Rick Steves' Europe

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

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

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

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.

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

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

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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 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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.