NOTE:  I’ve been lax in keeping up with the blog for the last few trips we’ve taken. Actually had a bit of a moment where I thought I’d end the blog, but Biker and I decided we like the ability to look back on our trips, so we’re keeping it for us (!) and hope others enjoy as well. This post is about a trip we took in June 2025.

Paris: Old Favorites and Unexpected Surprises

Paris in June is exactly what you imagine—sunny days, long evenings, and just enough chaos to remind you you’re in a real city, not a movie set.

Of course, we did the classics. We made our way to the top of the Eiffel Tower, which somehow never gets old, no matter how many times you’ve seen it in photos. There’s just something about being up there, looking out over the city, that makes you pause.

One of my personal highlights (no surprise here) was Musée d’Orsay. It remains one of our favorite museums—impressionists, light-filled rooms, and just the right size to actually enjoy instead of endure. We could happily wander those galleries for hours, and honestly, we did.

The Louvre, though, surprised us in a completely different way. We did a behind-the-scenes tour, and instead of just shuffling past famous works, we were taken underneath the museum—literally. Built on the original walls of medieval Paris, the underground section feels like stepping into another city entirely. We had no idea that even existed, and it ended up being one of the most fascinating parts of the trip.

And then—Cuneiform. One of the earliest known systems of writing. Tiny impressions pressed into clay thousands of years ago… and there I was, standing in front of it, completely geeking out. For someone who loves words as much as I do, it felt a little like meeting an ancestor.

Munich: History and Beer Gardens

From Paris, we flew to Munich to meet up with our friend Dave, which shifted the tone of the trip in the best way.

We visited Dachau, and there’s really no easy way to write about that. It’s somber, heavy, and absolutely essential. It stays with you long after you leave.

And then, in true travel fashion, the next day finds you in a completely different emotional space. We spent time at Marienplatz, watching the famous Glockenspiel. We had seen it before and was happy to see it again. Andy? Not so much. His official review: “Have you been to Disney?!?!” Which…if you’ve seen it, you might understand.

Still, Munich gave us that perfect balance—important history, beautiful architecture, and plenty of time just sitting with a drink, soaking in the atmosphere.

The Motorcycle Tour: Curves and Castles

Then came the part of the trip that had been on the calendar (and in our heads) for months: our Edelweiss motorcycle tour. We’ve been on this one before and it was always our favorite of the Edelweiss tours we’ve taken.

Eight days. Multiple countries. Endless scenery.

We set off from Germany, riding through the Black Forest—lush, green, and every bit as magical as the name suggests. From there, we crossed into eastern France, then Switzerland (where every view looks like it belongs on a postcard), dipped briefly into Liechtenstein (because why not add another country to the list?), and finally into Austria, where the Alps completely stole the show.

The riding itself? Incredible. Sunny days, winding roads, dramatic mountain views—it was everything you hope a European motorcycle tour will be.

That said… the group dynamic took a minute. We started off with a bit of a frustrating ride group situation (every tour has one), but things noticeably improved once one particular rider decided not to continue riding. And just like that, the pace, rhythm, and overall enjoyment shifted for the better. It’s funny how much the people you’re traveling with can shape the experience.

Even with that early hiccup, the days on the bike were phenomenal. But just as memorable were the evenings—wandering through small towns, finding great outdoor seating, and reliving the day over good food and a glass (or two) of local wine or beer.

Those are the moments that stick.