The Most Value for Your Money

Would you rather travel with a group of 48...or 28? A different hotel every night...or 2-night stays? When comparing Rick Steves' tours with other companies, take a close look at what's included, and how many extra-cost "sightseeing options" and tips you'll be expected to pay for once you're in Europe.

Here's a "what's included" summary from a typical Rick Steves tour (in this case, the Heart of Italy in 9 Days) — and why it matters!

WHAT WE INCLUDE... WHY IT MATTERS...
Full-time services of a professional Rick Steves guide and local experts who will make the fascinating history, art and culture of Italy come alive for you. Guides from most tour companies make their income from tips and merchant kickbacks. Our guides are carefully selected by Rick and paid a full salary — tips are not allowed — so his or her focus is on teaching, not shopping.
All tours and admissions — at no extra cost — covering at least 19 group sightseeing events Florence's Accademia (Michelangelo's David) • Renaissance Florence walking tour • Uffizi Gallery tour • Orientation for "vacation" day on Italian Riviera • Lucca walking tour • Pesto demonstration • Volterra walking tour • Guarnacci Etruscan Museum tour • Volterra Pinocoteca tour • Alabaster workshop visit • Wine tasting • Ancient Rome walking tour • Colosseum tour • Roman Forum tour • Pantheon • Evening walk through Rome's piazzas including Trevi Fountain • St. Peter's Basilica • Vatican Museum tour • Sistine Chapel...and more. Many companies charge $50 to $100 extra for each sightseeing excursion. This adds up fast. We include all group sightseeing and admissions in your tour price.
All group transportation by bus and train from Florence to Rome. We'll get you around in the most efficient and resourceful ways we know, to help you get the most out of every minute of your trip.
8 nights accommodations in memorable, centrally-located hotels. Beware of frequent, one-night hotel stops — they can really wear you out! Our tours nearly always stop for two restful nights in each location.
All breakfasts and half your dinners. We'll give you a generous taste of the best local dishes, protect your budget, and give you the freedom to make your own yummy discoveries.
A small, friendly group of 24-28 people — half the size of most tour groups. The goal of most tour companies is to fill every seat of a 50-seat bus. Our small (24-28 max.) and extra-small (20-24 max.) groups feel less like a mob, and more like a family.
All tips for guides and driver. Most companies expect you to pay out-of-pocket for guide and driver tips. This can add up to several hundred dollars!
Free stuff including Rick Steves' Italy guidebook, Italy Sightseeing Supplement, Italian phrase book, day pack, moneybelt and earplugs. We equip you with up-to-date information to help you get the most out of your free time — and moneybelt security to guard against pickpocket theft.
Guaranteed tour price, locked in the moment you make your deposit. Many tour companies reserve the right to increase your price after you've signed up. We guarantee it will not change.
Optional single supplements — this tour has a limited number of private rooms for solo travelers for an additional fee. On all our tours, extra-cost single supplements are a choice — not a requirement.
Tour alum discount of $50 for each tour you've taken prior to 2012. Every year, about 1/3 of our tour members are repeat customers. With our uniquely "cumulative" discount, the more you travel with us, the more you'll save.
50% discount on a consulting appointment with our in-house experts to assist with your pre- or post-tour travel plans. Our expert travel advisors also guide our tours. They'll be happy to assist you with your pre- and post- tour travel plans.
Flexibility should you need to transfer or cancel/interrupt your tour. All our tours include Tour Cancellation/ Interruption coverage. You can even switch to a different 2012 date or destination — with no charge or penalty — up to 60 days before your departure date.
  • Fine print: You are responsible for the cost of your drinks and free-time sightseeing. See our Tour Conditions Agreement for important details regarding everything listed above.