If we’ve already piqued your interest in taking a Rick Steves tour, you may be wondering where to start. Steves is a longtime travel expert, author, and host of the public television series Rick Steves’ Europe. He’s also the founder of a travel company of the same name that strives to offer immersive, educational, and, most importantly, authentic experiences. Whether you’re seeking art, architecture, or stunning European views, the following tours capture the essence of what Rick Steves is all about.

Best of Venice, Florence, and Rome in 10 Days

Ready to immerse yourself in a world of art, architecture, and history? There’s no better place to go than Italy — and the Best of Venice, Florence & Rome tour is a great way to see the highlights in one trip. The 10-day itinerary combines three of Italy’s most culturally significant cities. In Venice, you’ll visit St. Mark’s Basilica and experience the canals in person. Then, in Florence, you’ll admire Michelangelo’s David as well as incredible works of art in the Uffizi Gallery. Lastly, you’ll finish the trip in Rome by visiting the Pantheon, Roman Forum, and Colosseum. 

The trip also features guided neighborhood walks and local experts who bring the ancient worlds, architecture, and artwork to life. If you’ve spent years reading about the Renaissance or watching movies about the politics and lifestyles of ancient Rome, experiencing this trip in person will make it all the more meaningful. 

Best of Paris in 7 Days

Paris is one of the world’s most-visited cities for good reason, but it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Rick Steves’ Best of Paris in 7 Days tour makes it more approachable. Not only do you get to experience the must-sees — including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, and Versailles — but you’ll also have time to enjoy Paris the way locals do. That means perusing historic markets, taking neighborhood strolls, and sipping on café au lait while people-watching like a true Parisian.

Since you’re based in Paris for the tour’s entirety, it’s also a relatively easy itinerary logistically, which leaves extra time for exploring the city on your own. By the end of the seven days, you’ll have finally seen the “Mona Lisa,” eaten the best cheese of your life, and figured out what all of the Paris hype is about. 

Best of Scotland in 13 Days

If your ideal trip combines history, mythic lore, and stunning scenery, then the Best of Scotland in 13 Days tour is for you. Covering both the Highlands and the Lowlands, this immersive trip allows travelers to experience Scotland’s most enchanting landmarks in just under two weeks. Travelers will visit the cities of Edinburgh, Stirling, and Glasgow, with stops at castles along the way. You’ll also see the green mountains of Glencoe, search for the legendary monster Nessie in Loch Ness, and taste Scotch whisky.

Although Rick Steves has a similar tour that travels from Inverness to Edinburgh in just eight days, the extra six days on this tour allow you to see much more, including the charming town of St. Andrews and idyllic seaside villages like Oban. By the end of the trip, you’ll be so acquainted with the history and legends of Scotland that you might never want to leave.

Athens and the Heart of Greece in 14 Days

Time traveling might not be possible, but a Rick Steves tour to Athens and the Heart of Greece is about the closest you can get to the ancient world. This itinerary will especially appeal to lifelong learners who are interested in Greek mythology and ancient civilizations. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the history that makes these locations so intriguing, from learning about the high priestess oracles at Delphi to touring the birthplace of the Olympic Games in Olympia.

Travelers will hit all of the famous landmarks — the Acropolis and Parthenon, Mycenae, and the theater at Epidavros — while also traveling to medieval villages such as Monemvasia. The tour goes well beyond history and archaeology, weaving in Greek food, music, and everyday life to show how the country’s ancient past connects to the modern day.

Best of the Adriatic in 14 Days 

If you’ve been to all of the major European stops and are craving something different, the Best of the Adriatic in 14 Days tour may be just the ticket. This two-week itinerary takes you on an adventure through Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Your journey will start in the capital city of Ljubljana, Slovenia, and Lake Bled in the Slovenian Alps, before heading to the Istrian Peninsula. Here, you’ll discover Roman ruins, Venetian architecture, and a chance to sample local olive oil. 

In Croatia, you’ll visit a Roman palace, tour the island of Korčula (and perhaps try its famous local wine), and explore the medieval streets and walls of Dubrovnik. The last leg of the journey is in Bosnia-Herzegovina, where local guides will explain the region’s more recent history and the legacy of war. Whether you love architecture, scenery, or European history, this trip balances historical sites with cultural experiences, including excellent food and wine, coastal scenery, and local insight.

Featured image credit: Rick Steves’ Europe