Rick Steves' Europe

The Dordogne River Valley with its dramatic castles, pre-historic cave paintings, and prized cuisine is an unforgettable blend of man-made and natural beauty.

Skyscraper-studded Frankfurt - with so much commerce it's nicknamed "Bankfurt" - has a delightful-to-explore old center.

The Dordogne River Valley with its dramatic castles, pre-historic cave paintings, and prized cuisine is an unforgettable blend of man-made and natural beauty.

Skyscraper-studded Frankfurt - with so much commerce it's nicknamed "Bankfurt" - has a delightful-to-explore old center.

The Dordogne River Valley with its dramatic castles, pre-historic cave paintings, and prized cuisine is an unforgettable blend of man-made and natural beauty.

The creative spirit of Spain's Catalunya the land of Picasso, Gaudi and Salvador Dali is on a roll.

The creative spirit of Spain's Catalunya the land of Picasso, Gaudi and Salvador Dali is on a roll.

The creative spirit of Spain's Catalunya the land of Picasso, Gaudi and Salvador Dali is on a roll.

Bulgaria, so mysterious to most Americans, has a vivid identity as a crossroads of the Balkans.

The creative spirit of Spain's Catalunya the land of Picasso, Gaudi and Salvador Dali is on a roll.

Don't blink as we blitz through Europe's tiniest countries: Vatican City, the world's smallest country, comes with the planet's biggest church.

Don't blink as we blitz through Europe's tiniest countries: Vatican City, the world's smallest country, comes with the planet's biggest church.

Rick and his team tour Romania's vibrant capital, Bucharest, with its "Little Paris of the East" architecture and lingering reminders of a brutal communist dictator.

Don't blink as we blitz through Europe's tiniest countries: Vatican City, the world's smallest country, comes with the planet's biggest church.

Don't blink as we blitz through Europe's tiniest countries: Vatican City, the world's smallest country, comes with the planet's biggest church.

In this episode we'll focus on an often overlooked side of Switzerland its urban charms.

In this episode we'll focus on an often overlooked side of Switzerland its urban charms.

We marvel at the fascinating landscape of Cappadocia from high above in a balloon.

We marvel at the fascinating landscape of Cappadocia from high above in a balloon.

In this episode we'll focus on an often overlooked side of Switzerland its urban charms.

Connoisseurs of Italy find that its quintessential charms survive in its classic hill towns.

For centuries, Vienna was the crown jewel of the rich and powerful Habsburg Empire.

Few travelers venture beyond Prague to experience the Czech Republic's many cultural riches and offbeat delights.

Few travelers venture beyond Prague to experience the Czech Republic's many cultural riches and offbeat delights.

In the Italian countryside, Rick connects with rustic, traditional culture: enjoying an agriturismo (farmhouse inn), seeing how prosciutto and pecorino cheese are made, and hiking down into deep and ancient wine cellars.

Few travelers venture beyond Prague to experience the Czech Republic's many cultural riches and offbeat delights.

Few travelers venture beyond Prague to experience the Czech Republic's many cultural riches and offbeat delights.

The thriving capital of Greece sprawls out from the foot of its magnificent Acropolis.

The thriving capital of Greece sprawls out from the foot of its magnificent Acropolis.

Siena, once a proud and independent city-state, retains its confidence and unique traditions.

The thriving capital of Greece sprawls out from the foot of its magnificent Acropolis.

Siena, once a proud and independent city-state, retains its confidence and unique traditions.

The thriving capital of Greece sprawls out from the foot of its magnificent Acropolis.

Island getaways are fun, but the real heart of Greece is found in the Peloponnese Peninsula.

Island getaways are fun, but the real heart of Greece is found in the Peloponnese Peninsula.

Island getaways are fun, but the real heart of Greece is found in the Peloponnese Peninsula.

The quintessence of charming England is the "West Country": quaint Cotswold villages with their fine churches, manor homes, and gastropubs; Wells, England's smallest cathedral town; and the New Age capital of Glastonbury, with its legends of the Holy Grail and King Arthur.

Island getaways are fun, but the real heart of Greece is found in the Peloponnese Peninsula.

Denmark's capital is the most fun-loving in Scandinavia.

Denmark's capital is the most fun-loving in Scandinavia.

Arcing along the southeast coast of England, Rick travels from Canterbury (with its famous cathedral) to Dover (stoutly fortified from Roman times to the Battle of Britain).

Denmark's capital is the most fun-loving in Scandinavia.

Arcing along the southeast coast of England, Rick travels from Canterbury (with its famous cathedral) to Dover (stoutly fortified from Roman times to the Battle of Britain).

Denmark's capital is the most fun-loving in Scandinavia.

Using Copenhagen as a spring board, we'll visit the very best of Denmark.

Using Copenhagen as a spring board, we'll visit the very best of Denmark.

Along the Loire River Valley, the beautiful French countryside is studded with evocative chateaux.

In times of crisis and challenge, we ask ourselves: What is the true value of travel? Is it just hedonism.

From the port of Kusadasi, we wander the streets of ancient Ephesus, soak in a natural spa at Pamukkale, learn why the dervishes whirl at Konya, munch lunch in a Turkish pizzeria, and cruise the Mediterranean on a traditional Turkish gulet from Antalya.

Europe's best-preserved 17th-century city, Amsterdam is quaint and jarring, traditional and modern.

Bulgaria, so mysterious to most Americans, has a vivid identity as a crossroads of the Balkans.

Lisbon, built with the riches of Portugal's New World discoveries, has a rustic charm.

Setting sail on the Mediterranean, Rick explores the ins and outs and pros and cons of cruising.

This tour of Sicilian highlights starts in Palermo, where Rick sings with the merchants in the markets, joins locals in their passeggiata, drops in on a contessa, and marvels at the Romanesque cathedral of Monreale.

Switzerland draws travelers from around the world for its legendary mountains.

Along the Loire River Valley, the beautiful French countryside is studded with evocative chateaux.

Teeming Cairo, straddling the Nile, is the capital of Egypt and one of the leading cities of the Muslim world.

Venturing beyond Europe, and with local experts as his guides, Rick uses Ethiopia as a classroom for understanding global hunger and extreme poverty - and how to beat it.

Using Copenhagen as a spring board, we'll visit the very best of Denmark.

In times of crisis and challenge, we ask ourselves: What is the true value of travel? Is it just hedonism.

From the port of Kusadasi, we wander the streets of ancient Ephesus, soak in a natural spa at Pamukkale, learn why the dervishes whirl at Konya, munch lunch in a Turkish pizzeria, and cruise the Mediterranean on a traditional Turkish gulet from Antalya.

Europe's best-preserved 17th-century city, Amsterdam is quaint and jarring, traditional and modern.

Bulgaria, so mysterious to most Americans, has a vivid identity as a crossroads of the Balkans.

Lisbon, built with the riches of Portugal's New World discoveries, has a rustic charm.

Setting sail on the Mediterranean, Rick explores the ins and outs and pros and cons of cruising.

This tour of Sicilian highlights starts in Palermo, where Rick sings with the merchants in the markets, joins locals in their passeggiata, drops in on a contessa, and marvels at the Romanesque cathedral of Monreale.

Switzerland draws travelers from around the world for its legendary mountains.

Teeming Cairo, straddling the Nile, is the capital of Egypt and one of the leading cities of the Muslim world.

Venturing beyond Europe, and with local experts as his guides, Rick uses Ethiopia as a classroom for understanding global hunger and extreme poverty - and how to beat it.

In Europe's classiest capital we'll tiptoe through the palace of Maria Theresa and be dazzled by the Hapsburg crown jewels.

Where Europe comes face to face with Asia, we'll explore the fascinating, multilayered city of Istanbul.

In times of crisis and challenge, we ask ourselves: What is the true value of travel? Is it just hedonism.

From the port of Kusadasi, we wander the streets of ancient Ephesus, soak in a natural spa at Pamukkale, learn why the dervishes whirl at Konya, munch lunch in a Turkish pizzeria, and cruise the Mediterranean on a traditional Turkish gulet from Antalya.

Europe's best-preserved 17th-century city, Amsterdam is quaint and jarring, traditional and modern.

Bulgaria, so mysterious to most Americans, has a vivid identity as a crossroads of the Balkans.

Lisbon, built with the riches of Portugal's New World discoveries, has a rustic charm.

Setting sail on the Mediterranean, Rick explores the ins and outs and pros and cons of cruising.

This tour of Sicilian highlights starts in Palermo, where Rick sings with the merchants in the markets, joins locals in their passeggiata, drops in on a contessa, and marvels at the Romanesque cathedral of Monreale.

Switzerland draws travelers from around the world for its legendary mountains.

Teeming Cairo, straddling the Nile, is the capital of Egypt and one of the leading cities of the Muslim world.

Venturing beyond Europe, and with local experts as his guides, Rick uses Ethiopia as a classroom for understanding global hunger and extreme poverty - and how to beat it.

In times of crisis and challenge, we ask ourselves: What is the true value of travel? Is it just hedonism.

From the port of Kusadasi, we wander the streets of ancient Ephesus, soak in a natural spa at Pamukkale, learn why the dervishes whirl at Konya, munch lunch in a Turkish pizzeria, and cruise the Mediterranean on a traditional Turkish gulet from Antalya.

In times of crisis and challenge, we ask ourselves: What is the true value of travel? Is it just hedonism.

From the port of Kusadasi, we wander the streets of ancient Ephesus, soak in a natural spa at Pamukkale, learn why the dervishes whirl at Konya, munch lunch in a Turkish pizzeria, and cruise the Mediterranean on a traditional Turkish gulet from Antalya.

As he's done with previous programs on Israel, Egypt, and Eastern Turkey, Rick takes us beyond Europe to a place that's rich with history.

As he's done with previous programs on Israel, Egypt, and Eastern Turkey, Rick takes us beyond Europe to a place that's rich with history.

The far southwest of England is a world unto itself, with a persistent Cornish culture.

Europe's best-preserved 17th-century city, Amsterdam is quaint and jarring, traditional and modern.

Bulgaria, so mysterious to most Americans, has a vivid identity as a crossroads of the Balkans.

As he's done with previous programs on Israel, Egypt, and Eastern Turkey, Rick takes us beyond Europe to a place that's rich with history.

The far southwest of England is a world unto itself, with a persistent Cornish culture.

Europe's best-preserved 17th-century city, Amsterdam is quaint and jarring, traditional and modern.

Bulgaria, so mysterious to most Americans, has a vivid identity as a crossroads of the Balkans.

As he's done with previous programs on Israel, Egypt, and Eastern Turkey, Rick takes us beyond Europe to a place that's rich with history.

Iran's rich history goes back millennia, to the days when Persepolis was home to "the king of kings.

Iran's rich history goes back millennia, to the days when Persepolis was home to "the king of kings.

The heartland of England has sights that put the "Great" in Britain - its venerable universities, its royal heritage, and reminders of its industrial might.

Lisbon, built with the riches of Portugal's New World discoveries, has a rustic charm.

Setting sail on the Mediterranean, Rick explores the ins and outs and pros and cons of cruising.

Iran's rich history goes back millennia, to the days when Persepolis was home to "the king of kings.

The heartland of England has sights that put the "Great" in Britain - its venerable universities, its royal heritage, and reminders of its industrial might.

Lisbon, built with the riches of Portugal's New World discoveries, has a rustic charm.

Setting sail on the Mediterranean, Rick explores the ins and outs and pros and cons of cruising.

Iran's rich history goes back millennia, to the days when Persepolis was home to "the king of kings.

A fascinating land with a hard-fought history in a complex corner of Europe, Croatia is emerging as one of Europe's top destinations.

A fascinating land with a hard-fought history in a complex corner of Europe, Croatia is emerging as one of Europe's top destinations.

This tour of Sicilian highlights starts in Palermo, where Rick sings with the merchants in the markets, joins locals in their passeggiata, drops in on a contessa, and marvels at the Romanesque cathedral of Monreale.

Switzerland draws travelers from around the world for its legendary mountains.

A fascinating land with a hard-fought history in a complex corner of Europe, Croatia is emerging as one of Europe's top destinations.

Lisbon, built with the riches of Portugal's New World discoveries, has a rustic charm.

This tour of Sicilian highlights starts in Palermo, where Rick sings with the merchants in the markets, joins locals in their passeggiata, drops in on a contessa, and marvels at the Romanesque cathedral of Monreale.

Switzerland draws travelers from around the world for its legendary mountains.

A fascinating land with a hard-fought history in a complex corner of Europe, Croatia is emerging as one of Europe's top destinations.

Nestled inside its mighty ramparts is Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic.

Nestled inside its mighty ramparts is Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic.

Portugal has an oversized history, fascinating culture, and boatloads of sardines.

Teeming Cairo, straddling the Nile, is the capital of Egypt and one of the leading cities of the Muslim world.

Venturing beyond Europe, and with local experts as his guides, Rick uses Ethiopia as a classroom for understanding global hunger and extreme poverty - and how to beat it.

Nestled inside its mighty ramparts is Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic.

Portugal has an oversized history, fascinating culture, and boatloads of sardines.

Teeming Cairo, straddling the Nile, is the capital of Egypt and one of the leading cities of the Muslim world.

Venturing beyond Europe, and with local experts as his guides, Rick uses Ethiopia as a classroom for understanding global hunger and extreme poverty - and how to beat it.

Nestled inside its mighty ramparts is Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic.

Little Slovenia is the least visited and most underrated of Europe's alpine countries.

Little Slovenia is the least visited and most underrated of Europe's alpine countries.

Side-tripping from Paris into the Ile-de-France, we indulge in the world of royal and aristocratic extravagance in the pre-Revolutionary playground of France's elite.

Side-tripping from Paris into the Ile-de-France, we indulge in the world of royal and aristocratic extravagance in the pre-Revolutionary playground of France's elite.

Little Slovenia is the least visited and most underrated of Europe's alpine countries.

The birthplace of Mozart - and everyone's Sound of Music fantasies - Salzburg is a Baroque jewel of a town.

Andalucia's Moorish heritage sparkles in the historic capitals of Granada and Cordoba.

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

Setting sail on the Mediterranean, Rick explores the ins and outs and pros and cons of cruising.

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

Setting sail on the Mediterranean, Rick explores the ins and outs and pros and cons of cruising.

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

The proud spirit of the Norwegian people shines in every dimension of their capital city-from its once-fearsome Viking ships to its sleek new Opera House, from tales of World War II heroism to the constant festival of its thriving harborfront.

The proud spirit of the Norwegian people shines in every dimension of their capital city-from its once-fearsome Viking ships to its sleek new Opera House, from tales of World War II heroism to the constant festival of its thriving harborfront.

Rick island-hops through the Aegean, sampling three classic Greek getaways - Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes - and basking in their dramatic beauty.

The proud spirit of the Norwegian people shines in every dimension of their capital city-from its once-fearsome Viking ships to its sleek new Opera House, from tales of World War II heroism to the constant festival of its thriving harborfront.

Rick island-hops through the Aegean, sampling three classic Greek getaways - Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes - and basking in their dramatic beauty.

The proud spirit of the Norwegian people shines in every dimension of their capital city-from its once-fearsome Viking ships to its sleek new Opera House, from tales of World War II heroism to the constant festival of its thriving harborfront.

For Scandinavia's most thrilling sightseeing, we sail under towering fjord cliffs, hike on powerful glaciers, and find surviving traditions in remote farm hamlets.

For Scandinavia's most thrilling sightseeing, we sail under towering fjord cliffs, hike on powerful glaciers, and find surviving traditions in remote farm hamlets.

For Scandinavia's most thrilling sightseeing, we sail under towering fjord cliffs, hike on powerful glaciers, and find surviving traditions in remote farm hamlets.

In this first of two episodes on Europe's greatest festivals, Rick cheers with the masses at Siena's crazy Palio horse race, tosses a caber at a Scottish Highland Games, dons a mask for Carnevale in Venice, and celebrates Easter in Greece.

For Scandinavia's most thrilling sightseeing, we sail under towering fjord cliffs, hike on powerful glaciers, and find surviving traditions in remote farm hamlets.

Sweden's capital, confident and self-assured, glitters with souvenirs from the day when it ruled as a superpower.

Sweden's capital, confident and self-assured, glitters with souvenirs from the day when it ruled as a superpower.

In this second of two episodes on Europe's greatest festivals, Rick dances with Spaniards at Sevilla's April Fair, celebrates Bastille Day in Paris, runs with the bulls at Pamplona, and hoists a frothy stein at Munich's Oktoberfest.

Sweden's capital, confident and self-assured, glitters with souvenirs from the day when it ruled as a superpower.

In this second of two episodes on Europe's greatest festivals, Rick dances with Spaniards at Sevilla's April Fair, celebrates Bastille Day in Paris, runs with the bulls at Pamplona, and hoists a frothy stein at Munich's Oktoberfest.

Sweden's capital, confident and self-assured, glitters with souvenirs from the day when it ruled as a superpower.

The fascinating capitals of Finland and Estonia offer a chance to sample each country's history, art, and distinct love of life.

The fascinating capitals of Finland and Estonia offer a chance to sample each country's history, art, and distinct love of life.

We start in Jerusalem, alive with religious tradition and passion - Christian, Muslim, and Jewish.

We start in Jerusalem, alive with religious tradition and passion - Christian, Muslim, and Jewish.

The fascinating capitals of Finland and Estonia offer a chance to sample each country's history, art, and distinct love of life.

After 16 years and more than 100 travel shows, Rick and his crew take you behind the scenes to show you just how they produce this series.

We follow the trail pilgrims have trod for centuries, from the French border to Santiago de Compostela in the northwest corner of Spain.

The homeland of the proud and resiliant Basque people is split between France and Spain.

The homeland of the proud and resiliant Basque people is split between France and Spain.

Sicily serves up a full-bodied and tasty travel experience.

The homeland of the proud and resiliant Basque people is split between France and Spain.

Sicily serves up a full-bodied and tasty travel experience.

The homeland of the proud and resiliant Basque people is split between France and Spain.

Part one of three on the Eternal City, this episode resurrects the rubble and brings back to life the capital of the ancient world.

Part one of three on the Eternal City, this episode resurrects the rubble and brings back to life the capital of the ancient world.

The Highlands stoke kilted dreams of Scotland...where legends of Bonnie Prince Charlie swirl around lonely castles.

Part one of three on the Eternal City, this episode resurrects the rubble and brings back to life the capital of the ancient world.

The Highlands stoke kilted dreams of Scotland...where legends of Bonnie Prince Charlie swirl around lonely castles.

Part one of three on the Eternal City, this episode resurrects the rubble and brings back to life the capital of the ancient world.

This second of three episodes on Rome reveals a city busy with life and bursting with Baroque.

This second of three episodes on Rome reveals a city busy with life and bursting with Baroque.

This second of three episodes on Rome reveals a city busy with life and bursting with Baroque.

Rick begins on the tranquil Isle of Iona, where Christianity first reached the shores of Scotland, and nearby Staffa, with a lovable puffin colony.

This second of three episodes on Rome reveals a city busy with life and bursting with Baroque.

In this third of three episodes on the Eternal City, we explore this grand metropolis-so rich in art and culture-on a more intimate scale, delving into its back lanes and unheralded corners.

In this third of three episodes on the Eternal City, we explore this grand metropolis-so rich in art and culture-on a more intimate scale, delving into its back lanes and unheralded corners.

Rick begins on the tranquil Isle of Iona, where Christianity first reached the shores of Scotland, and nearby Staffa, with a lovable puffin colony.

In this third of three episodes on the Eternal City, we explore this grand metropolis-so rich in art and culture-on a more intimate scale, delving into its back lanes and unheralded corners.

Palestine is the Muslim and Arab half of the Holy Land.

In this third of three episodes on the Eternal City, we explore this grand metropolis-so rich in art and culture-on a more intimate scale, delving into its back lanes and unheralded corners.

Fifteenth-century Florence was the home of the Renaissance and the birthplace of our modern world.

Fifteenth-century Florence was the home of the Renaissance and the birthplace of our modern world.

Palestine is the Muslim and Arab half of the Holy Land.

Fifteenth-century Florence was the home of the Renaissance and the birthplace of our modern world.

Burgundy is a calm and cultivated corner of France, where nature is as sophisticated as the people.

In this second of a two episodes on Florence, we enjoy more of the exquisite artistic treasures of the city that propelled Europe out of the Middle Ages.

In Paris, amidst all of its grandeur, the little joys of life are still embraced.

In Paris, amidst all of its grandeur, the little joys of life are still embraced.

Glasgow, once an industrial powerhouse, offers a fun look at Scotland's vibrantly gritty urban side - full of edgy street art, trendy dining, and the striking architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

In Paris, amidst all of its grandeur, the little joys of life are still embraced.

Glasgow, once an industrial powerhouse, offers a fun look at Scotland's vibrantly gritty urban side - full of edgy street art, trendy dining, and the striking architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

In Paris, amidst all of its grandeur, the little joys of life are still embraced.

In this second of two episodes on Europe's "City of Light," we ride a unicorn into the Middle Ages at the Cluny Museum, take a midnight Paris joyride in a classic car, get an extremely close-up look at heavenly stained glass in Sainte-Chapelle, go on a tombstone pilgrimage at Pere Lachaise Cemetery, and savor the Parisian cafe scene.

In this second of two episodes on Europe's "City of Light," we ride a unicorn into the Middle Ages at the Cluny Museum, take a midnight Paris joyride in a classic car, get an extremely close-up look at heavenly stained glass in Sainte-Chapelle, go on a tombstone pilgrimage at Pere Lachaise Cemetery, and savor the Parisian cafe scene.

In the Alps of Austria and Italy, we celebrate both nature and culture.

In this second of two episodes on Europe's "City of Light," we ride a unicorn into the Middle Ages at the Cluny Museum, take a midnight Paris joyride in a classic car, get an extremely close-up look at heavenly stained glass in Sainte-Chapelle, go on a tombstone pilgrimage at Pere Lachaise Cemetery, and savor the Parisian cafe scene.

In the Alps of Austria and Italy, we celebrate both nature and culture.

In this second of two episodes on Europe's "City of Light," we ride a unicorn into the Middle Ages at the Cluny Museum, take a midnight Paris joyride in a classic car, get an extremely close-up look at heavenly stained glass in Sainte-Chapelle, go on a tombstone pilgrimage at Pere Lachaise Cemetery, and savor the Parisian cafe scene.

In many-faceted London, we ponder royal tombs in Westminster Abbey, learn how to triple the calories of an English scone at teatime, discover treasures in the British Library, enjoy the vibrant evening scene in Soho, uncover Churchill's secret WWII headquarters, join the 9-to-5 crowd in the new London, shop where the queen shops, and straddle the Prime Meridian at Greenwich.

In many-faceted London, we ponder royal tombs in Westminster Abbey, learn how to triple the calories of an English scone at teatime, discover treasures in the British Library, enjoy the vibrant evening scene in Soho, uncover Churchill's secret WWII headquarters, join the 9-to-5 crowd in the new London, shop where the queen shops, and straddle the Prime Meridian at Greenwich.

In many-faceted London, we ponder royal tombs in Westminster Abbey, learn how to triple the calories of an English scone at teatime, discover treasures in the British Library, enjoy the vibrant evening scene in Soho, uncover Churchill's secret WWII headquarters, join the 9-to-5 crowd in the new London, shop where the queen shops, and straddle the Prime Meridian at Greenwich.

In many-faceted London, we ponder royal tombs in Westminster Abbey, learn how to triple the calories of an English scone at teatime, discover treasures in the British Library, enjoy the vibrant evening scene in Soho, uncover Churchill's secret WWII headquarters, join the 9-to-5 crowd in the new London, shop where the queen shops, and straddle the Prime Meridian at Greenwich.

Hiking through the Cumbrian Lake District-England's green and pristine mountain playground-we admire idyllic lakes, discover misty waterfalls, tour a slate mine, and conquer stony summits.

Hiking through the Cumbrian Lake District-England's green and pristine mountain playground-we admire idyllic lakes, discover misty waterfalls, tour a slate mine, and conquer stony summits.

Switzerland draws travelers from around the world for its legendary mountains.

Hiking through the Cumbrian Lake District-England's green and pristine mountain playground-we admire idyllic lakes, discover misty waterfalls, tour a slate mine, and conquer stony summits.

Switzerland draws travelers from around the world for its legendary mountains.

Hiking through the Cumbrian Lake District-England's green and pristine mountain playground-we admire idyllic lakes, discover misty waterfalls, tour a slate mine, and conquer stony summits.

After sorting through the monuments of Venice's powerful past, we trace its decline from Europe's most powerful city to its most hedonistic one.

After sorting through the monuments of Venice's powerful past, we trace its decline from Europe's most powerful city to its most hedonistic one.

Exploring Italy's most remote and romantic stretch of Riviera, we visit five tiny port towns: dramatic Vernazza, surrounded by vineyards; reclusive Corniglia, high on its bluff; pastel Manarola; hardscrabble Riomaggiore; and the pint-sized resort of Monterosso.

After sorting through the monuments of Venice's powerful past, we trace its decline from Europe's most powerful city to its most hedonistic one.

Venice, more than any other European city, has an endlessly seductive charm.

The first episode in this three-part mini-series distills Rick Steves' 30 years of travel experience into 30 minutes of practical advice on how to have a fun, affordable, and culturally broadening trip to Europe.

The first episode in this three-part mini-series distills Rick Steves' 30 years of travel experience into 30 minutes of practical advice on how to have a fun, affordable, and culturally broadening trip to Europe.

The first episode in this three-part mini-series distills Rick Steves' 30 years of travel experience into 30 minutes of practical advice on how to have a fun, affordable, and culturally broadening trip to Europe.

Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days.

The first episode in this three-part mini-series distills Rick Steves' 30 years of travel experience into 30 minutes of practical advice on how to have a fun, affordable, and culturally broadening trip to Europe.

The second episode in this three-part mini-series distills Rick Steves' 30 years of travel experience into 30 minutes of practical advice on how to have a fun, affordable, and culturally broadening trip to Europe.

The second episode in this three-part mini-series distills Rick Steves' 30 years of travel experience into 30 minutes of practical advice on how to have a fun, affordable, and culturally broadening trip to Europe.

The second episode in this three-part mini-series distills Rick Steves' 30 years of travel experience into 30 minutes of practical advice on how to have a fun, affordable, and culturally broadening trip to Europe.

Castile sparkles with Roman Segovia, walled Avila, student-filled Salamanca, and holy Toledo!

The second episode in this three-part mini-series distills Rick Steves' 30 years of travel experience into 30 minutes of practical advice on how to have a fun, affordable, and culturally broadening trip to Europe.

The last episode in this three-part mini-series distills Rick Steves' 30 years of travel experience into 30 minutes of practical advice on how to have a fun, affordable, and culturally broadening trip to Europe.

The last episode in this three-part mini-series distills Rick Steves' 30 years of travel experience into 30 minutes of practical advice on how to have a fun, affordable, and culturally broadening trip to Europe.

The last episode in this three-part mini-series distills Rick Steves' 30 years of travel experience into 30 minutes of practical advice on how to have a fun, affordable, and culturally broadening trip to Europe.