In 2025 I traveled with my 22 yr old daughter and 87 yr old dad. Wonderful trip, wonderful people. I always felt like I needed a day or 2 more as we were leaving each local. My husband just retired and is joining me on RS tour for 2027. I feel this is the perfect tour for him to see so many things in Europe and to see if he would want to take others. He’s not a big museum or church guy, so we may skip or cut out early from a few group ones. Does anyone think the best of Italy still gives you a great experience in the Dolomites, but then no Switzerland. Also small town Italy, is it still very busy with lots of different things to see and experience ? Missing Paris? Would love to spend some time there. As some of my friends say, must be nice to have this problem.” I’m just wanting him to see so much of Europe. My way might work for best of Italy, but I do appreciate the camaraderie with the group also. Any insight would be appreciated.
Posted by
the great P-NW
592 posts
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.
Posted by
176 posts
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!
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
17166 posts
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.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
9731 posts
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 toItaly ten times, so I definitely don’t have anything against Italy.