'Wow' Moments from the Best of Europe
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| Switzerland's Lauterbrunnen Valley is a waterfall lover's slice of heaven. |
Rick Steves' Best of Europe tours pack in more 'wow' moments than any travel experience around. From the canals of Venice to the scalps of the Alps, here are just a few memorable magic moments from travelers' post-tour surveys...
"Probably the very best moment of the trip was waking up in our cozy room, throwing open the shutters and gazing at the waterfall cascading down the mountain in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland — seemingly close enough to touch! The awe inspiring beauty of the Alps will live with us forever."
— Suzanne in Seattle, WA — Best of Europe in 14 Days
"I'd have to say that seeing Michaelangelo's David sculpture was my unexpected biggest "wow" moment. I have seen this statue many times — miniature replicas, refrigerator magnets you can dress up, at Caesar's in Vegas, you name it, so I thought I already knew what it looked like and wouldn't need to spend much time looking at the real one. That is, until I was standing there in person! I circled around to get the 360 degree view, and I still can't get over the detail and accuracy of that sculpture. I was even comparing the crinkles on the side of my curved palm to the crinkles in his right hand that is holding the stones — Michelangelo didn't overlook any detail! I don't know how long I stood there, staring at the ribs/chest/stomach area, expecting that at any moment he would take a breath. And somewhere in the back of my mind, I figured that if I were to touch the statue, that it would be as warm as a human. So that was a "wow" moment and it kicked off several other wow moments that came from seeing "the real deal" masterpieces in person. Wow!"
— Janell in Yakima, WA — Best of Europe in 21 Days
"Everyday was a 'wow!' for all my senses so it is challenging to pick out a favorite — architecture, thousands of bikes with their bells, huge flower markets, fun with new friends, the Alps, & pungent cheeses. European people were a big 'wow' when cheering with them in the pubs for their 'football' team, chatting on the trail, or ordering in restaurants where a kind waiter translated an entire multi-page menu. After digesting it all I have decided that my favorite 'wow!' is a better understanding of the world. Being able to meet, talk with Europe's people and see their part of the world has improved my understanding of history and our crazy ways.
— Michael in Windsor, CA — Best of Europe in 21 Days
"There really isn't just one moment. I had a whole 'wow' trip!! It was amazing seeing all these famous landmarks and masterpieces...actually standing in front of David, the Mona Lisa, walking through the Colosseum, standing where Anne Frank once hid, exploring underground tunnels of castles, watching the sun set over the Eiffel Tower, cruising down the canals in Venice, etc...but I found myself daily wishing that time would just stop (or at least pause), so that I could sit in that exact moment forever as I was eating lunch over Tuscan hillsides, soaking up sun in the Cinque Terre, smelling the sweet smell of spring in the fields of flowers! Like I said I can't pick just one moment, this was the most magical, majestic, amazing, enlightening, fulfilling, 'wow' trip I have ever EVER taken. I knew this would be a trip of a lifetime but THIS was far beyond my expectations and I can't say enough about it!"
— Jami in Seattle, WA — Best of Europe in 21 Days
"There were many 'wow' moments during the entire trip...where I caught myself tearing up because I was grateful and would never in my life have imagined the experience would be ten times greater that I had pictured. You look through art museums, history books, literature, internet, magazines and dream about visiting these places at least once in your life, but to actually live it, experience it and take it all in is priceless that words can't even begin to describe what this trip has meant for me!"
— Vince in Seattle, WA — Best of Europe in 21 Days