Rick Steves' Europe

Venice: Serene, Decadent and Still Kicking

Sorting through the monuments of magical Venice, we trace its decline from Europe's most powerful city to its most hedon

Venice Side-Trips: The Best of Veneto

Pulling on hip boots, we settle into the muck of Venice, then take a speedboat tour of the lagoon. On the mainland, we h

Florence: City of Art

In the birthplace of the Renaissance, we look into the eyes of Michelangelo's David and Botticelli's Venus, learn tricks

Siena and Assisi: Italy's Grand Hill Towns

In red-bricked Siena, we tour the town's innovative medieval hospital, lavish cathedral, and a bakery that makes panfort

Cinque Terre: Italy's Hidden Riviera

In these five idyllic port towns, we sample village life: fishing for anchovies at midnight, savoring the best pesto, pi

Amsterdam and Dutch Side-Trips

Amsterdam stimulates all the senses, with Rembrandt's and stately architecture from its Golden Age, hidden churches and

Prague and the Czech Republic

Newly energized Prague, slinky with sumptuous Art Nouveau facades, is perpetually playing Mozart and Vivaldi. Eastern Eu

Dublin and Mystical Side Trips

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

South Ireland: Waterford to the Ring of Kerry

We find the icons of Ireland strewn along its fascinating south coast: Waterford's much-loved crystal factory; the Kenne

The Best of West Ireland: Dingle, Galway, and the Aran Islands

Deepest Ireland is best experienced on its west coast in Gaeltachts - where the people speak Gaelic and the rugged villa

Berlin: Resilient, Reunited and Reborn

Berlin is back, resuming its place as a great European capital. We climb the Reichstag's glass dome, sway at a modern-da

Germany's Romantic Rhine and Rothenburg

Cruising the Rhine River, we dodge riverboat traffic and the legendary Lorelei. After climbing castles and descending in

Munich and the Foothills of the Alps

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

Switzerland's Jungfrau Region: Best of the Alps

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

The Majesty of Madrid

Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days. We tour the lavish Royal Palace, enjoy art-packed museums, and look d

Highlights of Castile: Toledo and Salamanca

Castile sparkles with Roman Segovia, walled Avila, student-filled Salamanca, and holy Toledo! We marvel at El Greco, pop

Normandy: War-Torn Yet Full of Life

After exploring the half-timbered charm of Rouen, we reflect on Monet's lily ponds, peek in on local artisans, and set u

Belfast and the Best of Northern Ireland

No trip to Emerald Isle is complete without a visit to Northern Ireland. We tour bustling Belfast, sneaking a peek at it

London: Mod and Trad

London is quintessentially English, yet cosmopolitan. We check out the new — the Millennium Bridge and the British Mus

Highlights of Paris: Eiffel and Monet to Crème Brûlée

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

Belgium: Bruges and Brussels

Belgium is a land of contrasts. From the powerhouse headquarters of the European Union and Europe's grandest square in b

Provence: Legendary Light, Wind, and Wine

Provence, known for its soft light and fierce wind, is as loved by Americans as it is by the sun. We climb Roman ruins i

French Riviera: Uniquely Chic

A longtime favorite escape of Europe's elite, the Riviera coastline still sparkles with yachts. In fairytale Monaco we l

Poland Rediscovered: Kraków, Auschwitz, and Warsaw

Poland is ready to be rediscovered as the old "east" transforms itself into the new heart of Europe. Krakow, with its bu

Budapest: The Best of Hungary

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

Lisbon and the Algarve

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

Sevilla

Sevilla, Spain, is the flamboyant city of Carmen and Don Juan. It's where bullfighting is still politically correct and

England's Bath and York

Medieval York and Georgian Bath — easy side trips from London — pack an exciting pair of sightseeing punches. We'll

North Wales: Feisty and Poetic

From towering Mount Snowdon and evocative medieval castles to grand Victorian promenades, North Wales is a poem written

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the historical and cultural heart of Scotland. We'll explore the city's castle, peek at the new parliament,

Naples and Pompeii

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

Italy's Amalfi Coast

Just south of Naples, we'll experience the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, the trendy resort of Positano, the limoncello char

Milan and Lake Como

No trip to Italy is complete without Milan and Lake Como. In Milan we'll take a peek at Italy's highest fashion, fancies

Tuscany's Dolce Vita

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

Italy's Great Hill Towns

Connoisseurs of Italy find its quintessential charms survive in its classic hill towns. From San Gimignano's medieval to

Vienna

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

Salzburg and Surroundings

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

The Making Of

After 16 years and seventy travel shows, Rick and his crew take you behind the scenes to show you just how they produce

Burgundy: Profoundly French

Burgundy is a calm and cultivated corner of France, where fine living is intimately tied to nature and traditions run st

France's Dordogne

The Dordogne River Valley — with its dramatic castles, evocative cave paintings, and prized cuisine — is an unforget

Barcelona and Catalunya

The creative spirit of Spain's Catalunya — the land of Picasso, Gaudí, and Salvador Dalí — is on a roll. We'll get

Little Europe: Five Micro-Countries

Don't blink as we blitz through Europe's tiniest countries: Vatican City, the planet's smallest country, boasts the its

Switzerland's Great Cities

Focusing on Switzerland's often-overlooked urban charms, we explore lakeside Luzern, cobbled Bern, spire-filled Zürich,

Vienna and the Danube

For centuries, Vienna was the crown jewel of the rich and powerful Habsburg Empire. A century after that empire's fall,

The Czech Republic Beyond Prague

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

Athens and Side Trips

The thriving capital of Greece sprawls out from the foot of its magnificent Acropolis. We'll tour the must-sees of ancie

Greece's Peloponnese

After exploring the ancient capital of Mycenae, we'll enjoy Greece's charming old port town of Nafplio, take center stag

Copenhagen

As we get to know Copenhagen, we'll discover reminders of its Viking history and see reflections today of its proudly in

Denmark Beyond Copenhagen

Using Copenhagen as a springboard, we'll visit the very best of Denmark. Aarhus welcomes us with its ruddy affluence, ch

Istanbul

Iran: Tehran and Side Trips

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

Iran: Historic Capitals

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

Andalucía: The Best of Southern Spain

Join Rick as he weaves Andalucía's rich mix of culture, cuisine, history, and natural wonders into a 60-minute special.

Croatia: Adriatic Delights

A fascinating land with a hard-fought history in a complex corner of Europe, Croatia is emerging as one of Europe’s to

Dubrovnik and Balkan Side-Trips

Nestled inside its mighty ramparts is Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." From this remarkably preserved medieval fo

The Best of Slovenia

Little Slovenia is the least visited and most underrated of Europe's alpine countries. From its prosperous capital of Lj

Granada, Córdoba, and Spain's Costa del Sol

Andalucía's Moorish heritage sparkles in the historic capitals of Granada and Córdoba. And the pride of the Reconquist

Andalucía, Gibraltar, and Tangier

Exploring Andalucía, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture. Starting up high, in Spain's whitewashed hill t

Oslo

The proud spirit of the Norwegian people shines in every dimension of their capital city — from its once-fearsome Viki

Norway's West: Fjords, Mountains and Bergen

For Scandinavia's most thrilling sightseeing, we sail under towering fjord cliffs, hike on powerful glaciers, and find s

Stockholm

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

Helsinki and Tallinn: Baltic Sisters

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

Northern Spain and the Camino de Santiago

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

Basque Country

The homeland of the proud and resilient Basque people is split between France and Spain. From our San Sebastián home ba

Rome: Ancient Glory

Part one of three shows on the Eternal City, this episode resurrects the rubble and brings back to life the capital of t

Rome: Baroque Brilliance

This second of three shows on Rome reveals a city busy with life and bursting with Baroque. We'll ramble through the ven

Rome: Back Street Riches

In this third of three shows on the Eternal City, we'll explore this grand metropolis — so rich in art and culture —

Florence: Heart of the Renaissance

Fifteenth-century Florence was the home of the Renaissance and the birthplace of our modern world. In this first of two

Florentine Delights and Tuscan Sidetrips

In this second of two episodes on Florence, we'll enjoy more of the exquisite artistic treasures of the city that propel

Paris: Regal and Intimate

In Paris, amidst all of its grandeur, the little joys of life are still embraced. In this first of two episodes on Paris

Paris: Embracing Life and Art

In this second of two episodes on Europe's "City of Light," we'll ride a unicorn into the Middle Ages at the Cluny Museu

London: Historic and Dynamic

In many-faceted London, we’ll ponder royal tombs in Westminster Abbey, discover treasures in the British Library, enjo

North England's Lake District and Durham

Hiking through the Cumbrian Lake District — England's green and pristine mountain playground — we'll admire idyllic

Venice: City of Dreams

Venice, more than any other European city, has an endlessly seductive charm. For centuries, it was nicknamed La Sereniss

Venice and Its Lagoon

Join us as we trace the life of Venice, once Europe's most powerful city, from its early beginnings to its superpower he

European Travel Skills (1)

In this first of three shows covering travel skills, we'll visit the Netherlands and Germany to learn about transportati

European Travel Skills (2)

In this second of three shows focusing on travel skills, we'll visit Venice, Siena, and the Cinque Terre in Italy to lea

European Travel Skills (3)

In this third of three shows focusing on travel skills, we'll visit the Swiss Alps, Paris, and London while covering tip

Western Turkey

The streets of ancient Ephesus; natural spa at Pamukkale; lunch in a Turkish pizzeria; cruising the Mediterranean on a t

Central Turkey

We marvel at the fascinating landscape of Cappadocia from high above in a balloon...and from deep below, prowling an und

France's Loire: Chateau Country

Along the Loire River Valley, the beautiful French countryside is studded with evocative châteaux. Home-basing in Amboi

Paris Side-Trips

Side-tripping from Paris into the Ile-de-France, we indulge in the world of royal and aristocratic extravagance in the p

The Best of Israel

We start in Jerusalem, alive with religious tradition and passion — Christian, Muslim, and Jewish. We then visit cosmo

Palestine

Palestine is the Muslim and Arab half of the Holy Land. After visiting Jerusalem, we harvest olives near Ramallah, follo

Italy's Riviera: Cinque Terre

Exploring Italy's most remote and romantic stretch of Riviera, we visit five tiny port towns: dramatic Vernazza, surroun

Italy's Veneto: Verona, Padua, and Ravenna

In the shadow of Venice, we visit three great cities. Padua is famed for its venerable university, precious Giotto fresc

Amsterdam

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

The Netherlands Beyond Amsterdam

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

Prague

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

Berlin

A tumultuous 20th century left Berlin filled with powerful sights — from evocative memorials, to surviving bits of its

Germany's Hamburg and the Luther Trail

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

Germany's Dresden and Leipzig

Saxony, part of the former East Germany, remains a secret to most travelers. We'll visit the two great cities of the reg

Germany's Frankfurt and Nürnberg

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

Bulgaria

Bulgaria, so mysterious to most Americans, has a vivid identity as a crossroads of the Balkans. We'll trace the country'

Romania

We'll tour Romania's vibrant capital, Bucharest, with its "Little Paris of the East" architecture and lingering reminder

Assisi and Italian Country Charm

In the Italian countryside, we'll connect with rustic, traditional culture: enjoying an agriturismo (farmhouse inn), see

Siena and Tuscany's Wine Country

Siena, once a proud and independent city-state, retains its confidence and unique traditions. We'll enjoy a front-row se

West England

The quintessence of charming England is the "West Country": quaint Cotswold villages with their fine churches, manor hom

Southeast England

Arcing along the southeast coast of England, we'll travel from Canterbury (with its famous cathedral) to Dover (stoutly

England's Cornwall

The far southwest of England is a world unto itself, with a persistent Cornish culture. We'll explore a world of flowers

The Heart of England

The heartland of England has sights that put the "Great" in Britain — its venerable universities, its royal heritage,

Lisbon

Lisbon, built with the riches of Portugal's New World discoveries, has a rustic charm. We'll remember great navigators,

Portugal's Heartland

Portugal has an oversized history, fascinating culture, and boatloads of sardines. Saving the capital city of Lisbon for

Travel Skills: Cruising

Setting sail on the Mediterranean, we'll explore the ins and outs and pros and cons of cruising. We'll learn how to get

Greek Islands: Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes

We'll island-hop through the Aegean, sampling three classic Greek getaways — Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes — and ba

European Festivals (1)

In this first of two episodes on Europe's greatest festivals, we'll cheer with the masses at Siena's crazy Palio horse r

European Festivals (2)

In this second of two episodes on Europe's greatest festivals, we'll dance with Spaniards at Sevilla's April Fair, celeb

The Best of Sicily

This tour of Sicilian highlights starts in Palermo, where we'll sing with the merchants in the markets, join locals in t

Sicilian Delights

Sicily serves up a full-bodied and tasty travel experience. We'll dine on fresh seafood at the fisherman's harbor in Cef

Scotland's Highlands

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

Scotland's Islands

We'll begin on the tranquil Isle of Iona, where Christianity first reached the shores of Scotland. Then we'll visit anot

Glasgow and Scottish Passions

Glasgow, once an industrial powerhouse, offers a fun look at Scotland's vibrantly gritty urban side — full of edgy str

Austrian and Italian Alps

In the Alps of Austria and Italy, we celebrate both nature and culture. After conquering the Zugspitze, we tour Innsbruc

Swiss Alps

Switzerland draws travelers from around the world for its legendary mountains. From the Matterhorn to the Jungfrau to Ap

French Alps and Lyon

After exploring the proud cuisine capital of Lyon — which, at least in its own mind, rivals Paris — we head for Cham

Germany's Fascist History

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

Egypt's Cairo

Teeming Cairo, straddling the Nile, is the capital of Egypt and one of the leading cities of the Muslim world. With 20 m

Egypt's Nile, Alexandria, and Luxor

Exploring the Nile Valley from north to south, we see the highlights of Egypt. In the fabled city of Alexandria, we vent

Ethiopia: A Development Story

Venturing beyond Europe, and with local experts as his guides, Rick uses Ethiopia as a classroom for understanding globa

Why We Travel

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

Art of Prehistoric Europe

As the Ice Age glaciers melted, prehistoric Europe bloomed with surprisingly sophisticated art. From Ireland to France,

Art of Ancient Greece

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art. Traveling from its sun-splashed isles to the rugged mainland to bust

Ancient Roman Art

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

Art of the Roman Empire

With its vast empire, ancient Rome gave Europe its first common culture. From England to Turkey, we explore the greatest

Art of the Early Middle Ages

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

Art of the High Middle Ages

As Europe passed AD 1000, its growing prosperity was reflected in soaring Gothic cathedrals graced with colorful altarpi

Art of the Florentine Renaissance

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

Art of the Renaissance Beyond Florence

From Italy, the Renaissance spread across Europe, revolutionizing art. We travel to Spain and Portugal where overseas pl

Baroque Art

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

Art of the Neoclassical and Romantic Ages

Around 1800, Europe was in transition, reflected in two art styles. First, we visit Europe's great cities with their sta

Art of the Impressionists and Beyond

Art of the 20th Century

Europe's tumultuous 20th century spawned a kaleidoscope of cutting-edge art. From Spain to Hungary, Glasgow to Oslo, we

Iceland's Reykjavík and the Golden Circle

Reykjavík is a world capital with a small-town feel. We tour the city's endearing sights, get to know the uniquely Icel

Iceland's Ring Road

Europe's ultimate road trip is the 800-mile loop around Iceland on Highway 1 — the Ring Road. We visit the geothermal

Kraków: Poland's Historic Capital

In Kraków, we linger on one of Europe's most crowd-pleasing squares, marvel at past glories in art galleries and at Waw

Poland's Warsaw and Gdańsk

Warsaw, the heartbeat of contemporary Poland, is gilded with a grand palace, home to a hard-fought 20th-century histor

Italy's Highlights

From north to south, Italy is a nonstop highlight reel. On this whirlwind look back through our travels, we sample la do

Burgundy: Gourmet Barge Cruise

We set a course on a tranquil cruise of the rivers and canals of France's Burgundy region. Aboard a century-old barge-tu

Paris of the Parisians

Paris is a world-class city — but also one that to millions is simply home. On this adventure, we're going local. We s

Istanbul: Capital of Emperors and Sultans

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

Istanbul: Turkish Delights

In Istanbul, we sample the wonders of this city that bridges two continents. After cruising the busy port of the Bosphor

London: A Royal Tour

Our royal tour of London starts with red-coat pageantry at Buckingham Palace. Riding red buses, black cabs, and the Tube

London: Yesterday and Today

Getting up to date in London, we jog with locals in Hyde Park, marvel at cultural treasures in the British Museum and Vi