If you’ve traveled to or dreamed of traveling through Europe, you’ve probably heard of Rick Steves. The longtime travel expert, author, and host of the public television series Rick Steves’ Europe has developed a loyal following, thanks to his tried-and-true travel tips. Steves subscribes to the belief that travel should be accessible, immersive, and transformative. He also teaches travelers that they don’t need to blow their budget — even when they’re traveling to Europe. His travel company, Rick Steves’ Europe, takes this philosophy one step further by leading guided tours across Europe. Are they worth it? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of taking a Rick Steves tour. 

About Rick Steves

It’s hard to find someone more knowledgeable or passionate about European travel than Rick Steves — he’s one of America’s best-known travel experts for a reason. He began to backpack through Europe in his late teens and later graduated from the University of Washington with a dual degree in European history and business administration. Steves’ love of Europe eventually led him to open a travel company, host television and radio shows, and write dozens of popular travel books.

For decades, his reliable travel advice has emphasized curiosity and personal connection over trends and hot spots. Steves isn’t one to recommend an expensive tourist trap that isn’t worth it. He implores travelers to go off the beaten path to truly understand a place, instead of just checking off the most famous sights.

Why Choose Rick Steves’ Europe?

Rick Steves’ Europe retains the same core philosophy as Steves himself, with a mission that prioritizes quality over quantity. Although he will not personally guide your tour, Steves designs each itinerary himself, aiming to make every experience educational, efficient, and a great bang for your buck. With dozens of destinations to choose from, these small-group tours include hotels, transportation, and sightseeing, and they take care of much of the planning for you.

Regardless of the destination, each Rich Steves tour encourages immersion into the local culture. You can expect to stroll through non-touristy neighborhoods, shop at local markets, taste regional food and wine, dine at family-run restaurants, and participate in cooking demonstrations. The ultimate goal is to help you understand how people actually live their day-to-day lives, not just to photograph famous landmarks.

And rather than constantly changing hotels, each stop on the itinerary allows for a minimum of two nights, which reduces the hassle of constantly packing. Hotels are centrally located, making it convenient for travelers to enjoy their evenings independently and have extra free time to explore.

The company also emphasizes people-to-people connection. Tour guides are carefully selected for their knowledge and storytelling abilities. Local specialists frequently stop in on tours, giving travelers deeper insights into the history, culture, and traditions of each location. Since tour groups are limited to 24 to 28 travelers, people can easily ask questions and get to know their guides over the course of the trip. The group size also makes it easier to move through cities and get to know other travelers, with a camaraderie often forming by the end of the tour.

Ultimately, traveling with Rick Steves is most appealing to people who want to experience local culture in Europe without the stress of planning every detail themselves. Instead of spending hours researching hotels, transportation, restaurants, and prices, travelers can rely on the tour to organize all of the logistics.

Potential Downsides

Although traveling with Rick Steves’ Europe has many advantages, one disadvantage of this type of travel is the lack of flexibility. Because the itinerary is planned in advance, travelers generally have less freedom to change their schedule, spend extra time at an attraction, or skip activities altogether. If you prefer spontaneity on your travels, you might find the structured format of a guided tour too restricting for your liking.

Another potential drawback is traveling as part of a group. Although group travel can be a great way to meet people, it also means following a shared schedule and accommodating the needs of other travelers. If you value privacy, consider yourself introverted, or cherish your independence, then Rick Steves might not be your best option.

Additionally, the tours can be quite active, involving a significant amount of walking and a busy schedule. Travelers may spend long days sightseeing, using public transportation, visiting different attractions, and even going on occasional hikes. While this allows participants to make the most of their time, it may feel tiring for those who prefer a slower pace, and it could be problematic for anyone experiencing mobility issues.

Lastly, the tours may not appeal to travelers looking for luxury. The company’s primary focus is on value, local experiences, and practical accommodations. If your ideal vacation requires upscale hotels and fine dining, Rick Steves’ Europe may not provide the experience you’re looking for.

Is Rick Steves Worth It?

While the answer depends on your vacation budget and goals, in general Rick Steves’ Europe tours offer great value. They won’t be the least expensive option, but travelers will find that many of the up-front costs go directly to covering a majority of trip expenses. Accommodations, transportation, admissions, guided sightseeing, and many meals are typically included. 

This transparent pricing can reduce the stress of unexpected costs and help travelers enjoy the trip. When you combine this value with a jam-packed itinerary that reflects the values Steves is known and loved for, it could be an option worth considering for your next European vacation.