Rick Steves' Europe

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

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

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

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

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

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 the shadow of Venice, we visit three great cities.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days.

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

Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days.

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.

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.

Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Sevilla is the flamboyant city of Carmen and Don Juan.

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

Sevilla is the flamboyant city of Carmen and Don Juan.

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.

Sevilla is the flamboyant city of Carmen and Don Juan.

Sevilla is the flamboyant city of Carmen and Don Juan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

Edinburgh is the historical and cultural heart of Scotland.

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

Edinburgh is the historical and cultural heart of Scotland.

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

Edinburgh is the historical and cultural heart of Scotland.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.