Mycenae, a hilltop fortress located on the Peloponnesian Peninsula SW of Athens was the hub of a mighty civilization that dominated the Greek world between 1600 and 1200 B.C., a thousand years before Athens' Golden Age. The Mycenaeans were as distant and mysterious to the Golden Age Greeks as Plato and Socrates are to us today. Mycenae lay unappreciated until the 19th century when a treasure trove of gold was unearthed in the necropolis. Today, those treasures, including the so-called "Mask of A...
May 16, 2012•4 min
Lake Como — lined with palm trees and elegant pastel-colored villas, crowned by snowcapped mountains, and criss-crossed by a fleet of ferries and hydrofoils — is a great place to take a break from the intensity of Italy that one finds further south. Just an hour northeast of bustling Milan, Lake Como's ambiance seems to whisper luna di mele (honeymoon). Half the travelers you'll meet here have tossed their itineraries into the lake and are actually relaxing. Bellagio, the self-proclaimed "Pearl ...
May 09, 2012•3 min
Perched high above vineyards and a truffle-filled forest, Motovun on the Istrian peninsula is the best-known and most-visited hill town in the region. And for good reason: Its Old Town is particularly evocative, with a colorful old church and a rampart walk with spine-tingling vistas of the rugged Istrian interior. As you wander through Motovun you may hear the beautiful a cappella sounds of local klapa music. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descript...
May 02, 2012•2 min
After London, York is hands-down the best sightseeing city in England. Everything that's great about Britain finds its best expression in this manageable walled town. York delights with its cobbled lanes lined with half-timbered buildings, a towering cathedral, bevy of excellent museums, and lively streets full of welcoming locals. In or out of its museums, York's fascinating history is on full display from Roman times to the Medieval Era to the Industrial Age. For more information on the Rick S...
Apr 25, 2012•4 min
The land where Spain and France meet the Atlantic is Basque Country. Compared to their more stridently Basque neighbors across the border in Spain, Basques living in France seem more integrated into French culture. Nestled in the Pyrenees, St.-Jean-Pied-de-Port has an endearing energy, with its mix of day tripping families and determined pilgrims using the town as a springboard for the time honored pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in NW Spain, 500 miles away. Visit Bayonne on the coast to fe...
Apr 18, 2012•3 min
Finland's leading city, with over half a million people, is the only European capital with no medieval past. Founded in the 16th century by the Swedes, the Russians took over Finland in 1809 and modeled the city after their capital, St. Petersburg with handsome architecture and grand boulevards. The daily arrival of cruise ships from around the Baltic Sea energizes Helsinki. Visitors and locals head directly for the bustling harbor square with its colorful outdoor market — "the" place for a casu...
Apr 11, 2012•3 min
Brussels is the capital of a united Europe — only Washington DC has more lobbyists. While tourists munch tasty treats in the historic town center, on the outskirts of this bilingual city are the bustling modern headquarters of the European Parliament. Inside this glassy Tower of Babel, hundreds of politicians are hard at work shaping Europe's future. For centuries, Europe's cultural and political differences often led to war. Today's challenge is to respect these differences while building a dem...
Apr 04, 2012•2 min
Centuries of wind and warriors have rounded the corners of Harrans' fortress. Here, 500 miles SE of Istanbul near the Syrian border it seems the people and their ways of life have changed little. Many locals live in conical mud brick dwellings and women don colorful scarves. According to the Bible, Abraham settled here on his way to the promised land in Canaan about 1900 BC, making Harran one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on earth. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV...
Mar 28, 2012•2 min
The Isle of Capri, a short boat ride from Sorrento or Naples is well worth a visit. The main town of Capri sits in a saddle above the port. The main square of this cute and touristy shopping mecca has steep prices but the window shopping is free. Up the hill lies Anacapri, the island’s second town with fewer tourists, a little more character, and a passion for colorful Majolica tiles. Ride the chairlift to the summit of Monte Solaro for stunning Mediterranean views and a delightful downhill hike...
Mar 21, 2012•3 min
For a taste of Norway's romanticism, visit the mellow town of Solvorn with its dramatic setting on the Lustrafjord, an arm of the majestic Sognefjord. This sleepy village, with colorful boathouses lining its waterfront, seems contentedly trapped in the past. The historic Hotel Walaker offers tasty local cuisine and views to drool over. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations an...
Mar 14, 2012•2 min
Bayeux, a town 140 miles west of Paris in the Normandy region, is famous for the Bayeux Tapestry. This 230 foot long embroidery, housed in an excellent museum, tells the story of arguably the most memorable event of the Middle Ages — the pivotal Battle of Hastings in 1066 where the Norman leader William the Conqueror defeated Harold to claim the throne of England. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel i...
Mar 07, 2012•2 min
Lake Bled — nestled in NW Slovenia's Julian Alps — comes complete with a sweeping mountain panorama, a cliff-hanging castle, a lazy lakeside promenade, and the country's most sought-after desserts. While Bled has all the modern resort-town amenities, its most endearing quality is its stunning romantic setting. Fun-loving wedding parties flock to the church perched upon the lake's fairy-tale island. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, script...
Feb 29, 2012•2 min
Spaniards know Ronda, one of the White Hill Towns of Andalucía, as the cradle of modern bullfighting and for its stunning cliffside location. The real joy of Ronda lies in exploring the old and new sections, taking in its beautiful balconies, exuberant flowerpots, and panoramic views into the gorge far below. Strolling the back streets, you feel a strong local pride and sense of community where mingling over delicious tapas is a time-honored tradition. For more information on the Rick Steves' Eu...
Feb 22, 2012•4 min
Stockholm's compact island core is charming, photogenic, and full of antiques shops, street lanterns and surprises like the beautiful Lutheran cathedral . The main drag is a favorite with shoppers and tourists. But just a block or two from the commotion, the atmosphere changes. Tranquil lanes feel much like they did back in the 17th century, when all of Stockholm fit on Gamla Stan. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating ...
Feb 15, 2012•2 min
The National Archaeological Museum in Athens is the single best place on earth to see ancient Greek artifacts. Strolling through the chronologically displayed collection — from 7,000 B.C. to A.D. 500 — is like watching a time-lapse movie of the evolution of art. You’ll go from the stylized figurines of the Cycladic Islands, to the golden artifacts of the Mycenaeans, to the stiff, stoic kouros statues of the Archaic age. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episod...
Feb 08, 2012•4 min
Slate mining played a blockbuster role in Welsh heritage and visitors are welcome at the Llechwedd mine, nestled in the rugged terrain of North Wales. After a train ride deep into the mountain, a guide tells of the harsh working conditions and traditional mining techniques and demonstrates the art of slate splitting. While the mining culture is virtually gone, the tradition of singing survives. Welsh men's choirs are world-famous for their beautiful music. Town choirs welcome tourists at both th...
Feb 01, 2012•2 min
Split's residents are literally living in a Roman palace. In the fourth century AD the Roman Emperor Diocletian retired and built a vast residence to live out his golden years here in his native Dalmatia. Later when Rome fell, Diocletian's palace was abandoned. Eventually, a medieval town sprouted from its abandoned classical shell and his mausoleum became a cathedral. To this day, the maze of narrow alleys — once literally Diocletian's hallways — make up the core of Split. Nearby, the seaside p...
Jan 25, 2012•4 min
Tucked into a bend of its river, Córdoba is rich in Roman, Moorish and Christian history. Within massive old town walls, inviting courtyards and convivial squares beckon. The heart of the city is dominated by the glorious Mezquita, a mosque/cathedral complex that epitomizes a turbulent past. Yet despite long periods of conflict, the Golden Age of the 10th century saw Jews, Christians and Muslims living here in harmony. As is typical of Andalucía, Córdoba is a people-friendly city, bursting with ...
Jan 18, 2012•4 min
A cab is the best way to tour Belfast's sectarian neighborhoods and their gripping political murals. Just west of downtown, Falls Road (Catholic) and the Shankhill Road (Protestant) are two well-known areas. And your ride can come with an education; for a reasonable hourly fee, many cabbies give visitors impromptu tours that will give you insights into the "Troubles", a conflict that is thankfully much less volatile than it has been in the past. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV...
Jan 11, 2012•3 min
Italy is literally covered in vineyards. An hour north of Rome, near the hill town of Orvieto is the Tenuta le Vellete winery. A tour of this family-run property includes the main house with its atmospheric Etruscan cellars, stunning views from the terrace and a chance to taste several wines including the famous Orvieto Classico. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more...
Jan 04, 2012•4 min
Just outside of Copenhagen is Frederiksborg castle, built in the early 1600s by Denmark's greatest king, Christian IV. Many consider this "Danish Versailles" to be the grandest castle in all of Scandinavia. The king imported Dutch Renaissance architects to create his own striking "Christian IV style" used here and in fancy buildings all over Copenhagen. Inside the castle you'll find an excellent museum of Danish history. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episo...
Dec 28, 2011•3 min
Christmas in Europe is rich with tradition. About 500 years ago Germany was the first place where decorated trees became a part of Christmas celebrations, though the use of trees during a winter festival predates the birth of Christ. In the 1800s, when candles became affordable, the tree of lights arrived along with the tradition of the family gathering around the tree for gift-giving. Rothenburg is a German town infused with the Christmas spirit year-round. It’s a great place to learn about his...
Dec 21, 2011•2 min
The colorful, compact Basque region hugs the Atlantic coast, straddling northeast Spain and southwest France. St. Jean-de-Luz, France is a relaxing little port to "come home" to, with its mellow ambience, fine strolling, unique architecture, sandy beach, and enticing restaurants. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.
Dec 14, 2011•2 min
With 250,000 people, Bergen has big-city parking problems and high prices, but visitors sticking to the old center find it charming. Enjoy Bergen's salty market, then stroll the easy-on-foot old quarter, with cute lanes of delicate old wooden houses. And, for a modern contrast, head for the urban heart of Bergen — which has a thriving personality all its own. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel inform...
Dec 07, 2011•5 min
For a playful dose of architectural genius, visit Gaudí's colorful Parc Güell. Gaudí intended this 30-acre garden to be a 60-residence housing project — a kind of gated community. As a high-end housing development, the project flopped. But a century later, as a park, it's a huge success. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 30, 2011•1 min
Ancient Delphi, perched high on the slopes of Mt. Parnassos, was not a city. It was the site of the oracle of Apollo, god of the sun. People would journey here from all over the known world to seek wisdom from the gods on vital affairs of state. Tourists today zig-zag up the ancient Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo. The path is flanked by the remains of Delphi's famous treasuries — monuments erected by city-states in gratitude for the oracle's advice. For more information on the Rick Steves' E...
Nov 23, 2011•3 min
The fortified castle town of Conwy was a safe base in the 13th century for the English invaders as they tried (and tried) to put down the angry Welsh insurgency. Today the harbor — once vital for military purposes — is now a laid back zone that locals treat like a town square. The scene is mellow, multigenerational, and perfectly Welsh. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations a...
Nov 16, 2011•3 min
During the middle ages Rouen — with 40,000 residents — was France's second largest city. Only Paris was bigger. In the 12th century, half of today's France was ruled by England. Caught in the middle, Rouen walked a political tightrope between England and France for centuries. And because this was an important English base during the Hundred Years' War, this was the place where Joan of Arc was burned. Today, Rouen mixes dazzling Gothic architecture and contemporary bustle beautifully. It's a thri...
Nov 09, 2011•4 min
Like other Croatian coastal towns, Korčula has two parts: The practical side where most people park, eat, and sleep — and the time-warp old town, where narrow lanes come with an atmospheric, easygoing charm. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.
Nov 02, 2011•2 min
This northwestern corner of Slovenia is busy with visitors both winter and summer. The Julian Alps, laced with hiking paths and alpine villages, and the milky-blue Soča River flowing down into the peaceful valley below offer plenty of diversions for nature-lovers. This terrain also has a terrible war history—it was the Soča Front during World War I; a nearby museum tells the story. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating ...
Oct 26, 2011•4 min
