Rick Steves' Helpful Itinerary Tip For Traveling Between Europe's Big Cities

Visiting Europe's iconic urban centers should be on every traveler's bucket list, and with the continent's excellent train system, it's totally possible to visit multiple cities during one vacation. In fact, it's tempting for many travelers to try to visit as many popular European cities in one go as possible. But if you've ever attempted a journey like that, you know how exhausting it can be. 

European travel expert Rick Steves loves visiting world class cities like Paris, London, Rome, and Istanbul, which he says are the best in all of Europe. But he still recommends breaking up the journey between major cities by stopping to explore lesser known places. Specifically, he advocates for carving out time to visit some of the continent's charming rural towns in between its world class metropolises.

"Alternate intense big cities with villages and countryside. For example, break a Venice-to-Florence-to-Rome trip with an easygoing time in Italy's hill towns or on the Italian Riviera," Steves wrote in an article titled "Europe Trip Itinerary Tips." According to Steves, you'll get a better feel for the country you're visiting, and you'll probably enjoy the blissful break from the tourist crowds in the larger cities.

"Judging Italy by Rome alone is like judging America by New York City," Rick Steves wrote in his collection of itinerary tips. He makes a valid point that tourists ought to consider every time they're planning a getaway centered around visiting Europe's most famous cities. Steves has always been big on traveling off-the-beaten path to avoid bustling crowds when visiting Europe. While he sees the value in visiting popular attractions, he often recommends that travelers seek out less touristy spots to get a more authentic European experience.

In order to plan a balanced vacation, study your route between major cities on a map, and look for small towns along the way. In an article outlining Italy's countryside escapes, Steves recommended opting for an immersive lodging option for a relaxing European getaway. "Savvy travelers can slow down and get a taste of Italian rural life in the traditional-yet-cozy lodgings of a countryside guesthouse or an agriturismo — a working farm that takes in guests," he wrote.

You may want to choose a rental car over train tickets if this travel style appeals to you. Having your own set of wheels offers more freedom and flexibility so that you can stop in charming villages that catch your eye. "If you're traveling by car, take advantage of your mobility by leaving the well-worn tourist routes. The Europe away from the train tracks is less expensive and feels more peaceful and relaxed," Steves wrote in an article titled "Traveling Against the Crowd in Europe." It's advice you won't want to ignore.