“Two minutes to spare”, Brett informed me as we settled into our seats on train from Dublin to Galway. The taxi driver had been amazing, navigating the traffic and construction to get us to the train station on time, but when we discovered our train was on the end of a very long track, we ran (faster than I thought I was capable) to catch it before the doors closed. We made it and settled in for a two-and-a-half hour ride from the east side of Ireland to the far west. Little did we know that our final destination, the Cliffs of Moher, would consume another two-and-a-half hours on a bus ride down the coast. So, on the last day of our three-week European adventure, we spent ten of our fourteen travel hours on a taxi, a train and four buses, but when I saw the Cliffs, I knew each bump in the road had led us to a place like no other.

Cliffs of Moher
And as beautiful as our last excursion turned out to be, our first was every bit as breathtaking as we traveled from Bergen to Oslo to explore the fjords of Norway

Fjord tour
Eleven days later, we traveled from Munich to Zurich by bus, Zurich to Lauterbrunnen by train and Lauterbrunnen to Murren by cable car—halfway up one big-ass mountain.

Sunrise in Switzerland
Three of the most beautiful sights on one vacation is more than one should expect, but there was so much more…
The Vasa Museum in Stockholm housed the oldest salvaged ship—it sunk in 1628!

Vasa Museum in Stockholm
Prague had some of the most beautiful architecture including the astronomical clock, as well as the cheapest drinks at local beer hall, appropriately named Lokal.

Lokal in Prague
Our three days in Munich were cathartic as we were reminded of my father’s German heritage and, in turn, ours if slightly more diluted.

Hofbrau Haus

Neuschwanstein Castle

Heidelberg Amphitheater
As our trip drew near the end, we stopped in Amsterdam for a couple of days. The canals weave through the city where there are literally more people traveling by bike than by car. I feel lucky to have survived the passing bikes swirling through the narrow cobblestone streets.
Ending our trip in Dublin was a glorious finale to our adventure, where we started with a tour of the Jameson distillery and finished with the Cliffs of Moher. In between I was astonished by the Book of Kells and the Old Library, while Brett enjoyed learning how to pour and drink Guinness on the other side of town.

Wet and windblown at Howth Golf Club
And, now I’m home again, happy to see my friends, my family and my dog, but a little sad that I’m not still exploring Europe. For all the people I met—Joao, Andreas, Loran, Ginny, Alan and all the others whose names I didn’t get—you all made this a trip I will not soon forget. The sights were amazing, but sharing them with other travelers and natives added color, flavor and spice to the adventure.
Time to start planning the next trip…
The photos you shared while in Europe; your lovely commentary now that you’re home: these are part of what makes you the special person you are, Jacquie! g
Loved hearing about your trip and congrats on your “group” retirement!
If you haven’t already been to Alaska, consider a trip up here!! Thanks for sharing your trip with us. It is inspiring me to plan for my retirement travels.
Where are you in Alaska? Give me some ideas for a trip up north.
Well, it took me long enough to answer you! There are postcard-perfect sights all around Alaska. If you have a week, I would fly into Anchorage, rent a car, and make the beautiful drive south. That drive made me fall in love with Alaska and I take everyone on that drive. Head a bit further and you will be driving along the Kenai River. A raft trip or fishing trip for the day is a definite to-do. Then on to the Kenai-Soldotna area and another 1 1/2 hours down to Homer. Stay there a couple days. Go out on a half day of full day fishing charter. Dine at the end of the Homer Spit. Take the water taxi over to Seldovia for the day (something I haven’t done yet!).
You’ll want to come back and see more of Alaska.
And I am in Palmer, about an hour out of Anchorage. Cute little town, with a quaint downtown, nestled in the mountains!
Glad you had such a grand trip to Europe with Brett! Great to read about your travels! Enjoy!