"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." -- Augustus of Hippo
PASSENGERS:
Itinerary (According to Rick)
Day 1: Welcome to Europe
Day 2: All Day in Paris
Day 3: Burgundy's Wine Capital
Day 4: Scenic Drive to the Swiss Alps
Day 5: Spectacular Hikes in the Alps
Day 6: On to Bavaria
Day 7: Marvelous Munich
Day 8: Over the Alps to Venice
Day 9: Seductive Venice
Day 10: Cinque Terre
Day 11: Riviera Livin'
Day 12: Historic and Nighttime Rome
Day 13: A Day of Roman Roamin'
Day 14: Tour Over After Breakfast
Day 2: All Day in Paris
Day 3: Burgundy's Wine Capital
Day 4: Scenic Drive to the Swiss Alps
Day 5: Spectacular Hikes in the Alps
Day 6: On to Bavaria
Day 7: Marvelous Munich
Day 8: Over the Alps to Venice
Day 9: Seductive Venice
Day 10: Cinque Terre
Day 11: Riviera Livin'
Day 12: Historic and Nighttime Rome
Day 13: A Day of Roman Roamin'
Day 14: Tour Over After Breakfast
Guide to our scrapbook:
As a mother-daughter duo, we think it is important that we display each of our unique perspectives on the trip. If you see a K at the beginning of a text post, know that it was written by Karen (mother.) If you see an E, it was written by Elizabeth (daughter.) If you're looking for a specific word or destination, use the search box at the bottom of each page to locate it quickly.
The most complete way to view the scrapbook is by clinking the link at the bottom of each page. If you choose to skip around, however, don't miss the initial page of each country, which includes a slideshow of our best snapshots, before proceeding to check out each day's postings. We believe the photos alone tell the story of our amazing trip, but we have included comments for those who want even more details. Some may just want to click from page to page to see "Our Favorites" or "What we learned" each day. So, select your favorite destinations or view from start to finish -- we truly hope you enjoy!
For a few fun extras, visit the pages: "'Selfies' Across Europe," "Our FUNtastic group," and "Summer Packing 'Must Haves' For the Wandering Teenage Girl." Click the button at the bottom of the page to begin living vicariously through our portrayal of our spectacular journey.
The most complete way to view the scrapbook is by clinking the link at the bottom of each page. If you choose to skip around, however, don't miss the initial page of each country, which includes a slideshow of our best snapshots, before proceeding to check out each day's postings. We believe the photos alone tell the story of our amazing trip, but we have included comments for those who want even more details. Some may just want to click from page to page to see "Our Favorites" or "What we learned" each day. So, select your favorite destinations or view from start to finish -- we truly hope you enjoy!
For a few fun extras, visit the pages: "'Selfies' Across Europe," "Our FUNtastic group," and "Summer Packing 'Must Haves' For the Wandering Teenage Girl." Click the button at the bottom of the page to begin living vicariously through our portrayal of our spectacular journey.
Look for these symbols:
What is Rick Steves' "My Way?"
E: The fabulous staff of Rick Steves provides travelers with clean, centrally located hotels (including breakfast), group transportation (an impeccably clean "big, comfy bus"), and a Rick Steves escort (Margaret, who had answers to all of our questions and more.) The tour is not guided, which gives travelers the freedom to explore each destination as he or she chooses.
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Why we chose Rick Steves' "My Way?"
K: Since the purpose of the trip was to introduce Europe to Elizabeth, the mix of big cities and small villages, history and scenery, mountains and coast, made this itinerary ideal. We didn't need to spend time at the major museums on this trip, because Elizabeth will explore those with her senior class ('13) trip to Paris and Rome, and I have seen them on previous trips. So, in addition to liking the discount that came with the My Way tour, this format gave us the opportunity to visit the sites that would not have been included in a fully-guided tour, such as Dachau (from Munich) and Ostia Antica (from Rome). Rick's "My Way" tour was the perfect choice and the only way for us to see Europe OUR WAY!
How we prepared for our "My Way" tour:
K: Because the My Way tour is unguided, it requires advance planning of what you will see and do. We mainly prepared using a combination of Rick Steves' DVD's, podcasts and, of course, guide books. But, our planning wasn't all serious! Elizabeth checked out "Parisian Chic" by Ines de la Fressange, best described as an "idiosyncratic travel guide." We combined our planning with entertainment by reading books and viewing movies set in some of our destinations. As a mystery fan, I chose Patricia Cornwell's "Black Notice" and we both loved watching Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris" and Meg Ryan's "French Kiss." The list of possibilities is endless. Enjoy!
P.S.
E: Most photos were shot with my Sony A-65 DSLR camera; it never left my side!
E: Most photos were shot with my Sony A-65 DSLR camera; it never left my side!