Best of Europe 21 Day, Sept.3rd

Search for historical weather data at Wunderground and no doubt many other websites. I'd take a light sweater and shell that sheds a bit of rain. It's a great itinerary. Enjoy!

Pack light, but make sure to bring rain gear, A light raincoat, shoes that won't absorb the water, and dress in layers. It probably won't be cold, but you can count on it raining somewhere along the way. Hank, Novato, CA

You are going to have the trip of a lifetime on this tour! It was our first trip to Europe, too......back in spring of 2015. We are taking our 3rd RS tour this October. Needless to say, this will only whet your whistle for European travel. You have been warned!

Being in Amsterdam in the beginning of Sept shouldn't be too bad but I would bring something to keep your head and body warm if you expect to take the trams/gondollas to the Schilthorn. That was by far the coldest of our trip, which in May was pretty chilly. Nearing freezing. I think some of it was the wind. Everything you read about bringing layers is true. Shirts, overshirts, jackets, scarves, hats......all these things will layer to keep you warm and can be easily shed if things heat up. I'm not sure what sort of climate you are used to so that could play a factor as well. We're from St Louis (and actually hubby is from the northeast corner of Ohio) so we acclimate to colder temperatures easier than some may.

Enjoy!

Did this tour last year. You are in for a great time! Prepare just in case of rain and for cooler weather in Switzerland. We were there June 5th start date and had hot weather except in Switzerland which was it the high 50s. We had rain in Germany, Venice and Cinque Terra. Rain does not stop the tour!

I did the 21 BOE a few years ago and I think my leave date was 8/27-ish, so just slightly before you. The weather was great. It was not cold at all, altho as indicated the short time at the top of the Schilthorn was chilly. I had light gloves which I did wear but I would have been OK without them. We then hiked on the other side of the valley from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg and wound up in short sleeves. I don't know where you are from - I'm from N. Idaho and can tolerate some cold weather, lol.

That year I also added Rick's Best of Paris onto the 21 BOE so I was in Paris for a while after that tour and in the last couple of years I have also been in Paris toward the end of September and in to mid-October and it has not been cold during that time. It was chilly enough in the AM to wear a cardigan but I was down to short sleeves by afternoon.

I agree with the waterproof jacket (not water resistant) and I always take a cardigan (or 2).

I would watch the weather and be ready to flex clothing at the last minute. It might still be quite warm in Italy so if the we includes a woman, she might consider taking a pair of capris for Italy.

I hope you are going a day or so ahead. I didn't plan as well then and didn't leave myself enough time to see Haarlem.

I'd agree with the others that this is a fabulous tour!! You will see SO much and I really liked the way the 3 week tour members bonded. I am still in touch with a dozen or so of them after nearly 3 years.

Journal or take notes every day because you will see so much that you will not be able to remember it all. If you are not much of a writer, at least jot down a few things each night to help jog your memory.

I love the way the guide does a transportation lesson in every city where you take public transit. It really helped me learn to be comfortable in Europe. Make yourself pick-pocket proof as 2 of the guys on our tour both found hands in their pockets that didn't belong to them, one on the Rome subway and one on the Paris subway. Neither guy had anything in their pockets to be taken.

I understand your excitement and let me tell you it will not even compare to the tour itself. Have a wonderful time.

We took the 14 day tour last year, the only item of clothing I wished I would of brought and didn't was some hiking shorts. Also I'm not much of a writer so I bought a post card everyday and write short notes on the back of what we did that day. So glad I did that since there is very little down time and it's hard to remember little details once you are home.

Every year I see Rick Steves at the Travel Show in our area, pick up a brochure, and dream of traveling to Europe. It's time to make my dream come true! My husband and I will be on the 21 day BOE beginning September 3 - our first Rick Steves' tour. To prepare for this wonderful adventure, I've been reading the Rick Steves' guidebooks (over and over), watching the RS videos, and following postings on the Travel Forum. I appreciate all the information and travel tips that so many have shared. As a result, I'm feeling more confident about traveling abroad and with a group. I'm almost ready to go! Biggest challenge - packing light. That's a new concept for me. I think I can, I think I can...

Loved your post Marie. Thanks for sharing your wonderful memories. You got a chuckle out of me when you talked about your lost luggage and being okay with it because you were tired of wearing the same clothes. I'm sure that would be me. I will take your advice and jump right in to create my own memories. You will definitely be hearing from me again. Got the Tour Member Roster for our September 3 trip and found Scott on the list. Looking forward to meeting Scott, fellow travelers, and our guide Dimitri.

Vicki.Santos!! Dimitri!!! Oh my word....SO much fun. I just loved traveling with him. He is an excellent teacher and I learned so much about the basics of travel from him as well as so much about history, architecture, culture, current politics, everything!

We are flying out on Sept. 1, only 17 more days!! If our flights go as planned, we will arrive a day early so we can get over jet lag and be ready to see some great stuff! It seems like it's all we talk about now! We've watched all of Rick Steves' episodes on the places we are going, read the guide book, read the scrapbooks......Let's do this!

Okay. What happened to Marie's post? Was it something I said? I know I wasn't seeing things when I responded. I am so ready to get on the plane and go! This weekend I will try packing. Determined to get close to 20 lbs. I've seen great reviews on trips that Dimitri has led. Pam - thanks for sharing your thoughts too. See you on September 3, Scott.

Hi Vicki!
I edited my post and it disappeared! I know you are on your trip now and I cannot wait to hear all about it! My husband and I just booked the 14 day Ireland trip for June 2018! Safe travels!

Marie

I'm back! The trip was so much more than I expected. Our tour leader, Dimitri, set the tone for our group. As a result, we were a family from day one, eating and drinking together, exploring together, and learning together. Dimitri's passion for European travel was infectious. His knowledge about each area we visited and the travel tips he shared were so helpful, giving me a confidence to venture out during our free time. It was wonderful to be out of my comfort zone, starting with the 20 lbs. in my suitcase (good move). I now feel like a seasoned traveler, ready to tackle another wonderful country in Europe. Hoping it's going to be Spain.