The Trip We Will Never Forget
Our My-Way Tour started in Venice and ended in Rome. Both places are great to fly into or out of. We also went to Lake Como (Varenna), the Cinque Terre, Florence, San Gimignano (Tuscany), and Assisi. Click the links to the different towns we went to (below the title "My Way: Italy in 13 Days") to see the highlights of our HONEYMOON!
Architectural Intrigue
|
Magical Varenna
|
View from the Vineyard Walk
|
Regatta in Venice
 Our new French friends (1997?)
Why Rick Steves?
Kristin likes to think of Rick Steves' trips as the tour group for those that are anti tour groups. At least that's why her family started taking them. Small Groups and Mentality: Your tour group won't take over your environment or stick out (too much). Groups have less than 30 people and there is a strict no-flags-to-follow policy. Backdoor Experiences: You have intimate cultural experiences because the guides know the people and the area so well. One of Kristin's all time favorite Rick trip experiences was in Turkey where the group was invited into a local woman's home, and she made lunch for them. Afterwards, she sat around with them in her living room. She talked about her life and answered questions. Basically, you get to connect with locals. Hotels: The accommodations are in amazing locations. They are close to the sites and are often family owned. It's nothing too fancy which makes sense! You came to Europe to see Europe, not your hotel room. |
 Our study abroad in 2009
Why My Way?
When it came to planning our most important trip yet, our HONEYMOON, we knew immediately that we wanted to revisit the country we fell in love with when we studied abroad together- Italy. Since we intimately know the country but did not want to worry about all the reservations, confirmations, and travel between cities, we decided to sign up for our first ever My Way tour. We weren't disappointed. We are also pretty independent travelers. The My-Way tour allows you to decide how much group involvement you have. You can do things all by yourself, pair up with other group members, or do everything with your fellow travelers. My (Kristin's) other Rick Steve's trips were amazing, so we knew the odds of us loving the My-Way trip were pretty good. Here are the Rick trips Kristin has been on and can personally vouch for: (1) Best of Germany, Austria and Switzerland (2) Best of Turkey (3) Athens and the Heart of Greece (4) Best of Eastern Europe (5) Best of Eastern France (6) Best of Western France - no longer available (7)Best of Italy (8) Venice, Florence, and Rome and (9) Best of Ireland. |
|
|
|
|
 My first trip to Italy
Wait, Who Are You?
Hi y'all! We are Kristin and Taylor, and we are newlyweds. Kristin grew up traveling the world thanks to her amazing parents who believe that traveling is one of the most important things in life. Because of that belief, she was a seasoned traveler by the time she was in 5th grade, and by the time she graduated high school, she had been to over 30 countries. She's traveled on trips abroad that we have planned ourselves, all kinds of group tours, a private tour, and a study abroad. Traveling all around the world and in all kinds of ways, she just have one thing to say: Rick is best! Taylor's first trip to Europe was in his senior year of high school. Since then, he was studied abroad in Greece and Italy and has also spent some time in England. Now that traveling has become a part of him, he's always wondering, "Where next!" |
 Never go anywhere without Rick!
Personal Question: Does Rick Look At These?
If so....Hi!!! Kristin feels the need to tell you that after leading her classmates around Italy with your book, she was given the superlative "Most likely to leave Taylor (her then boyfriend, now husband) for Rick Steves. Also, her sister and her often feel like they were the inspiration behind your family trips. When they started going on your trips, there was no such thing. They had Fanta at the wine tastings, danced with their bus drivers, and made memories they will never forget. Thanks to you and all your tour guides who welcomed a 7 and a 9 year old to explore Europe with you. |
European Breakfast
|
Sunflowers
|
Asst. Tour Guide Sonja- We still keep in touch
|
Italy
|
One of Our Favorite Tour Members Ever- Ms. Christie
|
