Rick Steves' Europe

Cruising the Rhine River, we dodge riverboat traffic and the legendary siren, Lorelei.

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

Cruising the Rhine River, we dodge riverboat traffic and the legendary siren, Lorelei.

In Munich, where locals specialize in good living, we visit boisterous markets and go for Baroque palaces.

In Munich, where locals specialize in good living, we visit boisterous markets and go for Baroque palaces.

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

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

In Munich, where locals specialize in good living, we visit boisterous markets and go for Baroque palaces.

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

If Heidi is alive, she's in this sky-high corner of the Swiss Alps, with cows on breathtaking ridges.

Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days.

Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days.

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

Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days.

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

Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days.

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

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

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

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

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

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

After exploring the half-timbered charm of Rouen, we reflect on Monet's lily ponds, peek in on local artisans, and set up an easel at Honfleur's harbor.

After exploring the half-timbered charm of Rouen, we reflect on Monet's lily ponds, peek in on local artisans, and set up an easel at Honfleur's harbor.

After exploring the half-timbered charm of Rouen, we reflect on Monet's lily ponds, peek in on local artisans, and set up an easel at Honfleur's harbor.

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

After exploring the half-timbered charm of Rouen, we reflect on Monet's lily ponds, peek in on local artisans, and set up an easel at Honfleur's harbor.

No trip to Emerald Isle is complete without a visit to Northern Ireland.

No trip to Emerald Isle is complete without a visit to Northern Ireland.

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.

No trip to Emerald Isle is complete without a visit to Northern Ireland.

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.

No trip to Emerald Isle is complete without a visit to Northern Ireland.

London is quintessentially English...yet cosmopolitan.

London is quintessentially English...yet cosmopolitan.

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.

London is quintessentially English...yet cosmopolitan.

Hamburg, Germany's mighty port city has risen from the ashes of World War II with a gleaming new skyline and a brisk creative energy.

Packing the best of Paris into one episode, we scale the Eiffel Tower, then savor classic treats - from steak tartare to creme brulee.

Belgium is a land of contrasts. From the powerhouse headquarters of the European Union and Europe's grandest square in big-city Brussels, we go quaint with delicate lace and back lane bike rides in small- town Bruges.

Belgium is a land of contrasts. From the powerhouse headquarters of the European Union and Europe's grandest square in big-city Brussels, we go quaint with delicate lace and back lane bike rides in small- town Bruges.

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.

Belgium is a land of contrasts. From the powerhouse headquarters of the European Union and Europe's grandest square in big-city Brussels, we go quaint with delicate lace and back lane bike rides in small- town Bruges.

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.

Belgium is a land of contrasts. From the powerhouse headquarters of the European Union and Europe's grandest square in big-city Brussels, we go quaint with delicate lace and back lane bike rides in small- town Bruges.

Provence, known for its soft light and fierce wind, is as loved by Americans as it is by the sun.

Provence, known for its soft light and fierce wind, is as loved by Americans as it is by the sun.

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

Provence, known for its soft light and fierce wind, is as loved by Americans as it is by the sun.

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

Provence, known for its soft light and fierce wind, is as loved by Americans as it is by the sun.

A longtime favorite escape of Europe's elite, the Riviera coastline still sparkles with yachts.

A longtime favorite escape of Europe's elite, the Riviera coastline still sparkles with yachts.

A longtime favorite escape of Europe's elite, the Riviera coastline still sparkles with yachts.

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.

A longtime favorite escape of Europe's elite, the Riviera coastline still sparkles with yachts.

Poland is ready to be rediscovered as the old "east" transforms itself into the new heart of Europe.

Poland is ready to be rediscovered as the old "east" transforms itself into the new heart of Europe.

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.

Poland is ready to be rediscovered as the old "east" transforms itself into the new heart of Europe.

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.

Poland is ready to be rediscovered as the old "east" transforms itself into the new heart of Europe.

Budapest, once Vienna's partner in ruling the Austro-Hungarian empire, feels like the capital of Eastern Europe.

Budapest, once Vienna's partner in ruling the Austro-Hungarian empire, feels like the capital of Eastern Europe.

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.

Budapest, once Vienna's partner in ruling the Austro-Hungarian empire, feels like the capital of Eastern Europe.

Saxony, part of the former East Germany, remains a secret to most travelers.

Experiencing the best of Portugal, we start in Lisbon, a ramshackle mix of glorious old and fun-loving new.

Sevilla is the flamboyant city of Carmen and Don Juan.

Sevilla is the flamboyant city of Carmen and Don Juan.

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.

Sevilla is the flamboyant city of Carmen and Don Juan.

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.

Sevilla is the flamboyant city of Carmen and Don Juan.

Medieval York and Georgian Bath - easy side-trips from London - pack an exciting pair of sightseeing punches.

Medieval York and Georgian Bath - easy side-trips from London - pack an exciting pair of sightseeing punches.

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

Medieval York and Georgian Bath - easy side-trips from London - pack an exciting pair of sightseeing punches.

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

Medieval York and Georgian Bath - easy side-trips from London - pack an exciting pair of sightseeing punches.

From towering Mount Snowdon, to evocative medieval castles, to sweeping Victorian promenades, North Wales is a poem written in landscape.

From towering Mount Snowdon, to evocative medieval castles, to sweeping Victorian promenades, North Wales is a poem written in landscape.

From towering Mount Snowdon, to evocative medieval castles, to sweeping Victorian promenades, North Wales is a poem written in landscape.

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.

From towering Mount Snowdon, to evocative medieval castles, to sweeping Victorian promenades, North Wales is a poem written in landscape.

Edinburgh is the historical and cultural heart of Scotland.

Edinburgh is the historical and cultural heart of Scotland.

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.

Edinburgh is the historical and cultural heart of Scotland.

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.

Edinburgh is the historical and cultural heart of Scotland.

Naples is Italy in the extreme. We'll prowl backstreet fish markets, dodge fast-moving Vespas, and dine on pizza where it was invented.

Naples is Italy in the extreme. We'll prowl backstreet fish markets, dodge fast-moving Vespas, and dine on pizza where it was invented.

Naples is Italy in the extreme. We'll prowl backstreet fish markets, dodge fast-moving Vespas, and dine on pizza where it was invented.

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

Just south of Naples we'll experience the breath-taking Amalfi Coastline, the trendy resort of Positano, the limoncello charms of Sorrento, the ancient Greek temples at Paestum, and the iridescent Blue Grotto hidden beneath the enchanting isle of Capri.

No trip to Italy is complete without Milan and Lake Como.

No trip to Italy is complete without Milan and Lake Como.

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.

No trip to Italy is complete without Milan and Lake Como.

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.

No trip to Italy is complete without Milan and Lake Como.

The small towns and rural charms of Tuscany give us a healthy dose of the "sweet life" as we hunt for truffles in an oak forest, nibble through an artichoke festival, share a farmhouse feast, and ride a classic convertible through the cypress groves of Mona Lisa's back yard.

The small towns and rural charms of Tuscany give us a healthy dose of the "sweet life" as we hunt for truffles in an oak forest, nibble through an artichoke festival, share a farmhouse feast, and ride a classic convertible through the cypress groves of Mona Lisa's back yard.

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.

The small towns and rural charms of Tuscany give us a healthy dose of the "sweet life" as we hunt for truffles in an oak forest, nibble through an artichoke festival, share a farmhouse feast, and ride a classic convertible through the cypress groves of Mona Lisa's back yard.

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.

The small towns and rural charms of Tuscany give us a healthy dose of the "sweet life" as we hunt for truffles in an oak forest, nibble through an artichoke festival, share a farmhouse feast, and ride a classic convertible through the cypress groves of Mona Lisa's back yard.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 shadow of Venice, we visit three great cities.

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

In the shadow of Venice, we visit three great cities.

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.

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

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

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

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.

By train, bike, and boat, we visit the top Dutch sights outside of Amsterdam: from Haarlem to Rotterdam, and from Delft to the Zuiderzee.

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.

The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague is the best-preserved Baroque city in Central Europe.

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

The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague is the best-preserved Baroque city in Central Europe.

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.