Rick Steves' Europe

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

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

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

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

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

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

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

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

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

The quintessence of charming England is the "West Country": quaint Cotswold villages with their fine churches, manor homes, and gastropubs; Wells, England's smallest cathedral town; and the New Age capital of Glastonbury, with its legends of the Holy Grail and King Arthur.

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

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

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

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

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

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).

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

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

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

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

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

Glasgow, once an industrial powerhouse, offers a fun look at Scotland's vibrantly gritty urban side - full of edgy street art, trendy dining, and the striking architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

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

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

Glasgow, once an industrial powerhouse, offers a fun look at Scotland's vibrantly gritty urban side - full of edgy street art, trendy dining, and the striking architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Glasgow, once an industrial powerhouse, offers a fun look at Scotland's vibrantly gritty urban side - full of edgy street art, trendy dining, and the striking architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Glasgow, once an industrial powerhouse, offers a fun look at Scotland's vibrantly gritty urban side - full of edgy street art, trendy dining, and the striking architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Venturing beyond Europe, and with local experts as his guides, Rick uses Ethiopia as a classroom for understanding global hunger and extreme poverty - and how to beat it.

In this first of two episodes on Europe's greatest festivals, Rick cheers with the masses at Siena's crazy Palio horse race, tosses a caber at a Scottish Highland Games, dons a mask for Carnevale in Venice, and celebrates Easter in Greece.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

This tour of Sicilian highlights starts in Palermo, where Rick sings with the merchants in the markets, joins locals in their passeggiata, drops in on a contessa, and marvels at the Romanesque cathedral of Monreale.

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

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

Glasgow, once an industrial powerhouse, offers a fun look at Scotland's vibrantly gritty urban side - full of edgy street art, trendy dining, and the striking architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days.

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

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

Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days.

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

Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days.

Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

London is quintessentially English...yet cosmopolitan.

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.

London is quintessentially English...yet cosmopolitan.

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 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.

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.

London is quintessentially English...yet cosmopolitan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.