Explore every episode of the podcast Rick Steves' Europe Video

Rome offers layer upon layer of the best of Western civilization: ancient grandeur, epic history, artistic masterpieces, and a city in love with life. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

The quintessence of Italy can be found in the scenic hills of Tuscany and Umbria, where towns full of history, tradition, and character draw visitors. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

These five isolated (though hardly undiscovered) coastal villages boast views worth the hike, rugged ports to explore, and locals enjoying life. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Florence emerged as a cultural titan during the Renaissance as humanism roared to life, and its artistic tradition thrives today throughout the city. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Take in life on the streets of fiery Naples, then cool down by way of serene Sorrento, Capri, and the dramatic cliffside road along the Amalfi Coast. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

The romantic maze of islands, once a center of formidable power and wealth, still seduces visitors with its unique setting steeped in elegant decay. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

A Gdańsk shipyard in 1980 marked the beginning of the end for the Soviet Bloc, as striking workers led by Lech Wałęsa took a stand for their rights. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Maritime trade flourished — and the movement for freedom emerged — in elegant, eclectic Gdańsk, Poland's leading port city with a Hanseatic pedigree. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Poland's cosmopolitan capital thrives with a post-industrial charm that coexists among reminders of a complicated and sometimes harrowing history. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

The rise of Stalin brought about the planned city of Nowa Huta, a proof of concept for communism in which workers' every need was met by the company. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

The notorious Nazi death camp is a powerful memorial to the more than 1 million victims systematically exterminated there during World War II. For more information about Auschwitz-Birkenau, visit https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/poland/auschwitz-birkenau For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Fourteenth-century ruler Kazimierz the Great made Poland a safe haven for Europe's Jews, who prospered in Kraków until the horrors of World War II. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Rick learns about the nuances of Poland's national drink and—with help from a local friend—tries his hand at preparing a traditional favorite dish. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

In Poland's historic and cultural capital, traditions live on while modern life bustles in the busy main square, inviting streets, and riverside park. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

The South Coast's craggy Westman Islands teem with fishing boats and puffin colonies. Their lone town was half buried in 1973 when its volcano blew. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Two hours' drive from Reykjavík are some of Iceland's biggest natural thrills, including Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the rugged valley of Thórsmörk. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

An easy day trip from Reykjavík, the 150-mile Golden Circle loop showcases dramatic scenery and natural wonders, from geysers to waterfalls and more. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Iceland's volcanic geology shapes its striking landscape, its efficient power supply, and its steamy spa culture enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Reykjavík blends hardscrabble roots with a modern urban vitality, crowned by its imposing church and pulsing with art, color, and a cosmopolitan vibe. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

These days Europe is very crowded—everybody seems to be going to the same places at the same times. There are two IQs of European travelers: those who wait in long lines and those who don’t. Savvy travelers avoid the crowds and make reservations in advance when smart. Watch the full talk at https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/experiencing-europe For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Thoughtfully decide what’s best for you—a guided bus tour or a DIY trip armed with a good guidebook. And either way, appreciate the value of tapping into the services of local guides whether on shared walks or hired just for you. Watch the full talk at https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/experiencing-europe For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

See your choice of a room or bed as part of the experience. Save money and maximize the memories by knowing your options. Watch the full talk at https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/experiencing-europe For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

There are two kinds of travelers: those who pack light and those who wished they packed light. Get serious about living out of a carry-on-the-plane-size bag. Watch the full talk at https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/experiencing-europe For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Maximize every mile, minute, and dollar on your vacation by doing your homework and planning smartly. The stakes are high. You’ll be glad you did. Watch the full talk at https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/experiencing-europe For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

In Iceland's capital, Rick strolls an upbeat street, admires the wool of the country's hardy sheep, and samples the local delicacy: fermented shark. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Geysers spring to life, tectonic plates meet, and Iceland's otherworldly landscape captures the imagination on a day's drive along the Golden Circle. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Twentieth-century artists broke new ground — and all the rules — at a furious pace, boldly exploring anguish, joy, abstraction, and unbridled whimsy. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

The Impressionists fled the studio for the great outdoors, and with bold brushstrokes made light, color, and shadow the true stars of their canvases. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Baroque excesses were countered by the Revolution, the Enlightenment, and a stern, no-frills art that celebrated a new age of science and reason. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

The "Michelangelo of Baroque," Bernini made Rome his gallery, showcasing his creations from the finest statues to his design of St. Peter's Square. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Paintings evolved to appear more life-like, thanks to Giotto's early exploration of 3-D, Masaccio's mastery of depth, and the realism of Fra Angelico. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

The Renaissance master sculpted "David" and the "Pietà," painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and designed the majestic dome of St. Peter's Basilica. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Art in service to religion was joined by a new aesthetic, reflected in grand city halls and fanciful tapestries celebrating life's earthly pleasures. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

The artistic works and relics that filled the churches of the Middle Ages carried messages that packed a religious, political, and emotional punch. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Ancient Rome's imposing structures were marked by their practical design, nods to Greek style, and colossal scale, while its grand statues stood tall. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Exquisite, realistic mosaics adorned ancient Roman homes, along with colorful frescoes that give a peek into domestic life in the great civilization. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Athens' Parthenon, with its clever design aspects and organic beauty, is among the temples that trumpet the sophistication of the ancient Greek world. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Europe's love affair with art reaches back to its prehistoric societies, and the artifacts they left behind give us a glimpse into their way of life. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

In the ornate, dramatic churches of Austria, elements of art, architecture, and music work in harmony — with a style bold enough to reach the heavens. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Hunting hounds, manicured grounds, and a mini theme park celebrating the genius of Da Vinci are a few of the amenities at France's grand residences. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

The museums of Rome house the treasures of one of the world's great civilizations, from anonymous scenes of everyday life to breathtaking masterworks. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

From Cornwall to the Adriatic, diners have an appetite for meals starring locally caught fish and shellfish — some humble, some chic, all delicious. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Delight in the mastery of titans Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and ponder the resilience of Anne Frank and her compatriots who lived under Nazi occupation. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

The Reformation ushered a new Protestant ambiance into Germany’s places of worship — one conveying strength, humanism, and a more natural spirit. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Sophisticated cave paintings and Roman engineering achievements in today’s France reveal ancient standards of living that went beyond mere survival. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

From the world’s oldest globe to reminders both mundane and dark of postwar Communism, Germany has preserved its rich and sometimes turbulent history. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Spain's great houses of worship showcase magnificent art and architecture in an array of styles, from Moorish majesty to the singular Sagrada Família. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

These man-made marvels have stood as part of Britain’s geographic – and spiritual – landscape for thousands of years, their quiet allure undiminished. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

The rise of humanism — and of art for art's sake — is on full display in the grand palaces of Florence and Venice, monuments to the rich and powerful. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Imposing strongholds across the rugged Scottish landscape housed royalty and defended against many sieges throughout a turbulent history with England. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.