Those of you who have been on multiple Rick Steves' tours--which ones have been your favorite, and why?
Seeking recommendations for fall 2026. We've already been to Italy, England, Scotland (Rick Steves tour), northern France, Greece, and Spain. Trying to decide where to go next.
Sicily or Turkey. I’ve been on 15 tours and those two were my favorites.
We loved the Alpine My Way (Austria, Italy, Bavaria, Switzerland and France!) so much last year that we're going again this year and possibly even in '26! It is amazing!
Basque Region, Sicily, Adriatic, Scandinavia
Where in Italy and England have you been?
My all-time favorites have been Village Italy and the 21 Day Best of Europe out of the 12 I have taken.
Village Italy because it got me to some smaller villages that might have been harder without a car and had a number of experiential things - not just wine tasting but honey and olive oil too.
Best of Europe - This was early on in my Rick Steves tour "career", hahaha. I loved this tour because you see blockbuster sights every day and there is so much variety. Big cities, smaller cities, beach and mountains.
My next favorites were Paris and the Heart of France, Best of Paris, Best of England and Belgium and Holland.
Paris and the Heart of France - also a good mix of city (Paris) plus more rural areas, chateaux, Normandy landings, gardens.
Best of Paris - this taught me how to manage in Paris and made me love this city. I have almost no French language skills either. The unfortunate result of taking this tour is that I can't stay away from Paris, hahaha! AND I am so NOT a big city gal!
Best of England or as the guides call it Best of Britain because it includes 2-nights in Wales. I loved all the locations on this tour and it got me to Hadrian's Wall.
Belgium and Holland - To me this tour is kind of a sleeper. Maybe not as popular as some but wow, excellent sights, great food, interesting art and history. Not as much bus time it didn't seem as on some tours I've done. I did this one in an early April so I could make sure I saw Keukenhof Gardens which are spectacular. I am NOT a gardener but I love to see flowers! The colors, textures, designs were superb.
Whatever you decide on I'm sure you will enjoy it!
How long can you be gone? If you're able to swing a 14+ day tour, I would pick a longer one if I was triaging choices, even if it is to a country you've been to before (e.g., Italy). If you're physically able, I'd also suggest picking a more strenuous tour over an easier one or one that requires a bit more travel time. For example I did the Best of Turkey in late September, early October. It was a very long slog from west coast USA and some tour days were pretty strenuous. But wonderful culture, food, and weather was the reward in spades.
Still can't decide? Put the tour options that suit your dates in a jar, pick one, and leave the rest for the next time.
