Discovering tranquility in Europe's vast urban landscapes is effortless, according to Rick Steves, if you adhere to his guidance.
## Rick Steves' Guide to Less Crowded European Destinations
Travel expert Rick Steves is a firm believer in seeking out authentic experiences over popular destinations when exploring Europe. To help travellers avoid the crowds and immerse themselves in the true essence of European culture, Steves' website offers valuable information on less crowded alternatives to well-known European attractions.
In the case of Milan's famous mural, The Last Supper, prepaid tickets function like table reservations, ensuring a smoother experience for visitors. With only a limited number of people (25 in the case of The Last Supper) allowed to view the masterpiece at once, securing tickets in advance is highly recommended. Steves himself describes arriving at The Last Supper with total peace and sanity due to prepaid tickets.
For those looking to escape the crowds, Rick Steves suggests exploring lesser-known destinations. Instead of Venice, travellers might consider Lucca, Italy, a charming town with canals and a medieval atmosphere that offers a more relaxed experience. The Bernese Oberland in Switzerland, while not as famous as the Swiss Alps, provides stunning mountain scenery and fewer tourists.
In Italy, smaller towns like Volterra and the villages of the Cinque Terre offer a more authentic Italian experience compared to Rome. For those wishing to explore France, charming towns like Annecy or the countryside of Burgundy provide a less crowded alternative to Paris.
Nighttime exploring can also be tranquil, as Rick Steves notes about Rome, Italy's busiest city. The Dutch Resistance Museum in Amsterdam is less crowded than the Anne Frank House, making it an attractive option for those seeking a more peaceful experience.
Steves recommends visiting Europe's big cities early in the morning or setting out at dawn to enjoy peaceful exploration. Picnicking in city parks, such as Dublin's St. Stephen's Green and London's Richmond Park, can help slow down the pace and soak in the surroundings with fewer pickpocket concerns.
For those seeking a unique Roman ruin, Croatia's Pula Arena is a lesser-known but stunning structure resembling Italy's Colosseum. Located in a smaller, quieter town, Pula Arena offers a less crowded experience for those wishing to explore Roman ruins without the crowds.
In conclusion, Rick Steves' travel philosophy encourages travellers to seek out less crowded, yet equally beautiful, destinations to experience more authentic European culture. By following his advice, visitors can enjoy a more peaceful and immersive European adventure.
Traveling to less crowded destinations, such as Lucca, Italy, or the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland, can offer a more authentic European lifestyle experience according to Rick Steves. Instead of popular destinations like Venice or Paris, these lesser-known spots provide a more relaxed atmosphere and fewer tourists to immerse in the true essence of European culture.
