The Hofburg Palace's "Treasure Room" contains the best jewels on the Continent. This clip showcases the Imperial Crown, Imperial Cross, and a unicorn horn. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this destination.
Venice's Musica a Palazzo performs the Barber of Seville by Rossini, and café orchestras in St. Mark's Square keep the music playing all night. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this destination.
This video takes you to Budapest's Castle Hill landmarks, including the royal palace, Matthias Church, Fisherman's Bastion, Buda Funicular, and Chain Bridge. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this destination.
Madrid's Plaza Mayor is an inviting place for people to gather, and host to one of Madrid's many "bull bars" — La Torre del Oro. Grab a quick sangria here and get a dose of bullfight "culture" without actually going to a bullfight. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this destination.
In this video, we'll travel to France's Provence region to explore the Pont du Gard aqueduct and more Roman architecture in Nîmes. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this destination.
In this video, we'll travel to Edinburgh's Georgian New Town and Princes Street Gardens. The New Town was a late 18th-century expansion for the upper class; the neighboring gardens were created by draining a lake. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this destination.
In this video, we'll take a trip to Rome's Jewish Quarter, one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this destination.
This video takes you to the Cumbrian Lake District, the perfect spot for relaxtion, scenic hiking, and hilltop picnics. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this destination.
This video shows how Paris celebrates Bastille Day — with parties all day and Eiffel Tower fireworks at night. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this destination.
This video takes you to Skansen, Europe's best open-air folk museum. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this destination.
After the fall of Rome and the Dark Ages, the Renaissance sprouted in Florence under the patronage of wealthy merchant and banking families like the Medici. This exciting rebirth of Greek and Roman culture flourished here and then swept across Europe. Beautiful and elegant architecture, painting and sculpture all expressed the confidence of this new age. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on thi...
The huge and gorgeously restored Great Synagogue (also called Dohány Street Synagogue) is the biggest in Europe. Tour the ornately Moorish-flavored interior and explore the attached museum. Outside, don’t miss the powerful Memorial Garden with its shimmering sculpture Tree of Life. 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.
Nestled snuggly on Europe's southwestern tip, Tarifa's whitewashed old town and long sandy beaches beckon. Stiff Atlantic breezes make Tarifa a wind-sport mecca. Across the narrow strait the exotic cultural thrills of Morocco await — only about an hour's boat ride away. 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.
Bruges' Market Square is ringed by restaurant terraces and old gabled buildings with the 300' bell tower soaring above it all. Climb the tower's 366 steps for a commanding view, enjoy a free carillon concert, or rent a bike and get lost in the peaceful back streets. 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.
The laid-back Viennese appreciate the fine points of life, and right up there with waltzing is eating. Café Demel, on elegant Kohlmarkt Street near the Hofburg Palace is the ultimate candy and pastry shop, where white-aproned servers offer up an impressive can-can of Vienna's most beloved sweet treats, including Sacher-Torte (the famously rich chocolate cake), fragrant apple strudel and other delights. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, sc...
Paris has a uniquely French way of embracing life. You'll find petanque players in neighborhood parks, summertime sunbathers on the sandy urban "beach" along the River Seine, roller-bladers gliding past the Eiffel Tower and cyclists exploring the increasingly bike-friendly city on two wheels — all combining to make Paris feel like an open-air playground for its citizens and visitors. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participatin...
Among Europe's churches, the Byzantine marvel of St. Mark's stands alone. After the saint's remains were smuggled here in 828, Venice took his symbol (the winged lion) as their own. Built with pillaged materials, some describe the church's eclectic style as "Early Ransack." The outside is a riot of domes, columns, and statues; the interior is covered with mosaics, colored marbles, and oriental treasures. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, ...
The British Library houses over 12 million books though the highlight for travelers is the room full of well-displayed documents that changed the course of history. You'll find original ancient maps, illuminated Gospels on parchment, the Gutenberg Bible, the Magna Carta, Shakespeare's plays and precious musical manuscripts ranging from Handel's Messiah to hand-written Beatles lyrics. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participatin...
This lakeside villa was once the summer residence for the Yugoslav royal family. Post-WWII, when Tito ran Yugoslavia with his unique style of Communism called the "Third Way," he entertained international guests here. Today it's a classy hotel and restaurant, and nostalgic Tito sympathizers can send an email from his desk, sip tea in his lounge, and gaze upon his Socialist Realist wall murals in the ballroom. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descripti...
The National Gallery features art showcasing the powerful beauty of Norway’s landscape and people. A visit here gives those heading into the mountains and fjord country a chance to pack along a little better understanding of Norway's history and cultural soul. You’ll also see some of famed Norwegian Expressionist painter Edvard Munch’s works including his iconic The Scream. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations...
Rome's Trastevere district is the place to immerse yourself in the crustier side of the Eternal City. Tucked between the Tiber River and the Janiculum Hill, this neighborhood feels worlds away from the rest of Rome. Take a slow wander and train your eyes to see Roman life more intimately. You’ll experience fascinating churches, local trattorias and pastel-colored lanes draped with laundry. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, partic...
Along the Antrim coast an hour north of Belfast, the evocative remnants of Dunluce Castle perch dramatically on the edge of a rocky headland. During the Middle Ages Dunluce resisted several sieges until one stormy night the castle's kitchen and servants tumbled suddenly into the sea! Local guides are expert at bringing the turbulent past of ruins like this to life for visitors. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stat...
Barcelona boasts an enticing variety of tapas bars serving small portions of seafood, salads, meat-filled pastries, deep-fried tasties, and on and on. Some are colorful holes-in-walls, some are modern and trendy. Just drop in at any lively place and get a fun, inexpensive sampler plate. 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.
Filled with over 30,000 works of art, the Louvre is a treasure trove of Western civilization. This vast former royal palace is famous as the home to Mona (Lisa) and Venus (de Milo) but that’s just the appetizer course. You’ll find Greek and Roman sculptures and medieval jewels plus masterpieces from the Renaissance to Romanticism starring Michelangelo, Delacroix, Gericault and many others. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, partic...
Europe is continuing to unite — both politically and physically. From the start, the wealthier countries of the European Union have helped their less-affluent neighbors catch up. And, after a generation of huge investments, its transportation infrastructure keeps European commerce and trade moving faster than ever. 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...
Budapest's main drag, Andrássy Boulevard, is a good place to stroll and get a feel for today’s urban Pest. At the boulevard's end, you’ll find the grand Heroes’ Square, dripping with history; the vast tree-filled expanse of City Park, and, tucked in the middle of it all, Budapest’s finest thermal spa and single best experience, the Széchenyi Baths. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on de...
The elegant Belvedere Palace was Austria's first great public art gallery and today houses the city's best collection of homegrown artists including Gustav Klimt, most famous for "The Kiss." In addition to the beautiful art you can tour the lavish palace, enjoy sweeping views of the manicured gardens and admire the Vienna skyline. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and mor...
No trip to Florence is complete without a visit to the masterpiece-packed Uffizi Gallery. On a single floor, travelers experience a thrilling sweep through art history, spanning the 12th through the 17th centuries. 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.
With its large student population and fashionable shops, Avignon is an intriguing blend of medieval history, youthful energy, and urban sophistication. 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.
London teems with lively shopping districts. Near Piccadilly, stroll Jermyn Street's quintessentially English shops for an elegant experience. Nearby the trendy Soho district beckons with its thriving, colorful youth scene and a diverse array of restaurants and theaters. 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.
