Rick Steves' Essential Tip For Making The Most Of Your Trip To Ancient Ruins In Europe

Europe is full of awe-inspiring ancient ruins just waiting to be explored. Humans are estimated to have been living on the European continent for at least 45,000 years, according to scientific evidence. From the mysterious standing stones found throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland to the jaw-dropping architecture in cities like Rome that dates back thousands of years, Europe's ruins provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of our ancestors and the advancement of the human species.

Some of the oldest ruins date back at least 9,000 years, and they're absolute must-sees for history buffs. On the other hand, if you're not fascinated with the ancient world, they may seem a little boring. Travel expert Rick Steves has excellent advice when it comes to enjoying ancient ruins during your journeys.

Steves has traveled across Europe countless times. He's authored bestselling travel guidebooks, hosted his own show, and developed a profitable tour company, so you can trust his travel tips. While Steves is a big fan of historical sites, he understands that ruins might seem like a letdown. He suggests ensuring that you brush up on the history of your destination in order to have a little context before visiting ancient sites, and use your imagination to envision what life might have been like in order to thoroughly enjoy the experience.

Time has taken its toll on some of Europe's most important ancient ruins. For thousands of years they've been exposed to the elements. They've stood through natural disasters, wars, and fires. They've witnessed empires fall and new societies take root. It's understandable that many of them have lost their original luster. Nothing lasts forever, but some ancient sites are in better shape than others. Steves has had some fascinating experiences at ancient ruins that remain relatively well-preserved. One of his stand-outs took place at Epidavros — an ancient Greek theater. It's one of Greece's best-preserved ancient ruins, and still hosts modern-day performances.

"The grandeur of a well-preserved monument like the Epidavros theater is easy enough to appreciate even if it's been a while since your last history class. But most ancient sites are more ruined — and therefore harder to imagine in their prime," Steves wrote. "Knowing it was important ... doesn't necessarily make it interesting. That's especially true given that today what's left is little more than foundation stones and a few broken columns." 

When you find yourself in the midst of ruins that look more akin to a pile of rubble than anything else, you'll have to rely on your imagination, according to Steves. Spend some time envisioning what the site might have looked like in its prime and admiring small details. Tiny carvings in the stones, remnants of a fresco, or a crumbling statue all tell fascinating stories. "In the here and now it's hot and it's dusty, and there are sweaty tour groups all around you. But if you can imagine the ancient stones supporting ancient life, it's an unforgettable experience and a trip highlight," explained Steves.

Before Steves became a celebrity, he was just a kid backpacking around Europe in search of the inspiration that only travel can bring. While his experiences were plentiful and rich, he wasn't always impressed by ancient sites. "In my student days, I bummed through Greece's Parthenon surrounded by people looking like they were having a good time — and I was convinced they were faking it. Two years later, after a class in ancient art history, I understood how Greek society was designed," he wrote. His newfound knowledge provided him with enough context to fully appreciate his experience. "Clearly, there are two kinds of sightseers: those who know what they're looking at ... and those who don't."

While having an existing knowledge of history definitely helps, Steves insists that travelers don't need to be fresh out of a History 101 course to enjoy visiting ancient ruins. Consider ordering a book with photos of the ancient sites you'll be visiting alongside renderings of what they looked like in their prime. If you forget to order them before you depart, you can usually find some in souvenir shops or gift shops at the sites you visit, according to Steves. Do some research online, or watch a documentary in preparation for your trip. 

Steves also suggests paying a little extra for the audio guides that are often available at historic sites, so you can learn about the history as you explore. Booking a guided tour, or hiring a private tour guide is another wonderful option. Ancient ruins are popular tourist hot spots and can become overcrowded, so Steves recommends booking tickets in advance with timed entry when visiting attractions in beautiful ancient cities.