Alphabettrip: About Rick Steves trips

This is our second Rick Steves Europe trip. What we like about the trips is that they aren't just a tour, but an enriched experience. They are smaller groups -- 28 in our group vs 40 or more in a typical Europe tour. Experienced guides -- we had two -- who take time not only to tell you about the sites you visit, but about language, culture and local customs as well as to get to know each tour member individually. Our guides were Toni Seymour, a Brit who has lived and worked in France for many years, and Virginie More, a Frenchwoman who lives in Britain. In addition to French lessons from Virginie, who is French, we learned about the French educational system, French weddings, French healthcare and the French tax and benefit system from Toni and Virginie during bus trips from place to place. We had a married couple for bus drivers, Annie and Matt, who also supplied us with hot drinks, cold beverages and snacks from an on board snack bar. We had a great group of fellow travelers, all of whom were friendly, curious, intelligent folks who became as an extended family.

Rick Steves has a few basic travel rules, all of which make for a pleasant trip. First, no grumps. Second, be able to carry your own luggage because you may have to carry it up some stairs to get to your room. Third, be on time or the bus will leave without you.

There's a good mix of group tour time and free time. There are a few group dinners which are multi-course and fabulous. Breakfasts are always included and lunch is usually on your own. The hotels are great. Take a Rick Steve's Tour -- you'll love it!