Going on a Rick Steves Tour is my favorite way to see Europe. I love their itineraries and their tour guides rock. The guides are knowledgable and fun.
I don't like to be stuck with someone else's itinerary. If I want to stay in Bruges for two days, but the tour itinerary says one day, what can you do?
If you want to see the Mediterranean, the best way is probably by cruise ship. You get to sample a smorgasbord of little islands that you would never see if you were traveling by land.
I think that people who rent a car and try to manage their own way around Europe are mad. Trains are fun and relaxing and you will meet locals on the train.
The cheapest way to go is to talk your mom or grandmother into taking you to Europe. That way you get to stay in better hotels and eat at better restaurants. Downside: Mommy may not approve of you going to a coffee shop in Amsterdam.
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