My Way Experience

My husband and I took the My Way trip to Spain and also Italy. The trip to Spain was with 5 other family members, (50s-70s in age) who all had different interests and walking abilities. Some of us went on a hike in Rhonda but the trail was rocky and not every one wanted to do it but they found a great museum instead. Our family members are all experienced with making reservations and finding things on their own. I appreciated the flexibility of this trip and the convenience of having transportation and hotel logistics taken care of but enjoyed the freedom to do our own thing during the day. We did have to make reservations well in advance for sights such as The Alhambra in Granada and the Picasso Museum in Barcelona. We did that several weeks in advance before leaving for Spain.

The My Way in Italy was great too but it was just the two of us not our whole family. We especially appreciated the tour of the hills above Florence in a 500 Fiat followed by wine and cheese at the end in an old Villa. We found out about it from the tour leader. On the My Way tours, the leader usually gives historical details of the specific villages and towns while on the bus and makes suggestions of places tour members might be interested in but does not lead any tours. Museum tip: make reservations for the Uffizi Gallery in Florence well in advance and find a guide too. We found a great guide on Trip Advisor. In Rome at the spur of the moment we visited a dog park after seeing the Borghese Gallery. The dogs and owners were very friendly and we got to practice our 5 words of Italian. The advantage of the My Way experience is too have unexpected encounters that aren't prearranged. Rick Steve's tours are so well organized and the guides are usually top notch and always helpful. There were a few group meals that were very enjoyable and part of the tour.

Thank you. Very helpful.

We’ve done the My Way Italy and My Way Spain for exactly the reasons you mention. Actually, we’ve done them as a back-to-back tours with Best of Sicily and Best of the Basque Country respectively.I’m early 70s and Bill is late 70s. Both My Way tours included places we’d already been, but either wanted to see again at our own pace or wanted to explore additional sites. Because we’ve made (and paid for) our own activities, if something’s not working we feel free to walk away. Sometimes we’ll find a plan isn’t what we thought and we can either spend more time or exit. One of the surprises was how congenial the groups were. Everyone made their own plans, but there were enough gathering points (breakfast, bus time and breaks and frequent evening meet ups) where we shared plans and possibly joined up for an activity. We love our regular RS tours but at our stage we never know from one day to the next how we’ll feel and we do find that prolonged standing is becoming more of an issue.

We continue to lobby for more My Way itineraries.

Thank you Steilacoom via Las Vegas (we are Camano Island via Las Vegas, a long time ago in the military). We were concerned about losing connection with the rest of the group but as you explained, plenty of opportunities for meet up.

I did the My Way Alps tour as a solo. I was beyond pleased. The camaraderie of the group was fabulous (as most RSE tours are) and the exchanging of ideas and notes was helpful. I knew there would be a lot of hiking opportunities and I wanted to make my own plans at my own pace using as guidance the tour book, our RSE guide, and the local TI office when convenient. Just the right amount of group dinners so more time to experience the local culture and opportunities never anticipated or planned. PLUS you visit the alpine regions of Austria, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and France all in one tour!

We did the My Way Best of Europe back in 2013 as a high school graduation trip for our daughter. They don't offer that itinerary as a My Way anymore, which really surprises me. It was a fantastic trip. (Anyone have any insight on why they did away with it?)
We had not done much international travel and it was our way to get experience without being led around by a guide every day. We covered a LOT of ground, which would have been difficult on our own. Because of the timing - we went in mid-June - there were a couple of other families with teens, although it wasn't specifically a family trip. We made great friends that we still communicate with. The kids hung out together, the adults hung out together.

I highly recommend the My Way format for those with no experience traveling or lots of experience but too busy to plan or no interest in going it alone.

Our family of 5 adults (mom 55, dad 55 and 24 y.o. triplets) went last year on the My Way Alpine tour in early June. We adored it! It was our first and only RS tour, or any tour for that matter. It was so impactful and amazing that we have booked our 2nd RS Alps My Way for this coming June, as well. Worth every penny. Not a bad thing to say about it. Guide, bus driver, fellow travelers, the locals, the hotel owners... all lovely. Even the weather was fabulous until our last 2 days. No complaints and can't begin to imagine trying to do this trip without the ease of the accommodations and bus transportation supplied for us. And, did I happen to mention the wonderful breakfasts that were included with each hotel stay ? We're hooked on the My Way tour. Just want to acknowledge that I realize my crew is not in their mid 70s as you've stated you are. Our RS group had plenty of age range. I would estimate the oldest were in their mid to late 70s. Our younger gents carried the bags of those that had some difficulties in the more strenuous terrain when arriving at a hotel destination. They weren't asked to help, but they just did it because we all liked each other and the world is a nicer place to live when we help one another out at times.

I think you'll love the My Way option.
Sure wish they still had the My Way Best of Europe option! We would definitely do that one!