Best of Europe in 14 Days Tour

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was AMAZING! The coordination of hotels, meals and transportation was flawless. There was a perfect combination of planned activities and free time and the historical information about each location was presented in an entertaining way. A trip of a lifetime!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Driving into the Lauterbrunnen Valley was awe inspiring and having the opportunity to hike in the Alps and experience the beauty firsthand was other-worldly."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a wonderful experience. This is my second RS trip, and it met the same level of excellence as the last. Our tour guide, Jody, was exceptional providing information, support, and fun. The pace and variety were perfect with time in cities and the countryside providing the perfect balance. I also appreciated the local guides with their expert knowledge and information. The trip was perfect and we are looking forward to scheduling another in the near future.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Each place we traveled was amazing and enhance further by our guide, Jody, and the local guides, but I particularly loved Rome with all its history. As a history/English teacher, I loved learning even more about the sites, their unusual stories, and seeing them in person (particularly the Colosseum and Roman Forum)."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a great group of people. No drama, just lots of fun. I felt so cared for and learned so much. If anyone I know wants to take a tour I would encourage them to make it a Rick Steves tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland was over the top amazing! From the first look out of my hotel room window to being at the top of Shilthorn surrounded by breathtaking mountain tops I could hardly believe what I was seeing. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Words cannot describe how fabulous this entire experience was for me! It was everything I had hoped for and more. This was the trip of a lifetime, with the best tour mates I could have hoped for. We were a lively, cohesive group who got along so well...having loads of fun and laughs, with just the right balance of free/alone time and group events, guided tours, dinners together, etc. Our guide Matthias was the BEST ever - someone I would seek out in a heartbeat next time! A+ Experience!!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Oooh this is a tough one. Rome and Venice were beyond fabulous, but I was expecting to love them both. Tuscany was a beautiful respite after busy days in Rome. Munich and Paris did not disappoint either...but the Lauterbrunnen Valley in the Swiss Alps was like Heaven on Earth. Pastoral, peaceful, and literally awe-inspiring. I truly loved it all! Honestly, the decisions and extra "surprises" our guide Matthias provided for us turned lots of experiences into "wow" moments."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide Dimitri showed us the best of Europe in a very short time. It was not a relaxing tour but given the amount of places to see it was understandably strenuous. Dimitri took excellent care of us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many Wow moments such as touring the Colloseum and Forum in Rome with Francesca, and Florence Museums. Dimitri arranged for us to visit the Schilthorn in Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland and the hike down from Mürren was amazing, so would have to say that was our favorite Wow moment. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was exactly as advertised - very active tour. We knew exactly what to expect well ahead of time. Very well orchestrated and I came away with a great appreciation for all of the logistics and planning that went into our trip and making sure it was as efficient as possible, allowing us to make the most of the trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hands down - the Swiss Alps and taking the gondola to Schilthorn and then hiking through alpine meadows on the way back."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was awesome and exceeded my expectations. Things went smoothly, everything was preplanned, and our guide was very good at communicating what was coming up for the next day so we could plan accordingly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many "wow" moments. Two of the most memorable are sitting in the Sistine Chapel and when we approached Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. Both were breathtaking experiences. Such beauty!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour and tour guide were wonderful!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sainte Chapelle was amazing. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was phenomenal. We couldn't have asked for more. From the locations, to the tour guides, to the bus driver, to the restaurants and hotels, it was the trip of a lifetime!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our trip to Dachau was my "wow" moment. As a human being, I needed to learn about what happened there and how exactly Hitler came to power. I needed to see how people can get swept up into glorifying a leader so much that they lose their own humanity. I needed to understand that it was even worse than I could ever imagine. Our local tour guide shared this with us in such a meaningful way. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall, our family could not have asked for better. From the accommodations, to the tour director (Tim), to everything that was included, everything was spectacular. We were also very grateful for Tim's experience and his ability to coordinate special experiences along the way.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many to count, but the most special one to us was the nighttime gondola ride in Venice. We took this tour in honor of my father-in-law, who was a consummate world traveler, and who passed away last September. The night of the gondola ride was his birthday, as well our first father's day without him. We didn't know it boarding the boat, but the experience, and knowing that he would have loved to do it with us, was an emotional experience, that none of our family will ever forget."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Best of Europe tour far exceeded my expectations, I enjoyed each and every piece of it. Art, history, landmark, food, hotel and accommodations, tour guide, group energy, bus ride & every in between. I learned so much about each country and can not wait to go back and visit again. I was sad to go to bed every night because I didn't want the day to end but filled with joy thinking about every adventure the next day would bring. Each local guide was so appreciated - amazing!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"As a young adult trying to figure out what path or adventure I want to pursue next, Europe was the perfect place to be this summer. I was "wowed" by each piece of art and architecture that I was able to see on this tour. I was inspired to not only pursue the talents I currently have but try new things and figure out what I would like to pursue next. I was also "wowed" by the people I met on this tour, each person was joy to get to know."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was amazing in so many ways! Not only did we see incredible vistas and historical sights, we also learned about the culture and unique nuances of each area from our awesome tour guide Tim. Tim did a wonderful job of setting expectations for the tour, provided excellent suggestions for things to do during our free time, and expertly united a group of travelers from all over the USA. I can honestly say that Tim, Paul (driver), and my travel buddies made this trip even more memorable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were too many "wow" moments to pick just one. Our time at the villa in Tuscany and the view from our hotel room in Lauterbrunnen are at the top of my list. Others: St. Peter's Square first thing in the morning (before the crowds), walking into St. Peter's Basilica and Sainte-Chappelle drew "wows" from everyone. Sitting under the Sistine Chapel for 45 min soaking it in. Ukranian street musicians in Munich. Dachau. Walking through the Forum. Wine tasting in Beaune. Mona Lisa. Group dinners!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first time visiting Europe and Rick Steves' Europe was the best way I could have experienced it. The tour was challenging, but in a great way; pushing me to see, taste, and feel Europe in ways that I know I would not have been able to if I was doing this journey by myself. My tour guide, Tim T., was incredible and made for such an enjoyable and enlightening adventure. The local guides were also all insightful and enriched each location, creating an emotion connection to each place.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Wandering my way around Venice, during a quiet evening, was such a wonderful experience. I just got "lost" with my family (as was suggested by our wonderful guide), and we found ourselves experiencing a unique magic of the city of Venice that was equal parts calming and exciting. We walked across many bridges connecting the many islands separated only by narrow waterways, with each turn around the corner bringing history and culture to life. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was my first time to Europe and what amazing time we had on this tour! From our awesome guide (Tim) and bus driver (Paul), to the great group we traveled with (27 total), to the sights we saw, and the amazing food! It was the trip of a lifetime for sure and we all agreed doing it through a Rick Steves guided tour was the best decision we could have made. We got to just sit back and go along for the ride. No planning or decisions to make. LOVED IT!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The view of the landscape as we drove from Germany to Switzerland. It was magical!! TIP: Ask your bus driver when it works out best to be the ones sitting in the front of the bus! For the BEST view!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide Stephanie was amazing! She handled everything with professionalism, kindness, and expertise! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute as I didn't have to worry/plan hotels, transportation, reservations, most meals! I loved the hotels/food/tours/cities and we had an amazing group of people who soon became good friends. I flew solo to Rome, but once the tour began, I didn't feel alone! I have recommended this trip to everyone at home and am working on my next Rick Steve's Tour: GREECE

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite WOW was Switzerland! Pictures can't capture the true beauty of this majestic place. My room overlooked the falls and I can hear their thunder as I drifted off to sleep! "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Great tour guide, very knowledgeable. Definitely kept us busy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland. Will definitely be going back there. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall wonderful experience. Well-organized and a great group of people. The pre-planned group took some stress out of the planning and let us enjoy some experiences we might have otherwise missed. Would definitely do it again.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Each city supplied some "wow" moments. From the amazing history of Rome, the spectacular countryside of Tuscany, the uniqueness of Venice, the fun and contrast of Munich, the picturesque postcard beauty of Switzerland, to the romance and fresh baked romance of France each place wowed me in its own way."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We really enjoyed our tour! The bus was amazing, the guide was friendly and fun, we felt like we had just enough time in each location to enjoy everything. We will definitely consider joining another Rick Steves tour in the future.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"While I was mainly looking forward to visiting, and seeing Venice, I was blown away by how much I enjoyed Florence! There were so much more to the city than I even realized, and I truly loved every bit of it from walking to the magnificence of seeing the statue of David. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

So many new discoveries for me. I had never been on a vacation that long, but time went buy so quickly. By the third day I was was already thinking what should be my next Rick Steves tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were lots of wow moments. Its very hard to pinpoint."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Exactly what I thought it be

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Well done coordination of everything "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The European tour was one of the best experiences of my life. Having the chance to travel, nearly worry-free, was amazing. Our tour guide, Mark W, was on top of all tour arrangements and knew so much about the areas we traveled through and the destinations. It was clear he truly wanted our trip to be memorable and the autonomy he was given for tour plans and arrangements seemed to really allow him to bring certain experiences to a higher level.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Arriving in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, was breathtaking and a scenery like none I've encountered before. Taking the cable cars up the mountains and hiking some of the trails after grabbing a coffee and treat with the family was a memory I'll never forget."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a great tour and we had a great group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were two... the boat ride into venice where Mark Wheeler rented some water taxis... really cool. And entering the Lauterbrunnen valley and seeing the waterfalls and mountains. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I really enjoyed tour for the most part once I got used to being on a schedule! It seemed a little rushed but I understand that you’re trying to get as many experiences in as possible. I was a little nervous about bathroom situation on the bus because I sometimes have an overactive bladder, however we had plenty of rest stops along the way.Mark was entertaining and liked to surprise us with little treats and lots of interesting facts about countries and cultures.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I think for me Rome with all the history was my favorite wow moment,although Switzerland was just like something out of a fairytale."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I thoroughly enjoyed my tour. It was wonderous.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have wanted to visit Italy since I was a child and it did not disappoint. Just walking in such a ancient city was such a thrill for me. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Extremely well orchestrated, organized and punctual. Our tour guide (Stefanie) was absolutely the best!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mt. Schilthorn in Switzerland. While this was not included in the itinerary (may want to consider adding), Stefanie arranged for us to go to the top on our free day in Switzerland"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my second RS tour and it was wonderful. After having Nina in Scandinavia, I was worried that our next tour guide would never compare. But Stefanie was amazing. We had a very busy schedule and the stops we had were interesting and it was great to see so many countries! Overall, it was a great trip and my sister and I had so much fun!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For sure Switzerland. Beautiful, majestic and it felt like I was walking through a fairy tale. Every direction you looked was breathtaking. Stefanie was very helpful in how to use the gondolas, funniculars, bus and train. My sister and I went on the North Face Trail (RS should recommend this trail also!) and it was amazing"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour of Europe! Our guide, Stefanie was so great! She was friendly, organized and so fun! She kept everyone on track and informed of the daily plan, and allowed breaks when we traveled as a group. What a wonderful trip!!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Trip to Lauterbrunnen Vslley!! Stefanie got tickets to the top Of Shilthorn for all who wanted to go up and at a great group rate- she even hit everyone their correct change back! What a beautiful wonderful place- like a Fairy Tale "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I really did not have an expectation for the tour and at the end I LOVED it. It was an anniversary trip for us, we have never gone to Europe, and I was apprehensive about trying to "go it alone". This was a great way to enjoy some highlights of the different places, and get a feel for the culture. Just based on this trip, we will be doing more in the future.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I actually had 2 Wow moments. The first one was when we visited Florence. The "farm house" accommodations were perfect for that trip. I enjoyed the day trip to Florence, but really enjoyed the "down time" and staff at the Burchio. The second moment is our stay in Lauterbrunnen Switzerland. We ended up doing a day excursion with our guide Demetri. It was not a scheduled trip, but he took us up to to the Schilthorn - Piz Gloria via cable car. All I can say is breathtaking views of the surround."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I can't say enough of how our Best of Europe tour in 14 days was an outstanding experience for us especially being first timers in Europe. Couldn't have a better itinerary and everything that was expected on the tour was spot on from the amount of walking to the duration of the bus rides. Big shout out to our main guide Dimitri and driver Rachel. Dimitri made our whole entire experience wonderful, he's the best and Rachel is an amazing driver. Huge thanks to them for making this an awesome tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite wow moment had to be Switzerland. So happy we were there with great weather conditions. Got to the summit of Schilthorn and the view was truly breath taking. Rome was amazing from the Colosseum, the roman ruins to the Vatican. And Paris was spectacular from the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe. Also, just walking around Venice with no vehicles. This is something you have to see in person, just watching it on television or looking at pictures does not do it justice. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Enjoyed seeing the highlights of the areas we visited.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My wow moment would have to be Switzerland. The area was breathtaking! I enjoyed our gondala trip up the mountain and the amazing views from the top. We had the choice to take the gondala all the way back down or get off early to walk back. We stopped in a little grocery for picnic supplies, and continued on a very relaxing walk down the mountain with amazing views and sounds of cowbells and waterfalls. Loved it!! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Simply amazing! Loved the schedule and ability to pack so much in to a 14 day tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Can’t name just one. All of Rome and Vatican City, gondola ride through the clouds in Switzerland, seeing Venice for the first time from the water taxi, Versailles."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour guides were well informed and very helpful! The tour was just the right length for us. It was awesome!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved being at Schlithorn! It was beautiful and breathtaking!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My kids and I had an amazing time. We’re already planning our next trip. The guide (Dmitri) was fantastic, so much so that my kids asked if he could possibly lead the next tour (Greece). The cities and hotels were all very nice. It was a wonderful showcase for someone who hadn’t yet seen Europe.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Turning a corner in Rome to find the Pantheon…right there. I’ve been looking at pictures of it for 30 years, and finally, there it was larger than life. Really connects you to the history when you can see it and touch it for the first time. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The guides and the thoughtful itinerary allowed me to experience Europe in a way that would have been difficult to experience on my own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many “wow” moments but I think Venice and Switzerland are my favorite."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Dmitri was excellent. He pointed out and explained a lot about the people & culture as well as the building and other artefacts. He is also very knowledgeable about things we can do, places we can eat, where we can get other products and services during the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Forum & Coliseum in Rome."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Such a great trip! A robust itinerary that allowed for a variety of interesting experiences and yet was not too draining.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"This is the hardest question. I’ll have to include a few: Nighttime stroll in Rome. Viewing Michaelangelo’s David in Florence. Impactful visit to Dachau. Seeing Sainte Chapelle at Church of St Severin in Paris. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The experience was awesome! From the tour guide, to the sites in the various countries, to the great group of folks we had touring together!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Stepping out onto the balcony of the Hotel Oberland in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and looking at the water falls and snow-capped mountains on the morning of my birthday absolutely MADE the entire trip for me! Pictures just don't do it justice,,,and believe me, i took enough of them!! ;)"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves tour and it did not disappoint. We met our tour guide Paul on the first day and he was awesome. He helped us to get to know other tour members and started the "buddy system" which worked every time. I feel we spent the right amount of time in each location, some places leaving us longing for a little more.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many WOW moments. The Pantheon, the Eiffel Tower, The Grand Canal and more. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Paul is an exceptional tour guide. He was well organized and kept us on time for our tour. Hotels were safe and clean. Group meals could have been better.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland was amazing. I did not have any expectations for this country and was wowed by it’s beauty!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was a wonderful way to be introduced to Europe! I liked that we had a good mix of guided tours and free time. The small group size made the experience personal. We had knowledgeable guides who were entertaining as well as educational. Great food selections, nice accommodations, and smart planning. A lot of the popular tour sites were scheduled early in the day so we were able to avoid the large crowds.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite wow moment was seeing the Colosseum and the remains of Ancient Rome, it felt unreal. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was as my first trip to Europe. The tour was a good mix of group and personal time. I really enjoyed the local guides in the morning tours. Our tour director Paul did an outstanding job of keeping the tour interesting and moving in a timely fashion. I liked that we stayed in the middle of most of the cities so you could sight see at night. I traveled by myself and other couples and families invited me to join with them and made me feel welcomed. I highly recommend Rick Steves' tours.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Swiss Alps were my "wow" moment in Lauterbrunnen. I rode the gondola up to Murren and just stood there admiring the sheer beauty. The majestic view of it all actually brought tears to my eyes."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour & tour guide Paul were fantastic!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"St. Peter’s basilica "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour was spectacular!! We booked the Best of Europe in 14 days tour. We arrived in Rome a couple days early as suggested in Rick Steves book and it was dead on. Every suggestion in Rick's book was very helpful. The tour was perfect in every way and Colleen made it special with her personal touches, the gondola ride, Schilthorn, karaoke singer in Tuscany, and the magic wine. We started out as strangers and we all became good friends exchanging information and vowing to meet up again.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"In Venice after dinner, our tour guide Colleen booked our group a singer, and a guitar player. They played during our gondola. It was a beautiful night with a full moon. Even though, the musicians were not on our gondola, we could hear the music through the canals. Colleen must have reserved 6 gondolas for our group. It was a perfect night. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall, a great experience. I got to see many of Europe’s well known monuments, cities, and historical landmarks.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Tossup between the Louve in Paris and the optional gondola ride in Venice."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We chose this tour because it included most of the cities/attractions we wanted to experience on our trip to Europe. We found the group size to be ideal. We loved the "buddy" concept and the tour encouraged close connections with other travelers. The tour guides were all very knowledgeable and helped to make the experience fulfiling and memorable. The bus was comfortable and roomy for our group. We love the radios though there were times when there was static, but that is minor.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We chose to do a paragliding excursion in Switzerland and that was our "Wow" moment; however, though I have seen David once before, I am still in awe of that Michelangelo masterpiece. It is simply a breathtaking moment walking down that long corridor toward David."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour guide Colleen was incredible and the bus driver, Helge, amazing. The local guides were excellent and so knowledgeable. Really enjoyed traveling with a group and having so much planned out for us. Overall it was a wonderful experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"That's hard. There were many. Loved St Peter's Basilica, T the Louvre, the Orsay, the gondola ride in Venice And of course there was Preston singing Me and Mrs. Jones to his wife on the patio overlooking the Tuscan hills. We had a really fun group!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Best of Europe in 14 Days is a perfect balance of cities and countries for a sampling of the differences between the European cultures.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"While in Venice, our guide arranged for those in our group who went on a gondola ride to be serenaded by a singer and guitar player as we drifted through the narrow canals. It so authentically gave me the feeling 'I am in Italy!""

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Best of Europe Tour was a perfect fit for me and my husband; well planned tours of sites we wanted to see and all the hotels arranged for us. I especially enjoyed the prearranged meals we shared with our tour group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow" moment was seeing the Alps in Switzerland. I could not get over how beautiful they were."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The trip was amazing. Extremely well organized and fun, every city gave us a perfect balance or planned activities and free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The natural beauty of the Swiss Alps in the Lauterbrunnen Valley"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved the tour. Our tour guide made the trip for sure.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I am not sure I have just one but probably seeing the swiss alps for the first time was probably the wow moment. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

What an unforgettable adventure our trip was! Our tour guide, Stefanie, was absolutely amazing. The amount of time with the group vs. time on our own was balanced and well planned. We would take another Rick Steves' trip in a heartbeat. Fantastic.

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Thrilling itinerary, excellent Rick Steves guide/hostess, great food, and an enjoyable bunch of fellow travelers from all over the USA and Canada!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"If I can only select one, I'd say our tour around the Coliseum ruins in Rome, learning about who and how it was constructed, its early and later uses, and how the site was pilfered in later centuries for other buildings."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide Stephanie really made this the experience of our lives. The local guides were also outstanding in particular Martina who brought the treasures of the Uffizi to life for us. Liked the fact that the hotels were all located at the heart of things so as to make easy trips out in the evening. Surprised that Munich is being removed from the itinerary next year as this was one of the hilights for us and part of our decision to book this particular tour

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Without question the gondola ride that Stephanie organized for us in Venice complete with singer and guitarist. A memory that will stay with us forever. A second Wow moment would be the breathtaking scenery of Switzerland. Outstanding"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tina was the best guide I could ever imagine anyone could ever have, our driver was phenomenal,I know this to be true , because I have driven over 3,000,000 miles in my lifetime.. the tour was absolutely the most coronated event I have ever participated in.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland in the springtime. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I thought the tour was very well organized and ran smoothly. I liked all the hotels. I enjoyed having local tour guides to get a better insight into each city and some of the issues the local residents face. The tour bus was comfortable. I liked that we were shown how to use the local metro and that we had most afternoons on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing Sainte-Chapelle. It's such a surprise when you first enter."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A trip of a lifetime!!! Loved every minute of it!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many Wow moments to narrow it down to just one. Every city had numerous Wow moments for us!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I travelled with my two adult daughters and their classmate from University. We had a wonderful girls trip. Our guide Tina and Yannis, a new Rick Steve’s tour guide, worked together to make our trip great. Tina is an absolute fountain of information on all things European. She and Yannis made everything fun. The guided tour portion was super but they also had great tips on places to go and places to eat during our free time. I would happily do a tour again with either of them.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting Venice was the tour stop that I was most looking forward to at the start of our trip and I was not disappointed . It was definitely my favourite “wow” moment. We had fabulous weather our whole trip and loved our gondola ride."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first trip to Europe. The visit was wonderful, and the Rick Steves program and guides contributed greatly to that impression.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Lauterbrunnen Valley"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our entire family of four enjoyed our two week Best of Europe tour. Our guide, Tina, is very experienced, and made every effort to ensure a great experience for all 28 members of the tour. The entire tour was well organized, and everything went smoothly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I liked the hotel in Tuscany, with the outdoor dining area, and the beautiful rolling hills that surround the hotel."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Beat my expectations. Tina was an excellent guide. Appreciated the quaint hotels and their close proximity to the main attractions. Wim was a talented and safe bus driver. We were given the right amount of guidance to go venture out on our own. Yannis did an excellent photography class. Trip of a lifetime!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Staying in Murren and walking around the Lautenbrunnen Valley. Venice beauty was a close second."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Truly a trip of a lifetime! Tour schedule and arrangements were outstanding. Tour guide Tina was A++ in every way imaginable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Realizing after visiting Rome that we had 5 more wow places to visit!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was the trip of a lifetime.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were too many to single one out!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

More than I expected - all guides were incredibly knowledgeable, our tour guide, Mark, really cared about us and put a lot of thought and consideration into room assignments, giving us info in advance of a tour, great sense of humor, approachable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Roman Forum, scenery on the drive to Switzerland (round of applause to our bus driver, Vin(?)"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Amazing places at a pretty fast pace

Favorite "WOW" moment

"All of Venice, rounding a corner and there's the Santa Maria del Fiore!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I had a very good time. The hotels were great without exception as was the food. My dietary restrictions presented no problems. The bus and Wimm was a remarkable driver. The places we went as a tour group were all good as were the local guides. The one exception was in Florence. The two museums were packed with people and it was more of a chore than a pleasure to visit them for me. Mark was a concerned and attentive guide and he took us on a few unscheduled trips that I very much enjoyed.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Swiss Alps were a big wow and I never got tired of the views. The Eiffel Tower was also a big wow. There were lots of wows on this trip though. "

I very much appreciated how the tour itinerary was lined up - how our hotels were not in the tourist areas and how our tour guide, Mark, was so meticulous in his planning. Whether it was the rest stops, the restaurants or even the unexpected snacks in between. All of this made the tour an amazing journey.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland. Staying in the valley of Bern was absolutely breathtaking. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved the organization, everything was beautifully planned and executed. The itinerary was exactly as it appeared. You do have to be able to walk and carry your own luggage up many stairs but totally worth it!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The view from the Swiss alps is unbelievable! I wish we didn’t have the 3 feet of unexpected snow, but it didn’t hinder us, just added to the majestic beauty."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very well organized. Fantastic local guides and activities. Great accommodations. Wonderfull and very thoughtful guide (Joe).

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The visit to Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was extremely well-organized and packed a lot of amazing sights into a short period of time, and also gave you enough free time to explore on your own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking through the streets of Venice and coming around the corner to the sight of St. Mark’s Basilica - breathtaking!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Generally enjoyable; our tour guide was a "trainee" but rose to the occasion.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Francesca's tour of the Roman Coliseum and Forum. Our individual side trip to the Musee D'orsay"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

With being our first time in Europe, I could not have selected a better tour group & experience for my wife and myself. It was so much better than I even imagined it would be. Our guide was so caring and knowledgeable. He was so committed to making sure that everyone had a fantastic experience. I loved all of the little unique experiences we had along the trip and the local guides were phenomenal at adding depth and richness to the experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It's really difficult to just pick one wow moment. St. Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Doge's Palace, Lauterbrunnen Valley, and so many great masterpieces are to name just a few of my favorite moments on this tour."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide Matti was amazing. Our group strictly adhered to the "no grumps" rule, and Matti was no exception even when things weren't quite going to plan. Every single person in the group enjoyed the tour immensely.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sweeping views of the Roman Forum and Coliseum were phenomenal. So much history and beauty in one spot. For a history buff like me, there is no comparison. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was an amazing tour that exceeded my expectations! My wife and I were wowed and both blurted out that this trip was a one of a kind adventure! It was life changing! We also met some great people that we will stay in touch with. Definitely going to do another Rick Steve’s tour. Our main tour guide Matti was absolutely the best!!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many wow moments that it would be better to select wow moments per city and country. If I had to select only one it would be the Rome Colosseum and Ancient Rome! Wow! Our local tour guide really made it all come to life for us!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fabulous! We took this trip as our honeymoon and feel like we could not have chosen any better.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have an entire journal filled with the wow moments from this tour. One of the wow moments was having an extremely talented local guide take us through the Roman Forum. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had the best time on my Best of Europe tour. It was so nice to have all the accommodations taken care of in each city that we visited. All of our local tour guided were fantastic! I learned so much while still having a blast.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Colosseum and the ancient ruins in Rome."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything about the tour was excellent…our guide, local guides, food offerings, hotels, bus travel.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Munich and the visit to Dachau were were my wow moments."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had the most wonderful time. Adventure after adventure on my tour. Our tour guide, bus driver and local tour guides were all amazing. Hoping to go on another Rick Steves tour soon.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We went to Lauterbrunnen for 2 nights. Everything in the valley was a beautiful green the day we arrived. Woke up to snow the next day, it was gorgeous. Very little snow in the valley but then we went up the mountain to Murren and there was about a foot of snow. Amazing!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Enjoyed all of the tours and tour guides including Lisa. The highlights of the trip gave me a taste for wanting more time and history for each country. The group of people we traveled with gave the trip a warmth and closeness that made it all the more fun! All of the hotels and meals provided by the tour were what I had expected and better.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Colosseum tour in Rome was the best, staying in the darling Tuscany Villa and enjoying the pasta making demonstration, the Mask making demonstration in Venice, the hiking in the Alps in Switzerland and viewing the Eiffel tower at night after a lovely last dinner with the group."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I think the tour was amazing. I was able to go to 4 different countries without feeling overwhelmed.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I think my favorite wow moment was seeing all the beautiful landmarks"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well organized, great tours and knowledgeable tour guides, comfortable bus experience and great bus driver, meals were good and hotels were adequate with the exception of the location of the hotel in Rome. Wonderful fellow travels. Great experience building new relationships.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many “wow” moments. Tour of the Colosseum, St Peter’s basilica, Michelangelo’s David, entire experience in Venice, Schilthorn in Switzerland, Louvre in Paris."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was great! Being able to travel to 4 different countries with such ease was the best! Loved our guide Lisa she was so wonderful and fun to have!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite wow moment was the Colosseum because it was so interesting to see all the history and the architecture from that time. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very enjoyable. Ms. Lisa was a pleasure to have leading as our Primary guide. She is a skilled & very knowledgeable Professional guide, making it easy to feel confident that it was going to be a fun vacation.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"St. Peter's Bacula for man' efforts & Switzerland for the gift of Natural beauty. The view from my wife & mine hotel room balcony was gorgeous. I feel that Lisa really worked with her contacts to give us on the tour the best experience. The Gondola rides and hikes were excellent. Thanks. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We liked how well organized the tour was. We also liked the brief history and facts about what we were about to see.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Colosseum’s sheer size was amazing! And the fact that it is still around today."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great. I have recommended it to others.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The amazing courtyards, buildings, and architecture. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Best of Europe gave me a good sample of different places to experience. Our guide, Lisa, was engaging & witty, and very helpful. I liked the balance of group time & free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s difficult to choose just one, but when I opened balcony doors on Hotel Oberland in Lauterbrunnen Valley and heard the cow bells tinkling, that was a “WOW” for me. It helped that we had fantastic weather when there. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my second RS tour and once again I was very happy with the value offered. I enjoyed the variety of activities and appreciated all of the local guides, as well as our main host/guide. I feel there is a very good mix of tour time and free time to explore on one's own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Riding the gondolas to the top of Schilthorn, in Switzerland, before the sun came up and watching the early morning colors spread out was definitely a once in a lifetime moment. This was an optional event arranged by Lisa and I am so glad it got up early to participate."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Would never been able to see as much in a day on our own. Enjoyed meeting and traveling with our fabulous group from the US and Canada! Our tour guide, Stefanie, has such attention to detail and her enthusiasm made each day fabulous experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many… Dinner in Tuscany on a terrace with 24 new friends was a night to remember. The weather was perfect and a beautiful full moon was the frosting on top. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour went by without a hitch and everyday was wonderful. We saw alot of Europe in an easy way.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Rome was pretty Wow in itself. It all was a Wow as we traveled along. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 3rd Steves tour & the 1st where we moved from place to place. As promised, we saw the best of Europe, led by our amazing guide Stefani. She helped us feel like temporary locals and the local guides enriched each stop along the way. I just love how these tours take the stress out of traveling by taking care of logistics & leave us able to soak in the sights, culture & history of Europe. Most of all, our group of fellow travelers became friends with shared memories that I cherish.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me, visiting the Dachau Memorial Camp just days before a horrific crisis in Gaza occurred will stand out as a chilling moment in our tour. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall experience was outstanding. We left with the feeling of needing more. More time in Florence, Switzerland, Munich etc.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The absolute beauty of Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. Opening the doors to your hotel room looking out at the mountains, watching the little train go up the mountain while hearing cow bells in the distance. I dont know if that place could be beaten. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It's kind of a blur right now. We had a very good, but very busy time. Colleen was a great guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Swiss Alps were amazing. Seeing all of that from our balcony is an unforgettable view."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Walking tours presented by expert guides was a very informative way to experience the cities we visited. We complained that we stood for extended periods, but we had the opportunity to gain more from the experience than we could ever on our own. We should earn college credit for this tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The food was a constant wow moment. I saw so much that I only experienced in text books. I feel changed in a way all though it is still too early to say how or why."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was magical. However, I felt as though there wasn’t enough time to become acclimated to an area or the local people.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I celebrated my 70th birthday in the charming Tuscany villa. The group shared limoncello, music by a local guitarist & it was a full moon. Perfect birthday!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fast paced excellent tour of highlights of Europe.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Exposure to the many cultures of Europe and the wonderful people we met, both our fellow travelers, and the citizens of the countries we visited. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Seeing four countries with varied architecture, food, vegetation, culture and art was a lot to absorb. It was packed with amazing guided tour but enough free time to explore. The first few days in Italy were a bit exhausting with so much to see. Some sights are just too crowded with tourists,like the Vatican Museum,but overall I have so many memories and our guide Colleen and fellow travelers were wonderful. We loved our driver as well.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We had five gondolas and a musician and singer at night in Venice which was magical. Switzerland provided such a quieter yet majestic experience in the mountains. We took a cable car up to a small village,walked the road and took in the houses,farms,cows and had lunch a quaint roadside cafe. It was perfect and so picturesque."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first trip to Europe and I have decided to call it my Survey of Europe. Much like survey courses in college, it gave me a great overview of many of the important and interesting places to see in Europe and a chance to learn from incredibly knowledgeable guides. In addition, I loved the built in free time that gave me an opportunity to explore other aspects of each location that were of interest to me. Now I have a much better idea of what I would like to explore in the future.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking in the Alps from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidigg. It is incredibly beautiful!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This trip was absolutely wonderful and I'm very glad we took this tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our bus driver, Wim, navigating the traffic in Italy!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Most full filling time of my life. The tour was jam packed with sites and history. Our guide Paul was perfect. He really showed us how to be smart travelers. Couldn’t believe how much we saw and experienced. The meals were amazing and sharing them with our group was like family. Our bus driver Paul drove us like rock stars through the winding Swiss Alps. Traveling on the bus was an unexpected wonderful experience in itself. The tour was just grand!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"You had me at my first hotel, looking out my shuttered window onto the bustling streets of Rome. Wow, am I really here? The Colosseum! Venice stole my heart! Full moon shining on waterfall in the Swiss Alps. Oktoberfest in Munich, grinning from ear to ear! Sitting beneath the lighted Eiffel Tower drinking champagne with my new friends. Tearing up thinking about the fairytale tour I took. Rick Steves, thank you. You’ve done all the hard work to give us once in a lifetime experience! Bravo!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great time, great people, great tour guide and great places!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Octoberfest"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was the first time in Europe for both of us. Going on this tour helped us not only see the sights that we've always dreamed of, but also gave us an idea of the places we'd like to return to someday. The hotels were great and the food was awesome. Our guide Paul was amazing. He was so organized and helpful. He kept us all in line while making things super fun. The local guides were great too.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many! It's really hard to choose. We both loved our walk with Paul along the Eiger Mountains in Switzerland. It was absolutely breathtaking and fun going up in the gondola. Seeing the colosseum was pretty amazing too. Looking at the Eiffel Tower lit up at night was also a wow!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well planned, enjoyable, and packed with experiences.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Paris is always a wow! Alps were beautiful!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was everything we had hoped for. We saw the highlights of Europe and made new friends.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland. Riding the cable car and then hiking down the path was definitely a wow moment. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was an amazing tour and we couldn't have been more pleased with our amazing guide, Stephanie, and the other wonderful guests on the tour. We were very happy with the knowledge of the local guides.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Oktoberfest in Munich! It was a bucket list item for us and we were so happy that the local guide took us to the festival to give us an overview of what to expect. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Pleasantly surprised by everything about the tour. I never thought of myself as someone that would like to travel with an organized tour group, but I loved this. There was a nice balance of "group" activities and freedom to explore on your own. The hotels and meals were all excellent! I would highly recommend this even for savvy travelers that just want to try something a little different.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Arrival in the dramatic Lauterbrunnen valley. Even though it was misty and cloudy, it was still worth the visit!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fantastic guide, highly organized and well run. Stephanie did a superb job. Great sites to visit.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lauterbrunnen Valley of Switzerland."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour was very organized and well run. Our guide Stefanie did a superb job as well as our driver Byron.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Lauterbrunnen valley was incredible!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The best experience of my life! It was my first time out of the country and couldn’t have asked for anything better. Stefanie was amazing, as were the hotels selected and all of the local tour guides!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the alps!!! And the Colosseum as soon as you exit the metro in Rome. What a sight! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Best of Europe in 14 days exceeded all of our expectations. We had an amazing group of 27 travel loving individuals led by Stefanie. All of the local guides were knowledgeable, passionate, and enthusiastic about their city and were a joy to listen to. It was my wife’s birthday in Tuscany, and after the group dinner, Stefanie and the host surprised her with cake and a few small, meaningful gifts. The hotels were nice and centrally located close to public transport.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The tour should be called 14 Days of wow moments, but if I had to choose, it was walking into the Pantheon in Rome. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We would and have recommend the European Tour to friends and family. This is a well organized trip experience. Overall we enjoyed the tour. Skyla and Brian were very knowledgeable and personable. They made sure our safety was a priority. The most difficult part of the tour was trying to stay with the group at all times, especially in Rome on the subway. Also we wish we had an extra day or so at a couple of the locations, but understood this was not possible. We learned a lot and saw even m

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We were in awe of Switzerland and all its beauty. Truly we can't say what our favorite WOW moment was. The entire trip was spectacular. The history of Rome to the beauty of Florence/Tuscany. The reality of being inside a concentration camp and realizing the horrific crimes committed there. I wish I could say I had just one WOW moment, but the trip was spectacular. Oktoberfest was a lot of fun to participate in and witness (even for us non alcoholic drinkers) "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first trip to Europe and it couldn't have been better! The memorable experiences we had over our two week trip amounted to sensory overload. Our guides, B and Jade, enriched our trip with their impressive knowledge of the history relating to the places we were seeing. The local guides were also fantastic and contributed to the overall experience. We loved the fact that the hotels selected put us right in the middle of what we were there to see.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The view of the Lauterbrunnen Valley in the Alps when we first got to our hotel room. My wife rushed to the window and was so excited to see a balcony with chairs outside the window. She said we could probably climb out the window and enjoy the view but I told her it might be easier using the door next to the window! "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland was beautiful!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The guide and bus driver were amazing. The trip was well planned. We had a bit of trip time line alteration but the guide handled it very well as it was hardly noticeable. I did however get sick in Venice as the hotel room a/c was broken. They were not able to get it fixed so I ended up with heat exhaustion that turned into a cold. This effected my time in Munich as I was quit warn down. I would most definitely do another tour if one comes along that interest us. We met a lot of great people.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There was a Wow moment every day so it is way to difficult to pin point one. From when the tour started to the end it was absolutely amazing. There is so much history that pictures don't do it justice. Everyone if able should go on this tour. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful hotel stays, including delicious breakfasts; excellent local guides; caring and knowledgeable Rick Steves guides and driver.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The positive friendly energy amongst everyone - RS guides and driver, Local guides, and us travelers!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was our first time in Europe and we felt this tour was a great way to experience many countries and towns with any stress. They took care of all the logistics,lodging and language barriers making our experiences very relaxing and enjoyable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing history come alive! My personal favorite was Switzerland."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Having every detail of the trip planned allowed for me to truly relax and enjoy my vacation. The experts on our tour gave us peace of mind during travel and an unparalleled experience. Our tour guide was a master at weaving together story telling, information, and education that enriched our experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sainte-Chapelle in Paris - pictures don't do it justice. To stand, bathed in the blue and red light of the sunshine through the windows is spectacular. I am not sure I would have chosen this site to visit had I tried to plan my own itinerary. It is now my #1 recommendation to those going to Paris. Thanks for including it on the tour."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a wonderful experience on this tour! It met very expectation - which was high because we had done another 14 day tour 7 years ago.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many “Wow” moments. Hiking in Switzerland and riding in a gondola in Venice (which I originally didn’t even want to do) come to mind first."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I was apprehensive about joining a “tour” because I am not the type of person who does well in any “group” setting. Our tour group, including our tour guide, got along very well!! We all definitely looked out for each other. EVERYTHING, and I mean everything from the bus (incl Wim, our driver) to our local guides and even our stops along the trip was perfect. Thanks to our fearless leader, Jody!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The first night dining “al fresco” at our Villa in Florence and sharing that with everyone in our group AND everything about Lauterbrunner Valley in Switzerland!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was amazing! We got everything we were promised.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"This hard to answer because there were many “wow moments. It was our 1st trip to Europe and we saw many amazing and wonderful sights "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour exceeded my expectations! It was everything that it was advertised to be and then some. I really appreciated how thoughtful and well-planned the entire tour was. It was very efficient in the things that do not provide much joy on a trip (e.g., transportation from one city to another, waiting in line to see sights), which allowed a lot of time to explore on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow" moment was when our tour guide, Jodi, offered to take us to St. Peter's Basilica at 6:40 am, right as it was opening, as an optional activity. Walking into the basilica with few other visitors, around, barely lit, save for a pillar of light pouring through the dome, was breathtaking."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Every aspect of our tour truly beat our expectations. The itinerary was comprehensive, logical, fun, and interesting. Every place we visited had its own charm and character; we loved staying in small, quaint hotels in the middle of the action. All the extra experiences just added more and more to an already exceptional tour. Our tour guide, Jody van Engelsdorp, was phenomenal; she is knowledgeable, approachable, friendly, a great communicator who truly cared about all of us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is definitely hard to answer this question, since all of the cities and places we visited had their own unique wow moments. However, my top 2 wow moments include seeing St. Peter's Basilica very early in the morning, with barely anyone else other than our tour group, almost like having it all for ourselves. And the best would definitely be opening the windows from our hotel in the Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland. The natural beauty is almost unreal!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent guides. Fun hotels. Great food. Awesome attractions.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Can’t pick just one!! Turning the corner and seeing the statue of David. The view from our balcony in Lauterbrunnen. Cooking demo and wonderful food in Tuscany- and the treat of music with dinner! It was so magical it was the night my future son in law proposed to my daughter. Not the original plan but it was such a perfect day. The Tuscany Fkorence combo was so relaxed and gave opportunity to soak it all in. And a soak in the oil wasn’t bad either 😉"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour exceeded our expectations. Our tour guide, Marijan, was incredibly knowledgeable about the history of each city/region we visited and shared tons of useful information to help up navigate through the practical and cultural aspects of the different places we visited. The pacing and group vs individual time was great, and was the size of the group

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s a tie between the grandeur of seeing the Swiss alps from 10,000 feet up, and getting lost in the quirky city of Venice. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour was incredibly informational, fun, and well put together to encompass the highlights of the certain countries we visited in Europe. Marijan was sensational, always providing insight and guidance to our group whenever we had questions or wanted advice to what the locals would do. Additionally all local guides were wonderful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The guided tour we had in Florence. Our guide that day was an art history and archeology major, and she presented everything in such an amazing way for all people. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour was a wonderful experience and it was such a pleasant experience that I plan to join another one next year. Everything was organized and the tour guides, hotels and meals were exceptional.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So much of the experience was surreal in a good way but to choose one it would be the amazing Colosseum!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Exciting, educational, engaging, and exhausting. This was our first RSE tour and never before traveled outside the US. We are so happy with the organization and experience of our guide(s). I dreamt my whole life about visiting these sites. The tour made history come alive and enhanced my appreciation for the communities and cultures we visited.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our greatest 'wow' moment (so many) was stepping inside St. Peter's Basilica one early morning. Probably because we weren't sure what to expect, but the grandeur, art, architecture, history, and culture of this working spiritual institution was amazing. It hit an emotional chord for us - and we are not even Roman Catholic. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall tour experience was very good. All tour highlights were covered. Having taken the same tour in the past was disappointed with some of the changes made in the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Can not decide on a WOW moment as all was good."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour started in Rome. The Colosseum was awesome, and our local guide was the best! The Vatican Museum was disappointing due to the vast amount of people there, and the lack of a guide. Our bus to Florence was amazing and the resort was stunning. Our bus driver and guide took excellent care of us and pointed out all the great sites along the way. The Swiss Alps was a grand place, Munich local guide engaging and knowledgeable... and Paris simply enchanting.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Swiss Alps was by far my WOW moment. The view from our hotel was amazing and the tram ride up the mountain is a must do! Will have to return there!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The entire tour was well planned and executed to provide a great experience

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I don't know that I had a wow moment rather there were a number from Italy and Paris. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was everything I had hoped for. The whole tour was so well run. No surprises except for good ones. Our guide was so professional and was always looking out for us and making sure we were having a good time. She taught us so much about traveling in Europe.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite wow moment was my whole time at the Accademia Museum in Florence. Our guide Irene was amazing. She was so knowledgeable about all of the art and artists. The museum was crowded the day we were there but she was able to maneuver our group through the crowd so well and get us to perfect spot to view the art she was telling us about. I told her when she had finished the tour that "today was a gift". I will cherish my day at the Accademia with Irene the rest of my life. Thanks. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide Stephanie Bergmen was wonderful. She insured that we were taken care of, that our rooms and meals were ready upon arrival. The locations of the hotels and the meals were all excellent. She went out of her way to add special events or activities that were unexpected and total appreciated. The locational tour guides that took around various cities and locations were so knowledgeable and only enhanced our vacation. Overall, this was truly a wonderful experience for us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Roman Forum and the Coliseum. It's one thing to read about it in a book, it's another to witness it up close. Our tour guide for this part of the trip, his name is Paolo, made it all come to life. I would recommend he be used as often as possible and maybe appear on a future Rick Steves episode on Rome. He was that good. And touching 2000 year old bricks was amazing. And the members of our tour group were exceptional as well."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had a wonderful time on this tour. Tour guide Stephanie was fantastic and with her help we were able to access numerous sights in all cities we visited.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The day we spent in the Lauterbrunnen valley was spectacular. We were able to take a gondola up the mountain, ride a train, and hike among the cows, goats and beautiful flowers. Definitely a day to remember."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything was handled very professionally and let us just enjoy the experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking in the Alps in Switzerland was an experience we will remember as a highlight of the trip. We also enjoyed all the ancient sites in Rome."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had an amazing trip! Stephanie and Wom were an incredible team! We will be back!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many! Every corner of Rome was a other WOW! The fountains, Pantheon, food and the people! Every city had its own moments for everyone in the group. Because of this we shared in everyone's wow which made the tour so very special."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Colleen was amazing! A full time tour guide for my first time in Europe was more than anyone could ask for! Her knowledge and enthusiasm were outstanding! She was always working hard in the background wheeling and dealing meals and tour details!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Every destination had a wow moment and photos don’t do anything justice! The experience and feeling when you are somewhere you have always dreamed of was incredible! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our group was exceptionally lucky to have a seasoned tour guide who knew and appreciated each of our "best of" cities. Her passion for traveling was evident and enriched our trip. We had a fabulous bus driver as well who was so jovial and clearly loved her job. And, on top of that, we had a really good group that gelled well and enjoyed each other's company.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Aside from the stunning beauty of Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, I would say the local tour guides who joined us on most of our stops gave us an insider's perspective on the city's history and culture, bringing statues and stones and stained glass to life."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall, the tour rated a 9 out of 10. I enjoyed the way the itinerary combined group activities with free time. Our guide, Colleen, and bus driver, Hilde, were great, and very resourceful when it was necessary to modify our schedule due to unforeseen circumstances. The group that I traveled with was diverse in both age and experience, which made our interactions a lot of fun. The crowds, particularly in Rome, were the only disappointment, but that's the challenge of European travel in 2023.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow" moment was hiking in the Swiss Alps. It was a dream come true: walking through quaint villages and meadows, listening to the music of the birds and cowbells, enjoying the wildflowers along the trail, and soaking up the beauty of soaring, snow-capped mountains and monumental waterfalls. This was the moment that I'd been waiting for, and it didn't disappoint. Absolutely incredible."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour guide, Colleen! She was very knowledgeable and fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Tuscany dinner at the hotel. Also gondola rides in Venice and Switzerland"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The places we visited were phenomenal! The sights and itinerary was perfect! This was not our first trip- we did Ireland in 14 days previously. Therefore, I had something to gauge against. This trip, especially at the beginning, felt very rushed and disorganized. I am used to Rick Steve’s tours being spot on in all travel situations. I rolled with it but it made our trip feel rushed and frantic. I didn’t know what I needed in advance- such as what was not allowed in museums, specific times.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The most breath taking views a person could ever have from the Schilthorn excursion planned by our guide. We traveled from the valley of Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland to the summit of Schiltorn. We had views of hamlets, cows with bells, waterfalls, and mountains in all stages of growth from lush green grass to snow packed peaks. All this shard with the best traveling buddies from our group! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first time out of the country and all I can say is WOW! I am so glad that I went with Rick Steves tours and I am lucky to have had Colleen as my guide! She was so knowledgeable, fun to be around, and truly made my experience unforgettable!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite “wow” moment was definitely in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Although it wasn’t on our itinerary, Colleen offered to walk us and give us a little overview before our day got started at 7am! So selfless!! It was truly more magnificent in person than any picture can ever do justice for. Thanks Colleen for an unforgettable experience!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was "as advertised" in that we hit the main sites in some of the most popular tourists destinations in Europe while not having to worry about logistics, driving, or tickets all while having an experienced guide to direct us as needed and handle problems if they arose.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We saw so many amazing sites but it felt surreal to look up the valley in Lauterbrunnen. The waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and distant snow-capped peaks made up the most beautiful landscape I had ever seen. I could have sat and just looked at my surroundings for days. I hope to return for a longer stay!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Awesome! The tour lived up to everything Rick has said and shown in his videos, tour books, etc. Our guide made the long bus rides fast by sharing things about the next city or country and talked about what to expect in the next city or country. I really liked that we were shown from day one how to navigate the cities including using the subways in each city. It made it possible for us to wander out on our own and not get lost! The guide books are also a truly valuable tool.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It was in Tuscany, Italy that I realized what Rick has been talking about all along with his tours. We were enjoying a tour paid evening meal on our hotel restaurant patio with live entertainment exclusively for our group. I looked around at the setting, the food, the entertainment and then the people. This is what it's all about -- good food, good location, good entertainment and great people. We truly were a merry band of travelers!! Thank you Rick and company for many "wow' moments!!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

enjoyed Lisa as guide and fellow travelers especially the young folks in their late teens and early 20's No real wow moment I am a fairly seasoned world traveler

Favorite "WOW" moment

"no real wow moment as I am a fairly experienced world traveler "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Lisa was amazing and so knowledgeable. She made me feel as if we have been friends forever, which made my experience that much better.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite WOW moment of the tour was hands down Switzerland. I could have stayed there longer. The majestic beauty was overwhelming. This was a bucket list item for me and my grandmother was born there. I lost my grandma and mom a year and a week apart. I had told Lisa this and she made this experience even that much better!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Great trip, coordination, pre-information

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour was well planned and executed. Our guide, Lisa, was exceptional. Group dinners were amazing. Enjoyed the age range of our tour group. Having some older teens, twenty year Olds made it fun. Great group dynamic. Everyone was pleasant to be with.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Scenery in Switzerland including the mountains from the balcony of our hotel room."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I enjoyed our Europe trip, and this was the perfect introduction to lots of places throughout Europe. The hotels were in convenient locations and were quiet. Having the bus drive us from place to place was perfect as I have no intentions on driving in Europe. I would recommend to a friend.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lauterbrunnen was the most show-stopping place we visited. Driving into the valley looked like you were arriving in a postcard."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was excellent, our guide made navigating Europe fun and exciting. We never imagined that we would enjoy literally getting lost in the back alleys of Venice and figuring out the subways of Paris!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our favorite moment was viewing the world from the top of the Alps, then hiking down amongst cows and bells and poppies!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour experience was better than what I had hoped for.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing St. Peter's Basilica all lit up at night. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Stephanie our tour host was absolutely AMAZING... When she would say I have an idea; we all would sit up in the bus seats and listen, because we knew it was going to be something special... And it was!! She amazed up from Rome to Paris with additional things to do throughout our tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We have been on the 21 days best of Europe before and the Swiss Aps was the wow moment on that trip... However the 14 days of Europe was the stay/stop in Munich; amazing local tour host was by far the wow moment with all the history and the way he presented it on our city tour in Munich. To really sum it up though; the entire 14 days was a WOW moment. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a wonderful experience! Our guide was patient and kind, and had everything in hand. Our group became close and cohesive, making it a very pleasant situation all-around.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the jaw-dropping beauty all around us in Switzerland was amazing. The mountains are gorgeous, waterfalls are everywhere, and the lakes are huge and pristine. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

hard for words to describe, just an incredible experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Swiss Alps is just one of them."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide, Stephanie, was outstanding. The places we visited and the local guides made it a very memorable experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Swiss Alps and the Schilthorn"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Absolutely the trip of a lifetime. Our guide Stephanie’s attention to detail was amazing any much-appreciated. Accommodations, food, our bus, including our driver, Byron were outstanding.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me our local tour guide “Michael” in Munich was amazing. All the local guides were great, but this guy was one of a kind. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Stephanie went above and beyond to make sure we hit all the highlights with everything on the tour and side trips. I feel we saw and did everything we wanted and more

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland taking the Gondola to the top schilthorn "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour experience actually exceeded our expectations. We were hesitant about joining a group tour in general, however, after reading through reviews and understanding what was included in the trip, we felt it was worth a shot. And now we can't wait until our next tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"This is an incredibly hard question since so much of the cities & landmarks we visited on the tour were amazing. But if we had to pick just one, we'd both say that sitting on the balcony at the Hotel Oberland in Lauterbrunnen, surrounded by the Swiss Alps and waterfalls was absolutely breathtaking."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My wife and I wanted a small group experience, and have never been to Europe before. The Best of Europe 14 days, gave a great overview of the historic beauty. The tour was laid out nicely with some excursions with local guides, and also free time. The overall pace was mixed in a good way. For example: Rome - busy, busy, busy for several days. Then Tuscany, at a slower pace Our Tour Guide Dimitri was outstanding. Always willing to answer questions and help out. Venice - buswe

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The historic sites in Rome were wonderful, Coliseum, Pantheon, St Peters Basilica. However, NOTHING could prepare us for the natural beauty of the Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland. Pictures cannot do this place justice, it is simply breathtaking."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was all good. Weakest was the too short stay in the Uffizi, and the choice of highlights there.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The 2 nights and full day in Switzerland!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I feel like in the relatively short period of 2 weeks we were able to see so much!! It was a good group of people and Dimitri and Paul were great.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many but I don't think, even with all of the great art works and architecture we saw anything can compare to the magnificence of the Swiss Alps and the Jung Frau region. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Dimitri and Paul were just outstanding! They took us safely to the most extraordinary places and made sure we all knew what we were doing, how to get around, got along, ate well and experienced what we wanted to and didn't know we wanted to.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to say. Venice probably- all of it and the Alps hike and location was just beautiful."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a fantastic trip. It was ambitious to go from Rome to Paris with a group of strangers. But with the fearless leadership of Dmitri, we bonded and had a comfortable and memorable trip. We learned so much from the "talks" as we approached each destination, from history to current events. The bus was luxuriously comfortable. It was a plus that there were other parent/teen combinations. The accommodations were centrally located which made the independent time easy to navigate. Loved it.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow" moment was sitting on the little balcony in the Lauterbrunnen valley and seeing and hearing the waterfalls and cowbells. Enchanting."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Simply a trip of a lifetime. The coordination of events was just flawless. Couldn't have done a fraction of what we did if not for Rick Steves Tours!!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so very many, but the overwhelming beauty of the Swiss Alps cannot be beat."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was well managed and had seamless travel between countries and cities. Overall , our accommodations were very comfortable. We had a wonderful trip

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Venice was most captivating! It was easy to walk around and find places of interest during our free time. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a lot to see in 2 weeks ands somehow Mark and the intinerary made it happen.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The views in Switzerland blew me away"

Overall rating: rating 1 of 5

The hotels were sub standard. The restaurants were OK but the food selection was poor. Our tour coordinator, Mark, was not an interesting talker. He spoke in a mono-tone voice that was boring. He led us on several walks where he explained and described nothing, so the customers learned nothing from him during the walks.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Coliseum tour was very good as we had a fantastic local guide who gave us much information and did it in an interesting way. Also the tour in Florence had a terrific local guide who was captivating."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall, this Rick Steves tour provided wonderful experiences that my husband and I would never have known about. We were exposed to a variety of ways to travel around cities, including extensive walking tours. We loved the various demonstrations of mask making, pasta making, and authentic wine tastings.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Venice was a charming city, full of beautiful views, activities and wonderful food. The spectacular waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen was an amazing sight !"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

"I loved the tour. I really enjoyed seeing all the great places. The local tour guides we amazing. We had a great group of people on the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow" moment was riding the boat into Venice. A close second was the Swiss Alps."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A great tour guide mark, hotels are good. Very crowded at a lot of the exhibits, overwhelmed by so many museums trying to take in everything.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland I thought was the best of all."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well arranged, the guides were all well informed and engaging in their presentations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The view of the Lauderbrunn valley from the Shellburn peak."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was wonderful. I thought the pace was great with the right amount of guided tours and time on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"When we got to Switzerland. The view from the Hotel Oberland was breathtaking."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Tour was a great experience. I saw many things I had only seen in movies or read about in books. Other than a disappointing hotel in Rome, I felt like it was a good value for my money. Loved the Tuscany stay and thought Munich and Switzerland were pleasant surprises. Our tour group bonded and enjoyed each other throughout the trip. Some of the most beautiful scenery was from the bus.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had two major WOW moments. The first was in Munich when we had an EXCELLENT tour guide, Michael. He brought the city's history alive to me. He was engaging and retraced the footsteps of how the Nazi movement began with Hitler. The other WOW moment was driving into Lauterbrunnen. It was beautiful and exceeded my expectations. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a great trip. The well paced itinerary gave us the opportunity to enjoy 4 European countries with ample time for personal experiences of our liking.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland and it’s unbelievable beauty. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The locations, the attractions, and especially the tour guide were too notch.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Staying in Lauterbrunnen and hiking the Swiss Alps "

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

It was my first tour to visit Europe. I had gained lots of knowledges of Rome and Paris. Helen I. was our tour guide. She took extra steps to make sure all of us had good time & safe. Wim was our driver. His driving skill was excellent. He drove us to many countries & everybody was safe. On the other hand, I wish RS’d book dinner for all of us when we arrived to the new city. Our bodies were so tired of sitting on the bus for so long, then we had to look for restaurants.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My wow moment was “Vatican City and Vatican Museum.”"

Overall rating: rating 1 of 5

My daughter and I got covid on the 5th day of the tour. We were sad that all we had for support from Rick Steve's was a 1800 number. I would have liked more info about where to stay to get better and how to buy a hotel and train tour from Rick Steve's other tour lists.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The time we were on the tour was great. Watching the bus leave us in Tuscany with covid was very sad."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Outstanding guides especially Helen and Francesca. Overwhelming access to magnificent art, incredible history, fabulous food and extraordinary sites in two weeks. The tour group was lots of fun - the only downside was the loss of so many to Covid. The tour was very well organized and the Rick Steves app with downloads and his books added a great deal to the overall experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were several: the Vatican, St. Peter’s, the museums and the Sistine Chapel, The Pieta and David, and all of Florence, Finally, the amazing vista stop Shilthorn. Dachau was extremely moving but I wouldn’t call it a wow moment."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well organized and good balance of group activities and free time. Hit the major highlights at each stop.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Riding water taxis when first entered Venice. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

My experience was absolutely amazing, what I got to do..I got COVID halfway thru and had to leave the tour in Munich. Our guide, Helen was champion with organizing and informing. The hotels were excellently located, clean and perfectly adequate. Great group of fellow travelers, friendly and engaging. The bus was comfy,too.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many ! But Venice was my absolute favorite."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great local guides, free time to explore, hotels and lessons on public transportation instead of being ushered around town on a bus. A great leader in Lisa Friend.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were "wow" moments. Not just A moment. The Trummelbach Falls in the Lauterbrunnen valley in Suisse. David in Florence, the Vatican Museum and St. Peter's as a "museum", escargot and wine at an outdoor cafe in Beaune, France."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was the trip of a lifetime! Loved all the destinations on our itinerary and thought we had a good amount of time in each city. Our tour guide, Lisa, was outstanding. She made my first trip to Europe the most memorable experience and I truly appreciate her kindness, knowledge, professionalism and comradery. She is a true gem of a person.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland. I loved our hotel there. We had the view of a waterfall outside our balcony. Truly unforgettable! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour exceeded my expectations. The tour was well organized, the tour guide was awesome and the hotels and group dinners were perfectly selected. The itinerary was just the right amount of planned group activities and free time for me.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Climbing the stairway at Sainte-Chapelle and entering the Chapelle Haute. It took my breath away. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide was outstanding, very helpful and always with a great sense of humor. I would want her for every trip!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many! The statue of David, the Sistine chapel, gondola ride in Venice for a few at the top!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Once in a lifetime trip! Very consistent with the communication ahead of time

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Venice"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Action packed and loads of fun!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Singing and dancing in Tuscany!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I saw everything that I had hoped for and so much more. Every day was exciting and fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It's so hard to choose. I'd have to break it down for each category. Scenery: Snow-capped Swiss Alps Art: The Louvre Fun: Dancing at a restaurant in a Tuscan villa. Coffee: Everywhere in Italy Food: France and Italy"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour Guides were excellent. Fellow travels in the group were also great

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The totality of the complete trip stands out the most. Great places, with great food and people."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was amazing the guides were very friendly and knowledgeable about everything we did. They even went out of their way to get us goodies from the area.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Rolling into Switzerland with the low clouds and rain."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a trip of a lifetime for us. Being able to see so many places with very knowledgeable tour guides Tina and Sanel, made it much better than we expected! Excellent itinerary, cities, attractions and restaurants were better than anything we could have chose on our own. We learned about different cultures, history, art, food, life and lots of fun facts (Eurovision!). It was a great immersion in Europe and made us open our eyes to different cultures and rest of the world.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There are too many to mention. We had daily WOW moments! St. Peter's Basilica, Le St Chapelle, The Colosseum, The Pantheon, The Eiffel Tower, The Swiss Alps and 72 waterfalls, David, the rolling hills of Tuscany, The Chateau at Versailles, its gardens and Marie Antoinette Austrian village!!!, BMW World in Munich, Venice, St Mark Square, the bus rides!!! (lots of education and Sanel-Claus passing out treats!) Dancing in Tuscany with Marco playing guitar, the meals!, etc."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

I think that it was a tour of a lifetime but I felt that it was a lot of area to cover in the time allotted and had a rushed feeling to it. I didn't feel it was possible to feel totally recovered before the next days onslaught. I was in great physical condition and had a physical prior to the tour and work out twice a week. This was my first trip to Europe as a solo traveler. I felt a little like a fish out of water. I probably would have felt more comfortable on a tour specifically for solos.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Touring the Louvre."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tini & Sanal, our tour leaders were fantastic. A wealth of information & great senses of humor too.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Colosseum in Rome...."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guides Tina and Sanel made our experience amazing. We never worried about anything because they took such good care of every detail. They were both so much fun and always helpful and professional!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour exceeded our expectations. Great tour guides and wonderful people in our group. So much fun!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Venice and seeing the beauty of the canals plus the Swiss Alps"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Best of Europe in 14 days

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Trummelbach Falls was glorious."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Exceeding our expectations! The well thought out itinerary, the pacing of travel, the wealth of knowledge provided by the RS tour guides as well as local guides, provided for an outstanding experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many WOW moments. The Lauterbrunnen Valley was one of the most beautiful places we've ever seen, definitely had many wow moments there. The Pantheon in Rome was also a highlight."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guides made the difference. They were genuinely concerned about the experience for each individual and our entire group. Tina and Sonel were absolutely amazing!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many. The entire trip was a “wow” being my first tour of Europe. Each destination had its own unique flavor. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steve's tour and it was absolutely amazing! Very well organized, phenomenal tour guides, beautiful hotel rooms ... I can't say enough good things about my experience!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The beauty of Rome at night as we walked back to our hotel the first evening."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Visited many places, slipping lines in most. Excellent organization.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Great tour guide, Daria. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We truly appreciated the EXCELLENCE of the Tour Guide team, and the amount of knowledge and years of experience that it takes to design such a superb tour experience. The Tour seemed to not waste a single hour, and truly maximized and provided exceptional life moments that made our trip very SPECIAL! Thanks Rick Steves & Co!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The whole package. You could FEEL that every HOUR of the day had a purpose, even the "down", "relaxing times"...could NOT even dream of putting together something as well orchestrated as this tour. Well done!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our Best of Europe in 14 Days "Re-Do 2023". In 2022, Covid stopped us on day 4 and we had to drop out in Burchio, Italy. This year was very rewarding because we were reunited with last year's excellent tour guide Darija. We also had the pleasure of returning to our Burchio home-away-from-home Hotel Tenuta il Burchio. It was so good to again see Nico and everyone at this beautiful place. In 2023 it was "Paris or Bust" and we did it! Great guides, fun tour members and amazing places.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Four wows for sure. Returning to Burchio, the gondola ride in Venice and Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. The Alps were absolutely magnificent and our hike to Murren was breathtaking. The last wow has to be Paris. We finally made it to the City of Lights and the Louvre Museum was far more than expected. Art history at it's best."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a great time, the group was fun, and it exceeded our expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking into the Coliseum in Rome. Truly awesome. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Best of Europe in 14 Days Tour was fantastic. The guides were excellent. We covered a lot of ground without ever feeling rushed. The time in each destination was a thoughtful mix of walking tours, museums and down time. We had great local guides, welcoming small hotels, and fun group meals.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many but for me hiking above Lauterbrun in the Swiss Alps on the "vacation from the vacation" day was most impressive."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my and my husband’s first trip to Europe and we could not have had a better experience. It was a perfect mix of carefully planned group activities and free time. Our tour guide Darija was delightful, so knowledgeable and patient (and funny!). We have been infected with the travel bug!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"St. Basilica,walking through the front doors and being just overwhelmed by the grandeur and beauty. And Switzerland was like a dream with its natural beauty. We had spectacular weather there which made it extra jaw dropping."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our leader and guide Daria was just as professional as she was amazing. She was always prepared and no last minute change shook her. I’m positive she handle so much more than we ever saw, which is what makes her a true professional.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The mountains in Switzerland, just an awe inspiring site. Tuscany was also a wow…."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a great first trip to Europe on the Rick Steve's tour. Saw so many places, loved the hotels that were central in the cities, met great people on our tour, and had wonderful guides. Both our full time guide on our bus and all the local guides were amazing. Nice balance between tour activities and time on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to pick just one...loved the Swiss Alps and the Lauterbrunnen Valley - so amazingly beautiful. Venice was great too - loved that as well! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our experience was absolutely wonderful and far beyond our expectations. Everything was smooth, seamless and stress-free thanks to our fantastic guide, Marijan and our driver, Paul (he is one skilled driver!). Marijan's knowledge absolutely brought history to life and gave deeper meaning to the sites we visited. Having tickets prearranged & group entry at so many museums/sites saved hours. We could not have experienced all we did without the tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were truly so many that it's hard to pick one. Everywhere we visited was so unique and offered experiences that should not be missed. But I think the unexpected "wow" was the beauty of the Swiss Alps. Lauterbrunnen (our hotel stay) was the perfect spot to recharge and the views are unbelievable. A trip up the mountain to Murren offered scenery that I thought only existed in fairy tales! I'll never forget it. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My family which consisted of two parents and a 20 year old all loved the RS Tour Europe. We found the people on the tour had the same mind set as we did: enjoy and learn about each city for 2 weeks. ANd go with the flow, no matter the weather or any minor hiccup.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Venice. My mom had lived in Italy for 2 years and knew a lot about Venice. It was as beautiful as she described but everyone learned more about this fantastic city from the local guide."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fabulous! Better than we expected. Even though we had previously been to a few of these cities before, our guides made the visits more informative & fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Staying at the agritourismo villa in Tuscany. We loved the stay there."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steves tour and it was an incredible journey! This was the Best of Europe Tour and I was thrilled with the adventures we experienced each day. Our tour guide, Filippos was remarkable. He kept our group well organized, always provided us with interesting historical information. He showed a true appreciation of the famous art, local people, local foods and musical arts that related to what we experienced. I feel beyond fortunate to have shared these great times!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were multiple "Wow" moments! I had no idea the Colosseum was so grand! Our Italian guide, Ilaria, was extraordinary! She was fun and I loved listening to her describe the history related to the Colosseum. The statue of David was a "Wow"! So very striking and enormous! The Swiss Alps were incredibly beautiful. Our morning walk to the tram ride up to Murren was magical! Murren was so beautiful! There were many more "Wow" moments, these were just a few that have really stuck with me."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was amazing. So many beautiful and awe inspiring sites. Our guide Filippos led us through Italy, Germany, Switzerland and France with kindness and precision. I met amazing people and could not imagine a better experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had several. The Colosseum in Rome, the uniqueness of Venice and the inspiring beauty of Switzerland. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We were very pleased with the places we toured, the guides, the hotels, the meals and the general organization of the entire package. We enjoyed the diversity of the tour's participants.

Favorite "WOW" moment

" The family farm in the Tuscan hills and the Swiss Alps."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very good. First time in Europe so everything was new to us. Philipos was great as a guide. So kind and funny and very informative. All the other members of the tour were really nice, friendly, and interesting. It was fun and really a once in a lifetime experience for us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to pick one. Seeing the Eiffel tower for the first time was one. But seeing the Sistine Chapel and Mona Lisa also. How can I say--so many "moments". "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our trip was great! There was no way we'd have been able to see all that we did on our own. We loved that all of the details were taken care of for us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The night cruise on the Seine River in Paris was amazing!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I learned quite a lot from our guide and the guides that met with us on the city tours. Our personal guide was kind and kept us informed as to what to expect each day.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Because we had been on several Rick Steves' tours, I loved going to Paris, France. This was my first time in Paris and I thought it was a beautiful area."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great group of travelers and our guide, Filippos, was amazing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"St. Peter’s Basilica snd seeing Michelangelo’s Pieta."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful! This was our 2nd RSE tour and it was just as great as the 1st. Very professionally managed. We already have 2 more RSE tours booked for summer 23 and can’t wait! The tour guide (Lisa) and bus driver (Hilda) did an amazing job in ensuring we had the best of experiences during our trip across part of Europe.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So very difficult to pick one moment when all experiences seem to “Wow” you! Food in Italy (helping Chef during cooking demo in Tuscany) Picking not just 1 but 2 favorite cuckoo clocks in Germany! Watching beautiful waterfalls drop from cliffs in Switzerland! Wine tasting in Beaune, and pastries in Paris (Ooh-la-la!)"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my 2nd RS tour and by far the best! I truly believe the difference in experiences was due to the guide:Lisa Friend. While my past guide was good Lisa was EXCEPTIONAL. Not only were our planned activities great there were several "surprises". While the negativity of Covid loomed over the trip it did NOT ruin it. In fact it might have helped with the the willingness of the the group to go with the flow. That willingness to expect the unexpected MADE the trip!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"the Lauterbrunnen Valley was the most spectacular place I have ever been. The scenery was incredible, the accommodations cozy and the easy in getting around the area was awesome. This is a must return spot on my list!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very busy tour - there's a lot to see in Europe! Pace, especially at the start of the tour, is very aggressive to get to all the "must sees" in Rome, Florence, and Venice. Our tour guide was excellent, and the local guides added valuable color to each stop.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Unfortunately, the weather at the tops of the Alps did not cooperate and allow us to go to the top, but the views in and around Lauterbrunnen are jaw-dropping."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our group and Keith couldn't have been better.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland! Another day there PLEASE!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Keith was phenomenal. the group was amazing. one person (Mary) had covid so we all got it at by the end, that sucked. but overall was a good time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Eiffel tower twinkling. pizza in the little stop on the way out of Italy. italian country side. David statue. Mona Lisa. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was a wonderful, well organized trip with excellent tour and local guides. The tour provided experiences that I would likely not have been able to do on my own, for instance, getting into the coliseum before the crowds descended.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland -- the Disneyland of the outdoors. I would like to have spent more time there. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was an amazing adventure from beginning to end. Everything was well planned, our tour guide was so knowledgeable and excellent at bringing our group together and helping all of us with issues that arose, such as losing a museum ticket! Our local guides gave us so much information about the history of the cities and museums. The hotels were all clean and comfortable. They all had good breakfasts, although we all struggled with the coffee machines! I would highly recommend this trip!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Driving through the countryside and seeing the beautiful landscape and small villages was amazing in every country, but the Swiss alps were my “wow” moment."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our fourth Rick Steves tour and they keep exceeding my expectations. Our guide, Keith, was so much fun, knowledgeable and attentive we didn’t want it to end. The sites were amazing and the weather was perfect.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It has been difficult picking out one wow moment but for this tour would have to be stepping onto the viewing platform at the top of the Shihthorn under a perfectly blue sky with almost no one there and running into our previous tour guide, Andrea, who was leading her new group there. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour took us to amazing places; museums, gardens blooming with color, great places to eat, cooking demos with hands on experiences. There was so much more! Our guides Bea and the bus driver Jon, gave us history lessons for each of our destinations and were very well versed! They encouraged us to explore and enjoy each place we went. They were very patient and shared the questions asked with the group, so we all could learn. They even told us about how to use some of gadgets in our hotels.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite and WOW moment was the Villa we stayed at just outside of Florence Italy. This property is beautiful and restful. The rooms were "old world style", and each room was different. There was window boxes full of flowers which gave the room a sweet smell. The view from this property was of a castle , and at sundown it glowed. Lastly, food was great, cooking demo was so fun, I got to participate in this. At dinner on our last night there, we had a private party with even a live singer. WOW"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall, it was what I was looking for, anticipated and fulfilled what I wanted to do and experience

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So Many! maybe seeing the ancient city of Rome, it is amazing that Italy preserved and continues to discover and care for these monuments. Actually that goes for all the buildings throughout Europe, coming from a "young" country of the USA where we knock down "old" buildings, it was great to see how Europe cares about their history"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was everything expected and more. Tour Guide and Driver were fantastic, good group of people, and everything we saw, experienced and learned about can't even be described in a few short words.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I think the first day of the tour, when we went inside the Colosseum, that was the moment "we really are here!". "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our two weeks in Europe with our group felt like a whirlwind and at the same time like we spent two months there. The pace was fast and we saw a lot!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite"wow" moment was sitting by the paved trail in Lauterbrunnen Valley, listening to the predominant sounds of rushing water and cowbells. It was magical."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was a great tour with regards to the cities and countries that we visited. It is a very active tour and the only suggestion that I have would be to slow down the pace of the walking just a bit. I understand that schedules need to be kept - but there is defnititely time enough to slow down some.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Stepping into Piazza del Marco in Venice. Our guide did a fantastic job of "presenting" it to us. It was magical."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful and extremely informative while maintaining an entertaining atmosphere country to country thanks to our tour guide Ragen,incredible bus driver Hilda and merry band of travelers. The range of experiences from small road side stops to the largest of cities across Europe was everything we hoped for Our fellow tour members added to this great experience

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Oktoberfest was the best!!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

high energy, physically demanding at times, great guides, great organization, all stops excellent

Favorite "WOW" moment

"switzerland: the visit to the alpine villages, the views, the mountains, just spectacular"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was undoubtedly the best vacation ever. We saw so much and had such wonderful experiences. Our group got very close in such a short time. Our Guide Ragen made the trip so much fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved Switzerland. Even though we had quite a bit of rain, it was so beautiful and peacefull. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great awesome wonderful Guide—Regan!! Great site guides great group of fellow travelers! Tour went fast, always wanted more time/days in places. Best of Europe 14 plus 2 prior 2 post. Couldn’t see all that we wanted But loved what we saw and was amazing!! Our bus driver Hilda, amazing driver and great personality!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Swiss Alps and the hotel we stayed at ! Gondola ride. Bellini shots with group in St Marks Sq Venice "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour kept us very busy. We saw so much and covered four countries. The local guides provided a lot of history and cultural information about each city we visited. The tour was very organized and ran like a well oiled machine.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We stopped at an American service cemetery in Italy. It was very moving we were given an American flag to place on a grave of our choice. I chose one from my home state of Ohio. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The overall tour experience was great from beginning to end. We enjoyed the other tour members, tour guide and bus driver. I looked forward to the itinerary for the next day.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being inside St. Peter's Basilica and seeing the grandeur of it. Arriving in the Lauterbrunnen Valley seeing the mountains and waterfalls from our hotel room. The Eiffel Tower"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my second visit to Europe, with my last trip being 36 years ago. While I do recall many of the magical moments of my first visit all those years ago, being on the Rick Steves' tour with the tour guide as well as the various local tour guides, really allowed me the opportunity to embrace the cultures, languages, sites, and experiences I was exposed to, because I didn't have to think about the planning or schedules, or stress. I just had to be there, take it all in, and enjoy!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I experienced so many 'wow' moments during the 14 day tour, and it is difficult to pinpoint just the one. I think most of my wow moments happened in Italy and Switzerland. Being in Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica was spiritual and peaceful for me - I felt that I was surrounded by the spirits of past religious figures and history - and all would be good in the world. I was reluctant to leave. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Although this tour was very active and moved very quickly, everything went without any major hitches and our transition from place to place was generally smooth. Our guides and bus driver were fantastic as well!!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many things that took the breath away, but I loved Venice and hiking in the Swiss alps, even though the weather was not always agreeable, the people and sights were amazing."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Just a super experience. People in the group were very nice, guide Lisa was awesome. The places we visited and had local guides for were spot on. Extremely good value I believe.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Nighttime cruise on the Seine in Paris with the view of the sparkling Eiffel Tower."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Amazing!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Swiss Alps, Beautiful Nature!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Awesome guides, fabulous tour mates, memorable meals, and tons of pictures! Loved all the hotels being close to the center of each city.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"While taking a simple hike in the Alps, I could see the 3 big snow covered mountains of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. They were breath taking as the day was filled with fabulous weather. At each of our prior visits they were covered by fog and clouds. While hiking I met a young man from Singapore and had a delfightful conversation. I got to take a picture for him with Eiger in the background so he could show his family and friends of its beauty. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This is our second tour with Rick Steves' and as before the coordination of all aspects of this 2 weeks in Europe was wonderful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"When we arrived in Switzerland, the weather was perfect. Clear blue skies, gentle breeze and warm. When we hiked the mountains and were on the train looking straight up at the Eiger peak the sight was clear and perfect. Last time we were there the clouds covered the mountains, not this time."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was an overall great experience. The group was positive and cohesive, there was a good mix of ages and experiences. Our guide Lisa was outstanding. She made the trip fun and interesting she was knowledgeable about different things to do during our free time. Munich was a pleasant surprise and it was fun to be there during Octoberfest.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Swiss alps were amazing and the hike our guide led us on was breathtaking. We had an unscheduled stop at the U.S. military cemetery outside Florence, Coming across the grave of a cousin who died in WW2 was definitely a wow moment for me."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

being history buffs, we were attracted to this particular tour which showcased the local culture, history and art that personified each of our destination stops. Our chief guide Lisa Friend who was both laugh out loud hysterical but also extraordinarily informative couple with each of our local guides made for the vacation of a lifetime. don't stop. kudos to all.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"all of it. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The beautiful scenery of Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Keith was amazing and we had a great group as well! It was so fun, it was educational, and I checked off most of my bucket list in one trip!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to choose one, but the colloseum and the twinkling Eiffel tower were great! Hands down best experience was St. Peter's Basilica. At first I was bummed it wasn't actually a part of the tour, but we spent FOREVER there and it was my favorite over everything else. "