First timer on a Rick Steves Tour

Linda,, not much advice needed, the RS tour my dd and I took was so well run, and the people were great ,, only extra I could offer is definately plan to stay at least an extra few days after on your own. By then you will be very comfortable there, know how to use metro and buses( they teach this on RS tours) so you can explore a bit more on your own.

Linda,

I'll be embarking on my fourth RS tour in a few weeks, so my first comment is that I'm sure you'll have an awesome tour! Rick's Guides are outstanding and the tours are a lot of fun.

During the tour, you may also be using local Guides, and hopefully one of them will be Francesca, as you'll learn a LOT about the history of Rome.

With a week long city tour, there probably won't be any time spent travelling by Bus, but you'll learn how to get around Rome really well, while avoiding the "pitfalls".

Like the majority of RS tour members, you'll probably be busy planning the next tour as soon as you get back from this one.

If you have a generous travel budget, you might also plan a trip to Seattle on Jan. 15, 2011 for the "Tour Alumni Reunion", which Rick holds every year at his headquarters in Edmonds. That provides not only a good opportunity to get reacquainted with people that you've toured with, but also to "test drive" other tours so that you can see which ones might interest you. The Tour reunion days are LONG but also lots of fun!

Happy travels!

Hi Linda - ETBD sends a lot of good info prior to a tour. Be sure to read it all so you know what to expect and what to bring. Pack lightly. Bring comfortable walking shoes. Extend your tour, if you can, either before or after your tour. Read the RS book they send you so you have some background and have an idea of what you want to do in your free time. Expect to have an excellent guide and a congenial group of fellow tour members. Show up with an open mind and an eagerness to learn. Try new foods. Enjoy!

I've been on 2 RS tours and I agree with all the previous advice. I'd recommend spending the extra days at the end of the tour, rather than the beginning if possible, because you will know so much more. You will love your tour guide I'm sure and have a great time.

I know you will have a wonderful time. We have been on 4 RS tours and are signed up for a 5th this fall. They have all been great. The only advise that I would add to the others is to arrive a day early. You never know about flight problems and you also have a day to get over jet lag. Have fun.

I'll second the advice to plan to arrive a day or two early - though if you're coming from Scotland at least you won't have the jet lag that many of us struggle with those first few days! And definitely add some time afterwards. The tour information that ETBD provides will include suggested reading and viewing; my trips have always been enhanced by reading several of the recommended books. Of course the guide will be great and will give you lots of information, but it's even more fun if you have a base of info already. Have a wonderful time!

I am leaving for my 9th RS tour next month and they have all been great. I agree with all of the previous posts, especially the one about reading carefully ALL of the materials that are sent to you by the RS folks. You will be busy and advance knowledge will only make you tour more enlightening.

Many thanks for all the advise and promise to read all literature sent. Can`t stay on longer but plan to arrive a day early. Really looking forward to socialising with our American cousins.

If anyone reading this is booked for the Rome 7day Tour starting on the 5th September please get in touch.

Linda, I took the RS Scotland tour in 08 and we drove through Dundee on our way north. What a gorgeous country you live in! I'm scheduled for the RS Venice, Florence, Rome this summer, my fourth with RS.

You won't have the jet lag that we do coming from the states, but it still might be nice to get there a day early and relax. The great thing about a weeklong city tour is that you really don't have to pack particularly lightly because you aren't moving in and out of hotels, and you only have to carry the bag to the room once!

My advice is to check out the recommended reading and viewing list before you go. I definitely got more out of the tours when I did a little pre-reading.

Have a great time!!

Linda - If you need help getting in the travel/tour mood, check out the tour scrapbooks on this website. There are several which include Rome. Some scrapbooks also give you a good idea of what to expect on an RS tour. Enjoy your tour!

Hi Linda - I'm taking my 3rd RS tour this fall and planning for #4. You will have a great time! Suggest you take a look at the Tour Member feedback section for your tour - lots of information from people, what they enjoyed the most, etc.