While it has deep cultural roots, most people know Guernica for a horrific event in the years leading up to WWII. Picasso's mural, considered by many the greatest antiwar work of art ever, tells the story. (The mural is now located in Museo Reina Sofia, Madrid, Spain.) 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.
Feb 05, 2014•3 min
Sweden's stunning capital is one-third water, one-third parks, one-third city and bubbles with energy and history. And they have an Ice Bar! Swedes are leaders among Europeans with their social legislation. They pay high taxes, but every citizen, regardless of their family's economic status, receives benefits like long vacations, quality health care and education. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel i...
Jan 29, 2014•3 min
The Doge's Palace — the ruling center and opulent, art-filled residence of Venice's duke — was built to show off the wealth of the republic and to remind visitors that Venice's mighty trading empire was number one. For four centuries (about 1150-1550), this was the most powerful half-acre in Europe. The evocative Bridge of Sighs connects the palace to the prison next door. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations,...
Jan 22, 2014•4 min
The best original Gothic stained glass is found in the Sainte-Chapelle church in Paris. Step inside and be overwhelmed by the dazzling light-filled interior. Its architectural harmony is due to the fact that it was completed in only six years — unheard of in medieval times (nearby Notre-Dame took over 200 years!). For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ric...
Jan 15, 2014•2 min
For many, the most endearing aspect of Irish culture is their love of language — both oral and written. Around the turn of the 20th century, Dublin provided inspiration for some of the world's great modern writers — James Joyce, William Butler Yeats, and Oscar Wilde. Nightly Literary Pub Crawls showcase the great Irish storytelling tradition as you enjoy a pint of Guinness. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations...
Jan 08, 2014•2 min
Savor the good life in Germany's Rhine River Valley while picking up some tips for getting the most out of your sightseeing. 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.
Jan 01, 2014•3 min
In Rome, you'll rub elbows with religious pilgrims from around the world. A major stop on the pilgrimage trail is San Giovanni in Laterano, the first Christian church in the city of Rome. Even today, it's the home church of the Bishop of Rome — the pope. The adjacent Holy Stairs are a one-of-a-kind experience. Each day, hundreds of faithful penitents climb these steps on their knees reciting a litany of prayers (tourists climb the staircases along the sides). For more information on the Rick Ste...
Dec 25, 2013•2 min
Spectacularly situated at the head of a 60-mile-long fjord, Oslo is Norway's biggest city - yet it’s easy to navigate with its compact historic core and great public transportation. Karl Johans Gate, the city’s people-friendly main drag stretches from the train station to Royal Palace. Nearby, the harborfront hums with international shipping and a thriving cruise industry. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations,...
Dec 18, 2013•3 min
Sheepdog trial and hound shows in the Lake District are entertaining for weather-beaten shepherds, gentleman farmers and curious tourists alike. The fascinating local culture is alive and well and on full display. The main event is the master directing his trusty, intelligent dog to bring in the sheep as quickly as possible. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — vi...
Dec 11, 2013•2 min
Cosmopolitan Barcelona is the vibrant capital of Catalunya, the proud and distinct region tucked in the NW corner of Spain. Franco's oppressive fascism is long gone and regional creative and independent spirit is on a roll. Locals speak Catalan — not Spanish — and dance the sardana, not flamenco. Visca (Long live) Catalunya! For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — vi...
Dec 04, 2013•1 min
Copenhagen means "Merchants' Harbor" and impressive buildings from many eras hug the waterfront. Harbor tour boats come and go constantly, giving visitors a relaxing glide down the historic canals and along the harbor front, home to the Little Mermaid and a chorus line of strikingly modern Danish architecture. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.rickste...
Nov 27, 2013•2 min
Step out of the leafy, sun-dappled Impressionist painting that is the Tuileries Garden and into the Orangerie, a little jewel box of a museum featuring works by Monet, Renoir, Matisse, Picasso, and others. The main attraction, Monet's Water Lilies float dreamily in oval-shaped rooms he designed to showcase his masterpiece. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visi...
Nov 20, 2013•3 min
The magnificent Pantheon, built by the Romans as a temple to all of their gods, is the Eternal City's best-preserved monument. Engineers still admire how such a mathematically precise structure was built without modern technology. Standing under the massive solemn dome, you'll gain a new appreciation for the grandeur that was — and still is — Rome. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on de...
Nov 13, 2013•2 min
Whitehall, Britain's most important street connects Parliament with Trafalgar Square. A walk here is chock-full of reminders of a proud and hard-fought history as you pass monuments, Royal Horseguards and the nearby Churchill War Rooms. Shut down after WWII, it's open today as a fascinating time warp for visitors to explore. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — vi...
Nov 06, 2013•3 min
The ancient, free-spirited land of the Basques straddles France and Spain. These proud, industrious and independent people occupy a small yet diverse region between the Atlantic coast and the mountains. Insulated from outsiders for much of their history, Basques are united by unique traditions including the fast-paced sport of jai alai, men's gastronomic clubs, and their bewildering language — one of Europe's oldest. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode d...
Oct 30, 2013•3 min
Salzburg and its residents — at least its tourism industry — hum happily along to Mozart and The Sound of Music melodies. Thanks to its charming old town, splendid gardens, Baroque churches and fountains (the town's nickname is "Rome of the North") plus a mighty fortress rising above it all, Salzburg is made for visitors. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit...
Oct 23, 2013•2 min
Florence's landmark Duomo (cathedral) is crowned by Brunelleschi's majestic dome — the first Renaissance dome and the model for many domes to follow (climb it for a glorious view). Nearby the Baptistery features Ghiberti's magnificent bronze doors, which Michelangelo called the "gates of paradise." These creations help define the Renaissance, when Florence blossomed and classical arts were reborn. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts...
Oct 16, 2013•4 min
When traveling in France, seek out local specialties. Normandy, the region NW of Paris is known as the land of the four C's: Camembert, cider, cream and Calvados (apple brandy). Savor all four flavors and pamper your palate in the hedonistic ritual of fine French dining. Bon appetit! 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.
Oct 09, 2013•2 min
The peaceful, green Valley of the Boyne, just northwest of Dublin is the place to commune with the ancient soul of the Emerald Isle. This area boasts impressive historical and spiritual sights including the Hill of Tara — the evocative seat of Ireland’s Celtic kings and nearby Monasterboice with its round tower and stone crosses. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more...
Oct 02, 2013•3 min
Little Balestrand on the Sognefjord is dwarfed by the surrounding mountainous scenery and serves as a springboard for local adventures. Balestrand has a long history of hosting tourists and its landmark Kviknes Hotel serves a classic Norwegian-style all-you-can-eat smörgåsbord in fine style with a dramatic fjord vista. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit ww...
Sep 25, 2013•2 min
Rick drives a 20-mile Lake District loop through pastoral valleys, over rugged mountain passes and beside peaceful lakes. Stops along the way include a family-run sheep farm which doubles as a B & B, a tour through a still-functioning slate mine, and a local's lesson in the bewildering game of cricket. 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.
Sep 18, 2013•5 min
Nyhavn ("New Harbor") is Copenhagen’s recently gentrified sailors' quarter. Wooden sailboats bob in the water next to trendy cafes, jazz clubs, and tattoo shops. The younger crowd hangs out drinking their cheap beers dockside while older, more affluent types look on from comfier cafes. 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.
Sep 11, 2013•2 min
Picasso spent his formative years (from the ages of 14 to 23) in Barcelona, and this museum, housed in a palace in the Old City is the best collection of his early works anywhere. By experiencing his youthful, realistic art, you can better understand his later more abstract periods and more fully appreciate his genius. Always restless, ever prolific, Picasso delved into many styles including Cubism and became the greatest artist of the 20th century. Barcelona is where it all began. For more info...
Sep 04, 2013•4 min
Rick meets one of his tour guides, Francesca, for Rome's ritual evening stroll — the passeggiata — on a walk that laces together its top after-dark hotspots. After the sun sets, the city cools down and the illuminated streets, squares and monuments take on another personality. This is people-watching at its best. Grab a gelato and join in! For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destination...
Aug 28, 2013•3 min
Paris' trendy Marais district serves up a moveable feast of fashion boutiques, quiet cafés, art galleries, narrow streets, leafy squares like the Place des Vosges, Jewish bakeries, aristocratic châteaux, nightlife, and real Parisians. It's the perfect place to appreciate the zest and flair of this great city. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.rickstev...
Aug 21, 2013•2 min
Travelers dine like royalty at an "antipasto extravaganza" in one of Rick's favorite Florentine restaurants. Today the chef recommends a parade of plates including an assortment of salami, cheeses, fava beans and bruschetta, all paired with local wines. Top it off with a glass of sweet vin santo and biscotti. Buon appetito! For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — vis...
Aug 14, 2013•3 min
Greenwich is England's maritime capital. Visitors come here for all things salty, including the Cutty Sark clipper ship, the area's premier attraction. The town is synonymous with timekeeping and astronomy, and at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, you can learn how those pursuits relate to seafaring. 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.
Aug 07, 2013•3 min
Most tourists never get beyond Venice's touristy main drag. Savvy travelers escape the center and its crowds to explore this city's unique labyrinth of picturesque alleys and canals. Don't worry about getting lost — you're on an island! If you reach the edge of town, stop to enjoy a drink while studying your map. Or practice your Italian and ask a local! For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information...
Jul 31, 2013•2 min
For nearly a thousand years, pilgrims have set their sights on Durham's great cathedral. Built around the year 1100 to house the bones of the great missionary monk, St. Cuthbert, this medieval church stands like a mighty fortress and offers perhaps England's best and purest look at Norman (Romanesque) architecture. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ri...
Jul 24, 2013•5 min
The Père Lachaise cemetery offers a stroll through a vast garden of permanent Parisians. The final resting place of many of the city's most notable citizens (Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison, to name a few), its peaceful lanes and paths encourage meandering and contemplation. 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.
Jul 17, 2013•3 min
