Best of City Tour Magic Moments
Real experiences from our tour members
Here are just a few of the many magic moments you can experience on one of Rick Steves' city tours! For more information, check out our uncensored tour member feedback page for the inside scoop on all of our tours!
London
The highlights of the trip for me were the Cabinet War Rooms and St. Paul's Cathedral. This was my first trip to Europe and it brought histroy alive. Such as seeing the damage too buildings done by the Luftwafe. Also, the age of things is amazing. When you go to a pub and you see it was founded in 1382 it kind of boggles your mind.
Dana in Seattle, WA
London, Oct 17, 2004
Every aspect of the tour was well planned, and I truly enjoyed the whole experience. My favorite part, however, was the free time in the evenings to go to the theater. We saw four shows while in London! They were all great!
Mar 16, 2003
Rome
So many wow! moments on this trip--Ancient Rome, the Pantheon, the Vatican Museum and St. Peter's, the Borghese Gallery...and of course the cappuccino...I've been wasting my time at Starbucks!
Rome, Nov 14, 2004
The very first evening when we took a private bus, for a tour of the city...Rome was so beautiful, and to finally be seeing it for the first time was overwhelming. Our native guide, Francesca, was poetic and I felt transported to another time.
May 25, 2003
Paris
We had our first meal in the Cafe du Commerce upon arriving in Paris, the day before we met our group. The Maitre De there was so welcoming, helpful and friendly we were genuinely surprised. He was especially gracious when he fould out that we were Americans. His philosophy was that the peoples of our two nations are friends, especially when we really get to know each other. Very refreshing and so true!
Anthony in Wilson, NC
Paris, Nov 21, 2004
First night in Paris, before tour started, dinner at Leo the Lion... Martin, our waiter and the chef, bartender and patrons in the restaurant all joined in the spirit of celebrating my 18 year old daughter's very first night in Paris... followed by a short walk to the Eiffel Tower, which, just happened to be lit up with thousands of special lights that night for the music festival. Seeing the amazement, joy, and WOW in my very appreciative youngest child as the two of us stood under the tower on a perfect summer night... As Martin told as many times at dinner, "You are in Paris... it is MAGIC, of course!"
Jun 22, 2003
Prague
Prague is a European jewel. I have been to many European cities, including Paris, London, and Rome. For me, Prague is the most beautiful. I was overwhelmed with it's beauty, it's architecture and history. An unexpected highlight of the trip was our three guides who were so very knowledgeable and well-versed in every aspect of Prague's history and architecture. I can't say enough about how enriched we were by their knowledge. Another delightful "wow" moment was the inpromptu invitation by our Kunta Hora bus driver who invited our entire group over to "see how a typical Czech family lives." He happened to live on the road back to Prague. He was obviously very proud of his humble abode. After inviting us all to see each room of his house!, we were served coffee, cake, and refreshments in his backyard as we visited with his entire family! How's that for hospitality!
Gloria in Elk Grove, IL
Prague, May 16, 2004
Honza's person story of being a part of the student march that began the Velvet Revolution was unbelievable. I am the sort of person who can find words to describe next to anything and Honza's story blew me away. Having grown up in a stable Middle American environment there is nothing I have experienced that could even remotely compare to what Honza took part in. That he was willing to share his story with us is something incredible that I will never forget.
Apr 6, 2003
Florence
We had one of those moments while eating at Taverna Le Coppele. A French couple sat down next to us, and the gentleman was eyeing my pizza. I saw him check the menu, and pointed out the selection as the Coppele (house pizza). We tried to converse, and his girlfriend interceded as she spoke better English than my French. We talked about Paris, and how the French can be somewhat indifferent towards non-French speaking Americans. She agreed with a quick Oui. We continued our discussion, and as they were getting ready to depart, she said the French people really do like and support the US people, although not necessarily Bush. As a registered Republican who voted for Kerry, I told her I understand, and appreciate Chirac for holding his ground! She smiled politely, and we exchanged business cards.
Frank in Monterey Park, CA
Florence, Nov 7, 2004
Heidi arranged the best meals for us. We arrived at a restaurant and felt very "taken care of" as we were greeted, served promptly, and enjoyed good food, freshly prepared and very tasty! I also had an interest in shopping for some Florentine paper and Heidi made an effort to find out about paper stores for me. I appreciated her remembering that and following through with some information for me. Yes, I purchased some wonderful papers to bring home with me!
Jun 22, 2003
Venice
My favorite "wow" momemt was when we as a group of five gondolas side by side, were cruising down the Grand Canal singing Volare.
Tammy in San Francisco, CA
Venice, Nov 7, 2004
The making of the gondolas was outstanding. That was the sort of thing which one could not do on one's own, and made the trip different from the normal tour.
Jun 22, 2003
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