What do people on a RS tour do in the free evenings?

Sometimes people go out for nice dinners. Sometimes they will explore more in the area. Sometimes a concert or play, and sometimes simply rest from a busy day.

I am usually simple dinner and rest from a busy day. Often that dinner is by myself, but sometimes with others in the group.

I'm an introvert, so I look to go off by myself once the group portion is done for the day on most occasions. Sometimes another participant and I share an interest in a particular restaurant and go together. There are always people who are more social and make plans as a group.

Yes, all of those options are possible and happen. It's entirely up to you and the interest of others. If you want to extend invites to tourmates to meet up or go out after dinner, ask away. Just know that not everyone may interested, so go do what you want! Occasionally a guide will set up an optional outing. For example in Dingle, Ireland, our guide offered to meet people at a local pub to hear music (drinks were n our own dime) and in Italy our guide set up a couple free time activities like a walk to a historic church.

As a solo traveler I appreciated being asked and had some rather enjoyable dinners and cocktails with tourmates. I also appreciated being able to go put my feet up after a long day and not having to worry about being good company. To each their own!

We went to dinner with another couple towards the end of our tour. Joined folks at our lodging for drinks outside. Had a single gentlemen join us for dinner one night. We did try to see if someone was sitting in a cafe, did they want to join us.

Most RS folks are pretty casual.

I've seen every scenario you've mentioned on the 3 tours we've taken.

On one of my tours, the guide organized happy hours every other day or so. After a week it became regular thing without any organizing. People drifted in and out. On another tour, people tended to congregate in the hotel lounge after dinner.

Expect that many of your tour mates are friendly and inclusive.

People never went out clubbing, perhaps because of the early morning departures and/or busy days, as well as personal inclinations.

I agree with Chani. On my first tour in Italy (the village tour) the guide organized several happy hours. It ended up being one of the best tours as I really got to know folks on the tour better. I travel solo and have lifelong sleep issues so I try to maintain my 'sleep schedule' in the evenings, but I do occasionally go out with folks from the tour. I love the friendly people who go on these tours and whether couples or other solos there is usually someone who is up to sharing an experience in the evenings However, you do have really busy days sometimes and just being alone to rest, relax & recover from being with a group all day is VERY welcome. On free afternoons I usually have something planned that isn't included. Sometimes I ask folks to join with me.

A few years ago, the Rick Steves' tour package was much more generous than it is, now. A $100 travel store credit was offered. I used my store credit to get quite a few things including a small day pack, a rain poncho and the most current edition of his Spain guidebook. I was signed up for the "Best of Barcelona and Madrid" tour - a wonderful experience. Upon arrival in Madrid, I consulted the comprehensive RS guidebook where, much to my surprise, the location of Madrid's prostitution community could be found (Calle de Montera near Puerta del Sol). Very helpful. (I understand newer editions have eliminated this "information".)