Travel suggestions for grandma and granddaughter’s first trip to Europe?

The plan you had for 2020 is no longer possible for some reason, or has there been a change in desires?

How much time do you have?

Does she have some place she 'really' wants to go to?

How much does the cost affect what you can do?

There is the 21 day Best of Europe tour, that hits lot of places, for her to get a 'sampler' of Europe.

Depending on what is of interest a couple of 10-14 tours of two countries ( or regions) may be a solution.

You have presented an almost impossibly broad request; you could end up with suggestions that cover 'everywhere', and probably not be any better off as far as answering 'where should we go?'

After having to cancel the 2020 trip and then hearing RS speak about his tours, I’ve decided that I would prefer one of his to what we had planned. Of course my granddaughter wants to see everything, but realistically we could look at the 3-week introduction to Europe tours. Perhaps the 21-day Best of Europe would be a good idea.

The 21 day BOE is excellent. I believe the oldest person on my tour for that trip was about 78 and played golf 3 times a week walking 18 holes so he was in good shape. He didn't do a lot of stairs so in Rome the guide would send him on ahead if we had stairs to navigate while the guide finished his talk. Ditto with the gal who had bad knees. I was 65 and really upped my walking for this one.

I found this tour a little tiring because you are moving so much and seeing SO much. If you've been to some of the sights you won't have overwhelmed senses, lol!! Also if you decide to have an easier day you can easily send the granddaughter with the group.

There are a couple of longer bus rides but I found I needed those days with some down time!

For me the primary question would be do I want to see a lot of different countries, or do I want to concentrate on one. Does she have any language skills, or any specific interests in art or history? Then narrow it down. All things being equal, I always tell people Italy would be the first choice. Our first RS tour, that sold us on doing more, was the Venice, Florence, Rome tour, with a few days on our own added on. Three of the great and unique cities in Europe, with enough time to actually see and experience them. Perfect, not excessively strenuous, and the bus rides were relatively short.

Each tour has a description of the activity level so, pay attention to that. I think one thing that some people dont realize, when I've talked to then about RS, is that you have to walk everywhere, or take the metro or other public transportation. That is, the bus only takes you from city to city, and does not pick you up every morning to take you to your sights. Thats where the walking comes in. But you can always opt out of any daily activity if you'd rather rest.

I also LOVED the RS Venice, Florence, Rome Tour.

For me, the time of year would be something to factor in. If you are planning around her school schedule, you’re probably looking at summer. I don’t like the heat, so I wouldn’t consider Italy, Spain or Greece in the summer. If you’re not confined to summer dates, definitely look at other times to go.

I am from Georgia and the heat in Italy is normal for us. Italy is my favorite country in Europe with so much ancient history as well as the amazing Vatican in Rome (Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's). Also, renaissance Florence with its amazing air museums and incomparable Venice.

I am 73 and physically active, but I have slowed down a bit. I walk 3.2 miles every other day. Before you go, if you don't walk or exercise a bit, start doing so.

I know some tours we have been on have a slow walker tour for those that want that.

If you go in the Summer, take a wide brimmed hat and good sun glasses. Also, watch for pickpockets in cities like Barcelona, Paris and Rome. I wear a money belt.

Hi and congratulations for this memorable trip you have planned. I took my two oldest granddaughters on the Rick Steves' Paris tour two years ago. They were just turned 18 and 17. They shared a room and I paid the single supplement for myself (an excellent decision, by the way!).. The hotel was gorgeous, well located for free time plans and certainly safe enough for them to go out shopping or just meandering by themselves when they wanted to do that. We had the best time ever and they still talk about it. We three shared such a special journey and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Part of the decision in taking a tour was the good possibility there would be other teens along with whom they could hang out. This did prove to be the case and that’s most likely to happen when school is out during the summer months.