Crazy to go on the same RS tour?

There are so many excellent tours, I vote for a little more conversation before you decide on the same again. Not clear how much input your husband has already given you. Do you have an idea of how he's rather travel - more time in each spot or many places for a short time? Now that he's retired, you can hopefully plan another trip after this one - that can help with "analysis paralysis." I'd suggest a regular tour vs My Way, both for group camaraderie and so you don't take on too much planning for this first outing with your husband.

Bottom line - you are not crazy to consider the same tour, but give a different one some deep consideration first.

Christina,
I am about to go on the Alpine My Way for the 3rd time this September with my husband. We did it in 24 and 25 with our adult children. So, I certainly don't believe it's crazy :) We had different experiences both years so there was plenty enough that was different that I didn't feel I was missing out on new adventures.
About camaraderie in the group - I found plenty of opportunities for building relationships and having friends in the My Way experience. We've also done a traditional tour. The only differences are the activities once you reach a location are on your own and not as a group. However, we had plenty of time as a group being together on the bus, rest stops, little drinks gatherings the tour guide would host, etc. Definitely just as much chance for camaraderie in a My Way as in a traditional tour, I believe.

Enjoy!

I'm not clear on which tour you are thinking of repeating? Is it the Best of Italy or one of the Best of Europe tours since you mentioned Paris?

To me, I don't think there is a problem at all repeating a tour. Different guide, different travel group, different weather, possibly a slightly different itinerary.

When I did the Best of Italy (in 2022 before the current itinerary) I had been to Italy with a Rick tour for Heart of Italy, 21 day best of Europe and Village Italy so I skipped some of the group activities. In Venice I went to a museum instead of the walking tour. In Rome I went to a museum instead of the Colosseum/Forum tour which I'd done twice before. It's very easy to bow out of an activity but do let your guide and buddies know your plans so no one is waiting.

My two cents. I would pick a different RS tour to take with your husband. Enjoy the fun of discovering new sites together vs. finding yourself saying, “Oh, I know you’re going to love this next one!” Or worse, “Last time I liked our activity or dinner here better than this time.”

And I am saying this as someone who has been to Italy ten times, so I definitely don’t have anything against Italy. I just finished a RS tour in two other countries, and it’s very common to think the last place you were visiting is the best! ; )

It’s great that you want your husband to see and experience Europe. Most practical thing for you to do is to ask him what he’s interested in seeing. That way you both can enjoy a trip together.

When my guy was alive he’d never been to Europe so I chose my favorite city on earth to share with him. London.

Everything about London thrilled him. The fondest memory of him was the grin on his face buying sports jerseys at Lilywhites. That and hearing Big Ben toll.

It’s great you are invested in the RS tour.

Definitely discuss your husband’s wish list as well.

He might surprise you.

Thank you everyone. All great things to ponder. My trip in 2025 was best of Europe in 14 days. My husband likes to go, go. go. I would love to hear from anyone who did best of Europe in 14 and also other Italy tours to compare. He says he does not want to go to tons of churches and museums, so since I have been to the church’s and museums for the best of Europe in 14 days already, we can see all the other places I wanted to visit and did not have time in 2025. it makes it easy for us to be on our own at those times and I’m comfortable to run around in those places. This is why a RS trip is good for me, I over think everything.

Have you considered the 21 day best of Europe tour? it would repeat some of the 14 day tour you already took but includes some places you haven't been so you could discover them together. I know the price is higher but per day cost is lower than the 14 day tour. 2 cents to consider.

I’d take the best of Europe in 14 days - he’ll never be bored and he will also more nature ( SWITZERLAND!🩷) .

Also you tell this is just a tester trip and that next year you and he , will return independently to one or two of your favourite places to explore more

I'd agree...no problem re-taking the 14 Day Best of Europe. I also agree that if you have the time and budget the 21 Day Best of Europe is fabulous!

I would also suggest the 21 day Best of Europe. It has the greatest variety. It appears to have limited churches and museums except a few major ones, but who won't be impressed with the statue of David or St. Peter's. The one thing about most museums and churches is that you can travel inside at your own pace as long as your tour guide knows you are splitting early.

Do something different. The things you liked about your tour (the ease, the guide, the camaraderie) will also be there on a different tour. The world is a big place. See something different.

Advancing age prompts us to choose traveling to new venues and making new memories over revisiting places we've previously been. However we've always traveled together, so what's old/new for one of us is likewise for the other. In the OP's case that doesn't hold true. Perhaps a viable solution might be a trip that encompasses some of the previous tour with some new venues as well; or a pre- and/or post-tour extension, either with a private guide or on your own.

Have you ever watched a movie more than once? Ordered the same flavor ice cream for dessert more than once?

"Repeating" isn't necessarily a bad thing. ( which tour would you be repeating?)

Which tour/tours are you considering?

Thank you all so much. Great ideas and insight from all. My husband was at first against going for more than 14 days, but now I believe he is on board for the 21 days best of Europe. Now just deciding when to go in 2027; May or end of May into June.

"but now I believe he is on board for the 21 days best of Europe. Now just deciding when to go in 2027; May or end of May into June."

Oh yea! This will be fun for you as well!

Look at the heat over the last week in Europe. I'd choose earlier in May if you can. I'd also recommend going earlier to Haarlem if you can get him to be gone more than 21 days so you are there ahead of time and have some flex in case of travel delays. If you are early enough you can also work in a day at Keukenhof Gardens for the tulips! Plus, so much to see in Amsterdam that the tour does not have time for!

Can you stay in Paris a few more days as well? I did the Best of Paris tour AFTER the 21 day tour and it unfortunately made me fall in love with Paris so I now can't stay away, hahaha!! Or if budget is not an issue maybe you can stay to do Best of Paris and send him back home, hahaha!

Ha ha Pam that sounds great. We will definitely go a day or two early. I went to Paris last year on Europe in 14 days and also fell in love. I could easily spend another whole week there, but I think after 21 days of travel even I will be ready to head home. I will eventually spend a good 7 days there in the future.