Best of Europe in 14 Days Tour

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

So much fun and doing another next year

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many wow moments, Joe and Lynn, our guides help to create those and make the whole experience special "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Amazing adventure. The tour had the perfect combination of structured educational tour and plenty of free time for self exploration. We also had the added bonus of group comradery with our small tour group which was an unexpected plus for us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were almost too many to count but the Bavaria and Switzerland stops were special wow moments for us. Riding a luge in Bavaria while on a picnic at a local park was amazing. So too were cocktails and conversations with friends at a revolving restaurant on the top of the Alps. Amazing!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The best of Europe in14 days tour I went on was well organized and gave a lot of bang for your buck. The tour guide, Joe was excellent . He was well organized and knowledgeable and genuinely cared that everyone was having a great time. He was also great at staying cool under pressure.Our other guide, Lynn was delightful as were all of the local guides. I have to give a special shout out to our driver Paul, who is a true professional and could be a guide himself.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Driving into Switzerland . It really is like going into a storybook."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Good for people who have never been.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lauterbrunnen"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was very well organized. Our guide Joe made sure we knew what to expect and what was expected of us at each stop. He gave wonderful suggestions of places to eat or at least types of food to try.The local guides at each place we went were very knowledgeable and interesting. The hotels were good with Orvieto being exceptional. The bus was comfortable and Paul the driver very good. We got a good overview of traveling in Europe and were left with a desire to go back and see more!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many amazing things seen and done on the tour but my favorite was standing inside a mountain surrounded by the thundering sound of water and seeing the Trummelbach Falls gouge it's way from the alpine glaciers to the valley floor on our free day in the Swiss Alps. My second favorite was riding the luge down a mountainside."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Joe was an amazing tour guide and really made this trip for my wife and I special

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Planning a birthday celebration for me in Fussen with a picnic. Joe did not have to do that and it made the experience even more memorable "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Great trip

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I have traveled quite a bit including in the EU, and found the tour to be outstanding, exceeding my highest expectations. My wife had never been to Europe, so of course the fact that her first visit was as action-packed and informative as it was, with great tours plus plenty of free time to wander and get to know some of the local people and their culture, made it even better.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The trip to the top of the Schilthorn in the Swiss Alps, when we were afraid the views would be blocked by clouds, and we popped out above them to the most breathtaking views of Alpine peaks in every direction. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steves tour and it was fantastic! Sure, there was a lot of walking, but that just ensured that I slept really good at night! Our guide, Tina, was wonderful. She was very informative, knowledgeable and funny and was willing to help people figure out options on what to do in their free time. She was also just very nice person who was easy to talk to.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were a few. The first was when I walked into St. Peter's Basilica and saw just how how large and beautiful it was. The second was Lauterbrunnen and the amazing waterfalls and majestic mountains. My biggest surprise was Venice. I went into it thinking I'd hate it with the crowds, especially because it was Easter weekend, but it ended up being one of my favorite places. You go just a few alleys away from the main area and you have it all to yourself!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well organized, our guide, Tina Hiti, was exceptional. Would highly recommend

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The statue of David in person and the view from atop the Eiffel tower "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Absolutely wonderful. Both our guide and our bus driver were fabulous.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved Lauterbrunnen Valley. The waterfalls and mountains are stunning."

Overall rating: rating 2 of 5

The second day of the tour I had my wallet stolen from my bag while on an extremely over crowded metro train on our way to the coliseum. We should have not been on that train. This tainted the rest of the trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The bells ringing at Notre Dame! Mask making demonstration in Venice!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour did an excellent job of giving the highlights of the various locations visited and showing what places to go back for a more in-depth visit. Our tour guide Matthias (Matti) was well prepared, engaging, and highly motivated to make our experience the best possible. While the pace of the tour was fast, there was plenty of time for in-depth discussions and plenty of free time. The use of local transportation in cities allow us to feel like a local not an outside tourist. Great tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Eiffel Tower lit up at night after our last group dinner as a surprise from our tour guide, Matti."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Guide was very well prepared and organized, very knowledgeable Loved seeing all the places we went, but it was just too fast paced for us. Apparently Europe is not for a 67 guy which my husband is, so disappointed in the hotels and the rooms we got were always terrible views….could barely walk in the rooms because they were so small and my husband couldn’t even fit in the showers. The Metro subway was horrendous …so crowded and so dangerous. would’ve loved a different way of transportation

Favorite "WOW" moment

"When the guide surprised us on the last night of our tour after supper, we walked a few blocks and came around the corner to the lit up Eiffel Tower it was beautiful."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

We knew the pace was going to a challenge but we made it through.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Alps in Switzerland especially the Schilthorn awesome experience to be above the clouds. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide, Matthias, was knowledgeable, kind, and calming in the chaos of local transportation. He recommended great food to try and we did. He told great stories, personal and historic, on the bus. We did self guided in Naples and Rome 10 days before and stayed for 10 days after to embrace Paris and on to a taste of Bruges. It was a trip of a lifetime. Looking on doing another RS tour with extended stays before and after. We used RS books for all our planning, lodging, tickets and walking.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My brain is exploding with all the history, art and churches. But the biggest giggle was the luge. 🤣 The Orsay and the Monet museums in Paris. The crowds were not crazy and I could really enjoy the experience. The sunset tickets that took us 4 tries to secure for the Eiffel Tower. It was AMAZING! We were there like 4 hours so we could see the twinkles. That was so cool we stayed another hour to see them again. Also never knowing what day it was, that's a full schedule! On to the next adventure"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide was outstanding, and we met a great group of people on the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Food! So much great food in every location. A real highlight of the trip!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The overall experience was wonderful. Matthias, our tour guide, was extremely knowledgable and he engaged tour members with the history, art, culture and his own personal stories about the areas we visited. His organization and leadership made the trip very enjoyable and easy for us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I cannot pinpoint a single WOW moment. There were so many highlights. One that stands out to me though was seeing Michelangelo's David in Florence."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a fantastic tour! We saw many famous cities and the important sites in them and got a taste of why they were famous. Our other tour members were great companions and a delight to know. We were instructed on how to navigate in each city so we could explore on our own and we had plenty of free time to do that. Each stop on the tour was unique and a pleasure to visit.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were a lot of "wow" moments for me: the bells of Notre Dame pealing on Easter morning, the Eiffel Tower lit up at night, and the performance of Frank and Gary in Fussen. ssen."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The overall experience was a very positive one. We would recommend to anyone that wants to see a lot and do a lot. If you want to relax, this trip is probably not for you.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to pick! When we arrived in Lauterbrunnen and saw those amazing Swiss Alps and waterfalls, the Roman Forum, St. Peters Basilica, and viewing the wet streets of Venice I would say were our wow moments. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great guide (s) , fellow travellers

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Munich "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent tour guides, very knowledgeable! Enjoyed other travel companions

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Architecture and art of Italy, local people were so warm and helpful!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Once in a lifetime trip. We would like to go back to the same cities but if we don’t we were part of a great trip that was more than just a tour. Mark and Clair made the group feel like an extended family. Any tour can take you to a city and provide historical information. It’s what was done between excursions that made the trip special.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The view from our patio in Switzerland. We fell asleep to the sounds of the waterfall and woke in the morning to the distant sounds of cowbells as the farmers let their cattle out to pasture. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Had a fabulous time and learned so much.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking into the Vatican."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Where do I start? So many incredible things about this trip - the tour guide, the places we visited, the food, the tours in each city, the scenery, the bus driver, our tour group - everything was outstanding and made this a completely amazing experience!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I don't think I can come up with one 'wow' moment, everything was a WOW! But celebrating my birthday in breathtaking Tuscany was definitely a wow!! Seeing Europe for the first time really made everything a wow and a trip I will never forget!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

As infrequent travelers, my wife and I experienced the trip of a lifetime. Jamb packed with activity, we could never have organized this trip by ourselves. Understanding that this trip was like a sampler box of chocolates, not every piece in the box will be your favorite. There were things I would have preferred be different, from unexpected traffic jams, a snub at a restaurant in Beaune, uncomfortable rooms at IBIS, etc. I will remember this experience and the friends I made forever. Thank you.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"my WOW was our evening at Tenuta il Burchio in the Tuscan hills of Italy. I could have stayed there a week, easily. though early in our adventure, the cooking class, dinner, live acoustic music and a great night with my new friends is a highlight. For my wife, Angela, it may have been the gondola ride in Venice. I loved seeing her experience a lifelong desire fulfilled during a beautiful evening in the amazing city of Venice. Switzerland was amazing also."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The format of the tour was exactly what we needed for our first time in Europe. We were able to feel grounded and safe knowing we didn’t have to worry about the logistics of transportation and lodging at each stop. Our guide, Bea, did a great job of orienting us to the history and culture of each location. Her attitude and energy was consistent throughout the tour, in spite of having stomach issues from a rest stop sandwich. She took time to give us opportunities to ask questions at every stop.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lauterbrunnen Valley. Hiking in the snow. Having the group embrace us while celebrating our Birthdays and 40th Anniversary."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great overview of travel in Europe. We traveled with ten folks that had never been to Europe before, The tour provided them with a months worth of highlights in a few short weeks. The are all planning their next trip. Part of the success of the trip was our tour guide Beata - she was outstanding!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Each stop contained it's own unique "wow" moment. We have been lucky enough to visit most of the stops previously but the local tour guides added their own unique flavor to the stops. If I had to pick one moment it would be the charming stop in Tuscany."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our third Rick Steves Europe tour and we weren't disappointed. Lisa was a phenomenal guide and similar to previous tours, the group was diverse and fascinating. We had been eyeing this tour for a while, but really wanted to start in Rome and end in Paris rather than the opposite. When this itinerary became available, we jumped on it! The activities planned for each day were just right -- plenty of group options but also lots of time to enjoy individual activities.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There are so many! But the Lauterbrunnen Valley and our hike in the mountains was outstanding. As this stop was a little past the midpoint of the tour, it was a nice respite from the bigger cities of Rome, Florence, Venice, and Munich. We particularly enjoyed the hike from Murren back to Lauterbrunnen with a late lunch stop in Gimmewald at The Pension. Even though the tops of the mountains weren't visible due to clouds/rain, we still had a wonderful day! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I am a planner and always stress about the details. Lisa (our Rick Steves guide) and Big John (our fantastic driver) made the entire experience so relaxing. This was a trip of a lifetime!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Every location gave us a unique wow moment! Probably my favorite was walking a 3 mile path in Switzerland, stopping at a cheese vending machine along the path and listening to the cow bells ringing like a wind chime. Other highlights were Oktoberfest, the Colosseum and the wine windows in Florence."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite wow moments were seeing David in Florence and St. Peter's in Rome. Outside of the tour, we went to Neuschwanstein castle and that was a wow moment as well. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My wife and I had an amazing time on our tour. From beginning to end the entire experience was top notch. The included meals and curated tours with local guides made the price seem very reasonable. Most of the accommodations had character and none of them were bad experiences, even if some of them were a little cramped. Our tour guide Lisa was awesome. It seems that Rick Steve's treats employees and contractors like family - even our bus driver was included in meals/outings!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Two moments really stand out to me. The first time we got off the subway at the colosseum you walk up the stairs and it's just right there - right across the street. My wife and I both stopped to catch our breath for that one. The second was the drive and stay in Switzerland - I honestly could have just put down roots there. The valley was beautiful, the people were friendly, it felt like "home""

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Magical, outstanding tour guide tour members and the trip planning

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many special moments loved Switzerland, Octoberfest and spending time with the tour guide and group learning and experiencing as we traveled"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well organized, our guide Lisa, was patient, kind, and incredibly helpful. Our group got along amazingly

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland. It was beautiful can only imagine if it was sunny"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my very first trip to Europe. So while I have no prior tour experience to compare, this surpassed my expectations! The scheduled activities just seemed to “fit” into place, telling a story of the uniqueness of each city/village along the way. And the free time allowed for “getting lost” to soak in the culture. Food, hotels, transportation, guides, and most of all, fellow travelers made for an unforgettable experience for me. I’m ready for another Rick Steves tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Venice, Italy at night! The gondola ride with music on an absolutely beautiful night!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall the trip was amazing. It was nice to travel throughout Italy and up to Germany, Switzerland, and France without worrying how to get from place to place, where to stay, and even where to eat. I loved having everything planned out from beginning to end.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Venice was even more spectacular than I could imagine. The evening gondola ride while being serenaded was romantic and simply magical. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide Lisa made the trip enjoyable and informative. She eliminated much of the worry in traveling in a foreign country where we are not always up on our language and local customs. Our group bonded almost immediately and we now have a whole bunch of new friends. Great trip!

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The European tour was a great trip, well organized, with knowledgeable tour guides, and great fellow travelers which made the shared experience more fun! Getting to attractions was easy, and waits were at a minimum. The bus was comfortable and time was utilized well. The restaurant meals had variety and seemed to give us a chance to eat cuisine from each country. Next timeI would like to go on a regional tour with a bit less travel and more time to stay and explore favorite countries.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Swiss Alps even with the cloudy rainy day. Like to hike. Very beautiful area! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I was very satisfied with the entire experience after not knowing what to expect. It was all planned very well.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"All the meals that were provided were a huge plus. Besides the wonderful places we visited, I absolutely loved all the expertise of the local guides on our tour."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We had a great experience with our tour guide (Lisa) and bus driver (John). They really made us feel at ease and were very knowledgeable about the places we visited.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had two "wow moments." (1) While filming the cows walking through the street in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, one of the lead cows ran at me, I jumped on a bench to get away, and it then bucked up while staring me down. It wasn't dangerous or too scary, actually funny, and just another adventure story to tell. (2) We booked reservations to tour the Doge's Palace at the last minute and unbeknownst to us we ended up booking a "behind the scenes" tour which was amazing."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Rome and Venice were very crowded, requiring early starts for tours. Gondola boat ride in Venice was fun, Thank you! Bus rides between destinations were long some days, up to 9 hours. Oktoberfest was fun, also crowded but expected. Hotels were good, centrally located. Breakfasts included at hotels. Free time at each location allowed for independent exploration.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lauterbrunnen Valley , Switzerland. Beautiful scenery, no crowds and lots of voluntary activities. Great hotel. Spent 2 nights here!!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved the balance of planned itinerary time and free time. It was a great mix.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The countryside of Switzerland was stunning - even with clouds!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

The cities we visited were phenomenal and the local guides we had in each city were exceptional, especially Grit in Munich! We also really enjoyed the pasta making demonstration and grilled dinner with live music outside of Florence. The gondola ride in Venice was fun! Lauterbrunen was magical and hiking in the Alps was wonderful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Standing in St. Peter's Basilica and feeling so small."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall very good but because of great crowds and unusual amount of tourists, we started our days much earlier than usual. This was my 6th tour with Rick and the most tiring because of earlier starts and crowds.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Favorite was walking in the Swiss alps in the fog and mist. The mountains were covered and suddenly a peak would appear in the mist to be swallowed up moments later again. And then the Sun would come out. Breath taking!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We loved the tour! We had a super friendly and knowledgeable host guide and we learned so much from the local guides.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland! It is stunningly beautiful in every direction. We could have stayed longer."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I literally have nothing negative to state about this vacation. The locations, hotels, travel by coach bus, Tour leader Joe, tours arranged through Rick Steves with outstanding local tour guides, and meals were all TOP NOTCH!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"As a person of German ancestry, seeing Munich and the real Oktoberfest in person was amazing."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Really enjoyed the trip. We had a great group. Illness spread however.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Venice. Breathtaking. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We learned so much while making friends in our tour group!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The majesty of the Iger peak in the Swiss Alps and the views from the cable car ride. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Europe, exceeded all expectations! My recent journey was truly unforgettable, thanks to breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, rich history, and art. However, what made it truly spectacular was my exceptional chaperone! Expert guidance, insider knowledge, and infectious enthusiasm elevated every experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There where many WOW moments, but I recently had the pleasure of attending Oktoberfest in Munich, and it was an unforgettable experience! The vibrant atmosphere, delicious German cuisine, and refreshing beer made for an incredible time. I enjoyed mingling with locals and friends on the tour, all united by the festive spirit. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Switzerland and Italy were my favorite locations. Oktoberfest was a blast. Stefanie our tour guide was amazing. She made the trip a lot of fun! If you find out your guide is Stefanie then get ready for one amazing trip. Rachel our bus driver was top notch, very impressive driving, great attitude.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland was the best! The town, the scenery all just outstanding!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved the tour! Our tour guide Stephanie was fun, knowledgeable, caring...simply the very best!! We had a great group. Our local tour guides were outstanding.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The top of Schilthorn in the Swiss Alps. Also the champaigne toast & berets with our group as we watched the flashing Eiffel Tower in the distance. It was after our closing night dinner together"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was great being able to leave all the details to our tour guide Stefanie. She was so good!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland was incredible. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The trip was a wonder experience. A great way to sample Europe, so we can decide where to focus our attention on our next trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Oktoberfest in Munich (enough said)."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We couldn't have asked for a better experience. From day 1 our tour guide Stefanie was wonderful and made sure we all had a great experience. I was amazed at how our bus driver Rachel navigated a big bus through the narrow city streets and winding mountain roads. Also our group was great. We made friends in those two weeks that I hope to maintain. The quality of this tour was exceptional. The hotels were great, the activities and everything was high quality.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our tour guide Stefanie knew that we were celebrating our 41st wedding anniversary and when we took the gondola rides in Venice she surprised us with musicians on our gondola. It was an experience that we'll always remember."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Since returning, we have found it difficult to describe this utterly fantastic trip! Our tour guide, Stefanie, was truly superb, and molded every experience into a fabulous adventure! She and our entire group of tour members have given us memories to last a lifetime, and we are grateful! We saw and did SO MANY incredible things. This trip far exceeded my expectations. I cannot wait for our next Rick Steve’s adventure of a lifetime!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many! The best was in Switzerland - walking out on the hotel balcony and realizing our room came with a view of the incredible Staubbach Falls! Breathtaking!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Best tour yet, being able to find and travel with a group of like minded people who came to look out for one is an exceptional feat of human engineering ! Our tour guide Iris, and all of the individuals who provided tours at the specific tour locations were well versed in their particular subject matter and were passionate about the work they did. The hotels were all good with some being better than the others, and our bus driver "Big John" was caring and quite skilled at his job.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sistine chapel and the enormity of the Notre Dame restoration project. Unfortunately not open to the public yet."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had a great time. Our Tour guide (Iris) was the best! John the bus driver was awesome as well.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Swiss Alps was everything I could ask for., "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Knowledgeable, passionate guides throughout. Great choice of cities and excursions. I always felt taken care of.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland was spectacular! No words to describe driving by and being in the Alps!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Iris was wonderful as our tour guide and John, our driver, add a lot to the experience. We met a lot of interesting and warm new friends, who were part of our group. Oh, yes - we also saw and traveled to beautiful cities and regions.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Swiss Alps were our favorite location. We often thought of ourselves as being in the middle of a postcard with the clear, snow covered peaks in the background of every picture and surprising moments, like coming upon a waterfall pouring down the side of a cliff when on a walk"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was amazing! And Lisa was the main reason for that.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Venice and the gondola ride. I was not expecting Venice to be what it was. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fantastic trip! Wonderful guide. Enjoyed people in our group

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Gondola to Schilthorn."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A beautiful perfect day in Switzerland!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything was amazing - from our main tour guide's history overview on the bus to the local guides in each stop to the choices of hotels and restaurants for group meals, the planning and choices were outstanding!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking along the mountain trails in the Lauterbrunnen valley gave us so many 'wow' moments it's impossible to pick just one, but the view from the top of the Schilthorn on a perfectly clear day was something we'll never forget!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a wonderful tour. While I had been to the cities that we visited before, my daughter had not. It was so much fun to see the genuine awe on her fact the first time she encountered sites like the Vatican Museum, the Colosseum, the canals in Venice, the Alps and the Eiffel Tower. Our guide Matti was beyond outstanding. He made every place that we went to special and memorable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite part of the trip was the Munich walking tour that we did with the local guide, Michael. He was so passionate about the history of the City, particularly the Munich's role in the rise of Adolf Hitler, that I did not want the tour to end. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a fantastic time on our best of Europe Tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We celebrated our 40th anniversary on Sept 8, 2024 while we were in Venice, and we took a gondola ride through theGrand Canal."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Matthias and Igor explained what was expected of each of us to benefit the entire group. Be on time, communicate problems, no whining. Cheerful and knowledgeable leadership, personable and respectful, determined to deliver an enjoyable and meaningful experience to all. Matthias and Igor genuinely love their work, determined to maximize the two weeks with fun and compelling narrative historical details regarding the old world.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Matthias relating a personal story, when he was young, of his friends suffering on the east side of the iron curtain, their imprisonment and release to the west paid for by a rich activist. Now free, sadly one of them committed suicide shortly after. He turned to face the road. The bus was silent. We were all appropriately moved, speechless. All the guides were proud of their cities, sharing their intimate knowledge. Munich, Jewish museum, guide, a teacher, an especially compelling speaker."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

we really had no idea what to expect on a guided tour (since this was our first), but we were very pleasantly surprised by just about every aspect of it.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"St. Peters. Having seen it on TV for so long (for midnight mass every year while playing Santa), to stand in it and soak it in was "WOW!" "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had such an amazing time with my tour group. The tour hit the highlights of each city and made best use of our limited time. The guides were knowledgeable and helpful and somehow I ended up with the most incredible group of strangers, who became good friends. Such a great way to experience multiple cities safely and effectively.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"On our final night in Paris, we walked from dinner to the Eiffel Tower and got to see it twinkle, such a great surprise and an unforgettable experience!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was amazing

Favorite "WOW" moment

"All of them"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our guide Matias was great and his assistant Igor was very good too very happy with both of them. Always gave us great information when we were in the bus going from one place to another he would let us know where we were going how many stops we’re gonna make and the history of the following city we were going to.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Me personally, Rome was amazing and all their history something that I did not really expect that again the chapels the Colosseum, the city itself."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had such an incredible time on this tour! It was my first time in Europe and all the things I got to see, learn, and do made it such an invaluable experience for me. Our guide and fellow travelers were such a delight as well!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sitting underneath the Eiffel tower and sipping champagne on our last evening of the tour was incredible... And then seeing all the sparkling lights come on! WOW!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I absolutely loved my tour. I felt very supported in learning how to use local public transit and local customs so I was able to travel all over the cities independently without worry. I saw more things with high quality local tour guides than I would have been able to without the Rick Steve's tour group. I had the trip of a lifetime and cannot wait to do it again!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Having never traveled internationally before- being taught enough that I can go out on my own to see things that have specific interest to me with confidence. I feel I could go back to Europe and use public transportation without difficulty. Also, I spent a day in Switzerland riding the gondola's from one small mountain village to another- it was amazing! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything was absolutely fantastic! We had amazing fellow travelers, an awesome tour guide and terrific bus driver. The structure between planned city/museum tours, which were wonderful, and free time was perfect. We loved the extra surprises, our guide's knowledgable history talks in route and knowing we didn't have to worry about transportation or accommodations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Having an architecture background I was familiar with much of what we saw, but actually seeing it and experiencing it was more amazing than I expected. The first view of the Eiffel Tower was breathtaking! Being in the Vatican Museums and Louvre...spectacular! The art we all know and love takes on a new life, depth and breath in these magnificent structures. "

First off the tour guide (Beatta) was excellent. She was organized and always available to deal with any issues. The number of places we visited was great, but the pace of tour became a grind. I have previously done a Greece tour - the pace of the Europe tour is much more intense. We were up early eating breakfast and then on the move - near the end many in our group were sick (I believe this is due to the relentless pace). By Paris we were completely exhausted...

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many WOW moments - Seeing the Colosseum, Vatican/Sistine Chapel, Gondola rides in Venice, Bavaria and Paris...It was all WOW"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We loved our tour! We liked the idea of having a tour guide, a tour itinerary, hotel arrangements, transportation and joining other like-minded people experiencing Europe's wonders. Our expectations were in all cases exceeded! We had a wonderful tour group that bonded as we traveled. Albert, our bus driver, was a delight. Beata, our RS tour guide, was the reason it was all so special. Her history and geography lessons, her tips where to eat and visit, navigating cities, quick wit and smile!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were SO many wow moments. When we visited Sainte-Chapelle Chapel in Paris it was very unassuming from the outside. But when we went inside and the late afternoon sunshine was streaming through the thousands of assorted colored stained glass pieces that make up the hundreds of floor to ceiling window panels, we were awestruck! The amount of craftmanship it took to make them along with the everchanging color hues as the sunlight shifted was incredible. What an experience we will never forget"

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

For the most part it was a good experience. However, there were some things that could have been done better or differently.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s almost impossible to choose one , but Michelango’s David and St.Peter’s would probably tie for first."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall I feel the tour was very well put together. I would recommend it to anyone who is a first time traveler to Europe like we were. Not having to worry about the details of hotel and transportation was a huge stress reliever. The pace seemed a bit fast at times, but we managed just fine.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Just the fact of being physically in all these places that we have only seen in the movies and read about in books. Seeing how different and yet similar life can be in other parts of the world."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well organized. It was great to have group times for museums and other attractions and not wait in long lines. All the guides had great knowledge of the individual cities and the places we visited.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The water taxi drive into Venice Grand Canal."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

all guides were excellent and the group of strangers truly bonded and became friends by the end of the trip

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland, free day provided such a feeling of connection with not only the people of Switzerland, but made me want to go back and stay there a longer time."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall it was a great experience. Always about the people in the group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Rome"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very educational great guide learned lots

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Scenery "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

"The initial meet-and-greet was informative, providing a clear overview of the tour itinerary and useful details about what to expect. It was a great way to start the trip, as it set a positive tone and allowed us to get acquainted with both our tour guides and fellow travelers." I had a great experience with this trip and met a wonderful group of people.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The WOW moment was evident in all four countries we visited. Each destination offered its own unique and breathtaking experiences, making the entire tour unforgettable."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall it was a very good experience

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland was my favorite area. The Mountain View’s were amazing "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overwhemed with the amount of activities and the amazing places and things we saw.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The extra special events...eg Tuscany chef and dinner, master mask maker. We knew we were going to see the world renowned sculptors and painting but these were very special 'wow' treats."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was the trip of a lifetime. Our tour guide Mark and his assistant tour guide Lynn were very professional and personable with everyone in our group. It was a pleasure to get to know them. I found it very enjoyable having regional guides in the cities we visited. Learned about the history and culture from countries we visited.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Vatican City was incredible. While in Rome on our free time my son, daughter-in-law and I were able to see the Sistine Chapel, which has been a dream of mine for many years."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour met my high expectations for a long contemplated first-time visit to Europe. Hotels, dining and organized activities were well planned and executed. Provision of some free time and background and encouragement to self-select certain activities and use local languages and transportation was appropriate and valuable. Great mix of cities, country, and mountains. Enjoyed some new foods. Would be comfortable revisiting these places on my own, which I realize is the point!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were of course several but if I had to pick one it was the up close encounter with Roman life, history and architecture."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We had a very good trip.Even though the temperature was rather hot all of the guides did their best to keep us in the shade. The guides were very knowledgeable and really made the trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many things on this trio were amazing but I think my favorite was driving through the Swiss alps."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Enjoyed the seeing the parts of the cities away from the tourist areas.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Louvre"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I was very pleased for how the tour went. Everything went very smoothly and played out how it was suppose to. I had a great time and enjoyed everything about it. Everyone on our tour group was super welcoming and kind and our guide was even more amazing! All in all, this was my first Rick Steves Tour and I couldn’t be more happy with my experience. Definitely enjoyed my time and am excited to hopefully plan our next adventure with a Rick Steve’s Tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being able to see and experience most of all the famous historic landmarks was so amazing and coming to realization of how old they are. Also, the amount of detail and effort put into each landmark is just incredible."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was very organized and well planned. The entire trip went very smooth. The guide posted a daily itinerary the evening before. Tours of key attractions were scheduled at off-peak times to avoid crowds. Some of the bigger attractions in each city were NOT included with the tour because of over crowding. These were left as free time options. Which allowed my family to still tour these attractions at our own discretion and own pace.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Having our tour guide arrange gondola rides in Venice at a reduced price. This was a free time activity that would have cost my family twice as much without our guide arranging a discounted price. The entire tour group took advantage of this extra."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our experience couldn't have been better! The careful planning and expertise of our tour guide and local guides was superb!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We had many 'wow' moments but the best was standing under the Eiffel Tower and watching it light up on our last night of the tour. A perfect 'grand finale'!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent experience. Exceeded my expectations a thousandfold. Our tour guide was very engaged, humorous, knowledgeable. The group we toured with was delightful. Everyone was so happy to be a part of this tour. Honestly, Inwish I could go back in time and start the tour again. I will definitely be considering other RS tours in the future. Thanks Rick for an outstanding experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Aside from finally getting to travel to places I’ve dreamed of visiting, I think the biggest “wow” moment was how well organized the tour was and how well we were cared for. And at the same time, having lots of freedom to go do our own thing. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guides were fun and funny, warm, and totally on top of all the behind-the-scenes work to arrange hotels, food, schedules, transportation (and there was plenty!) so we had all the fun. LOVED the families with whom we traveled, and learned so much from totally delightful local guides in every city. This first-ever visit outside the USA was so much easier than I had expected. Now, we cannot wait to go again.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The villa in Tuscany. Every encounter with Michelangelo or Brunelleschi, with ancient Roman history, with local customs and people was a wow moment. But arriving at the top of the hill at that Tuscan villa overlooking the castle—we get to stay HERE?? That was THE wow moment... or I had thought so until we arrived at our Lauterbrunnen hotel in the Swiss Alps. The whole experience was Wow."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was fantastic. Our guides, Sanel and Keith displayed an incredible ability to adapt and provide a fun and engaging experience. Our driver Wim, saved our lives time and again with exceptional driving skills.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The small things are bigger wows than the big ones. Obviously the Pantheon and Eiffel Tower were awe inspiring, but the cultural differences of every day life are what stand out in my mind. A good example are the rest stops that are essentially grocery stores."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We had a great time. The tour was very organized but also allowed for periods of free time to explore on your own. Our guide, Iris, did a wonderful job.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"St Peter's Basilica and the statue David were highlights "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Iris and Saso were insightful, humorous, and kept us on task. Great blend of tour group time and free time. We did the Vatican on our own due to tour changes, booking months in advance. Great group who got along well and looked out for one another.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Driving in to Lauterbrunnen valley to those mountains."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Amazing guides (Iris and Sašo)!!! Superb bus driver yeah Hilde!!! Great group of people on our tour. Beautiful sites and landscapes paired with amazing food and drinks! We all survived the heat in Italy and cooled off in Switzerland and Germany.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to choose from but I will say watching the full moon rise over the mountains while also seeing the waterfall from out hotel balcony in Lauterbrunnen."

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

The tour was well organized and met all expectations. It was a wonderful experience!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking through beautiful pastures in the Swiss alps and hearing the cow bells!"

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 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

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 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 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

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

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

What a great tour to take with our teens. Tim, our guide was awesome. He was extremely knowledgeable and fun. He connected with our teens, the young adults on the tour and the young at heart. He was huge part of making our trip a success! Our driver Paul was so personable and got us everwhere safely.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved the quiet country side of our Tuscany retreat after being in the hustle & bustle of wonderful Rome. Driving into Switzerland was an amazing experience! The alps, cute towns and beautiful waterfalls. "

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

Exactly what I thought it be

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Well done coordination of everything "

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 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

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

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

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

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 & tour guide Paul were fantastic!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"St. Peter’s basilica "

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 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

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 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

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 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 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

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 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 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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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

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 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

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

This was the trip of a lifetime.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were too many to single one out!"

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 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. "

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 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 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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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 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

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

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

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

We totally loved our tour! I really wouldn't change a thing. Loved the mix of free time versus planned activities, and the selection of planned events was carefully and thoughtfully curated. I also appreciate that the size of the tours are limited to smaller numbers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland was my "wow" moment. The stunning beauty of that area is magnificent!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My wife and I had an excellent tour that exceeded expectations. Even though we were unable to complete the second half due to a COVID infection, we feel we received excellent value and we had a lot of fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A group dinner in the courtyard of an agriturismo in Tuscany with live music and a full moon rising. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Enjoyed it very much! Everything was spot on. Hotels, bus & driver, tour guide, cities, tours, etc. were all amazing!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to say just one... Evening Gondola ride in Venice & the day in the Swiss Alps!"

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 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 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 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

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

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

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Octoberfest"

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Switzerland was beautiful!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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 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! "