With more than 40 years of experience in the travel industry, Rick Steves Europe is a well-established and highly respected name in the business. The company offers an unparalleled travel experience, with carefully planned and designed tours to immerse travelers in Europe’s local culture and history. From exploring the charming streets of Paris to admiring the stunning architecture of Rome, Rick Steves Europe ensures that every aspect of your journey is comfortable and stress-free. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned adventurer, Rick Steves Europe is the perfect choice for anyone looking to explore the beauty and diversity of Europe.

Overall Rating

It is a reputable company that provides accessible and enriching European travel experiences. The company offers various cultural experiences and destinations at affordable prices. With its comprehensive tour packages, high-quality service, and positive customer feedback, Rick Steves Europe consistently delivers satisfying and memorable travel experiences. The company has an impressive overall rating of 4.3 out of 5.

4.3out of 5

Value for money	4,1/5
Experience	4.3/5
Transportation	4,4/5
Accommodation	4,2/5
Guide	4,5/5
Meals	*4,3/5*

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What Customers are Saying…

The Reviews reflects personal opinions and are not representative of uptoyouonline’s

I took the Central Europe tour and loved every minute of it! The tour guides Jana and Barbara were competent, knowledgeable, and helpful. The local guides did a great job showing us the town. I learned a lot and experienced adventures I would most definitely would not if I had gone on my own. The tour was efficient and well-scheduled. Definitely would recommend it. Was not crazy about the tour guide in Vienna and the Third Man part of the tour but oh well.
Incredible Ireland: Amazed with whole experience in Ireland. Great places to see and enjoy, comfortable pace and balance, super guide! Highly recommend it!
I have been on 6 Rick Steves tours (2 in Italy, 2 in Spain, Greece and Turkey) and all were fabulous. Rick focuses on staying in the heart of the city, near the sights, usually in smaller, locally owned hotels. His guides are top notch and really set the tone for the trip. His choice of sights and activities are superb….
Well it’s ok and I guess one can get help booking a trip as I think they have travel agents but most of the place is just a book and luggage store. Spent 5 minutes, looked around and left.
This is about the store not the tours: We purchased two backpacks from Rick Steves Europe. One of them arrived damaged and unusable. Their website says that you must contact them if you receive damaged merchandise. I have attempted to email them through their website and I have left 3 voicemails (nobody answers the phone, ever!) and nobody has contacted me back. At this point, it seems like I’ve been ripped off. Buyer beware. Extremely disappointed.

About Rick Steves Europe

Rick Steves Europe was founded in 1976 in Edmonds, Washington. Since then, it has become a significant player in the travel industry. The company’s goal is to inspire, inform, and equip Americans for European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. Rick Steves, the company’s president, spends about four months each year in Europe. He uses this time to research guidebooks, fine-tune tour programs, and film TV shows.

Destinations & Reach

Rick Steves Europe offers 36 fascinating tours to various destinations throughout the continent. They provide extensive experiences, from Italy’s artistic gems to Norway’s breathtaking fjords. They specialize in small group tours, ensuring personalized attention for every traveler. With an impressive selection of destinations that includes Austria, Central & Eastern Europe, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Greece & Turkey, Holland & Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Scandinavia, Scotland, Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland, Rick Steves Europe caters to various travel preferences.

Value for Money

Rick Steves Europe is a well-known company that offers high-quality tours at reasonable prices. Their packages include accommodation, transportation, tour guides, and some meals. Additionally, the company provides a tour handbook with city maps and practical tips to make your experience more convenient and enjoyable.

Pricing Range

Pricing for Rick Steves Europe tours varies depending on the destination and duration of the tour. The price range typically falls between $1,500 and $6,000, providing options for various budgets.

Expert and Customer Reviews

Rick Steves Europe is a travel company that has received high praise from experts and customers alike for its exceptional tour guides, well-planned itineraries, efficient customer service, and personalized attention, which reflects its consistent delivery of high-quality service. It is appreciated for its extensive travel experience and well-crafted tours. However, some customers have criticized the company for not always offering accommodations in city centers and for transportation via bus. While the company has a strong reputation, travelers must consider their preferences when choosing a tour.

Is Rick Steves Worth It?

The company is highly respected for its top-quality tour options, professional guides, and efficient services. Its all-inclusive packages, which cover accommodation, transportation, tour guides, and some meals, offer great value for money. The company’s ability to provide high-quality experiences at different price points makes it an appealing choice for many travelers. However, it’s important to note that the tours often involve transportation by bus and that accommodations may only sometimes be located in city centers. For travelers comfortable with these factors, Rick Steves Europe is a dependable and worthwhile option for exploring various European destinations.

Signature Features

Rick Steves Europe offers unique travel experiences characterized by small and friendly groups of 24-28 travelers. Their expert guides possess extensive knowledge of the local area, providing insightful commentary along the way. These journeys go beyond the typical tourist destinations, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture.

The company’s dedication to climate-smart travel sets them apart, ensuring a sustainable approach to exploration. In addition to their exceptional tours, Rick Steves Europe offers many travel resources, including guidebooks and travel seminars. They prioritize creating intimate tour groups, fostering deeper connections and memorable experiences for every traveler.

Small and Friendly Groups

Rick Steves Europe creates an intimate and friendly environment by limiting its tour groups to 24-28 travelers. This allows for a more personalized experience as the tour guides can focus on each traveler’s interests and needs, and the group can form deeper connections.

Expert Local Guides

The company’s guides are not simply employees but local experts with significant knowledge of the area. They provide insightful commentary on the local culture, history, and customs, offering an immersion beyond the surface level of standard tourist attractions.

Climate-Smart Travel

Rick Steves Europe is committed to sustainable travel. They follow practices that minimize their environmental footprint and encourage travelers to respect and protect the locales they visit. This commitment to climate-smart travel sets them apart and appeals to an increasingly eco-conscious demographic.

Extensive Travel Resources

In addition to their tours, Rick Steves Europe offers a wide range of travel resources. These include guidebooks, travel seminars, and an online platform with expert tips and advice. These resources can be invaluable aids to the traveler looking to plan and make the most of their journey.

Personalized Attention

The company prioritizes personal connections and individual interactions due to its commitment to small group sizes. Rick Steves Europe ensures every traveler feels valued and catered to, creating memorable and unique experiences.

Popular Tour: Best of Europe in 14 Days

Among the varied offerings of Rick Steves Europe, the “Best of Europe in 14 Days” tour is a standout favorite. This carefully curated tour gives travelers a taste of Europe’s most iconic cities — from the romantic canals of Venice to the historic streets of Rome, from the grandeur of Paris to the bustling energy of the Swiss Alps.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Welcome to Europe

Location: Rome
Activities: Group meeting, orientation walk through Rome, dinner together, and a night walk including the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain.
Walking: Moderate

Day 2: St. Peter’s Basilica

Location: Rome
Activities: Tour of Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica, free afternoon for exploration.
Walking: Light to strenuous (choice-based)

Day 3: Ancient Rome and Tuscany

Location: Rome to Tuscany
Activities: Walking tour of Colosseum (exterior) and Roman Forum, travel to Tuscany, Tuscan cooking demonstration, dinner.
Walking: Strenuous

Day 4: Renaissance Florence

Location: Near Florence
Activities: Visit the Uffizi Gallery, Florence walking tour, visit the Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo’s David), and return to the countryside hotel.
Walking: Strenuous

Day 5: Venice

Location: Venice
Activities: Drive to Venice, Grand Canal vaporetto boat ride, orientation walk, dinner, optional gondola ride.
Walking: Light

Day 6: Venice

Location: Venice
Activities: Guided walking tour of Venice, visit St. Mark’s Square, free afternoon.
Walking: Moderate

Day 7: Munich

Location: Munich
Activities: Drive to Munich, orientation walk, beer-hall dinner.
Walking: Light

Day 8: Munich

Location: Munich
Activities: Guided walking tour of Munich, free afternoon.
Walking: Moderate

Day 9: Swiss Alps

Location: Swiss Alps
Activities: Visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial, drive to the Swiss Alps, and have a Swiss dinner.
Walking: Light

Day 10: Swiss Alps

Location: Swiss Alps
Activities: Free day in the Swiss Alps for hiking or other activities.
Walking: Choice-based

Day 11: Burgundy, France

Location: Beaune
Activities: Drive to Beaune, visit Hôtel Dieu, Drinks tasting in Burgundy.
Walking: Light to moderate

Day 12: Paris

Location: Paris
Activities: Drive to Paris, a walking tour of Paris, including Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle.
Walking: Strenuous

Day 13: Paris

Location: Paris
Activities: Free day in Paris, options to visit the Louvre Museum and other sights.
Walking: Choice-based

Day 14: Tour Over After Breakfast

Location: Paris
Activities: Tour ends, free to explore more or depart.

What’s Included

At least 17 group sightseeing events
Full-time services of a professional Rick Steves guide and local experts
All group transportation from Rome to Paris
13 nights’ accommodations in centrally located hotels
All breakfasts and seven other meals
All tips for guides and drivers
A tour kit including a guidebook and a moneybelt

Special Notes

This tour does not include visits to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel or the interior of the Colosseum but provides information for visiting these during free time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of tours does Rick Steves Europe offer?

Small-group tours, city tours, family tours, and “My Way” European vacations.

What is the typical group size on Rick Steves’ tours?

The group size on Rick Steves’ tours typically exceeds 28 participants, offering a more intimate and personalized travel experience.

How does Rick Steves Europe contribute to sustainable tourism?

The company is committed to climate-smart travel practices.

Is Rick Steves Europe good for first-time travelers to Europe?

Yes, the company provides comprehensive resources and tours for first-time travelers.

Does Rick Steves Europe cater to family travel?

Yes, Rick Steves Europe offers family tours designed to make learning fun for everyone, ensuring families enjoy a rich cultural experience together.

Can I book flights, hotels, or rental cars through Rick Steves Europe?

Rick Steves Europe does not function as a travel agent, so they do not book flights, hotels, or rental cars. Their primary focus is on organizing and leading tours.

Wrapping Up

Rick Steves Europe provides an authentic travel experience that showcases the best travel classes of Europe to its travelers. The company offers expert guidance, local insights, and value for money, making it an excellent choice for those who want to explore the diverse offerings of the European continent. Rick Steves Europe is committed to making European travel enriching, affordable, and accessible, which sets it apart from other travel companies. It offers a variety of tours and travel resources and focuses on cultural immersion, providing a unique and rewarding travel experience for its customers.

While it may not be suitable for travelers looking for luxury accommodations, Rick Steves Europe’s approach to travel is commendable and worth considering for your next European adventure.