Europe Through the Back Door Tour Reports: 2006
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.
Louvre Guides
In looking over tour feedback, I notice that many folks had the same experience we did at the Louvre: that is, a dull, dry tour guide who concentrated on a few "masterpieces" and subjected us to way too much information about them. Perhaps people should be given instructions on where the major sights are and then "set free" in the Louvre (the way we were at the Musee D'Orsay).
Terri
Quilcene, WA USA Sun 11/12/2006
London Trip
Just came back from London, had a great time and used your guide. Just a note to let you know that they have a new section in the National gallery called the "Impressionist wing" Manet to Picasso located on level -2, sections T1 to T6. London is a wonderful town, we will be going back there again, nice people, we stayed at the Holiday inn Kensington Forum & used the underground to get around. The BIG BUS tour was great, it included a boat ride down the Thames from the Tower of LOndon. Went to a concert at the Royal Albert Hall (moody Blues) and saw Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesties Theater. Thank you rick for all your tips, and facts.
Michael Dwyer <email>
Leonardo , NJ USA Fri 10/20/2006
Eastern Europe Tour 9-17-6 to 10-3-6
I just want to encourage everyone to consider this tour as it is wonderful.Most people would not think to visit the cities and countries on this tour.In fact, alot of people I know asked me why?My motivating factor is having grandparents from the now Czech Republic and Krakow Poland.There has always been such a mystery surrounding these countries(CZech Republic,SLovakia,Croatia,Hungary,Slovenia)I never imagined seeing Auschwitz/Birkenau and having the history stare me in the face.And seeing landmine signs in the fields along the roads of Croatia and the wartorn buildings that remain remind us of the recent history there.What better way to end but in the beauty of Ljubljana and Bled,SLovenia in the Julian ALps.The people of these countries were warm and no language barrier seemed to exist.A simple smile and hello in the native language seemed to open all doors.I also have to say I never would have imagined such a strong bond with the others on this tour.We became family in the 17 days there and I will never forget them and strong friendships have emerged.I plan on many future ETTBD tours!
Debbie <email>
Littleton, CO USA Tue 10/17/2006
Scotland
My wife (Rickie) and I also just returned from the Scotland tour led by Darbi and we also enjoyed it beyond our expectations. This was our 4th ETBD tour (Paris, Rome, Prague) but the 1st bus tour. So many of the highlights were the beautiful scenery (Isle of Skye was tops) that it doesn't easily compare to the city tours so I won't try to rank it. Suffice it to say that it was always wonderful and alternatingly peaceful and exciting depending on where we were.
Our tour companions were great and I would love to travel again with any of them.
To anyone considering the Scotland tour, I say go for it. It's a very nice addition to the Rick Steves tour list.
Finally, even if, like myself, you're not a whisky drinker, you must try several types of Scotch there. Like Guinness in Ireland, it just tastes better on it's home soil. Slainte Mhath!
Tim McDevitt <email>
Apex, NC USA Tue 10/10/2006
Scotland Tour
I just arrived back from the Scotland tour! Darbi Macy was our guide and she was great! Most of us were not interested in the Burrell collection in Glasgow and she was instead able to get us into see the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle! How great was that!!
I would advise people who have thought of going to Scotland to take this tour. You start off in Edinburgh, which I absolutely loved. The next highlight was The Highlands. This countryside is indescribable as it is so beautiful. It just kept getting better. I would recommend taking the excursion to the Isle of Mull and the Isle of Iona.
I hated to leave this beautiful country. The people were so nice and the food at the B&B's that we stayed at was wonderful. This trip exceeded my expectations as well as others on the tour.
Thanks to Darbi for making this a wonderful vacation and one I will always remember.
Diane Moore <email>
Snellville, GA USA Fri 10/06/2006
Tour or not to tour ?
Whilst staying in Athens, one of Rick's tour groups were staying at our hotel. When we were out for dinner, the group was also having dinner at the same taverna as we were. The group appeared to be having so much fun (not to say we weren't), we will be traveling with one of Ricks groups SOON !
Todd
Newcastle, NSW Asutralia Wed 09/20/2006
Thanking Donato - our Rick Steves Tour Guide
Ciao, Donato!
Linda and I wanted to thank you again for a wonderful experience in Rome. We just got back to Seattle last evening, and will be talking and thinking about our time with you and the others on our Rick Steves tour through Rome for years to come.
After we left the group in Rome, we did stop by Ristorante Castello in Vernazza on your recommendation, and met Monica, to whom we passed along your regards....she treated us to some wonderfully crisp white wine and a light snack. ...wish we had an e-mail address for her so we could thank her again.
In Siena, Linda and I had dinner at Nello la Taverna, met Mauro, and before dinner, had a fantastic appetizer of white beans and tuna. The tuna was slow cooked in olive oil - had the consistency and flavor of roast beef - you must include it in your cook book - and don't forget to tell us how to obtain a copy.
Most of the restaurants we visited in Italy were based on Rick's or your recommendations - we were never disappointed.
Donato, you are a very talented and gifted guide. ...we hope to be with you again on another tour in Europe in the future. Do travel safely, and take care.
Warm personal regards,
Ken and Linda
Ken and Linda <email>
Seattle, WA USA Fri 09/15/2006
Bring Your Hiking Shoes
I just finished the Best of Europe in 14 Days Tour. I had comfortable shoes, but not hiking shoes as I won't wear sneakers in Europe because it labels you an American on sight, so was unable to participate in some of the hikes (particularly in Switzerland because it had snowed - end of August). That being said, the tour was fabulous, and our guides, Stephanie and Gretchen, were top-notch. They, along with the wonderful mix of fellow tourists, really made the trip. What a remarkable experience!
Debbi Davis <email>
Redmond, WA USA Tue 09/12/2006
Which Tour
Like Jen, I've been on two tours and am about to go on a third. Village Europe was fabulous, but they don't offer it anymore so that's out. Village Italy was great. I'm about to try Turkey in October.
When you consider cost and length, it is logical that most of the tour members will be at least 50. What I've found is that the people on RS tours are very interesting people and fun people. I've made lots of new friends including a couple in their 70s, double my age.
What I've enjoyed the most is being able to relax on vacation and not worry about how to get where I am going or where to stay. The tours have a nice mix of group and free time.
I agree with Jen about picking a tour for a country or cities that are not so easy to do on your own.
Kellie
Wichita, USA Sun 08/27/2006
Which ETBD
Kim: I've been on 2 ETBD tours and will be leaving for a 3rd soon. Both tours were been wonderful and that's generally what I've heard about all of the rest. One thing to consider is choosing a country/countries that is more difficult to navagate on your own (maybe Eastern Europe or Turkey). Whichever one you pick, you'll probable find a wide range of ages, though many being in the retirement group. But the thing is, you'll find that the age doesn't matter. For the most part, I found that people who take Rick Steves tours are adventurous, open minded, and eager to learn. On my 1st tour I was about 20 (a couple of decades younger than everyone else) and I had a blast with a lot of wonderful traveling companions.
Jen
USA Tue 08/22/2006
Which ETBD to do?? Help me to decide
My boyfriend and I have used Rick's books for various countries. We are interested in doing one of his tours. We cannot agree on which one to do. I am 37 and he is 43, will there be people close to our age? Does anyone have any suggestions on which tour would be the best one to go on? Help me to get us to agree on tour.
Kim <email>
Brooklyn, NY USA Sun 08/20/2006
Autogrills
We did the Best of Europe, 14 days and had a great time. Maybe the 21 day tour would be better because some days we did feel a bit rushed. We loved the Autogrills but only were able to spend a few minutes for quick lunches or snacks. These places deserve more time for browsing/buying in the food sections for a future picnic. One other note: Please drop the buddy bio -- many people do not like feeling "on the spot"
Mike <email>
Honolulu, HI USA Wed 08/09/2006
Vertical displacement
We flatlanders (from Florida) got a surprise on our recent 7-day walking tour of Prague: the day marked 'strenuous' was fairly easy because it was fairly level; the first day (marked 'moderate') was a killer because it started out with (what looked like) a 400-ft rise in altitude heading up to the Strahov library.
Our guide, Katerina, raised in up-and-down Prague, kindly took several pauses on the way so some of us could catch our breaths.
Regardless, we're ready to do it again.
Frank Clarke <email>
Oldsmar, FL USA Sat 07/15/2006
lunches on RS tours
We just returned from the Village Italy tour (June) and of course loved every minute! As I recall, there were only two lunches provided, one at the winery and one at the villa in Lucca. These were lavish sit-down affairs. (meals in Italy take time!) The picnics are no longer a part of this tour, according to our guide. The rest of the lunches are own your own, but you will generally find yourself gathering at a restaurant with some of your tour friends. The villages are so small that you cannot help but run into your tour buddies for lunch!
DC
CA USA Wed 07/12/2006
lunches on RS tours
I did the 17 day Best of Italy tour this spring. Our group only had one lunch specifically organized for the group (at the winery in Orvieto). The rest of lunches were at Autogrilles (the best thing since sliced bread) or on our own in a town (where you often run into tour mates). Our guide chose to focus on providing us dinners, which were for the most part excellent. Food is spendy in Italy - I chose not to skimp and spent 20 euro on some lunches (ouch). But you can easily grab a slice of pizza or something from a grocery and eat for under 5 euro. Remember: gelato, while technically dessert, is a FINE lunch :-)
USA Sun 06/25/2006
Village Italy Lunch
Village Italy is fabuloso! I went on the tour last year.
Sometimes lunch was included, sometimes we were "on our own". I can't remember any picnics that were part of our organized lunch. I think the number of picnics probably depends on your guide. On other RS tours, we had more picnics, but they were arranged by the guide.
The guide is a wealth of information for those meals where you are "on your own". They have great suggestions.
If you are concerned about eating on your own, I've found other tour members to be great companions.
Village Italy takes you to places you'd never find on your own e.g. Montone!
<email>
Wichita, KS USA Thu 06/22/2006
Lunches
Thanks for the information! It's great to hear that you all had a wonderful time on the tours.
Jill
Rochester, NY USA Wed 06/21/2006
Meals on Tour
Jill, Village Italy is a great tour, sign up ASAP. For your meals on your own, your guide should give you some suggestions on different types of places. Many times small groups of tour members would go out together or just end up in one of the suggested establishments.
Also:
During our tour the group included meals were lunch some days and dinner on other days. There may even have been a day where both meals were included and another day we were on our own for both lunch and dinner. Some included lunches were picnic style and others were inside sit down affairs. We had pizza lunch that had four diffenent types of traditional, oven baked Italian style pizza. The included meals were varied and fantastic. If we would have not been on this tour and were on our own we would have never known about the regional specialties we were served. We did okay on our own too. But for us the included meals were one of the highlights of this Italy tour. (Thanks Again to Tour Diva Heidi.)
Robert
Hiawatha , KS USA Tue 06/20/2006
Lunches on tour
Just got back from Uncle Ricky's 17 day Italy tour - what a blast! As to the lunches we ate some of ours at our AutoGrill stops - great for all kinds of sandwiches. Our tour guides also provided us with a picnic at our stop in Assisi, and then again we ate as a group while we did wine tasting in Orvieto - that was provided by the wonderful vitner. All the other times we ate at various restaurants in the towns we were visiting and more times than not we would run into folks from our group. As to our dinners we had 8 with as a group and the other times we either found restaurants on our own or buddied up with others from our tour. In fact one night on the spur of the moment we all decided to go to the same restaurant and so we actually had 9 dinners as a group!
USA Tue 06/20/2006
Lunches on ETBD tours
Jill,
Since I was on the seven day Paris tour in the winter months, we obviously never ate outside. I think that the group ate together twice at a preplanned lunch at restaurants, and many of us chose to eat lunch together at the cafeteria at the Louvre.
There was a produce market near our hotel and some people bought fresh fruit, bread, and wine and had an indoor picnic at the hotel. I'm assuming everyone pitched in for the assorted items. Hope that helps.
Dana
USA Tue 06/20/2006
lunches on RS tours
I am considering the Village Italy tour for 2007. Could any tour alums provide information on how lunch is handled? The tour descriptions don't say, but the RS Tour DVD shows the group picnicing frequently. Do people frequently pool money and purchase picnic items to share as a group? Or do most go off on their own for a lunch break?
Thanks!
Jill
Rochester, NY USA Tue 06/20/2006
Towels...
Kathleen - we've taken three RS tours and never brought our own towels, and we lived to tell about it. Some of the towel 'textures' you find along the way may be different than what you are used to here at home, but that never bothered us enough to use precious packing space to bring our own the next time. I know there are small chamois type travel towels you can buy at REI and other places, but our attitude is "eehhh, why bother!". This is a problem with some people, but to us, that's all part of the journey! I'd rather pack a few extra picnic supplies than a towel.
Renee
CO USA Sat 06/10/2006
towels..?
My brother and I are going on the Germany, Austria and Switzerland tour in July. Rick Steves recommends bringing a towel. Is this needed? I'm just concerned with the packing...using up the valuable space!
Kathleen
Lake George, NY USA Sat 06/10/2006
Tim - re: tipping on tours
Tim - it's true that there is no tipping the guides or drivers on RS tours. A couple times some members of our group took up a collection to buy wine for impromptu parties and at the end of the tour we pooled some money to buy a little gift (t-shirt that we all signed, photo frame, a card and/or chocolate...something like that) for the driver and guide but that was totally voluntary and did not amount to very much $$. Happy travels!!
Renee
CO USA Tue 05/30/2006
Gratuities
We are leaving in June for the RS Tour Village Italy. We have never been on a RS tour before and we are really looking forward to this one. My question is: the brochure states that gratuity is included for the guides and drivers. I would appreciate feedback for past tour members that this is really covered or do members ever add any extra. We just want to make sure we have enough funds available for everything.
Tim <email>
Walnut Creek, Ca USA Tue 05/30/2006
youth on tours
I was 26 and a single traveler when I took my first ETBD tour. I was the youngest on the tour but it didn't matter b/c everyone else was super cool. I have since traveled with other companies (to places ETBD doesn't go) and I must admit I still think the group I had the most incommon with was the ETBD (even though the people on the other tours were more in my age range at the time). I would definitely suggest it!!
USA Wed 04/19/2006
re: Tour for Singles
I've been on 2 ETBD tours as a single woman and have found the groups to be a good mix of couples and singles from all age groups. In fact, I've found that one of the best parts of tours is the diverse group of people I was able to travel with.
USA Tue 04/18/2006
Teens and drinking
This is not meant to dispute a parent's decision to let a child have wine or spirits or whatever, but to remind all that alcohol in a child, even a teen- aged one, has a compound effect. The part of the human brain that develops last is that which governs judgement and the ability to make sound decisions. In general, in females it completes development a bit earlier than males, but in males this commonly takes until the mid-twenties. No matter how mature you think your teenager, the ability to be grown up just isn't there nor is there adequate ability to handle the messages inherent in permissiveness. Pre-mature drinking harms your child. Medically and emotionally there is no such person as a teenager or early 20 something who can responsibility handle the alcohol. It is better for your child for you to be a teacher, a model, than a good buddy. A lifetime of conseling young people taught me that.
Greg Thomilsen
USA Thu 03/30/2006
Jenny - leaving tour for a day
Jenny,
I did the Best of Italy tour last year and a couple of times people from the tour didn't join a group activity so they could meet up with other friends who were traveling in the same area. I think it's just fine, as long as you're on the bus when you need to be and you let your guide know so they aren't looking for you.
Erika
Edmonds, WA USA Fri 03/03/2006
Rick Steves Tour Group Question
Has anyone done a Rick Steves tour and left the group during the tour to do something else? I've been to Paris twice already and will be heading back with family members for the Europe in 14 Days tour. I don't want to do one of the Paris days with the group and would rather do something different on my own. Has anyone ever done this? Thanks!
Jenny
Buffalo, NY USA Thu 03/02/2006
London Tube
I used the Rick Steve's tour book for a trip to Great Britian last year and enjoyed every walking tour in London and appreciated all of his advise. Won't take another European tour without one of his tour books.
I had two atempted pick pocketings in the tube, with my luggage, but the waist wallet tucked into my underwear held tight for the first one. The second trip though the tube with my luggage I wrapped the excess strap around the side of my underwear and then buckeled it and they tried, by press the release on the strap but the extra wrap around the undies held.
Thanks Rick
B. Pollard
Minneapolis, MN USA Thu 02/23/2006
Paris Dress, Age of Fellow Tourists, and more
I took 2 RS city tours -- London and Paris. I don't remember a Paris wine and cheese night specifically, but there was an hour or two before one of our dinners where everyone met in the hotel's dining room and the tour guide gave an overview of French wines. I skipped it since I don't drink, and wanted to get in a short nap before dinner. But as for dress, I think everone wore casual or 'business casual" clothing throughout the tour, even out to dinner or shows. But if you did get dressed up, you did not look out of place.
As for the age of the tour groups, on both trips there was one family with children (ages 12 and 14 or so), honeymooners, singles, couples, and people of every age group up to their 70s (I think). The average on those tours (in Nov.) was somewhere in the 30s, I think.
I've taken Rick's advice to heart -- got my feet wet with 2 guided tours which gave me the confidence I needed to go back to Europe on my own several times. I consult many guide books, maps, and travel forums. This year, however, I will be travelling back to England on a different company's bus tour, with my parents! I'm looking forward to comparing the different tour group experiences, and my parents are looking to me to guide them on our free days!
As for the hotels, I think the ones we stayed in on the tour were not mentioned in the guidebook -- maybe so that people would not try to book them. But if you do some searching, there are many more worthwhile B&Bs, and you may have your own ideas about where to stay. Personally, I like the Bloomsbury neighborhood of London better than the one around Victoria Station that Rick uses.
Lastly, I would highly recommend taking a RS tour if you can. I had wonderful tour guides, toured with a great bunch of people, and couldn't believe how much I wanted to revisit Europe when the trip was over.
Sue
Philadelphia, PA USA Fri 02/10/2006
drinking before legal in the states
Regarding drinking at 16or 18 in europe and "unringing that bell" back home: I think that when your teen sees that alchohol can be consumed in moderation/responisibly by European teens that will make a big impression on him/her. Tell them that you are ok with them drinking in Europe because that is allowed by the laws there. In our country it is not and we need to obey our laws in our country.
If at some point he decides to drink before he is 21, at least he has had the exposure to "cool" teens drinking moderately...maybe that will help him make wiser choices.
Good Luck! Your teen will have a great time no matter what he does!
Susan
Phila, PA USA Mon 02/06/2006
Paris Tour/Wine Tasting
I took Rick's Paris tour in July 2005. The wine tasting evening was at our hotel, and was not a dressy affair. Our tour guide was our "instructor" and gave a very informative lesson on wines in France, how to choose them, etc. No need to worry about dressing up. However, on the last night we went to a final group dinner at a nice restaurant. Although we did not need to dress up, I felt better for having a skirt on. I used a scarf I bough during the week to dress up a casual outfit.
If nothing else, take black pants and a nice sweater and that will suffice pretty much anywhere.
Angela
IL USA Sun 01/29/2006
Wine and the 16 yr old.
The 16 yr old will most likely be at some point offered wine, they can just say no and order a pop. The legal drinking age is 18 I think, so a large 16 yr old, with his parents, will probably get offered wine. Most europeans would think nothing of it at all, even if they knew he/she was only 16. In fact it really is a non issue. Your teen can of course not drink alcohol, there is no pressure to, and no one will really notice one way or the other.
When I was in France , I turned 13, my grandmother had a little neighborhood party for me, there were 3 or 4 kids my age , with their parents, we were all given a glass of champagne. It was my first, but, no one elses. !
I think one poster said it best when they expected there 18 yr old to know that although it is illegal in the States, it is not illegal in another country, and that one should obey the laws of the country that they are in, and if they have a glass of wine in Italy , it does not mean they can do that when at how.
Canada Sat 01/28/2006
Paris & Prague Tours
I am taking two Rick Steves tours back to back the last two weeks of May 2006. Has anyone taken the two tours, if so, I would like to know if women on the tours get dressed up for the nite of the wine & cheese in Paris and for the nite of theatre in Prague that the two tours do as a group. Does anyone know how the weather should be and want to bring to wear on either tour? Is Prague expensive as I am unsure how much money in their currency to bring.
Is the food good in Prague?
Ann
Staten Island , NY USA Wed 01/18/2006
germany, austria, switzerland
My brother and I have signed up for the July 16 trip to Germany, Austria and Switzerland.. Is there a place to get in touch with other people who are on the same RS tour? Just to maybe meet up in Frankfurt and share transportation to the hotel or talk about packing before the trip. Thanks!!
Kathleen
Lake George, NY USA Thu 01/05/2006
Teens and drinking wine
Although we were not in Italy on a RS tour, I was there last summer with my just- turned 18- year- old daughter. First, about the clothes- you didn't say girls or boys, but regardless, shopping for some clothes in the street markets is something I'm sure they will want to do and that could supplement their outfits they bring from home. As far as the wine, I think it was really educational for her to see the cultural difference after all the senior year issues with illegal alcohol consumption (not her, but at her school). She enjoyed being able to have (and be offered) a glass of red wine with the pasta at meals. At first, I think because of the novelty, she always ordered it, but by the third week she'd pretty much switched to lemonade or "pop" when available. Personally I think it's insane that in America at 18 you can go get killed in Iraq, buy cigarettes and porn, been driving for two years and yet not consume alcohol. But those are the laws here and she has to respect them- just part of all you learn when traveling. This year she is in an exchange program and once again is experiencing the difference between social drinking in Europe versus the binge drinking and other abuses typical among some on college campuses here. Lastly, about wheeled versus backpacks- I think the critical part is that the bag be able to be carried by its owner independently, including up onto narrow steps on tour buses and trains and in hotels. Have a fabulous trip!
Karen
USA Wed 01/04/2006