Rick Steves Home > 2009 Tours > Tour Planning Essentials

Different ways families can travel together on Rick Steves' 2009 tours

We've always welcomed families with teenagers on all our tours. Then, a few years ago, we created two itineraries specifically geared for families with kids as young as eight. And for 2009…we've found new ways to make touring more family-friendly than ever.

2009 Rick Steves Tours
Where Kids are Welcome		 Ages, Departures Discount for Kids?
NEW! Family-Friendly Departures: Families enjoy traveling with other families, so for five different tours we've selected a few tour dates to act as a summer "magnet" to bring them together. These departures still follow the regular "grown-up" itinerary — don't expect any changes in lectures, museum visits, meals, etc — but each features an energetic two-guide team! Here's our lineup of 2009 "family-friendly" departures:
Best of England in 14 Days, July 5 - 18
Best of Germany, Austria & Switzerland in 14 Days, June 14 – 27
Best of Italy in 17 Days, June 12 – 28
Heart of Italy in 9 Days, July 18 - 26

 

For more information, visit our Family Departures FAQ. 		Ages 8 and up. Choose from 5 itineraries and 5 departures. Kids 8-17 save $200
Family Tours: Our Family Europe in 14 Days and Family Paris & the Heart of France in 11 Days tours are specially designed for families with teens and younger siblings. These itineraries are different from their "non-family" counterparts, with kid-friendly lectures and activities. We also include an assistant guide. These tours are great for all families — including solo parents and grandparents! A typical Family Tour might include 4 pre-teens, 10 teenagers and 14 grownups. Ages 8 and up. Choose from 2 itineraries and 11 departures. Kids 8-17 save $200
All Tours: Teenage kids are welcome (with a parent/guardian!) and it's not unusual to find two or more teens on many of our summer tours. Kids are treated pretty much like the grownups, and there is no assistant guide. For many families (particularly with older teens) this works great. Ages 13 and up. Choose from 32 itineraries and 300 departures. No