We're considering taking our 18 year-old granddaughter on Rick's Ireland Tour. Good idea?? Bad idea?? Doing tour with a teenager...well behaved, I might add...is the question. We usually do our own planning and arrangements but are unfamiliar with Ireland so thought it would be nice to let Rick worry about the details. Advise please.
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2261 posts
I think it's a great idea. Not knowing where you are traveling from, I will assume the U.S., I think most Americans find Ireland pretty easy and "user friendly", so there isn't much difficulty in adjusting to language, etc. While I have not done an RS tour, I am sure many details are taken care of for you, and there would be flexibility, like if you two want to take a break, your Granddaughter can go ahead with the group that day, or vice-versa. It sounds like a great chance to spend time with her, and have a nice experience in a really great place.
Posted by
Seattle, Washington
681 posts
We took our four kids (in their 20s at the time) on a RS tour and they enjoyed it so much, we all went on a second tour. Absolutely great memories for all of us. We've also had teens on several tours just my husband and I have gone on and they were such fun to have along. Go for it!
Posted by
franktown, colorado
2252 posts
I can't imagine a better gift for your granddaughter. We have taken our grandchildren on three different Rick Steves tours and they were considerable younger than 18 for the first one. We are all enthusiastically planning our fourth together for 2015. Our first tour was Family Europe and when looking at the second "adventure", one of the RS tour consultants suggested Ireland but we opted for GAS instead. Their trips to Europe have paid off many dividends in creating "citizens of the world". As I said, I just can't imagine a better gift for you to give your granddaughter than creating memories of her trip to Europe with her grandparents that will last her lifetime.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
I'm sure you will all enjoy the tour. Rick's Ireland tour itinerary is one of our more outdoorsy trips, lighter on big museums, but with fascinating castle ruins, archeological sites, and natural formations. I'd say that our Ireland guides have a knack for story-telling and facilitating fun.
Posted by
Ausitn
16 posts
We have a family with teenagers on our tour in Ireland with RS last year. I think they had a great time. Lots of things out doors, hiking and fantastic sights to see. The island, Inishmore, the cliffs, ruins. The villages are charming and fun and Dublin has lots of interesting things to see and do. If you are lucky to Rozanne for your guide, you may even get to do the Hawk Walk at Ashford Castle....one of the highlights of our trip. Enjoy!