brothers Grimm tale. Half-timbered houses, flower-filled windows, castle views—it was slow travel at its finest. We paused for photos along the way whenever I wanted. Windows down, Heart Open. It felt like freedom, a dream.
Stuttgart: A Pit Stop for Car Lovers
Though a quick stop, Stuttgart offered a sleek interlude. Mr. Suburbia, a car enthusiast, enjoyed the Porsche Museum. It was a gleaming, modern dream—a celebration of speed, legacy, and innovation. As a design admirer, I appreciated all the details that make Porsche what it is and finally understood why hubby loves his car so much. It was a fun, fast-paced contrast to the historic towns that followed.
Baden-Baden: Soaking in Stillness and Splendor
Tucked against the edge of the Black Forest, Baden-Baden is known for its world-famous thermal baths and timeless elegance. This spa town felt like pressing pause on the constant movement of the trip. Too bad we didn’t plan for more days here. Our hotel here was lovely too!
I spent an afternoon at the Friedrichsbad, where Roman and Irish bath rituals met in a beautifully tiled, centuries-old sanctuary. The waters were warm and soothing, and I emerged feeling like I’d shed decades of stress. Later, strolling through the Lichtentaler Allee—its flower-lined paths and Belle Époque villas glowing in the golden hour—I felt entirely at peace. We had the best slice of black forest cake at a Beirgarten in Altstadt, the old town
Baden-Baden reminded me that sometimes, luxury is simply permitting yourself to slow down.
Würzburg: Golden light & dancers, a moment etched in memory
But it was Würzburg that truly surprised me. Standing on the Alte Mainbrücke at sunset, sipping Aperol spritz and a Franconian wine we bought from a little window in the wall, felt unreal. I watched golden light pour over the river and the castle above, and people dancing on the bridge. It was one of those perfect moments that catch you off guard—and stay with you forever.
Cologne: Cathedral Light & Riverside Calm
Our drive from Würzburg to Cologne was on the Autobahn, a network of freeways in Germany, known for its sections with no speed limit. We were probably cruising at 130 or 140 km/h. But when we got to Cologne, I slowed down again. I spent hours marveling at the towering Gothic cathedral, its stained glass catching morning light in ways that moved me. I strolled along the Rhine, snapping photos of riverside scenes and reflecting on how beautifully this shift is turning out to be.
Seeing “Richter-Fenster” in the south transept, designed by Gerhard Richter, was another highlight moment. We visited the Museum Ludwig and stopped for some Indian food. This museum is known for its extensive collection of modern art, including Pop Art, Abstract Art, and Surrealism. It also houses one of the largest Picasso collections in Europe and features works by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.
Ghent: Quietly Captivating
From Cologne we took a train to Ghent. Ghent stole my heart quietly. Smaller and less touristy than some Belgian cities, it felt like a secret. I wandered along canals, discovered unexpected art installations, and found peace in the soft rhythm of local life. It was a city for slow mornings, walks, and long lunches. Although there was a music festival after we got there and the place got filled with people, it was the perfect break in the middle of the journey.
Bruges: Time Travel and Tranquility
Just a short train ride away, Bruges felt like stepping into the past. Horse-drawn carriages, chocolate shops, little boutiques, and canals that mirrored centuries of charm. The belfry bells echoed through cobblestone streets as I explored quaint courtyards and tasted the most wonderful waffle of my life.
But one of the most profound moments in Bruges came not from chocolate or canals, but from silence—inside the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Tucked in a corner of Burg Square, this small, dimly lit church holds what is believed to be a relic of the Blood of Christ, brought back from the Crusades. We arrived just in time for the midday viewing, where the vial was reverently displayed: no photography, no loud whispers—just quiet reverence from travelers and locals alike. Whether you visit in faith or curiosity, it’s hard not to feel the weight of centuries of devotion in that room. A moment of stillness, awe, and connection stayed with me long after I stepped back into the bustling square outside.
We sat in a park with a second waffle covered in strawberries, cream, and chocolate this time, listening to a man crank the cylinders of his street organ playing old tunes. Bruges reminded me of the joy in timelessness!
Brussels: A quick stop to see Manneken Pis
Brussels was interesting, but not my favorite. Between waffles, Art Nouveau façades, and the grandeur of the Grand-Place, the city offered cultural richness, but it was so crowded, and traffic was crazy. We spent a quick afternoon wandering around and tucking into some shops in the old town. After a stop to see Manneken Pis—to see what the fuss is all about, we wandered into the Tintin boutique store located in the centre of Brussels, a stone’s throw from the Grand Place, and bought this tiny Tintin Travel book. I used to love reading the adventures of Captain Haddock, Tintin, and Snowy. Are you a fan??
Amsterdam: It is always good to be back
Amsterdam was one of the most vibrant chapters of our journey—artful, reflective, and relaxing. This is my third time here. We did a mom and daughter trip last year, spent many hours inside museums, especially the Van Gogh Museum, mesmerized by his brushstrokes and the emotion they carried.
We are trying to master the art of doing nothing this time. We glided through peaceful canals, watched the city come alive from waterside cafés, and wandered the charming Jordaan neighborhood, where every corner seemed to hum with history and creative spirit. We passed by The Anne Frank House, a sobering and deeply moving experience that still lingers in my heart.
We sampled some of the best fries of the trip—crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, served with a swirl of curry ketchup and mayonnaise. Stroopwafels, fresh from a waffle iron, melted in our hands as we walked along flower markets and buzzing bike lanes. Amsterdam was a beautiful blend of both grounding and full of life. It was a city that left a mark, but the journey still had more stories to tell.
Berlin: Bold, Gritty, and Unforgettable
Berlin was next, it was a change of pace—gritty, modern, and layered with emotion. We went on a walking tour to get to know the city better. I saw portions of the Berlin Wall, explored art-filled neighborhoods, and stood in awe at the Holocaust Memorial. It’s a city that wears its scars with pride, reminding you of resilience and reinvention. And perhaps that’s why I connected with it—retirement, too, is a reinvention.
What struck me most in Berlin—beyond the history and resilience, it was the sheer volume of art. This city doesn’t just display it in museums; it lives and breathes it on the streets. I spent a morning wandering through the East Side Gallery, where remnants of the Berlin Wall have been transformed into one of the world’s most powerful outdoor galleries. Each mural told a story—freedom, protest, hope.
We met our son here and after introducing him to the biergarten life and bratwursts, we flew to Poland.
Poland: Kraków’s Beauty and Auschwitz’s Weight
Kraków was both a surprise and a sanctuary—full of history, resilience, and soul. I wandered through Wawel Castle and St. Mary’s Basilica. We went on a day trip and marveled at the Wieliczka Salt Mine and the chapel made entirely of salt. The Jewish Quarter held stories that moved us deeply.
Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory was another place that left me emotionally raw. Now a museum, the factory tells the deeply human story of Kraków during the Nazi occupation—through immersive exhibits, photographs, recreated rooms, and personal testimonies. It’s about one man’s bravery, but about the resilience and courage of so many in the face of unimaginable cruelty. Walking the same halls where Schindler saved over 1,000 Jewish lives gave me chills.
But no part of the trip impacted me as much as my visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Walking through those gates was a sobering reminder of the horrible past and a call to hold onto empathy and memory. It was heavy, yes—but necessary.
Kraków to Budapest: A Crossroads of History via Slovakia
Leaving Kraków behind, we chose to drive rather than fly—a decision that gave me one of the most unexpected days of the entire trip. The scenic drive led us south through Slovakia, with a few treasures tucked along the way. The road to Budapest took us through Oravský hrad, a dramatic castle, and Banská Bystrica, a small town located on the Hron River in Slovakia that holds its own kind of quiet charisma.
Oravský Hrad (Orava Castle), perched dramatically on a high rock above the Orava River. Cloaked in mist and medieval mystery, the castle looked like something out of a gothic novel. We spent a few hours climbing its winding stone paths, soaking in views of the Slovak countryside, and imagining the centuries of stories held in its walls. It was hauntingly beautiful.
Driving further into the countryside, we stopped for lunch and ice cream in the old town part of Banská Bystrica, where colorful buildings wrapped around cobbled squares that sparkled under the midday sun. The pace was slow, the people kind. I felt silly buying a souvenir magnet even though we had been in town only for a few hours 🙂 But it had to be done!
I didn’t include this in my city count since we didn’t spend the night here 🙂
By the time we arrived in Budapest, the sun was setting and the Chain Bridge was lit up like a string of pearls across the river. The transition from rustic castles and sleepy villages to urban grandeur was exhilarating. There was a certain duality about Budapest: thermal baths and ruin bars, fine art and street food, centuries-old history and youthful vibe.
Budapest: Bridges, Baths, and Beauty
Budapest dazzled. Literally! Few cities do drama and beauty quite like Budapest, especially at sunset. My favorite views? The Fisherman’s Bastion, hands down. From its fairytale towers, you get sweeping panoramas of the Parliament building glowing golden across the Danube. Another unforgettable moment was the views from Gellért Hill, watching the city slowly light up beneath a purple sky. A place where the Liberty Statue stands watch, offering a panoramic view that makes the uphill climb more than worth it.
Budapest is like two cities stitched together by bridges and beauty—each side with its own soul. We soaked in the Széchenyi Thermal Baths during the day, and the views of the Danube at twilight. The city had an energy: timeless yet pulsing, elegant yet unfiltered. While walking one night, we ran into a group of girls from Warsaw, Poland, on a bachelorette trip. I joined them for a quick Macarena dance and a photo!
After days of Hungarian food, I craved a little taste of home and found it at Indian Palate Restaurant. It was warm, welcoming, and genuinely delicious. The butter chicken and garlic naan were spot-on, and the staff made me feel like family. There’s something magical about having food that feels like home while sitting in a city halfway across the world.
Český Krumlov: Where Magic Meets Stone
We made it to Prague, our last stop for this trip of this amazing trip— but couldn’t resist adding one more place to the adventure. The little gem I wanted to visit was Český Krumlov—a dreamy little town tucked into the Czech countryside. We veered off the beaten path and walked into a medieval painting. The red rooftops, candlelit taverns, and the castle perched above the river gave the place a storybook feel that completely stole my heart.
Prague: A Full-Circle Farewell
We returned to Prague to close the loop—our final stop. It is a city that feels like a fairytale never quite ends. I wandered the cobbled alleys with no agenda, watched the Astronomical Clock chime from a rooftop café, and let the soft golden light at dusk settle into my memory like a painting. One evening, we went to a park nearby to catch the sunset, river reflections felt like poetry. Prague taught me how to slow down and see again.
On our last day, we walked the Charles Bridge at sunset, admired the thousand Gothic spires of Old Town, and soaked in the beauty with a heart that had seen, felt, and grown so much. Prague reminded me that endings can also be gentle new beginnings.
Looking Back and Looking Forward
This wasn’t just a vacation. It was a beginning. A deep breath. A homecoming to myself. And while I’ve always loved travel, doing it this way—without the pressure of return flights or vacation days—felt different. More intentional. More alive.
To everyone who has followed me through these years—through blog posts, paintings, and quiet messages of support—thank you. You’ve been part of this journey in ways I can’t put into words.
Here’s to retirement, reinvention, and the road ahead… Cheers!
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💬Have I inspired a trip you’ve taken? A city you visited because of something I shared? If so, I would love to hear your story. Please share it with me in the comments or send me a message—let’s continue to travel together, even if from afar.
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