European Decadence
What's your favorite decadent European experience? Here are a few favorite tips from our Graffiti Wall.
"In Paris, go to the Paris Mosquee for a Turkish bath. Called the Hamman, it caters to men and women on opposite days of the week. This is a communal experience, with women of all ages, sizes, and shapes, naked or in swimsuits, wandering from room to room or lounging on cushions. The sauna rooms get hotter and hotter with cool tubs to dip into. If you're not wild about hairy, try exfoliation (called gommage). Enjoy the massage at the end."
"For giggles and giggles, go to Monterosso in Italy's Cinque Terre, rent a paddleboat with a slide, and go topless as you paddle the boat around. Make sure you slide down the slide at least once. Sounds weird, but it is a fun and memorable experience!"
"Top thrill: Tandem paragliding in the Alps. Though we visited many of the great natural and cultural wonders of the Continent, the high point for our 16-year-old daughter was running off a cliff in the Alps. In Interlaken, Switzerland,, Balmer's Hostel arranges tandem paragliding and other adventure activities. My daughter may grow to appreciate the van Goghs, the Residenz, and David, but if you ask her now about the trip, she'll tell you about the paragliding."
For up-to-date specifics, see the latest edition of the Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door guidebook. We also offer free-spirited tours of Europe.