Rick Steves' Europe

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

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

Sevilla is the flamboyant city of Carmen and Don Juan.

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

Sevilla is the flamboyant city of Carmen and Don Juan.

Sevilla is the flamboyant city of Carmen and Don Juan.

Sevilla is the flamboyant city of Carmen and Don Juan.

The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague is the best-preserved Baroque city in Central Europe.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

A tumultuous 20th century left Berlin filled with powerful sights - from evocative memorials, to surviving bits of its communist and fascist days, to its glass-domed Reichstag.

Edinburgh is the historical and cultural heart of Scotland.

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

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

Edinburgh is the historical and cultural heart of Scotland.

Edinburgh is the historical and cultural heart of Scotland.

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

Edinburgh is the historical and cultural heart of Scotland.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hamburg, Germany's mighty port city has risen from the ashes of World War II with a gleaming new skyline and a brisk creative energy.

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

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

Just south of Naples we'll experience the breath-taking Amalfi Coastline, the trendy resort of Positano, the limoncello charms of Sorrento, the ancient Greek temples at Paestum, and the iridescent Blue Grotto hidden beneath the enchanting isle of Capri.

Just south of Naples we'll experience the breath-taking Amalfi Coastline, the trendy resort of Positano, the limoncello charms of Sorrento, the ancient Greek temples at Paestum, and the iridescent Blue Grotto hidden beneath the enchanting isle of Capri.

Just south of Naples we'll experience the breath-taking Amalfi Coastline, the trendy resort of Positano, the limoncello charms of Sorrento, the ancient Greek temples at Paestum, and the iridescent Blue Grotto hidden beneath the enchanting isle of Capri.

Saxony, part of the former East Germany, remains a secret to most travelers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After 16 years and more than 100 travel shows, Rick and his crew take you behind the scenes to show you just how they produce this series.

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

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

After 16 years and more than 100 travel shows, Rick and his crew take you behind the scenes to show you just how they produce this series.

After 16 years and more than 100 travel shows, Rick and his crew take you behind the scenes to show you just how they produce this series.

After 16 years and more than 100 travel shows, Rick and his crew take you behind the scenes to show you just how they produce this series.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As he's done with previous programs on Israel, Egypt, and Eastern Turkey, Rick takes us beyond Europe to a place that's rich with history.

As he's done with previous programs on Israel, Egypt, and Eastern Turkey, Rick takes us beyond Europe to a place that's rich with history.

As he's done with previous programs on Israel, Egypt, and Eastern Turkey, Rick takes us beyond Europe to a place that's rich with history.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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 Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

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

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 Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

Exploring Andalucia, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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