about

Hi, I’m Michelle Brenke

I’m your garden-obsessed, castle-loving, French- and German-speaking travel advisor for European adventures. 

My Story

Growing up in the suburbs of Detroit, I always longed for adventure—and I got my first taste of it when I studied abroad in Tours, France. To say this was a “life-changing” experience was an understatement. I not only loved the art, history, and culture (and food!), but I loved being integrated in the day-to-day life of the locals. I was surrounded by people raising families, going to work, and just going about their days. They were just like us—with some fascinating European differences!

After studying in France, I went home and decided to learn German, then moved back abroad two years later for a business internship in Germany—just six months after the Berlin Wall went down. Not only was I surrounded by centuries of history in every cobblestone and cathedral, but history was unfolding right in front of me.

The next phase of life brought marriage and lots of moving around across the U.S. due to my husband’s job. I taught, but our frequent moves made it impossible to keep my teacher certification—so for nearly a decade I stayed home and focused on raising our three children. When they started school again full time, I went back to school myself to re-earn my certification and returned to teaching. Needless to say, my passions for languages, art, and all things Europe were set on the back burner for many years (a feeling many of my now-empty nester clients can relate to).

But I always kept my connection to Europe alive by traveling back to visit good friends, surround myself with a way of living that lights me up, and explore even further off the beaten tourist track.

Sparking new discovery

Ten years after becoming an empty nester, I realized that the path I was on was not enough for me—it was time to finally delve back into my deepest passion. Now, as a certified travel advisor and European destination and river cruise specialist, I share what I love so much about the continent with travelers who are just as spellbound by all things Europe.

Maybe you’ve always wanted to visit the boulevards of Paris, the castles of Bavaria, or the thatched-roof cottages in the Cotswolds—and now that you finally have the time, you find that you have no idea where to start. Or maybe you’ve been to Europe before, and now you’re ready to dive deeper—and you’re seeking an expert guide to show you the way, with ease.

I welcome you to leave it all to me. Together, we’ll design a European adventure that reveals the best (and most surprising sides) of Europe, puts the spark back in your eyes, and leaves you too, changed forever.