My husband and I went on an amazing trip this past summer to Europe using Rick Steves guidebooks and audiotours every step along the way. For those looking to see a lot of Europe 2.5 weeks, here was our itinerary...I wouldn't have changed a thing! All of Rick's tips were extremely helpful (making reservations before, packing list, etc) and we loved using his audiotours! Here are the cliffnotes--if you want more information just let me know!
Rome: June 20-23 (3 days): Day 1: Colosseum, Forum, Palatine and capitoline hills, Pantheon, Piazza novana---; Day 2: Vatican City, Travestre, Jewish Ghetto, Rick's Heart of Rome Walk (Trevi, Spanish Steps, etc)---; Day 3: Borghese Gallery & Gardens
Notable Food: La Soffita (Gluten Free amazingness! Husband has celiac), I Monticianti (very local), Tazza D'Oro Coffee Shop (Rick's Rec..get the frozen capp!)
B&B: Cesare Balbo Inn-Great place!
Florence: June 23-26 (3 days): Day 1: Arrived via Train-Duomo, Giotto's Tower, Rick's City Walk--; Day 2: Accademia, Uffizi, Bargello --; Day 3: Super Chianti Wine Tour with Bernardo and Tuscan Wine Tours (this is a MUST--the highlight of the trip)
Notable Food: Tamero (get the Octopus and pici pasta!), Gelateria della Passera (very local! We went twice in 1 day)
B&B: B&B Bonsignori-a great space and amazing breakfast! STAY SOUTH OF THE RIVER!! There was a piazza very close to us that was so local and not touristy at all.
Gimmelwald: June 26-29 (3 days) Many trains/lifts to get here but totally worth it. If you want more info on how we got there, let me know. Taking Rick's suggestion of the train from Grutslap to Murren and walking down was great! Days 1-3: Exploring the alps, hiking, Piz Gloria early in the morning for the incredible views.
Notable Food: Esther's Cheese hut-We'd stop here every morning before our hike to get cheeses and meats for the day and even took some cheese home! The hostel had bread you could take so we were able to have that for lunch on our hikes. Pension Gimmelwald's "Hikers Special" is a must--especially the Ragu and Rice!
Lodging: Mountain Hostel (a great time!)
Bacharach: June 29-30 (1 day) Rick's walking tour. A cute town- avoid spending a Sunday here if it's your only day--a lot of things were closed by the afternoon. We walked up in the vineyards which looked over the town for some great pictures.
Notable Food: Schnitzel facing the Rhine (forget the name)
Lodging: Pension Winzerhaus-Loved this place-really wished we could have stayed here longer. Such a comfortable bed! We had the room that had a balcony on the main road which was a great view! Our bathroom was detached from our room but wasn't an issue at all.
June 30th: Took the boat from Bacharach to St. Goar to catch the train. Hiked the Rheinfels Castle which was fun. There is a deli on the main road in St. Goar that had the BEST potato salad I've ever had. Also, made a stop for a pretzel :)
Bruges: June 30-July 2 (2 days); (Arrived late on the 30th due to a transit strike) Day 1 (July 1): Bruges City Walk (bought the museum card), Groeninge Museum, Memling Museum, De Halve Brewery Tour, Basilica of Holy Blood, boat tour, Biked to Damme (a cute ride)
Notable Food: Tom's Diner (RS), Frites.everywhere
B&B: Brugges by Night (free bikes! Otherwise okay)
Amsterdam July 2-5 (3 days); Day 1: Anne Frank, Red light district walk, Market walking; Day 2: City Walk, Amsterdam Museum, Van Gogh (Buy the audio tour), Rijksmuseum; Day 3: Jewish History Museum, Portuguese Synagogue, Rembrandt's House, Vondelpark .
Notable Food: De Kas-Our splurge dinner on the trip--absolutely incredible!! We bought food at the grocery off the Museumplein and picnicked outside after our museumgoing. Herring at any of the stands
B&B: B&B 9 Straatjes-Great location!
July 5: Home :(
Overall, it was an amazing trip and was the perfect mix of sightseeing, relaxing, and of course, eating! Message me with any questions!