Rick Steves' Europe

Skyscraper-studded Frankfurt - with so much commerce it's nicknamed "Bankfurt" - has a delightful-to-explore old center.

Skyscraper-studded Frankfurt - with so much commerce it's nicknamed "Bankfurt" - has a delightful-to-explore old center.

In Krakow, we linger on one of Europe's most crowd-pleasing squares, marvel at past glories in art galleries and at Wawel Castle, and savor Polish cuisine - including a lesson in making pierogi by hand.

Bulgaria, so mysterious to most Americans, has a vivid identity as a crossroads of the Balkans.

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

Bulgaria, so mysterious to most Americans, has a vivid identity as a crossroads of the Balkans.

In Krakow, we linger on one of Europe's most crowd-pleasing squares, marvel at past glories in art galleries and at Wawel Castle, and savor Polish cuisine - including a lesson in making pierogi by hand.

Bulgaria, so mysterious to most Americans, has a vivid identity as a crossroads of the Balkans.

Bulgaria, so mysterious to most Americans, has a vivid identity as a crossroads of the Balkans.

Warsaw, the heartbeat of contemporary Poland, is gilded with a grand palace, home to a hard-fought 20th-century history, and busy with Chopin concerts.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

Warsaw, the heartbeat of contemporary Poland, is gilded with a grand palace, home to a hard-fought 20th-century history, and busy with Chopin concerts.

In Krakow, we linger on one of Europe's most crowd-pleasing squares, marvel at past glories in art galleries and at Wawel Castle, and savor Polish cuisine - including a lesson in making pierogi by hand.

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

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.

In Krakow, we linger on one of Europe's most crowd-pleasing squares, marvel at past glories in art galleries and at Wawel Castle, and savor Polish cuisine - including a lesson in making pierogi by hand.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 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 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.

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

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).

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.

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

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).

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).

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).

Paris is a world-class city - but also one that to millions is simply home.

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

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

Paris is a world-class city - but also one that to millions is simply home.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Paris is a world-class city - but also one that to millions is simply home.

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

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

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

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

Warsaw, the heartbeat of contemporary Poland, is gilded with a grand palace, home to a hard-fought 20th-century history, and busy with Chopin concerts.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In 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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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

In this 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.

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.

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

In 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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Paris is a world-class city - but also one that to millions is simply home.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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 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.

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

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.

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

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

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.

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

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

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

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

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

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

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

Paris is a world-class city - but also one that to millions is simply home.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

Paris is a world-class city - but also one that to millions is simply home.

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

Paris is a world-class city - but also one that to millions is simply home.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

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.

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

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

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.