Has anyone tried Rick Steves' Germany, Austria & Switzerland in 14 Days Tour? I am considering this tour as well as a Globus tour to the same areas. I like that the Rick Steves tour will have a smaller group of people and will most likely give me a more accurate perspective of each country than Globus, but I am a bit concerned about the hotel rooms. What did you think about the hotels' cleanliness and did you have your own bathroom in each hotel? Does anyone have a list of the hotels you stayed at during a 2008 tour that you can please provide? I would appreciate any additional info or advice you may have regarding the tour! Thank you!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32345 posts
Chloe,
I haven't taken the Germany/Austria/Switzerland tour, but have taken other RS tours. I've found so far that all the Hotel rooms fit Rick's criteria of "clean, safe and affordable". In fact, some of the rooms I've had on tours have been quite "deluxe".
All of the rooms I've stayed have been equipped with a private bathroom. These were sometimes a bit different than one would find here, as the bathrooms were added to very old buildings. Some had the "standard European" 4' x 4' Shower which was a bit "tight" but perfectly adequate.
I would most definitely recommend a RS Tour (I'm planning on taking another as soon as possible, perhaps even this spring if I can figure out some way to get the time off work). The Guides have been incredible and I've found it to be one of the most efficient ways to not only see Europe but also learn about the history.
Happy travels!
Posted by
TN/USA
208 posts
Go to R/S website and click on tours and then on the tours feedback. Then click on the GAS tour. You will get feedback from hundreds of people that have taken the tour and every question should be answered. I am taking the GAS tour in Sept and have no concerns about rooms, food, or any aspect at all. I only know the first hotel we are staying at and the last hotel so far. They send that out so members can make any pre tour or after tour plans they need to. The first hotel in St Goar is Hotel am Markt (www.hotel-am-markt-sankt-goar.de)
The last hotel in Vienna is Hotel Post. (www.hotel-post-wien.at) Think you would be very please with Rick's tours.
Posted by
Freedonia
16174 posts
Back in the Stoneage....I spent a year of my tour director time working for Globus so I might be able to help.
You are comparing two different animals. Yes, the coach size will be the same and the areas visited will be the same...and that's where it ends.
With Globus you will have more American-style hotels that might be in town and might not, you might get a full coach load of people (up to 50), will have bellman service at every hotel, can take a large suitcase if packing light is an issue, will be expected to tip the tour director and driver if you feel it is warranted. The average age is retiree and the type of people are those who want everything done for them, want to experience Europe but want the comforts of home, and spend most of their free time shopping.
On an RS tour you will probably stay in smaller hotels in town that might lack A/C, elevators or even in room baths (although this is getting rarer), the coach will have lots of empty seats since RS limits the number of passengers to 28, the gratuities to the tour director and driver are already included in your price, the average person talking the tour is what I would call halfway between the big bus tour person and a truly independent traveler--they like having someone explain what they are seeing, the ease of transportation, the comraderie of fellow passengers but also want some free time on their own. And remember you are limited to one carry-on size case with no bellman service offered.
I wouldn't worry about the cleanliness of the RS hotels. No tour operator is going to continue staying in a hotel where the customers complain of cleanliness--or anything else. It's bad business.
Both tour types have their pluses and minuses. You have to decide which one you'd prefer.
(And remember, everyone is an individual. I gave examples of the "average" travler for each--so please don't flame me if you took a tour and are different.)
Posted by
foley, al
8 posts
I took the GAS tour in Sept 2007. It was 17 days in length then. Every day was great. The tour guide was so knowledgable and she did all she could to accommodate everyone's needs. The hotels were nice, small,but always very clean and with private baths.
I used to be a travel agent and although Globus is a good company I feel that I got more for my money and a more personal experience with Rick's tour .
Whatever one you choose, go..have a wonderful time !
Posted by
Keizer, Oregon, USA
588 posts
I took the GAS tour in 2007 (16-17 days). It was fantastic. That was my second RS tour and I'm signed up for a third one this year. The hotels were great. All had private bathrooms and breakfast included. If you obtain a copy of Ric's GAS book, the hotels he uses are listed. You can then check them online. Also as someone suggested above, read the tour feedback. If you want additional info, send me a personal message via this site. I wouldn't consider a Globus tour . . . too big!