Rick Steves' Europe

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Edinburgh is the historical and cultural heart of Scotland.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

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

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.

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.