Rick Steves' Europe

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days.

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.

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.

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.

London is quintessentially English...yet cosmopolitan.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Exploring Italy's most remote and romantic stretch of Riviera, we visit five tiny port towns: dramatic Vernazza, surrounded by vineyards; reclusive Corniglia, high on its bluff; pastel Manarola; hardscrabble Riomaggiore; and the pint-sized resort of Monterosso.

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.

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

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

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

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

In the shadow of Venice, we visit three great cities.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

Edinburgh is the historical and cultural heart of Scotland.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.