Rick Steves' Europe

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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 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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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).

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

After exploring the proud cuisine capital of Lyon - which, at least in its own mind, rivals Paris - we head for Chamonix, in the shadow of Europe's tallest peak: Mont Blanc.

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

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

After exploring the proud cuisine capital of Lyon - which, at least in its own mind, rivals Paris - we head for Chamonix, in the shadow of Europe's tallest peak: Mont Blanc.

After exploring the proud cuisine capital of Lyon - which, at least in its own mind, rivals Paris - we head for Chamonix, in the shadow of Europe's tallest peak: Mont Blanc.

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

After exploring the proud cuisine capital of Lyon - which, at least in its own mind, rivals Paris - we head for Chamonix, in the shadow of Europe's tallest peak: Mont Blanc.

Traveling across Germany, we learn how fascism rose and then fell, taking millions of people with it.

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

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.

Traveling across Germany, we learn how fascism rose and then fell, taking millions of people with it.

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.

Traveling across Germany, we learn how fascism rose and then fell, taking millions of people with it.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Exploring the Nile Valley from north to south, we see the highlights of Egypt.

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

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

Exploring the Nile Valley from north to south, we see the highlights of Egypt.

Exploring the Nile Valley from north to south, we see the highlights of Egypt.

Exploring the Nile Valley from north to south, we see the highlights of Egypt.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

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

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

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

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

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edinburgh is the historical and cultural heart of Scotland.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After exploring the proud cuisine capital of Lyon - which, at least in its own mind, rivals Paris - we head for Chamonix, in the shadow of Europe's tallest peak: Mont Blanc.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Dublin's story is of feast and famine: from its 18th-century Golden Age to its 20th-century struggles for independence to its boomtime today.

Traveling across Germany, we learn how fascism rose and then fell, taking millions of people with it.

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

Dublin's story is of feast and famine: from its 18th-century Golden Age to its 20th-century struggles for independence to its boomtime today.

Dublin's story is of feast and famine: from its 18th-century Golden Age to its 20th-century struggles for independence to its boomtime today.

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.

Dublin's story is of feast and famine: from its 18th-century Golden Age to its 20th-century struggles for independence to its boomtime today.

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.

We find the story of Ireland strewn along its fascinating south coast: Waterford's much-loved crystal factory; the Kennedy family homestead; the Dunbrody famine ship; and Kinsale's star-shaped fortresses.

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

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.

We find the story of Ireland strewn along its fascinating south coast: Waterford's much-loved crystal factory; the Kennedy family homestead; the Dunbrody famine ship; and Kinsale's star-shaped fortresses.

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.

We find the story of Ireland strewn along its fascinating south coast: Waterford's much-loved crystal factory; the Kennedy family homestead; the Dunbrody famine ship; and Kinsale's star-shaped fortresses.

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.

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

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

Ireland in the extreme is best experienced on its west coast in Gaeltachts, where the people speak Gaelic and the rugged villages have changed little over the generations.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Exploring the Nile Valley from north to south, we see the highlights of Egypt.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days.

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

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

Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days.

Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days.

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

Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

London is quintessentially English...yet cosmopolitan.

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

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

London is quintessentially English...yet cosmopolitan.

London is quintessentially English...yet cosmopolitan.