Europe Through the Back Door 2010

Best and worst sights, experiences and destinations:

Worst: Use of Auto Europe and their provider Europcar
Why: We booked a car through Auto Europe and the provider was Europcar. When we picked up the vehicle in Bologna, Italy, we asked specifically if there would be any problem dropping it off in La Spezia at a time later than indicated. We were told only that we would pay for an extra day which seemed reasonable.

When we arrived in La Spezia on the Saturday afternoon of the designated return date, Europcar offices were not only closed but there was no drop box. We finally contacted a representative in Florence who wouln't allow us to leave the car in front of the office but instead suggested we drive back to Genoa, over 100 km away to return the vehicle even though they couldn't gurantee the office would be open. As a result we had to garage the car at considerable expense in the Cinque Terre, and when we returned it to La Spezia Monday morning, when the office was again open, were told that we would also be charged for Sunday.

Upon return home we contacted Auto Europe, expecting them to advocate for us, but instead repeatedly received cut and paste paragraphs about the services they offered and that the final decision was up to Europcar.

Our conclusion is that Auto Europe is simply a booking agency that is too financially tied to its vendors to advocate for its clients. We also would advise travelers not to use Europcar for the word of its agents is not backed by the company.

John and Cheri Courtnage in Eugene, Or USA 10/26/2009

Best: Cinquterra (before Rick destroyed it)
Why: It was a charming unspoiled place to walk along the sea.

Worst: People!
Why: It has become so commercialized that it is no longer a nice place to go.

Eric Hermqn in Lake Forest, IL USA 07/25/2009

Best: Rome
Why: The people were friendlier there and were willing to help me. Also, the sites are magnificent!

Worst: Venice
Why: It was a little too crowded for my comfort level and way overrated over all the Italian cities. Also, upon arriving at the airport, I stopped by the TI counter for the 4 Euro map, only the be ignored completely by the person behind the counter (AND I was speaking Italian to her!)

Amanda in New York, NY USA 06/25/2009

Best: Neues Rathaus - Glockenspiel
Why: I have never seen anything like it and that makes it unique. I have to say that Bavaria has a lot of "wow" places though that are close competitors (like Neueschwanstein, Linderhof, Wieskirche, Zugspitze cable and cogwheel ride, and just seeing the Alps and the Partnach Gorge near Garmisch. And the beer is great!

Worst: The u-bahn stations under Munich streets
Why: They are like going into the Rabbit Hole in Alice in Wonderland. We never knew for sure where we were or if we'd ever get out. The construction makes it difficult with the detours it requires, and, all the shops down there are a distraction and obstacles to where you want to go.

Colleen in Eugene, OR USA 05/20/2009

Best: Arles
Why: We found all the Van Gogh picture sites even the out of town drawbridge one.

Mary Bender in Palmetto, FL USA 04/01/2009

Best: Hurdling the Language Barrier
Why: Just what common phrases to use, how to read signs. Just so many extras in this book that really added to my ability to get around Europe on my own. Watch out for theives section, getting around, eating, sleeping all of it. I had already ready Ricks guidebooks on Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Prague and the Czech Republic twice, but I was so glad I read Europe Through The Back Door before I left.

Kris Berger in Whitewater, KS USA 07/29/2008

Best: "Somewhere in the texture of Tuscany, the ultimate hill town awaits your discovery."
Why: Because I love seeing civilization as it exists on its own, not when it is viewed through the lenses of hundreds of tourists brought on by some travel book suggestion.

Andy Royer in Vashon, WA USA 06/11/2008

Best: Micaela Pavoncello
Why: Micaela Povencello’s tour of the Jewish Ghetto was unforgettable. We fell in love with her immediately as she shared personal stories and history of the Ghetto. This was one of our favorite outings while we were in Rome…my teenage daughters are still talking about it.

Teri in Los Angeles, CA USA 05/02/2008

Best: Paris was awesome, I never thought I would love it so much, I want to go back.
Why: It was great, the BIG city and navigating around was not too bad once you had a map. The people are friendly and you see dozens of tourists. I never thought a big city would feel as safe as Paris. Gimmelwald was awesome too, I can't wait to go back there either, I need to brush up on my skiing so I really feel like a native. Everything over there is so interesting, just because you are in Europe and I was amazed how friendly the people were and I seemed to blend in, several people in Paris asked ME for directions, until I said I only spoke English, oh well, maybe I'll know more French the next time!

Worst: There really wasn't a worst, everything was an experience that I'll treasure and learn from.
Why: Ok, maybe the train ride in Germany when we past a nude beach with 50+ older men, oh my, you don't get that everyday in the U.S.

Lisa Sutton in Franklin, Oh USA 08/06/2007

Best: Italy Back Doors
Why: You not only cover cities but also go off the beaten path.

Babak in Pakravan, KS USA 07/03/2007

Best: Museum pass in Paris
Why: Saved us time and money

Teresa in Mannheim, BW Germany 03/27/2007