Rick Steves' Europe

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days.

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

Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days.

Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days.

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

London is quintessentially English...yet cosmopolitan.

London is quintessentially English...yet cosmopolitan.

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

London is quintessentially English...yet cosmopolitan.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Poland is ready to be rediscovered as the old "east" transforms itself into the new heart of Europe.

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

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

Poland is ready to be rediscovered as the old "east" transforms itself into the new heart of Europe.

Poland is ready to be rediscovered as the old "east" transforms itself into the new heart of Europe.

Poland is ready to be rediscovered as the old "east" transforms itself into the new heart of Europe.

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

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

Sevilla is the flamboyant city of Carmen and Don Juan.

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

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

Sevilla is the flamboyant city of Carmen and Don Juan.

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

Sevilla is the flamboyant city of Carmen and Don Juan.

Sevilla is the flamboyant city of Carmen and Don Juan.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Edinburgh is the historical and cultural heart of Scotland.

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

Edinburgh is the historical and cultural heart of Scotland.

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

Edinburgh is the historical and cultural heart of Scotland.

Edinburgh is the historical and cultural heart of Scotland.

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

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

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

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.

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

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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