Europe Through the Back Door Tour Reports: 2005
Are you an ETBD tour survivor? Report on your experience here! Was your time used wisely? How was your guide? What kind of people were your travel partners? If you've taken several ETBD tours, how did they compare? Please share any favorite hotels, meals, sights, and "magic moments" too!
Please note: This board is for feedback on Rick Steves' guided tours only. If you have questions about our tour program, you can contact our Tour Department by email.
Oh yeah -- one more Q. What about wine and the 16 year old? Do young people his age imbibe in Italy? If so, how do we unring that bell when home we return?
JANO
Fargo, ND USA Fri 12/16/2005
Best of Italy
Taking my family on Best of Italy 17 day tour May 26, incl. 3 kids aged 16-19-23. Anybody gone on this and do you have recommendations re: 1)rolling or backpack style suitcase? 2)what is dressiest outfit needed? 3)anthing else you'd care to share? Anybody else going at the same time?
Jano
Fargo, ND USA Fri 12/16/2005
Answer to Denise in Newark
Take the tour! Rick and team have a real knack for picking hotels and I think they like to prepare you for anything but then have you go.."ooh-aah!" The rooms were always comfortable and often quaint, not unlike a small B and B in the U.S. Every experience was different, but all were clean and comfy. One was plush. In Rome...we had a lotsa stairs, but if an olde lady like me with a little too much luggage on the hips could do it...you can too. Get in the best shape you possibly can and be sure you can climb 150 stairs and still breathe...because you can not always count on the "lift". You do not have to be a physical fitness nut, just have good lung capacity! I would do it again in a heartbeat. Why did I wait 50 years? Go for it Denise!
Judi Tome
WIndermere, FL USA Tue 11/22/2005
germany, austria, switzerland
Ann: we signed up for the germany tour. can not wait! has anybody taken that tour? and do you have any suggestions? i plan on reading as many of the recommended books as possible.
kathleen
Lake George, NY USA Tue 11/22/2005
ETBD tour make up
I have been on 2 ETBD city tours and it has been mostly comprised of middle-aged and some older couples, with a few young people in the mix. All were friendly, easy-going and everyone got along well -- age not a problem. I don't think anyone will feel out of place no matter what their age or circumstance, as long as you are there to have a good time, and understand the ETBD travel philosophy.
BettyG
San Francisco, CA USA Fri 11/18/2005
tours
A friend and I recently returned from a trip to Portugal. It was a great trip and we found Rick's Portugal guidebook a great help. HOWEVER, I can't say how disappointed I am in the proliferation of Rick Steeves' tours out there. About 3 times on our trip, our plans for staying in one of his recommended places had to be changed because his tour group had booked up all the rooms!!!
To me, tour groups are absolutely against everything I thought Rick Steeves stood for: independent travel. I quote from Rick's 1997 "Europe Through the Back Door" book: "Efficient and 'economical' as tours may be, the tour groups that unload on Europe's quaintest towns experience things differently. They are treated as an entity; a mob to be fed, shown around, profited from, and moved out. If money is saved, it's at the cost of real experience. For me, the best travel values in Europe are enjoyed not gazing through the tinted windows of a tour bus but by travelling independently."
I couldn't agree with these statements more--so what's happened to Rick Steeves??? Is it a sacrifice of principles for greed and profit so common in today's world?
Anyway, enough said. If you are travelling independently and are using Rick's guidebooks, just make sure you know where and when his many tours groups will be!
Sylvia
Edmonton, Alberta Canada Mon 11/14/2005
Venice Florence and Rome in 10 days
I completed a Rick Steves tour in Italy on Nov. 2 and it was WONDERFUL. I loved Venice, Florence and the Tuscan countryside will make you cry and Rome was a chaotic delight. Weather was great, food was delicious, so much art, history and beauty that as Donato, our guide, warned I started frothing at the mouth with my eyes bulging out. Donato with the great help of Carolyn and Julie (from Rick's Edmonds office she was supposed to be on vacation) did a great job and every person on the tour was a pleasure to be with. Maybe S. Italy next!
Scott Mullikin <email>
Seattle, Wa USA Wed 11/09/2005
Denise - re: accommodations
Denise - I've been on the 21 day best of europe trip 3 times and figure the 14 day trip probably uses some of the same hotels. I've never encountered a "cot" or anything resembling one in any of his hotels, but have definitely climbed some stairs! The best advice we followed was to condition ourselves months in advance by climbing stairs here at home and walking a LOT to get into shape. Climbing and walking are defnitely do-able as long as you are prepared! I wore a pedometer just for fun and one day (Lauterbrunnen Valley/Switzerland) we walked an amazing 11 miles! Most days were 5-6 miles....
Don't let the prospect of stairs worry you! Go and have fun!
CO USA Mon 11/07/2005
For Katleen
Katleen, what tour did you sign up for? I am sure you will have a great time. I am going on two Rick Steve tours back to back in May 2006 and I can't wait. Study up on where your going and that will make it even more enjoyable. Have fun!
Ann
S.I., NY USA Fri 11/04/2005
Thank you so much for your advice! I have actually signed up for Rick Steves now! Can't wait for the trip this summer!
Kathleen
Lake George, NY, USA Thu 11/03/2005
Average Age
Kathleen, I went on three Contiki tours when I was in my 30's and there were people on the three tours in there 20's and up to 35. (2weeks in Italy, Best of Europe 14 days, 10 days Great Britian) and they are bus tours. The people are generally younger, and you do see the major sites of Europe, but the food (when I went) was awful, and you must tip the guide and bus driver and they do take you places to shop. All the things Rick Steves does not like! It is great and I did have a good time and it was fun, especially the Great Britian tour, because that was a great group of people. But Rick Steves tours (I have been on one to London and am going on two more next year) shows you the real Europe and you see the sights in depth and go to alot of musuems for a period of time. The people are older but that does not mean you will not have fun. It all depends on what you are looking for. The Contiki tours are filled with Americans, Canadians, some Europeans and Australians. You do meet people from all over. But again Rick Steves is a quality tour and Contiki is fun, but not quality. Contiki has up to 50 people in the tour and Rick Steves has 24 -28 which is more manageable. Rick Steves has alot of tours that have at least two nite stays, which when you want to see the sights and have not be on a bus day after day and drag your suitcase to a hotel every day is very much appreciated. I hope this helps you decide what tour you want to go on.
Ann
Staten Island , NY USA Thu 11/03/2005
Paris & Prague
I am single woman traveling to Paris & Prague in late May 2006 on the two Rick Steve's tours. Has anyone been on either one or both of his tours? I would like to know what to pack and is the wine tasting/dinner nite in Paris dressy and is the nite to the theatre dressy? And in general what to wear on both tours. Is there any books that you read on Prague and Paris that would be helpful in understanding the two cities better.
Ann
S.I., NY USA Mon 10/31/2005
Tour Accommodations
Me and a friend are considering going on the "Best of Europe in 14 days" tour. However, we are concerned about the hotel accommodations. Can you honestly tell me what they are like? Are they all cots and stories and stories of stairs?
Denise
Newark, DE USA Sat 10/29/2005
Rick Steves' Ireland tour
Two of our meals during the trip merit special recognition. Our meals
at the Stone House Restaurant, on the Slea Head loop road were
exceptional. My Duck L'Orange was a dish to die for, the best duck that
I've ever tasted!!
We had another great meal (on our own) at the Trattoria Magnetti
Restaurant in Galway. Our main course was Penne with Pistachio Pesto. It
was exceptional. We had a nice discussion with both the cook & owner.
The owner is half Irish and half Sicilian. Judging from the quality of
the food , this must be a good mix. The restaurant isn't listed in
Rick's book. I highly recommend you add it to your listings."
Bob
Olympia, WA USA Mon 10/24/2005
Answer for Kathleen
Hi Kathleen,
I would suggest going on the Best of Europe Tour. You'll love it! Most of the people on the tour will be older couples but there are always a few younger people on the tours. I've been on 3 Rick Steves tours and that has been the mix on all 3. Just do it, you won't regret it :)
Amy
West Linn, OR USA Fri 10/21/2005
average age
My 18 yr old brother and I (I'm 22) want to go on a trip to Europe to celebrate our high school and college graduations in June/July. My parents suggested touring with Contiki because it's mainly younger people but I love Rick Steves! In your experience, have there been younger people on the tours or mainly middle-aged couples? I feel like we would get more out of a Rick Steves trip than a general Europe travel trip from an agency. But what has your experience been? A range of ages? Thanks!
Kathleen
Lake George, NY USA Tue 10/18/2005
Mad Max Tours in Bath, England
While staying in Bath my wife and I took the Mad Max Stonehenge and the Cotswold Discovery Tours. Both were great. As Rick Steves suggested, we arranged for a drop off in Stow on Wold at the end of the Cotswold Discovery Tour. We were then able to get a taxi to our B & B for the night in Moreton in Marsh.
Both tours included quaint English towns, quite picturesque, and lots of history. We recommend the Mad Max tours.
Carter Rogers <email>
Tempe, AZ USA Tue 09/13/2005
Tour in Rome
Went to Rome in August, 05. Arranged private tour through Rahul of Roman Odyssey tours for Vatican and Ancient City. GREAT! Tour of Vatican with Brenda Nardone was the best. This was the highlight of our 2 week tour of Rome. Well informed, kept all interested (including 14 and 17 year old) and was very personable. Highly recommended.
Karen Marshall
Centreville, VA USA Sun 09/11/2005
10 tour info
I am also thinking of going on the 10 day tour in December. Anyone been to Italy either in December or on the 10 day tour that could offer advice?
Nicole <email>
USA Tue 09/06/2005
Kathy - Rick's tours
Kathy - for you and your mom, you might want to consider one of Rick's bus plus tours. They are more flexible about having to be at a particular place/particular time, yet the tour escorts are wonderful in helping you make the most of each place you visit. Sadly, Rick does not pay me a commission, but I do push his tours every chance I get! (been on three bus plus tours so far). Happy travels!!
Renee
CO USA Mon 07/25/2005
London at Age 81
My eighty-one year old husband took his first Rick Steves tour, the Best of London in 7 Days, last October, along with me, a seasoned "Riknik" who suggested he join the ranks. With a hip replacement operation, he chose a cane to keep up with the walking parts of the trip. A rendezvouz took place between hm and a friend of his from 60 years ago at Dartmouth College,who has lived in London ever since those college days. As a World War II Veteran, the Cabinet War Rooms were particularly meaningful to my husband, and the history and sights were more than he ever dreamed, with a great tour guide to pull it all together.
Yvonne Lewis
Houston, Texas USA Sun 07/24/2005
Kathy's 83 year old mom and trip to Rome
Hello Kathy,
I hope I don't sound presumptuous but I think it would be a bad idea for you to take your mom on one of Rick's tours. I am 40 and in good physical shape. Still the days could be really tiring. There is a lot of walking and standing on marble floors, which you wouldn't think would be hard on your feet but that seemed to be the most difficult part of the trip for me.
That said, you might want to plan a trip anyway, on your own and use Rick's books as a guide and also watch the graffiti board for advice as well. That way if a trip becomes tiring for her, you are working on your own schedule and don't have to feel bad if you don't keep up with the rest of the group. We used Rick's book in Florence instead of doing the tour and we found it invaluable. Good luck with your decision!
Lisa <email>
Lake Villa, IL USA Mon 07/11/2005
new 10 day Italy tour
Thinking about going on the 10 day italy tour the RS offers? This is a new tour-anyone been on it? What did yout think?
Hope <email>
Iowa City, Iowa USA Sun 06/26/2005
Walking in Rome
Kath, Just be sure your mother is very careful of the coblestone streets. My daughter (in her 20's) twisted her ankle on an uneven street in Rome and it nearly ruined our trip. Actually it was a hole in a sidewalk. She might want to take a cane, just to help her balanace.
USA Mon 06/20/2005
RomeTours for Older People
Kath, I took the Rome tour in October 2004 and while we used public and private transportation a few times, we saw most of Rome by foot. On the first full day (Monday) we walked from 8:30am until about 2pm. We walked from the Colosseum, through the Forum, to the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and finally Campo di Fiori, where we stopped for lunch. The pace was leisurely because we stopped a lot to view the sites and listen to the guide. The second heaviest walking day was Tuesday when we walked through the Trastevere area. Only you and your mom know if that is too much. I hope the information helps.
Cheryl
Portland, USA Sun 06/19/2005
Romes tours for older people
My 83 year old mother just declared that she would like to see Rome. I'd love to make her wish come true with the week long Rome tour. She's in great shape for her age, but is still 83! Would appreciate any comments/feedback on the suitability of the tour for someone her age.
Kath
CA USA Wed 06/08/2005
Tour Days
I just completed my 3rd RS Tour which was advertised as being a 17 day tour.
I think the tour should be advertised as 16 days since the 17th day consists of breakfast (provided) not being organized and no guide present. While your agenda is accurate, the day count reminds me of cruiselines day counts.
Charlie Carter <email>
Seattle, WA USA Tue 05/24/2005
To "start time"
I just got back from one of the France tours and breakfast was always available from 7:30 am., but we usually had to be ready to go somewhere by 8:30 am. (and you must be very prompt - "the bus waits for no one"). Doesn't work well with someone who wants to stay up late and sleep late. It might be better for you to travel Europe on your own and just use Rick's guidebooks.
USA Thu 05/19/2005
start time
OK-seeing as how I'm a night person, and don't really like to see the early morning, what time do you start each day? That means, what time do you need to be down to breakfast? Specifically the Best or Ireland tour. Thanks!
USA Wed 05/11/2005
ETBD
My husband and I had an opportunity to take a tour with Aldo in Naples, Italy. He is so knowledgable and shares all he knows about the area with such enthusiam. We went to the Island of Proseda. Rode the ferry across Naples Bay, toured in little three-wheeled taxis and then went to a local Pizzeria and we all made our own pizzas and into a wood- oven and out in one minute. What a wonderful tour-guide he is. Continue to use him. Carol in Ocala, FL 4/26/05
Carol Harrison <email>
Ocala, FL USA Tue 04/26/2005
Guides
My family and I were traveling through Prague and surrounding countries a couple weeks ago. We had Sarka Pelantova as our guide for Prague and she was awesome! Very knowledgeable and helpful. We would recommend her to anyone! We also stayed at PackagePerfect apartments and had Katarina guide us through Slovakia! Once again, we had a wonderful experience with her and she became a great friend.
Sharon <email>
Chetek, WI USA Tue 04/19/2005
Italy in 17 days
We are going on the 17 days in Italy tour on 4/24/05 and wondered if anyone else on the same tour might like to get together on the internet before we leave.
Jane & Clyde Wentz <email>
Lilburn, GA USA Sun 04/17/2005
Rome And The Pope
We arrived in Rome at this sad moment. Things are a little crazy and we will be going home tomorrow. A tour guide called Sean from angel tours rome was great. He got us into the vatican and sistine chaple just before they closed it. He knew all about Dan Browns books and we loved his work. He is big into Angels and Demons, even the site of the company has a secret illumnati path which reveals secrets in Rome, just follow the angels. I recommend Sean and the company, they were wonderfull at this difficult moment in Rome
Carla Maple <email>
london, USA Sat 04/09/2005
Florence tour
My husband and I went on the weeklong Florence tour with Jamie Blair-Gould and have to say it was fantastic. We really enjoyed our time spent with the group and in Florence in general. I would heartily recommend a Rick Steves tour to anyone interested in travelling- they are fun, energetic, authentic, and affordable tours. The hotel was great, outings perfect, and the food was mind-blowing. I can't wait to try another ETBD tour.
Cassandra Gamble <email>
Ellensburg, WA USA Fri 04/08/2005
Madrid
My wife and I just got back from a week in Spain and I can say the high light of the whole week was night tour of Madrid by Steven Drake-Jones. even the restaunt suggestions all turned out wonderful!
Joe <email>
Chicago, IL USA Wed 03/09/2005
we got robbed but angels came to our rescue
we also went with angeltoursrome, we had been robbed on the bus and the guide got all the money we had spent with them on tours and gave it back to us, and gave us the rest of the tours free untill we got more money. we did return the money to them it was almost 1000eurostake their advice and you wont be ripped off or robbed, the guides at angeltourrome are on the ball
bob hubbard <email>
rome, dublin USA Fri 01/28/2005