Looking for others going on this tour! Also looking for anyone who's done this tour and has recommendations for not-to-miss activities -- we're arriving in Paris four days early and staying in Rome 2 additional days.
If you'll be on this tour with us:
1. Where are you from? We're from North Carolina.
2. Are you arriving early?
FYI -- we've already bought tickets to the Eiffel Tower, and we plan to check out some of the Paris markets, the Promenade Plantee' (similar to NYC's High Line park), and likely visit the Chartres Cathedral (I'm a fan of labyrinths).
Hi Kerry,
The BOE tour I'm going on is the one following yours, I think. I've also planned to be in Paris 4 extra days before this tour and I've booked a market cooking class at "Cookin' with class" - my daughter loves to cook and she'll love it. They also have pastry classes and macaron or croissant classes. We'll also do a bateau mouche ride on the Seine one evening and I've booked tickets to go up to the top of the Arc de Triomphe some other evening (the hotel is nearby). Also, lots of walking, going on a picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens, lazy walks along the Seine and - my favorite - on the Ile St. Louis behind Notre Dame - sitting in front of a cafe with a glass of wine. I've been to Paris several times before and this time will try to relax and not do too much. You'd enjoy a concert at Ste. Chapelle - it's beautiful and you don't have to walk! In Rome at the end of the trip we're going to Pompeii.
Have a great time!!!
Hi, My husband and I are booked on this trip. We are from Vancouver, Washington. We are leaving Thursday to arrive Friday morning then leaving the day after the tour is over.
My husband and I are on the BOE tour that starts on Sept 18. Our first Rick Steves tour and we are looking forward to it!
Hi Kerry,
I just did this tour April 29, 2018. My first ever tour and also solo. It was one of the best vacations I've ever had. I arrived in Paris 1 night early because I had been there before. I signed up for a 'Paris Greeters' tour. It was fantastic. Volunteers who give you a walking tour. You do not pay or tip but instead donate on the website. I had a terffic 3 hours seeing and learning so much off the beaten track!
At the end I stayed 2 extra nights in Rome. I must admit most left and for the few of us left if felt so strange and empty without our wonderful buddies and tour guide. I wished that morning I was moving on because it was quite the let down! However, I was on my own and as a couple I'm sure that'll be dfifferent. I went to Trastavere and did the Rick Steves walking tour, it was great and I recommend going as it's not on the tour. I also just re-visited places to get a last look and did the Vatican museums but that was so crowded it wasn't fun!
You will love this tour, I'm so envious of you. Our tour guide was Tina and she was incredible, every day was a 'wow' day!
Did this tour two years ago in Aug. we went to Normandy for delightful stay in a Château for three days before the tour. My teen is still trying to figure out a way to return there ( she told them she will work cheap-ha) it was quite wonderful.
After the tour we stayed one extra day in Rome. It was very hot & crowded & we were all very tired. We went to the Borghese museum which was nice with limited admission and had pretty good air. We also did a dinner with Eatwith where you eat in people’s homes. That was a fun night. Enjoy! We are headed back to Rome for the week tour this holiday season. Enjoy love the BOE14 tour!
Excellent tips -- thank you, everyone! We'll investigate all of your suggestions!
My husband Jeff and I will also be on the BOE 14 trip with you guys- we are from Texas. We aren't actually getting to Paris early due to stopping in London but we're excited to connect with everyone!
Have any of you guys going on this trip looked into doing the pub crawl with Alessandro Schezzini? It's one of the tours that is suggested in the guidebook and has a lot of great reviews. (see link to another post) https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/pub-crawl-tour-in-venice-with-alessandro-schezzini
I emailed him about Monday 9/3- our free night in Venice- and he said he is available. He already has 4 people signed up for the pub crawl but he needs 3 more for the tour to make. Didn't know if any of you guys would be interested but I thought I'd throw it out there! Can't wait to see everyone in Paris!
Hi Bethany, I just read up on the pub tour and we are definitely interested. I will e-mail Allesandro for that date, too. Looking forward to meeting you!
Hi Bethany, We checked out the pub tour and are also interested. We also emailled Allesandro for that date, too.
Kerry and Jeanne, so excited you guys are in! Can't wait to meet everyone.
