​1. Destinations Truly are the Best of the Best

Rick has been traveling for much of his life, and has probably spent a good portion of his adult life in Europe.  This experience has provided him with the expertise of places all over Europe.  Not only does he have the personal knowledge to share, but he has built relationships with many Europeans.  That rapport has allowed him to continue to grow as a travel expert.  If you've ever used his guidebooks, you know that he knows Europe.​

2. Tours Promote Immersion

I have been on one other tour before taking a Rick Steves' tour.  Since that first tour, I felt that I could get more out of my time through my own planning.  The importance of travel to me is to learn more, and have a greater understanding of our world through other cultures.  I was very pleased to find that my 21 day tour allowed me to really immerse myself in another culture, even if we were only there for two days.  If you are looking for a more authentic experience, then I recommend his tours for you.

3. Tour Groups are Small

The largest tour group allowed has 28 people.  Some tours have even smaller restrictions.  My tour group had 19 people including myself.  I never imagined the bonds and relationships I would build with these people.  I took the tour on my own, and I would recommend this for anyone wanting to get out and see the world.

4. Guides Will go out of Their Way to Help You

I give so much credit to tour guides.  There is so much they have to manage and our guide did all of this seamlessly.  A bad guide can ruin a trip.  With this tour, I knew I was safe.

5. Bus Drivers Cater to Everyone's Needs

Our bus driver was a part of the experience just as much as anyone else.  We all felt very safe, and some of us even looked forward to bus days.  The great thing about bus days is that you never go more than two hours without a stop.  Let's just say that rest stops in Europe are a big treat compared to here in the US.

6. Local Guides Bring a New Dimension to the Experience

I have traveled to Europe before this tour, but I never experienced the cities or museums like this.  The local guides bring everything to life.  While visiting the Colosseum, I almost heard the lions roar.

7. Rick Steves' Fans are the Best Travel Buddies

Who else can put in a "no grump policy" like Rick Steves can?  One grump can completely ruin the fun for everyone else.  I have never traveled with so many people that view travel the way I do.  It has been several months since our trip and I still stay in close contact with many of my travel buddies.  These people have shared memories with me that I will never forget.​

8. Balance Between Guided Time and Free Time

One concern I always have with tours is the inability to wander off.  The great thing about this tour is the amount of free time I had.  The guides do a great job offering ideas, but I was free to explore nearly half of the time.  I love skipping the lines during our guided tour time and then seeing what I want to see later.  Even if there is something planned, you can be like Fleetwood Mac and "go your own way." 

9. Mixture of Cities and Country

Visiting cities can be quite exhausting.  Sometimes you need a little rest or return to nature.  The itinerary nicely balances major cities with village towns or countryside. 

10. Lasting Memories with New Friends

There has not been a day since my trip that I don't think about something that happened on the adventure.  When I say my life has changed because of this trip, I mean it.  I find myself looking for excuses all of the time to talk about it, and sometimes the only people that seem to understand are my new friends.