For more than 30 years now, I've been organizing tours, taking thousands of travelers to Europe's most thrilling destinations. This part of our 2010 Tours website isn't about those destinations — it's about how our style of travel makes a Rick Steves tour the best value and experience around. I am passionate about this, and I can sum it all up in my Ten Commitments:

1. These are Rick's babies.

I design these tours, I go on them, I send my friends and family on these tours — and I love them all.

Since the very beginning, my recipe for great tours has been simple and firm: great guides; small, energetic groups; maximum thrills per mile, minute and dollar; and business ethics that give you real peace of mind.

2. The best value in travel.

I define a successful tour as a finely-crafted, low-stress, maximum-experience trip for about the same price you'd pay to go on your own. I love tapping into the economy and efficiency that comes with a smartly designed tour.

It's important to keep in mind that much of the money an independent traveler might appear to save can be quickly lost to time-consuming hotel and transportation hassles, and inevitable mistakes.

My goal is for you to end up more relaxed on a tour, and 30% ahead in rewarding-experiences-per-day.

3. More sightseeing and memorable meals included.

Our prices include all group sightseeing, all your breakfasts and half your dinners. If there's a great sight along your route, believe me, it's included…and you'll see it! 

At the same time, we design in free time to encourage you to make your own discoveries, with the help of your guide's advice. 

It's a sensible balance that protects your budget, and gives you the freedom to make tasty discoveries on your own.

4. Great guides.

The quality of your tour guide can make — or break — your travel experience. This is something I take personally. I hire guides I know and trust, and who share my love for Europe and my passion for teaching.

I also pay them full salaries. Tips and kickbacks are not allowed. This means your guide is motivated to give you the best travel experience possible — not to earn extra income on the side.

5. 100% small groups.

Small groups are great. We limit our groups to just 28 travelers, sometimes fewer. This enables us to sightsee and dine where mainstream groups can only dream.

Small groups also give our tours a friendlier, family atmosphere. For us, it's the only way to go.

6. Informal and energetic.

Our tours are not for everyone. They are very active — physically and socially. They're designed for fit and curious people who are ready for the experience of a lifetime.

Museum tours, guided neighborhood walks, and occasional hikes all add up to lots of time on our feet during the day. Afterward, we relax at dinner with lively conversations.

7. Centrally-located, family-run hotels.

To help you feel settled for a good night's sleep, most of our stops are for two nights in a row. On a city tour you'll settle into your hotel for an entire week.

Keeping our groups small gets us into quaint, centrally-located hotels in the historic heart of each city, within walking distance of the major sights. Full of personality, and often family-run, our hotels are a memorable part of your trip.

So are the stairs. Many of the places we stay don't have elevators, so pack light, because you'll carry your own bags from the bus to your room.

8. Guaranteed prices.

In case the dollar weakens or the price of fuel goes up, most tour companies reserve the right to tack extra fees onto your final payment. We won't do that. Once you book your Rick Steves tour, your price will not change. While our advertised prices may change during the year, the moment you make your deposit, your personal tour price is guaranteed.

9.  Peace of mind.

Committing to a European vacation should be a joy, not a gamble. That's why we automatically include tour cancellation/interruption coverage. You'll find all the details in the Tour Conditions Agreement.

If the tour date you want is already full, you can get on a wait list with no deposit — and no obligation. There's a very good chance you'll eventually get on that tour, or that we'll schedule a new departure within a few days of it.

10. Rick listens to you.

My favorite bedtime reading is...post-tour evaluations from our tour members. Seriously. My staff and I read each one, taking careful notes. I also keep our tours in mind every time I'm in Europe doing my guidebook research. To translate your thoughts and my research into action, I huddle with my guides every year to update each tour itinerary so it's the best it can possibly be. While other tour companies resist change, we thrive on it!

Got questions? Our Tour Sales staff has traveled on our tours throughout Europe, so they can answer all sorts of questions for you. Just email us or give us a call at 425/608-4217.

I hope you can join us!