Best of Berlin, Prague & Vienna in 12 Days Tour

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Jana and other guides were excellent, sharing insights and providing perspectives that you don't hear as a tourist just listening to audiotours. Group was simpatico. This was a part of Europe I hadn't explored previously, and I was fascinated by the WWII and Cold Ward history/memorials.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cesky Krumlov! I didn't know it existed, I'd never heard of it, and now I'm so glad we went. Scenic views, beautiful setting, a true medieval gem! Even lunch by the river was charming."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my second RS Tour. This tour balanced visits to great cities and smaller places, modern life and history, walking tours and free time in a way that covered a lot but didn’t overwhelm. Everything went smoothly, our guides were wonderful and we loved getting to know our travel group. Hotels were comfortable, Walking to Charles Bridge spacious and beautiful. Meals were fantastic. We are ready to plan our next tour with RS !.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is hard to choose just one “wow”; there were many! Walking to Charles Bridge before sunrise was a special memory and looking down at the Old Town Square at dusk from the Astronomical Tower was, too. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall we had an excellent time; these 3 cities are lifetimes unto themselves, it's difficult to cram it in in such a short period of time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The walking tour of Prague or the tour of the theater in Csesky Krumov were both pretty stunning."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

While I am not a fan of tours in general (I prefer using Rick's books as guidance, to do "our own thing," moving @ our own pace), this tour was an excellent compromise. I like the limited size of our group (tho even smaller would be better...), I like staying in family-run hotels (tho smaller hotels would be even better...), I like having one continuous tour guide (Jana was GREAT!!!) w/individual guides @ each location, & I appreciated knowing @each location sites the tour would include.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Jana was GREAT!! I loved Dresden and would return in a heartbeat. The day with the Melk Abbey and the Donau cruise was a wonderful reminder of my previous times there."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour director and local guides were all knowledgeable and informative; hotels were very good; fellow travelers were friendly

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Even though it was not a “fun” day, the walk through Terezin with Katerina was very moving."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was an outstanding tour experience. This was my 8th R.S. Tour and it was the best so far. History is always a big part of the tours, but an especial interest of mine is WWI and WWII. This tour delivered so much of that part of human history, much of it dark, but still managed to deliver a hopeful message from our tour guide Jana and her experience with communism, to our local guides who fully acknowledged that dark history and provoked us to think about our own role in shaping the future.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Not sure I can pick just one. Standing in front of and then on top of the Reichstag building in Berlin, remembering the past and experiencing the view from the top outside and the view from inside looking down and embracing the hope that politics can be transparent. Seeing Dresden rebuilt and looking at films and still pictures of the devastation. Revisiting Vienna with Gerhard is always a treat with unexpected tidbits of information not available from anyone else."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour guide Jana made this trip so special. She was wonderful!! Also the accommodations were great! The tour hit all the highlights with afternoons to explore on our own with great suggestions from Jana. Also the local tour guides in the towns we used were super as was our bus driver Petra.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Are you kidding!! The whole trip was a wow factor!! I loved every minute of it!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves’ Tour, and we were not disappointed in any regard. We have traveled in Europe a fair amount, both individually and as part of other tours. The itinerary was as good as promised, mixing tours and orientations with much time for exploring on our own or taking a break. Jana, our tour guide, was one of the best we have had. She was most informative about locations, culture, history and extra sights/activities at all stops. We were fortunate to have her leading.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had first learned of Terezín while reading “War and Remembrance” in 1979. While not a death camp per se (and likely therefore not as well known), Terezin offers a unique insight to a different side of the Nazi evil - deceive the prisoners into believing it was a spa town. Although aware of Terezin on a very basic level, I found it sobering to learn more of the cultural areas (education, music, etc) on which the prisoners focused their efforts while knowing what fate awaited them."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my second tour with Rick Steves, and affirmed what an outstanding experience these tours truly are. Our guide, Jana, was exceptional. She was attentive, kind, and kept our safety and well-being top of mind every step of the way. We visited places I would never know to see if I traveled alone, and I came home from the trip with nothing but positive memories of my trip. I'm excited to book my next tour, and thank you to Rick Steves and everyone who makes these tours so special!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"When we visited the "Third Man Museum" in Vienna, guided by Gerhard. Gerhard was exceptionally knowledgable and passionate, and it was truly a memorable and special moment for me. I would never have come across this if traveling alone, and ended up being a special highlight of our trip. I would also say that every meal we had was exceptional, and we truly tried the local cuisine in each city we went to. The food was another major highlight for me on this trip! "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

great guides, great hotels

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dresden was a surprise and loved it"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide, Jana, was very helpful and efficient. We had wonderful local guides. Great mix of activities and free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Touring the city of Dresden. Dresden was essentially unknown to me prior to this and I enjoyed experiencing all it had to offer."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It exceeded my expectations. Jana was a fantastic tour leader, brilliant as well as beautiful. And so helpful! Matt in Berlin was the best city guide. His historical tours were packed with detail and real feeling. All the hotels were first rate, especially Kastanienhof in Berlin and Hotel das Tigras in Vienna. I extended my stay 5 days and Emily was incredibly helpful in my post trip planning. Cesky krumvolz was a perfect antidote to the crowded cities. As always the tour members were stars.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I knew nothing about Cesky Krumlov prior to our stay, so I wondered why it was included. I’m so happy it was. The hotel was brilliant (especially Radik at front desk). I needed a respite from the crowded cities and this little village offered that. The Baroque theatre tour was magical, the bears in the castle most were unexpected, the restaurants all unique, and the rafting experience hysterically diverting! Ha! Six of us set out in a dubious raft with no real instructions but it bonded us! "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very nice group: positive, inclusive, sharing experiences. Main host guide (Anna) helped foster this spirit and was akways available.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing pieces of the Berlin Wall, the death strip and hearing the story of being walled in and then attempting escaoe. Jim was an outstanding guide."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I had a trip marred by illness. I was sick the first two days of my tour and had to stay in the hotel. On day 3 I joined the group and we left for Dresden, which was wonderful. I felt a bit "off" since I hadn't met everyone yet, but the group was very friendly and all were great to me. All the cities were wonderful, but I left each one wishing I had more time there. I guess that means I need to go back! I was especially looking forward to Vienna and all the culture and architecture there.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Chesky Krunlof's cute town and the Baroque theater were my favorite places."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was a great mix of history, sightseeing, wonderful tour group and great local guides as well as a fabulous Rick Steve's guide Anna. I really enjoy the balance of group time and time for exploring on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite Wow moment was the baroque theater in Cesky Krumlov, it was totally unexpected. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide packed in such incredible experiences and destinations. What a great introduction to Central Europe. Learning about the history that happened in my lifetime was very moving.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It was a toss up between visiting Dresden and hearing about the triumphs over the Nazi regime."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour! Anna was a fabulous guide.

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Anna, the tour guide, was fantastic. She was witty, knowledgeable, resourceful, calm and a step ahead in her thinking.and planning.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Tour of Berlin, including the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, with Jim, the local guide. He was extremely knowledgable of and passionate about the history of Germany."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour of central Europe was fun... full of great sites, interesting history and great group of fellow travelers. Jana was a delightful, fun and highly organized primary guide. The city guides added exceptional local knowledge. We especially liked the format, with guided tours in the early part of the day leaving the remainder of the day for us to explore these interesting places on our own. The hotels were excellent - centrally located with tasty breakfasts.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We liked the world class museums in Berlin, the music in Prague and the royal feel of Vienna. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

My experience was really good. Our tour guide was wonderful and there was a great group of people on the tour which always enhances the experience. Our tour guide, Jana, told us at the beginning that if we needed to take an extra rest of break away from the group for some reason that is was OK. I really appreciated this and I did find that I needed extra rest one or two days.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite moments are not necessarily about seeing palaces and churches, although that is good too. But instead I want to know about the history of the country. I want to know about the culture and the people. That is why I take a Rick Steves tour. This tour met all those requirements. Our guide and the local guides were great in educating us as to what these three countries and the people have been through. I also got a kick out of going to a jazz club in Prague to get a feel for the present."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very happy with the tour. A good mix of structured time and free time. Hotels were always in good locations. There were some extras I hadn’t been expecting, such as day tickets to public transportation and an evening outing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The locally guided tours in Berlin were excellent. I learned a lot even though I feel I already had a good amount of knowledge, and the guide was truly a story teller."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I thought the tour was great. It was a good size group and we got along well. The tour local tour guides seemed very knowledgeable about their subjects and our main guide was a good balance of keeping us in line and caring about us as a group and individually. I liked the places we visited and felt it gave us a good feel for the area.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I really like Cesky Krumlov. It was a very old and beautiful town. I enjoyed having an afternoon to wander around the streets and the tour of the castle was good. The meal we had there was also very good, probably one of my favorite."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful tour guide. Jana was amazing! Almost all of the local guides were very informative as well as very engaging. Hotels were all great. Bus driver, Petr, was super. It was exhausting for us 70+ year olds but we made it and are glad we did. Having personal stories from Katrina and Jana of their experiences during the Velvet Revolution was particularly poignant. Seeing all the artwork of the Jewish children was heartbreaking and I will never forget it.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the completed Frauenkirchen in Dresden. I had been there in 2002 when it was still being renovated. Seeing the end result - and climbing the 263 stairs (:>) to get the overall view of Dresden - was one of my favorite moments. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The location sites, the hotels, the food, the knowledgeable tour guides! I came home from the tour knowing I would choose another Rick Steve's Tour in the future. The tour included enough information to start me on my way in every city we visited, then gave us time to explore on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We saw and did so many wonderful things, it is hard to choose one moment! Was it seeing the Berlin Wall, or the Prague Castle? Could it have been the Gustav Klimt painting "The Kiss"? Maybe it was gliding on the Danube drinking a lovely local wine, or finally getting a table at the Central Cafe in Vienna. So many wonderful moments!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I would use the word “enlightening” to describe my overall experience with this trip. I learned things I never knew I didn’t know.

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fabulous trip. Exceeded my expectations! Our tour guide Levante was exceptional. Always upbeat , positive, and knowledgeable. The city experts were all outstanding..Matt, Sarka, Guenther, were over the top. Hotels were all great. Can't wait to take another trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It's hard to choose. Matt's tour of the Berlin Wall, with his knowledge of the Stasi, stands out. Also Guenther's tour of the 3rd Man museum in Vienna was very memorable. B"

It was fantastic except for Storm Boris but that can't be controlled.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The beauty of Budapest."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very good

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to select one."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Despite the weather, this was a nicely organized tour that delved into important historical topics relevant to the areas we visited. This wasn't a light tour, but I thought it was nicely handled by the tour guides and the content that was presented us. I appreciated how Levente got everyone orientated to using public transit which was crucial to navigating the cities we were visited. He did a good job of keeping the vacation fun while still dealing with dark topics.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"St. Vitus Cathedral was stunning and local guide Sharka did a great job providing her enthusiasm for Czech history and art. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

First time to Europe and found tour to be very informative. Also the group leader and the group were very friendly and helpful. So much to see and learn about. A couple of the city guides (although they were very good at the history and facts), I thought they were a little quick in their delivery. My wife and I had a great time and will be back.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dresden, Germany and the”Melk Abbey” definitely could have spent more time at both."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was fantastic, in spite of the weather which was a bummer for a good part of the trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We had many "wow" moments, for example: the Wall, Berlin's Cold War history, and the Brandenburg Gate. Terezin was an interesting place not to be forgotten We loved Sarka's tour of the Prague Castle and her amazing singing voice. A special moment was the Vivaldi Concert. Cesky Krumlov was unique, but the weather interfered. We enjoyed learning about Vienna's rich history and visiting famous museums. And, Gerhard's Third Man Museum was exceptional. Our guide, Lavante, was superb. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

What a fabulous experience to travel in central European cities of Berlin, Dresden, Prague and Vienna with Rick Steves local guides who provided in depth information and insights into pre and post world war two. Travel opens your mind to new experiences and different ways of seeing the world. We experienced record flooding in the Czech republic and our tour guide, Levante provided many alternative opportunities and suggestions for our free time. I appreciated his sense of humor and kindness .

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Matt provided two days of insightful commentary in Berlin. On my own time in a museum surrounded by marble statues and a skylight two floors above, four female vocalists broke into angelic song. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We ran into extreme weather issues which no one could do anything about. There was flooding and a few of our activities were canceled. We made the best of it thanks to our tour lead Lavente. Our tour group was a tough punch of travelers and that really made the trip enjoyable .

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My wow moment was see Dresden. After knowing what happened during WW2 I couldn't believe how the town was rebuilt. Beautifully done. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my 12th Rick Steves tour and was in the top 3. Except for the rain for 8 straight days, everything went well. The itinerary, guide, and tour members were excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had 2 WOW moments. First was the seeing the layers of history in all the cities we went to. I was awed by how each city was affected by its history. The second was having Gerhard as the day guide in Vienna and seeing his Third Man Museum. He knew I am a fan of the movie and made sure he pointed out at least one place we walked by that was used in the movie."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was wet in Berlin, Prague and Dresden.before finally turning sunny in Vienna. This made standing in the drizzzle of Storm Boris an effort which made my knees and back hurt. The local guides made no adjustments. The K& K hotel in Prague was not suitable as a Rick Steves Hotel. The arrival was a disaster due to street construction and zero coordination by hotel staff. I had a roommate and there was one key for two of us. When the weather cooler there was no heat.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"1. Melk: astonishing level of culture and faith. 2. Vienna: Great location very close to imperial palaces and ."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We had a great time visiting places we had never been to before.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being right in the middle of Prague."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

could not have wished for a better guide and an awesome group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The knowledge and awareness of history paints a better picture of the human condition. The culture and history of peoples enriches my knowledge. Foreign cultures, foods, customs, architecture and our beliefs is who we are. Traveling brings that to me. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Completely enjoyed the tour. Anna, our tour host was excellent and the local tour guides were as well. If you are interested in learning about the history and culture of central Europe, including the darkness of Germany in wwII, this is an excellent tour to join.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Realizing that the Berlin wall was actually built around West Berlin. Scenery wise, going up in the clock tower in Prague."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide, Anna, as well as the local tour guides in each location were so knowledgeable, engaging, and attentive to the group. The overall trip was a very worthwhile experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Prague was beautiful. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a fabulous trip. The tour guides and other tourists were lots of fun to engage with. The sights and hotel accommodations worked out perfectly for our needs. There were times when the group went their separate ways to enjoy the cities and sights as they pleased, which was really nice.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My WOW moment was seeing the The Old Town of Prague and seeing that the war had spared its beautiful architecture and the structures. The Renaissance Castle sits up on the hill which is a sight that is burned in my mind for ever. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour. Jana was an outstanding guide who enriched our experience. Much appreciated.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to pick just one. The personal experiences of the guides who added context to the sites we visited made the trip much more rewarding."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was fantastic, with a great itinerary. Amazing tour guide, Jana, assisted by Levente, who both kept us moving efficiently and made the trip tons of fun. Local guides were great too.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The farewell dinner at a Vienna heuriger. Food and drinks were excellent, and we discovered some singers amongst us as we traveled back to the hotel! Great group of fellow travelers and a wonderful ending to a wonderful trip."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Beautifully orchestrated! Our tour guide Yana was absolutely outstanding. She took care of every detail and the trip appeared flawless. The only change I would make was the time spent in Berlin where we went on that Turkish tour. It seemed unnecessary and the tour was hard to follow and an average experience. I would have rather spent the tour time Exploring, the Reichstag, or seeing the highlights at a Museum.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The opera house in Chesky Krumlov was extraordinary and one of the highlights of this or any tour."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent guides, fabulous hotels, out-of-the-way restaurants with lovely food. Our tour guide, Jana, was superb. She taught us how to use public transport, shared local specialty food and drink at our bus rest stops, provided local chocolate and treats during walking tours and was a wealth of information. The local guides in each city enriched presentations with their personal experiences living under the Soviet rule and knowledge of local history, as if a friend we’re showing you around.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Prague. The original 11th through18th century architecture, quaint cobblestone streets, Old town square and astronomical clock. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

For our first tour, we enjoyed ourselves immensely. The guides knew their stuff and cared about each and everyone of us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Besides all the culture, the last night dinner was so heartwarming. I made many new friends."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My experience could not have been better. Jana, was truly amazing. She is such a warm, friendly and knowledgable guide that immediately you felt comfortable and at ease. Her enthusiasm for life and learning is contagious and I know I learned so much from her insights and stories.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My "wow" moment was seeing the Berlin Wall. I remember watching on tv when it fell and being so amazed that it could happen. To see it in person was like being a part of living history. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very educational tour; great guides, tour and at visited sites.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The visit to Terezin concentration camp; enlightening and emotional."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Three scheduled days each in the major cities was useful to explore these Central European gems. Tour guide Ben was very knowledgeable about history, culture, current life etc. Local guides Matt, Barbara, Gerhart were excellent. Tour of Terazin was an historic "must-see". Enjoyed the nontraditional European insights and food by the Turkish-ancestry guide in Berlin. Overall the tour gave us knowledge about Central Europe history and current life. Enjoyed the opportunity to use public trans

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Entering the Baroque Theatre at the castle in Cezky Krumlov - magical"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very positive experience. Guides top-notch, especially Ben, our Berlin guide, our Prague guide, and Gerhard in Vienna

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting Cesky Krumlov"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide Ben was remarkably. Inclusive , knowledgeable and very professional.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The theatre at cesky Krumlov "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This central European tour surpassed my expectations. I wasn't expecting to be overwhelmed by the history, horrors, and opulence of this part of the world. Although I'm sure I will forget many details of the tour, I won't forget how it broadened my understanding of the complex histories of the people of these countries. It was also a lot of fun with a great group of people.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My most impactful moments were the "dead zone" in Berlin, the showers in Terezin concentration camp, and the Jewish cemetery in Prague. Favorite is not a word I can use for those images."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

A wonderful, thought-provoking tour through several unique and cities. We saw some of the best and the worst of human history from the last century. While I missed spending more time outside of major cities, this trip checked off a lot of must-see destinations for understanding European and modern history. The combination of many guided museum tours, not much time on the bus, and the tone of the group made the tour feel more hurried and tiring than others, but I would recommend it to others.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Matt, our local tour guide in Berlin was the best local tour guide I think I've encountered on any of the tours I've been on. Highly engaging and entertaining even while grappling with the very difficult topic of WWII and Cold War era Berlin. I want to also say that the Baroque theater in Český Krumlov was an unexpected delight and that the content covered by the Third Man Museum in Vienna was excellent."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We had a congenial group of people with a knowledgeable guide and some interesting destinations. All in all in it was a really good trip. This was my first "city" tour and while I enjoyed all the destinations, I personally needed a little more away from the big city time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have two. Matt, our guide in Berlin, made the city and the history come alive for me. I was not really expecting to enjoy Berlin as much as I did and it is thanks to him. The beauty and uniqueness of Prague did not disappoint!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very personable guides eager to share their knowledge and very personable companion travelers continues to be a successful formula to insure a memorable tour experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Having Gerhard give us a personal tour of his very own "Third Man Museum" in Vienna. Ausgezeichnet! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 4th Rick Steves tour and every one of them has been fantastic. We chose this one because we had never been to central Europe and because it didn't have a lot of time on the bus. We had no idea that it would be so informative and such a pleasant trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Berlin Wall and Terezin. I didn't know about Terezin. I did know something about the wall and divided Germany, but not as much as I should have. I am still thinking of the parallels between the Berlin wall and the wall along the US/Mexico border. I was also impressed with the food. Being vegetarian, I was afraid wouldn[t find much to eat."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Expectations exceeded

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Organisation & time management perfect "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Guides were excellent, hotels were conveniently located to areas we explored, and the group was exceptional. The main guide, Ben, was great.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting the baroque theater in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic; visit to the concentration camp in Tirezin; Austrian coffee shops and restaurants. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steves' tour and it exceeded my expectations. Our guide, Anna, could not have been nicer, more informed, or more organized. Everything on the tour went smoothly. The local guides were all well-informed and helpful. I liked the balance between the structures tour and free time. The hotels were nice enough with delicious and extensive breakfast. The tour members were all friendly and kind. All in all, it couldn't have gone better.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Learning about Austria being declared a victim of Nazi Germany and thus not being required to restitute victims of the Holocaust was truly shocking."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

wonderful group, we all got along; terrific guides, a "good" tired from a lot of walking! Venerable old cities with a lot of history to enrich the experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"hard to pick one - ok, the Vienna Opera House"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a wonderful tour with a diverse group of fellow travelers. There was living history, intriguing stories, beautiful art, gorgeous scenery plus lots of laughs

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I think coming face to face with a part of Europe that has been so affected by war, politics and cultural change was my “wow” moment."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Really enjoyed the history information regarding these cities.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A better understanding of “the rock and the hard place” people were caught between in regards to communism or Hitler."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Tour was everything I expected from a Rick Steves tour. Hotels were in good locations, safe and clean. Tour guide, Anna, and local guides were outstanding. Itinerary gave ample free time to explore or rest. Days were clearly planned and well communicated.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Delighted by Chesky Krumlov"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A wonderful tour with good people. Lots of great places to visit and sights to see.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lots of Wow moments. Prague. Seeing the baroque theatre in Cesky Krumlov."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The guide was excellent. She was very knowledgeable and warm. She anticipated problems well in advance and was ready with a variety of solutions and alternatives. Always upbeat and cheerful. Would tour with her again in a heartbeat. Can't say enough about her very professional abilities and approach to guiding this tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Boat cruise-no walking."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A great mix of tour time and free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Jazz performance in Prague."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first group tour, and we are thrilled with how it went! The tour was well organized and reasonably priced. Our overall tour guide, Jana, was outstanding. Her insight and personal experiences growing up in the Czech Republic, as well as stories of her parents and grandparents, added so much. Plus she is fun. Each of the local tour guides introduced us to very significant history of these amazing cities. The bus rides were comfortable and entertaining. We can recommend this tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many light moments, beer garden, wine garden, shared meals, cool baroque theatre, and incredible points of interest. Each of the guides, also, wanted us to deeply understand and feel/ experience the history of the cities, including some very horrific and troubling history. They did not gloss over anything, and they emphasized that history can repeat itself and one must always be aware. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The local guides in Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Cesky Krumlov and Vienna were fantastic, and our tour leader, Jana, is a delightful human being — always cheerful and helpful. The tour introduces you to neighborhood hotels and restaurants you wouldn’t otherwise know about, while also providing plenty of free time for exploring. And as good as the tour was, maybe the best part was meeting and getting to know the interesting and fun fellow tour members.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Charles Bridge in Prague at night; rafting the Vltava River in Cesky Krumlov, guided by Garo, our expert oarsman; and our cruise on the Danube."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 7th Rick Steves' Tour and it did not disappoint! Our guide was superb, hotels comfortable, and adequate free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Berlin wall and its associated history."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was number seven, and it was as good as the previous six. Good ratio of guided events and free time. Great guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Berlin wall and its history."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful in every way.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Very first day in Berlin."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent. The right amount of guided, and free time. The guide was excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Two: The Berlin museum about life in the GDR, and the beautiful Czech countryside"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Extremely well organized with knowledgeable guides. Jana surprised us almost daily with little treats from places we visited. Local guides were also knowledgeable and entertaining.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many spectacular views to just pick one."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I enjoyed the tour. We visited many interesting sites and the group I was with was very positive and fun to be with.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting the concentration camp at Terizini. It was an eye opening experience to personally observe the conditions under which the Jewish population had to endure."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was my second Rick Steves tour and I’m more convinced that you have this process figured out. An elite tour guide with great local folks educate us. And the fact that we are given time to explore on our own heightens the experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The city of Prague was the “hook” our trip. Our expectations were high and the experience exceeded them. We are already exploring ways to return."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great guide, well organized, kept to schedule.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The beautiful neighborhood the stay in Berlin provided. So many multinational families living in harmony. Second to that was the main piazza of Prague. And third to that was the town of cesky Krumlov, but that might really be the top wow moment. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour exceeded my expectations, and it was educational, inspiring and touching. Our lead guide, Jana did an outstanding job. She’s warm, thoughtful and genuinely care about the people. She went above and beyond to help us and make us feel comfortable. Her knowledge around the EU countries are broad and insightful. I’d recommend anyone to join the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many wow moments. Everyday was a wow. Visiting Cesky Krumlov and cruising on Danube were relaxing. Third man museum was also a highlight. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful tour with great guides and good balance of planned activities and free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Riding the public transportation so easily!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything went very well starting with our guide, Jana, who was knowledgeable, ultra orgainized and tuned into our every need.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Really wasn't one, there were many"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Jana our guide was at the top of my list for overall experience

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cruise on the Danube "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A great tour - well organized and managed. Our tour guide was always available and offered appreciated recommendations and insights.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My husband, Peter, really enjoyed visiting Cesky Krumlov. i thoroughly enjoyed revisiting Prague and going to a jazz club."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour guide and local guides, interesting itinerary, good hotels, very good meals, nice group of people.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"During my free time I visited the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin. I've been interested in Egyptology since I was quite young, and was excited to see the bust of Nefertiti. It's stunning, and so much more vibrant than any photos I've seen. I was absolutely mesmerized by her and thrilled to see her in person. This kind of emotional reaction is why we appreciate great art. Having such opportunities is why I travel."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Jana was a wonderful guide. Her sense of humor, patience and kindness were evident throughout the entire trip. I loved it when she and the local guides shared their experiences with living behind the Iron Curtain and how life has evolved in both Berlin and the Czech Republic.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our favorite wow moment was the first night in Prague. We had an outstanding meal which is normally served at Czech weddings. Just delicious. What made it even more special was when Jana took us to the Charles Bridge so we could see the castle at night, all lit up. It was just magical. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Clair was an outstanding guide and really made this tripe special. She was on time and made sure that our group was on time for everything. She constantly had special treats for us which was always unexpected. She knew so much about the places we were going that it made going there that much more enjoyable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me the wow moment was walking into the small little church were the two paratroopers setup a field Hospitol to take care of both US and German soldiers wounded on the D Day beach just outside their door. The story told by the guide and the auther of the book that he signed and gave us a copy of was amazing and I listened to every word he said, and stared at the blood stained booths were the soldiers that that had bleed so heavily that there blood soaked so deeply it was permenante. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

(Nancy and Tom) We really enjoyed this tour. Our guide, Jana Kratka, was personable, knowledgeable, and very capable of managing all the details. It was interesting to hear her personal stories about Prague, and we enjoyed the treats she gave us along the way. The local guides were informative and provided insights into tragic historical events. The hotels were comfortable and in great locations. Our meals (esp. the Turkish restaurant in Berlin and the beer tasting in Prague) were special.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Prague at night! Cesky Krumlov and its Baroque Theatre, one of only two such theatres preserved in their original working condition, and seeing how set changes and sound effects were made. The section of the Third Man Museum displaying documents, diaries and videos explaining the traumatic events in Vienna including the expulsion of Jews and Kindertransport. Overall, a good balance between visiting beautiful places, experiencing fascinating culture, and learning about sobering historical events."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

well organized, great city guides, just the right amount of “on you own time”.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"East Berlin history and the Third Man Museum in Vienna"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was delightful. We experienced thought-provoking moments (Terezin and East Berlin), special events ( a jazz club), and the pleasure of our thoughtful and knowledgeable guide (Jana).

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Although they were not joyful moments, I found the exposure to parts of East Berlin, Dresden, Terezin and Prague to be extraordinarily moving. And well worth learning more about. The Third Man museum was an amazing collection of information I would not have encountered elsewhere. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Visited three great cities in Central Europe, along with some amazing places in between. Lots of beautiful scenery, architecture, and delicious food, shared with a great group of travelers and a charming guide, Janna.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The amazing Baroque theatre at Chesky Krumlov was like walking into a dream! So beautiful and just astounding that it has survived!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was well-organized, with a good balance of group activities and time for personal pursuits. Jana did an exceptional job of leading the group! Her dedication, informative approach, and flexibility made for a memorable experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Topography of Terror Museum in Berlin; it answered my questions about how Nazism arose and was accepted (and willingly followed) by the majority of the German population. It's a lesson in the dangers posed by populist leaders who offer simple answers to complex questions, and appeal to humanity's worst instincts, while demanding obedience to the detriment of democratic norms and values. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This tour, our 5th with Rick Steves', had a good balance of group activities and free time. It was very educational and our group leader, Jana, was terrific. There were a couple of planned activities that did not work out but she came up with alternatives to fill in the gaps. The hotels were clean, nice, and in great locations for exploring.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My "wow" moment was in Berlin at Checkpoint Charlie then at the Berlin Wall Memorial as the local guide shared tales of everyday life in East Berlin, escape attempts, people on the wall of remembrance, etc. My dad was a military policeman at Checkpoint Charlie in the mid 1960s so seeing/hearing about those people/events was the primary reason for this trip. It was eye opening and I am glad I could come back home to share it with my dad."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Wonderful guides, so much valuable information, great cities.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the renovation of Dresden. Incredible history"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Information, logistics, locations, sites met and exceeded our expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Historical context of all locations provided by tour guide Jana and local guides."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall, the journey was enlightening and sobering especially in Germany. The history of the holocaust and the aftermath of Soviet rule truly sobering.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved the Belvedere Art Museum in Vienna. Our docent was especially knowledgeable and engaging."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent tour guide (Barbara). Kept us all together and made the tour fun. Excellent local guides. Guides had living experiences of the areas we toured.They provided great insight into how living there really was.Restaurant and Hotel selections were very good.Great group of fellow travelers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Berlin wall tour. The local guide (Tobi) was raised in East Berlin and reflected on how life was there. Very informative."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a good 12 days. We learned a great deal of history and culture and saw some amazing sights. The group was compatible and everyone was pretty relaxed.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Of all things, when we got lost in Vienna, found where the U-bahn was supposed to be, but it was a construction site. I stopped a random well-dressed man and asked him if there was another way to the U-Bahn, and he said of course, cross the street and open the door and take the escalator. No sign for U-Bahn. We went down and found a huge supermarket where we finally found some Ricola miniatures to take home. Had to ask again for the U-Bahn. We were forced to get help from a local. It worked."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour activities were well-rounded, informative, and executed as smoothly as possible considering the size of these cities and their transportation systems.Our outstanding tour guide, Jana, and the local guides included befitting history and stories to humanize large sights and small. Almost magically, many sights not listed in the itinerary I sought to see during free-time were covered on the tour. Special touches such as music/oratories and local foods/beverages on the bus were so pleasing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Favorite somber 'wows': Berlin Wall Memorial and Terezin former concentration camp. Favorite cultural/natural "wows": The Czech Republic in general. Prague history and art, and the lovely, natural Cesky Krumlov."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great, well-balanced tour. Lots of fun

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The boat trip down the Danube. And Cesky Krumlov. And the Prague Castle (esp at night)"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had an amazing time in Europe, our tour guide Jhana did a wonderful job, made things very personal and had a great attitude for our group. Great idea taking everyone out on the public transportation in Berlin to educate us.And enjoyed her personal side of their freedom in Prague,

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Don't now if I had a wow moment as I enjoyed everything, lunch at the castle, boat trip on the Danube,and the Third Man museum was very memorable"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well planned and very informative. Our main guide, Jana Hronkova, was wonderful!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Prague Castle and lights at night, the Vienna Opera House, and many of the cathedrals."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide, Thomas, was perfect for this trip. He is thoughtful, kind, knowledgable and despite some serious content, comes across as a cheerful person.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I would not describe many of the experiences on this tour as "wow" moments due to the somber and serious history and past events involved. There were, however, many meaningful events. I can say that this trip provided information and left impressions that I will ponder for a long time. It was a very thought-provoking experience for me."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a terrific tour. Our guide Thomas was fantastic! The local guides were great as they educated us about the history of Berlin & Terezin. Dresden was a surprise having expected a 'big city' & instead discovering a lovely & quaint old town core. Cesky Krumlov was adorable, Vienna was lovely, & Prague was awesome!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"While Cesky Krumlov was adorable & delightful to explore, I fell in love with Prague instantly. Prague has incredible buildings, history, food, drinks, bridges, corners to peak around &narrow streets to explore. It is very exciting while still maintaining a small town charm."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was outstanding. It all begins with a tour leader that keeps it light, informative, and heards his sheep to keep the tour on time and moving. Thomas was an outstanding leader and kept us informed and entertained the whole trip. From historic Berlin, to the breath taking Prague, and romantic Vienna, it had it all. It was great hearing Thomas's view growing up in Berlin during the communist times. Every stop on this tour was a hit and our tour group turned into one big group of friends.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Finally getting to visit Cesky Krumlov. Ever since seeing this little village on the Rick Steves episodes over ten years ago I have always wanted to visit. It did not disappoint. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything on the trip went extremely well. The guides, places we visited and the people on the tour were fabulous

Favorite "WOW" moment

"the square and clock in Prague"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This is my 3rd Rick Steves tour. It was excellent. Thomas was an outstanding tour director.

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour was well planned and well led by Thomas, our tour director. A thoroughly enjoyable time together! We especially appreciated the overall tour design of dividing most days into a morning devoted to an in-depth guided tour led by a very knowledgeable local guide and an afternoon and evening left free for personal exploration. The group dinners were also pleasant experiences, hosted in wonderful restaurants favored by the locals. Our Rick Steves' Tour delivered a fabulous experience!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We would have to list two "wow" moments, one on each end of the spectrum. On the relaxing end, our cruise on the Danube provided a relaxing afternoon to enjoy the beauty along the river. On the serious end, our guided tour of Terezin, the Nazi transfer camp where thousands of Jews were abused and murdered, was a sobering reminder of the evil done by the Nazi regime. Both "wow" moments were appreciated--and needed."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a fabulous time on our first Rick Steve tour. Fun and interesting group of fellow travelers and our tour guide was amazing. Learned a great deal of history from our local tour guides in the cities we visited. We will definitely take another tour next year.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Several WOW moments but I think seeing remnants of the Berlin Wall for the first time and the emotions it raised was powerful."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Excellent trip guide, mostly good local guides, too much mass transit used, inadequate single supplement hotel accommodations

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Loved Dresden and Prague"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall the tour was excellent. We were happy with the choice of cities, the pacing, the tour guides and the sites we visited.We enjoyed the history of Central Europe and felt the tour offered a good education. We walked about 6.5 miles a day.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite moment was the tour of the State Jewish Museum in Prague looking at the exceptional artwork from the children of Terezin. It took my breath away. My husband was wowed by the performance at the Reduta Jazz club. Both entertaining and surprising to see a singer from Czech Republic performing songs by Frank Sinatra!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well informed. Tour guide was terrific; knowledgeable, solicitous, invested in our experience!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"off-tour moment in Dresden when local cellist played ‘Claire de Lune’ on a cobblestone walkway from the opera house. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Jana was a wonderful tour leader. She had fun stories and activities. The people we met were all friendly, enthusiastic, and very knowledgeable--I can't recall a single "dumb" question from any of them. We chose this tour because of the locations--places we were never able to visit when we lived in Germany in the 1980s. The history was amazing and we loved every minute.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We really enjoyed Berlin the best. The history was fascinating and it was so interesting to see how the E area had changed from what it had been under the Soviets. Matte the local tour guide was excellent--very knowledgeable and able to impart a sense of life under Soviet rule. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

As always my fellow tour members were cooperative, engaging, and collegial. Jana led us all on our journey graciously, sharing her personal family stories.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My wow was the Third Man Museum. I had never heard of the movie until a friend of mine shared his experience on his Berlin RS tour. Prompting me to watch the movie. Profound. "

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

The tour experience for me was generally very good. I think I was one of the oldest if not the oldest member on the tour. The walking parts of the tour were at times tiring but manageable. My biggest problem was the amount of time spent standing at each site without opportunities to sit and rest briefly. The tour itself and the knowledge of all the guides was incredible. Unfortunately my life partner became ill with Covid in Prague and we had to leave the tour. Very stressful getting home.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Since the hotel in Berlin in which the tour group stayed was relatively close to the TV Tower, my life partner and I walked to it and went to the viewing area at the top. What an amazing view. We could see most of the places we would see close up later on the tour. I would add the small city of Dresden had a lot of beautiful architecture and great food but also on the other side of the river near our hotel was beautiful tree lined streets. We sat and ate ice cream. A place I could live in."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We had a good tour group with Jana as our excellent guide, assisted by apprentice guide, Barbara. We learned a lot of history and its impact on our present-day world, we enjoyed some excellent food, and made some new friends. Unfortunately COVID struck and we lost about half our group over several days. For those of us who survived, it was a good experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our group meal in Prague at Mincovna was outstanding, followed closely by our group meal in Berlin at the Turkish restaurant Hasir. The Prague Castle and Cesky Krumlov were also wonderful."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was so much more than I expected. My background knowledge of Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic was somewhat limited so I "ate up" every bit of information we learned from our main tour guides and the city guides and came back with new understandings of how - in particular - propaganda played in the history of those areas as well as how it continues to be used today - even here in the USA.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Better knowledge of circumstances in these areas which lead up to WWII, what happened during the war (to an extent) and what happened afterwards as well. I was a history major and love this learning opportunity from guides who could share first-hand or second-generation family experiences. And - I have another degree in Art so could appreciate that perspective as well! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

As usual your tour accommodations and tour guides were outstanding.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our wow moment was cruising on the Danube River viewing all the beautiful landscape and Castles. "

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Excellent overview of impact of lst 30 years on those parts of Europe impacted by Nazi and Communist control

Favorite "WOW" moment

" those group activates that allowed group to share in local activities such as rafting, beer fest and portions of guided tours "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was far beyond our expectations. Our tour guide, Jana, was spectacular, as were many of the local guides -- Sarka, Heidi, Gerhard. We have recommended the tour to everyone we have encountered and spoken about our vacation, since we returned -- including someone from Germany!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There are two "wow" moments. First, when we got to the site of the Berlin Wall and Heidi showed us pictures of those who escaped, and shared their stories (and her mother's story of escaping). Being in the presence of that oppressiveness was moving. Second, in Prague at the memorial to the student uprising -- when Jana and Sarka sang a song about the Velvet Revolution, and described so movingly how it unfolded. It was also incredibly moving."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Extraordinary trip-- superb guides; beautiful places; interesting and lovely tourmates

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Truly hard to identify just one-- perhaps the day in Prague, when Jana and Sarka laid a flower on the plaque honoring students of the Velvet Revolution"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Downtown Dresden"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a fabulous tour experience. The itinerary was well planned, with small town visits alternating with big city experiences. The high quality of the overall guides and the local guides are a real strength of the Rick Steves tours. I liked the mix of group activities and free time to explore what interested my husband and me.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"This was an optional activity, but attending the opera in Vienna was a wow moment! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Jana Hronkova, our tour leader, was truly outstanding! She, along with our tour daily guides, and the Rick Steves itinerary all added up to the best tour we have been on in all the many years we have travelled thru Europe.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our “wow” moment was the introductory group get together on the evening before we began our tour. Setting the stage and preparing for a lengthy tour with 25 people from all over the US had to be a daunting task for Jana. Yet, by the end our meeting we were all not only well informed of our daily activities, but introduced to the nicest group of people we have ever had the pleasure of traveling with. The next day we started with breakfast and we all were on time for our first departure!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well organized with great guides, comfortable hotels, and a friendly tour group that was interested in seeing everything. I appreciated having a mix of activities as well as time to do your own exploring in the afternoon and evenings. My only complaint was that some of the guides walked too fast, and I couldn't admire the sites along the way because I was running to keep up. Also, if the guide is going to make a long speech, it would be nice to do that in a spot with benches!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being in the historic Old Town of Prague was my favorite. While there, my husband and I used our free evening to hear Dvorak's New World Symphony in the beautiful Smetana Hall played by the Prague Symphony Orchestra. That was fantastic -- a Czech composer's music performed in a Czech Art Nouveau venue. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall the tour was great. The hotels were very good and Jana and the local guides were all excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The baroque theater in Cesky Krumlov and the river cruise on the Danube of the Wachau Valley were both amazing."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I was very pleased with this tour with my only reservation being the fairly large group of 25. It was my first Rick Steve’s tour and previous tours with other companies have been much smaller groups. That said, our leader managed the group beautifully and I found the other participants to be lovely people. I have some hearing problems and the combination of the headsets, noisy backgrounds and accents of some local guides made it hard for me to understand all of the information.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many but I would pick seeing the plaque in Prague about the Velvet Revolution. The personal stories of both our lead guide and the local guide really brought home what it was like under Communism and how lucky we Americans are to live under Democracy, even though our system is far from perfect. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall it was great fun. Most of the guides and hotels were good with a couple of exceptions.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sitting in the Royal Box at the Vienna Opera House"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We enjoyed all of it: the places visited, the guide and fellow travelers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Astronomical Clock in Prague. As someone posted on Youtube, 21 sec of awesome. It was so much fun watching the apostles appear in the windows, and to think it has been working since 1410."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was much more pleasant experience because hotels were much better than my last trip from 2018 "Heart of Belgium & Holland".

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There wasn't one "wow" moment but lots of great moments. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This trip exceeded my expectations. We chose the tour based on the itinerary, but the selected hotels, arranged meals and varied guides really enhanced our cultural experience. Our main guide, Anna, was simply a delight everyday, and perhaps we were just lucky to end up with a quirky, interesting and kind group of fellow travelers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have to choose a "moment" at Prague Castle which lasted for hours, where I was overwhelmed by St Vitus cathedral, the Old Royal Palace jousting room with horse-accessible stairs, vistas of the city in all directions, and the bustling castle district with hidden byways full of history. Our guide Sarka was the best!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Beautiful cities, great group, good food, and fun times learning about historically significant landmarks.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our orientation walk when we arrived in Vienna. I had dreamed of going there for years and it did not disappoint."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Anna was a wonderful guide, caring, kind, considerate and very knowledgeable. Tobi, Sharka, and Gerhardt were very entertaining as well as informative. Anna along with Tobi provided excellent information on growing up behind the iron curtain. I liked the the three night stays with three interesting stops along the way.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cesky Krumlov, cruise on the Danube and Prague with its beautiful squares and lighted towers. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall the tour was run very well. Compared to my other Rick Steve's tour, this one was slightly less satisfying.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dresden was the city that surprised me. Seeing the preserved buildings was the "wow" for me on this tour."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Welcoming tour guides, superb accommodations, great balance between tour time and free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Jan Hus monument in Prague. I was good to hear the good news about christians fighting for what was right, and not always what was wrong with the faith."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall, I had a great time on our tour. The guides were knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly, and the pacing of tour activities was good. The hotels were all in safe, accessible locations, close to public transportation so we could get around on our own. We had a good balance of tour time and free time. Our tour was extremely well organized and professionally run. There were a couple hiccups due to weather and unforeseeable events, but Jana handled them well and adjusted quickly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"As a specific "wow", St. Vitus Cathedral was the most impressive piece of architecture I've ever seen. It really is a marvel to behold in person. As a general "wow", I was amazed at the amount of things we were able to stuff into our tour. I don't feel like I missed out on anything. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Walking and lots of it but we knew that going in.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"All of Vienna"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first group tour and it was wonderful. Every part of the experience was memorable and well managed. We made new friends and we will plan to take additional Rick Steves tours in the future.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The camaraderie that developed so very rapidly was "WOW"."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

All the little extras , the knowledge of yours guides

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Thicket for an evening Jazz in Prague Surprise "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

As has been typical of all our Rick Steves' experiences, the guides were special- knowledgeable, helpful, patient, resourceful and creative. The tour was well organized and the recommendations for "extracurricular" were very good.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My "wow" moment is actually several piled-on top of each other. Experiencing the many layers of Berlin was eye-opening, to say the least. To know that Berlin had been divided is one thing, but to connect the dots and understand the horrors of the Hitler era (beginning in 1933), WWII then the Cold War suppression and hardship is mind-blowing. That the people of Berlin could rebound so completely from those 50-plus years is astounding. Today, Berlin is alive and bubbling with joy and excitement."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well planned tour. Excellent introduction to Berlin, Prague and Vienna. Our guide Jana and her assistant Levente were outstanding.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The history, museums and the feel of the cities of Berlin , Prague and Vienna were all Wow moments."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I learned many new facts about Eastern Europe and I loved having my previously held convictions changed! Guides were superb, fellow travelers friendly, and the itinerary was very well thought-out and executed. Hotels were excellent. Wonderful trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Infant of Prague statue in St. Mary Victorious church in Prague. It was a huge icon in my childhood."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved the trip, guides, and even out group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Learning from people who had experienced it about life under Soviet control and the experience of the transition."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Such a nice variety of cities and countries jamb packed into 12 days. Awesome guides with great patience and cheerful attitudes who spontaneously added unplanned experiences to our tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cesky Krumlov and the baroque theatre...so interesting to see how they did set changes and make sounds...an early "Foley Sound System" ...also loved the quaint fortress city and the prospect of rafting around it although the weather didn't permit. Another "wow" was the Ishtar Exhibit at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. Felt so fortunate to see it especially since it will soon close for a 10 year renovation!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves tour and we couldn't be happier. The trip was well planned and our tour guides were outstanding in the time and attention they gave us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Prague in general was our favorite city- from the Charles Bridge to the Jewish cemetary. It was so moving."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Thomas, our guide was fantastic. He was very knowledgeable about the areas we were traveling through. Guides in the various cities knew a lot about the history of Berlin, Dresden, Prague and Vienna. Informed us about things we would definitely no learned on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I don’t know that there was one thing that I could say was a wow moment "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

(James & Michael) - The tour was as active as described and we liked that fast pace. Guide Thomas Kreiseler and assistant Anna provided fantastic leadership for the organized activities and consultation for our free time. The different viewpoints provided by our guide and by the local guides about life during the communist era were informative. Enough free time was available to visit the art museums not covered by the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our "wow" tour moment was the Danube cruise through the beautiful Wachau Valley and our non-tour "wow" moment was the roomful of Breugel the Elder paintings at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour is a great exposure to the history of the area from the time of the renaissance to current time. The trip encompasses the many interesting historical sites. There is ample free time for exploring specific sights that interest the individual tour members.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The ease of using European public transportation to explore the major cities."