Home > Plan Your Trip > Graffiti Wall

Europe Through the Back Door Tour Reports

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.

I want to add my comments! 

Rome in 7 Days
My wife and I just got back from our first Rick Steves tour (and only our second trip abroad) and thoroughly enjoyed it. We had a nice group of people, and a great tour guide who was more than willing to go that extra mile (like finding out where Constantine is burried). I am not really a people person, and so need a good bit of time to myself to recharge, and this tour seemed to give me that. The local guides we had were exceptional, and really brought their subjects to life. I would recommend this tour (especially at this time of year) to anyone who is on the fence about a Rick Steves tour. I was skeptical, but willing to give it a go, and now when we are trying to decide where to go next, I am confident that one of the questions is going to be "Will this trip be better on one of Rick's tours?" Buon Giorno!!!!
Michael Victorine <email>
Sterling, VA   USA   12/25/2007

Paris, Loire and Normandy in 10 Days
I just came back from the Paris, Loire and Normandy in 10 Days tour and loved it. It was my first ETBD tour and also the first time I took a tour by myself. The experience was overwhelmingly wonderful. Arnauld was our tour guide and he brought France alive for me. He is also very funny. I thought that I could take this tour and then I would move on to other countries to visit. Not so. I am hooked on France and will return - hopefully for another tour that Arnauld leads.

One of the most enchanting times on this tour was in Mont St. Michel's cathedral. It was early and there were only 2 guided groups going through. While in one of the rooms with incredible acoustics, our group sang Amazing Grace to the other group, and they sang Sakura to us.

As the daughter of a WWII veteran, Ellwood's all day tour of the D-Day Beaches was just incredible. The visit to the American Cemetery was personal for every one on the tour.

I cannot say enough good things about Arnauld and how he brought Paris and Northern France alive for me. I highly recommend this tour. Every day you will see something incredible.
Susan Iwasa <email>
San Francisco, CA   USA   10/14/2007

Best of Ireland in 14 Days
I just completed my first ETBD tour, The Best of Ireland in 14 Days, and it was an extraordinary experience. Our guide, Stephen McPhilemy, was nothing short of incredible. His knowledge of the history of Ireland, his ability to tell great stories, his leading us in songs on the bus, and his small touches such as stopping and buying us strawberries from a roadside vendor to having a wonderful picnic in the shadow of a historic church in the town of Cong (where "The Quiet Man"s filmed). We even got to play the ancient game of "hurling" which was so much fun, I will never forget it. The concerts we went to, from folk music to 'Riverdance" performers were absolutely stunning, and the tours in the places such as Trinity College and the town of Kinsale were wonderful. Stephen was funny, he was friendly, he was what made the trip for all of us. I learned more about Ireland and its history than I ever dreamed I would know because of Stephen. If all your tour guides are half as good as Stephen, I will be on Rick Steves' tours from now on. 5 stars for Stephen, and for Rick Steves Tours. My wife and I are sold on your company and its philosophy.
Rick Moore <email>
Oklahoma City, OK   USA   07/30/2007

Love travelling this way
I've completed 3 ETBD tours (in a 9 month span)and can't say enough about what a great experience each one has been for me. I've met a lot of really nice and interesting people from all over. I'm a single male traveler in my early 40's, and having everything arranged and all I need to do is show up is a great way to travel. The bonus is I learn so much about being a world citizen along the way.

On occasion, I think it would be nice to have a few more people closer to my own age to hang out with and perhaps go out at night, but I don't let that stop me from getting out and enjoying where ever it is that I happen to be. The people with more life experience than me have all been great to talk with, share a meal with, and just live la dolce vida.

I've just signed up for my 4th tour that begins in November. Not many people my age can do such an aggressive travel schedule (time & money restrictions), so I consider myself fortunate that I can.

Thanks RSETBD for putting together these tours, finding truly great people to guide (lead & assistants) and for attracting a caliber of traveler and person that I might not other wise get to meet and get acquainted with.
Phil <email>
Seattle, Wa   USA   07/22/2007

Incredible Experience
Just returned from our first ETBD experience - definitely not our last! (May 27/07) We lucked out with the BEST guides Rick Steves has to offer (Daniela Williams and Stephen Blackwood). Did not hear one complaint from any fellow traveler - only continuous amazement at how our guides managed to surprise us at every turn. Special moments included wandering the meadows between the spectacular Alps and our group's evening gondola ride in Venice with our very own musical accompaniment. Our only regret was booking the 14-day tour - we must go for a longer period next time! Without a doubt, the value we received from our ETBD far outweighed the price we paid.
Brad & Sherry Geddes <email>
London, ON   Canada   07/07/2007

Grumbles and Mumbles
I have not only survived but totally enjoyed a few ETBD tours. For anyone who takes a RS tour -- it would be much appreciated if those who have a complaint (room too hot/too cold/no air, no hot water, would rather have a shower than a tub, too much food/too little food/didn't like the food, etc.) could speak privately with the guide or asst. guide, instead of grumbling to fellow tour members. The guides may be able to effect a change on your behalf; other group members cannot. Please be considerate of fellow group members who are happy and satisfied and cheerfully looking forward to or happily returning from the day's adventures. Remember -- they're on vacation too, and it's unpleasant to be subjected at breakfast or on arrival at a hotel after a long travel day with irritable grumbles and mumbles.
Dora
Seattle, WA   USA   06/28/2007

Germany, Austria, Switzerland
I just finished my second ETBD tour. I travel with my daughter and son-in-law. My daughter has taken three tours and we are planning our next trip to Ireland.The GAS tour was wonderful but more strenuous than I had anticipated. I wish we could have spent more time in the Montreus and Lausanne, Switzerland areas. Murten was disappointing. Munich, Murren, Hallstatt, St. Goar, Baden-Baden and Vienna were wonderful. We got snowed in at Murren (16 inches) and didn't make it to the top of Schilthorn but loved the snow! Salzburg and Vienna are crowded. My WOW moments were the luge ride, Hallstatt, Lauterbrunnen Vally and Murren on the day we left when the sun came out, and the Mozart dinner concert. I would definitely return to Switzerland and Vienna. The Frankfurt airport is not as easily marked as Rick says and is very disorganized compared to the rest of Germany. Missed our connection in Frankfurt from our flight from Vienna. You need a good 1.5 - 2 hours between connections. Pack lightly and wear summery clothes. It is hot and there is no a/c. Check your bag and use a rolling bag. Enjoy!
Audrey <email>
Keizer, OR   USA   06/17/2007

Never Alone
My 1st ETBD tour was Best of London & Paris April 15-22, 2007 w/guide Toni Clark. The timing of my trip was a reward for my 30yr anniversary at work & also to celebrate turning 50 last Nov. I also wanted to visit my cousin who lives in France & see more by adding a tour to that trip. My sister recommended Rick Steves tours to me so I checked it out. When I saw "Best of London & Paris" offered I knew that was the one for me. I initially thought of traveling in the fall but found spring to be absolutely perfect. "I love Paris in the springtime..." I traveled by myself but truely never felt "alone." It was fun getting to know my travel buddies & Toni. Very interesting & friendly people. My guide, Toni & travel buddies were fantastic. I had no trouble finding others who shared my interests for our free time. My "Wow" moment in London was after visiting the Cabinet War Rooms & Churchill Museum (fascinating & worthwhile) walking down the street & looking over my shoulder to see Big Ben & in Paris it has to be my first sight of the Eiffel Tower. I call those, "Pinch me I must be dreaming" moments. At those moments I knew I was really there. Favorite hotel...is tough. I loved both Limetree Hotel (London) & Castex Hotel (Paris). The locations were incredible, the people were hospitable & the rooms were very good. I felt that our time was well planned & appreciated the tips & directions that Toni gave us along the way. She was so enthusiastic & knowledgable & so much fun. She seemed to enjoy our humor & playfulness but kept us moving & on schedule. My favorite meal has to be our farewell dinner @ Le Grand Colbert. And recognizing it from one of my favorite recent movies, “Something’s Gotta Give.” Ooo la la! Favorite memories are the 2 evenings in Paris after our group dinners sitting w/Toni & a cople of travel buddies in cafes & enjoying wonderful bottles of French wine & conversation. Magic moment...has to be visiting the Eiffel Tower @ sunset and viewing it across the River Seine from the Trocadéro. It was aglow like the finest jewelry. An added benefit to an active tour...I loved the food & wine & still lost 5 1/2 lbs! I am glad that I had lost some weight & started a fitness program before the trip. It made it more enjoyable. I was tired. But it was a "good tired". I was having to much fun to let it stop me. I hope to travel w/ETBD again maybe w/my favorite guide Toni on her Best of France tour. Wish I could go tomorrow...back to the real world...Sigh.... ps: since the tour I have enjoyed sharing pics w/my tour buddies & keeping in touch via e-mail.
Sue Knabel <email>
Louisville, KY   USA   06/04/2007

Sicily and South Italy
Sicily touring, though a very different experience from our 17 day trip in Northern Italy last year was every bit as good. Our guide, Alfio Di Mauro, Sicilian, energetic, resourceful made the trip the special event it was. Guide assistant, Stephanie Bergman was an excellent compliment to Alfio and a stand alone guide in her own right. If the North is art then the South is food. In the three weeks we have been home we have worn out our Sicilian Cook Book. As with last years tour we had an excellent group to travel with and again developed a special relationship with them. I very much appreciate the freedom to go off on my own if desired and to compliment my interest in long hikes, Stephanie went to considerable lengths to find maps and information for me - what a gem. I would suggest avoiding Villa Casales until the Italian authority is able to handle the traffic better. All the other stops on the trip were wonderful.
Jim Fitzgerald <email>
Olympia, WA   USA   06/01/2007

Spain and Portugal
In April/May 2006 my wife and I took the tour of Spain and Portugal. We had taken four other trips offered by Rick. This was an excellent trip. The bull fighting museum at Ronda was a highlight. My wife hates bull fighting, but I wanted to see one myself. Those events were a day ahead or a day behind us. Based on my positive experience on this tour I made a video, broadcast in DC, Australia, and soon the Ivory Coast. Much of the information was provided by our tour guide (Carlos). If interested go to: www.gramick.neptune.com The video is 30 minutes long. We plan to go next year on Rick's tour of Sicily and southern Italy.
George Ramick <email>
Rockville, Maryla   USA   04/15/2007

2007 Paris and Provence tour
I'd like include my appreciation with Audrey's comments. This was a wonderful experience for me. The people at the Steve's organization are to be complemented for providing Patrick Vidal, Christopher in Paris, and Pasquale in Nice. They are the best and most informative guides. I also appreciated Patrick Vidal for his very sound advice, his ability to coax and encourage the most out of twenty-seven independent adults, and his Gallic charm. I think the tour was well paced, but could have had a few more coffee breaks.
Jerry Bricker <email>
Ann Arbor, MI   USA   04/02/2007

Paris and Provence
My husband and I just returned from our first ETBD tour and the second tour of our lives. It was fantastic! We owe most of our pleasure to our Fabulous Guide, Patrick Vidal, whose energy, enthusiasm and concern for our happiness and welfare astounded me. We started as 27 strangers and ended, 13 days later, as 27 warm friends. Patrick filled our heads and our hearts with a love for Paris and all things Provencial. We learned more about french culture and customs then we could have imagined. We talked as friends about everything and laughed until the tears came. I would go again and take any tour he leads for the joy of it.
Audrey Bricker <email>
Ann Arbor, Michig   USA   03/29/2007

solo travel on a ETBD tour
Hi Jenny,

I love solo traveling. Don't get me wrong, there are times I wouln't mind having a special someone on the trip with me to hold hands or share a special moment - but there is so much more to get out of travel when you are by yourself. Check out my website from 2006 - I was the 2nd place winner - Jen Z - 14 days in Europe. I had a blast with 28 people I had never met before. I alternated roommates with Karen & Jennifer who were both quite a bit older than me (I was 29 at the time) & we all got along great. Every 3rd stay I had my own room. You are not in your room too often, besides to sleep & freshen up. Anyway - don't let single traveling hold you back from taking a Rick Steves tour! I am just about to take my second tour, The Best of Paris & Provence in May! I can not wait! Maybe I will see you there!! :)
Jen
Madison, WI   USA   03/19/2007

Venice, Florence, and Rome
We took this tour in October 2006, and it was the trip we had dreamed of for years. Trina, our guide, was fantastic. She always had great suggestions for what to do with our free time, and actually taught us how to use the Rome metro system. My only complaint came after the tour, when my online scrapbook that I entered in the Rick Steves Contest was continually "not received" by the webmaster, despite sending it numerous times, from different e-mail accounts, and using their online form that goes directly to the webmaster. It wasn't until 6 days after judging had began that it was finally posted on their site, an no one at customer service was too keen on helping me out. Very disheartening.
April Dykman <email>
Austin, TX   USA   03/19/2007

Thank yous and tips
First off, let me say that Lisa was the best tour guide. She not only knew her stuff but she handled every situation with charm and class.

Now, talking about survival - in one of the many cities I was in on my Best of Europe in 21 days tour, I loaded onto the subway with my group during rush hour. The sardine style ride was not what I expected, and Lisa saw that in my terrified face. We got off the at the next stop and Lisa offered me a hug and a chance to walk to our destination. Through tears, I asked if we could wait just a little bit for a more empty train. She of course said yes and we waited 10 mintues. Thank you Lisa, it realy meant a lot to me.

Oh and when you are in Italy, don't walk away until you know you have your EXACT change. I was slow counted and lost 5 euro! But it only happened once and it was at an autogrill.

P.S. Switzerland, German and Austria were by far the most fantastic parts . . . beer, castles, and nature! You could not ask for more.
Morgan <email>
roseville, ca   USA   02/12/2007

Paris in 7 Days
I cannot express how much I enjoyed the Paris in 7 Days tour during the holiday season. New Year's Eve was absolutely magical. I will never forget toasting with all of our new friends under the Eiffel Tower at midnight. And our darling Elizabeth, our fearless guide, with her tireless attention to detail made everything perfect.
Debbie <email>
Edwardsville, IL   USA   01/24/2007

Family Paris tour
I am SO excited to see the new Family Paris tour. A ETBD tour and my kids! I can't wait until they are older so we can go! Thanks Rick!
M
Roswell, Ga   USA   01/11/2007

Paris city tour
I just arrived back from the Paris city tour that started on 12-26. This tour was wonderful and educational. This was due to our fabulous guide, Elizabeth! She was professional, intelligent, organized and most helpful and friendly. Rick Steves is lucky to have her.
diane <email>
Snellville, GA   USA   01/08/2007

21 Best of Europe Tour
My husband and I took the best of Europe trip this last Fall. We enjoyed the group tour experience. We had traveled several times on our own, and re-visited several places on the tour. We had a different experience with a guide. It was nice not having to worry about how to find the next town or hotel or driving in parts of Italy.(scary) Our guide Rick Garmin was wonderful. The whole tour was great. Our favorite stop was Lauterbrunnen. The weather wasn't that great, but we made the most of it. It is so beautiful! We will return next year on our own for 18 days. The great thing about the tour is that it helps you decide where you would want to return to on your own. I would love to do another Rick Steve's tour in the future. Maybe Eastern Europe or Spain and Portugal.
Darla <email>
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA   USA   01/06/2007