Rick Steves' Europe

Around 1800, Europe was in transition, reflected in two art styles.

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.

Paris is a world-class city - but also one that to millions is simply home.

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

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 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.

The late-1800s saw old notions of beauty challenged by revolutionary artists.

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.

Istanbul's rich heritage spans the centuries from Christian Byzantium to Muslim Ottoman rule to today's thriving city.

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.

As the Ice Age glaciers melted, prehistoric Europe bloomed with surprisingly sophisticated art.

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.

Europe's tumultuous 20th century spawned a kaleidoscope of cutting-edge art.

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.

In Istanbul, we sample the wonders of this city that bridges two continents.

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.

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

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.

Reykjavik is a world capital with a small-town feel.

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

Our royal tour of London starts with red-coat pageantry at Buckingham Palace.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

After Rome's fall, Europe's Christians kept culture alive with art rooted in their deep faith.

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.

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

Europe's ultimate road trip is the 800-mile loop around Iceland on Highway 1 -- the Ring Road.

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.

Getting up to date in London, we jog with locals in Hyde Park, marvel at cultural treasures in the British Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum, and nibble through a trendy East End food tour before luxuriating over afternoon tea.

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.

We follow Rome's rise through its awe-inspiring art, starting at Rome's humble birthplace in the Forum.

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.

In Krakow, we linger on one of Europe's most crowd-pleasing squares, marvel at past glories in art galleries and at Wawel Castle, and savor Polish cuisine - including a lesson in making pierogi by hand.

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.

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

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

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.

With its vast empire, ancient Rome gave Europe its first common culture.

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.

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

Warsaw, the heartbeat of contemporary Poland, is gilded with a grand palace, home to a hard-fought 20th-century history, and busy with Chopin concerts.

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.

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

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.

After Rome's fall, Europe's Christians kept culture alive with art rooted in their deep faith.

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.

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.

From north to south, Italy is a nonstop highlight reel.

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

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

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

As Europe passed A.D. 1000, its growing prosperity was reflected in soaring Gothic cathedrals graced with colorful altarpieces, lacy stonework, and radiant stained glass.

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.

We set a course for unabashed indulgence on a tranquil cruise of the rivers and canals of France's Burgundy region.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

As Europe passed A.D. 1000, its growing prosperity was reflected in soaring Gothic cathedrals graced with colorful altarpieces, lacy stonework, and radiant stained glass.

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.

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.

Paris is a world-class city - but also one that to millions is simply home.

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

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

After its medieval struggles, Europe rediscovered the art of the ancients, led by booming Florence.

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.

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

Istanbul's rich heritage spans the centuries from Christian Byzantium to Muslim Ottoman rule to today's thriving city.

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

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.

From Italy, the Renaissance spread across Europe, revolutionizing art.

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

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

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

In Istanbul, we sample the wonders of this city that bridges two continents.

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.

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

Forged in Europe's religious struggles, Baroque art inspired the faithful and dazzled the masses.

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.

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.

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.

Our royal tour of London starts with red-coat pageantry at Buckingham Palace.

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

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

Around 1800, Europe was in transition, reflected in two art styles.

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

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

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

Getting up to date in London, we jog with locals in Hyde Park, marvel at cultural treasures in the British Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum, and nibble through a trendy East End food tour before luxuriating over afternoon tea.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

After its medieval struggles, Europe rediscovered the art of the ancients, led by booming Florence.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The late-1800s saw old notions of beauty challenged by revolutionary artists.

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

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

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

A tumultuous 20th century left Berlin filled with powerful sights - from evocative memorials, to surviving bits of its communist and fascist days, to its glass-domed Reichstag.

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

A tumultuous 20th century left Berlin filled with powerful sights - from evocative memorials, to surviving bits of its communist and fascist days, to its glass-domed Reichstag.

Europe's tumultuous 20th century spawned a kaleidoscope of cutting-edge art.

A tumultuous 20th century left Berlin filled with powerful sights - from evocative memorials, to surviving bits of its communist and fascist days, to its glass-domed Reichstag.

A tumultuous 20th century left Berlin filled with powerful sights - from evocative memorials, to surviving bits of its communist and fascist days, to its glass-domed Reichstag.

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

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.

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

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.

Reykjavik is a world capital with a small-town feel.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Europe's ultimate road trip is the 800-mile loop around Iceland on Highway 1 -- the Ring Road.

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

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

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

From Italy, the Renaissance spread across Europe, revolutionizing art.

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

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

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 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.

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

In Krakow, we linger on one of Europe's most crowd-pleasing squares, marvel at past glories in art galleries and at Wawel Castle, and savor Polish cuisine - including a lesson in making pierogi by hand.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

From north to south, Italy is a nonstop highlight reel.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

We set a course for unabashed indulgence on a tranquil cruise of the rivers and canals of France's Burgundy region.

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.

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.

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.

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

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).

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.

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).

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.

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

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).

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.

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

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

Forged in Europe's religious struggles, Baroque art inspired the faithful and dazzled the masses.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Istanbul's rich heritage spans the centuries from Christian Byzantium to Muslim Ottoman rule to today's thriving city.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

In Istanbul, we sample the wonders of this city that bridges two continents.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Our royal tour of London starts with red-coat pageantry at Buckingham Palace.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

Around 1800, Europe was in transition, reflected in two art styles.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Getting up to date in London, we jog with locals in Hyde Park, marvel at cultural treasures in the British Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum, and nibble through a trendy East End food tour before luxuriating over afternoon tea.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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