Rick Steves' Europe Video

Rick Steves' Europe Video — a weekly podcast based on Rick's popular TV series — gives you a colorful look at the sights, people and hist...
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Edinburgh, Scotland...
47 Views
15:00:00 06/20/12

Edinburgh Castle is the fortified birthplace of the city. Used as both a fort and a royal residence since the 11th century, most of the castle buildings today are ...

Edinburgh, Scotland: Iconic Castle

Added 06/20/12
47 Views

Edinburgh, Scotland: Iconic Castle

[LESS INFO] 47 VIEWS | ADDED 15:00:00 06/20/12
Edinburgh Castle is the fortified birthplace of the city. Used as both a fort and a royal residence since the 11th century, most of the castle buildings today are from its more recent function as a military garrison. This fascinating and multifaceted sight deserves several hours of your time, and admission comes with a fine guided tour. After the tour other sights of the castle beckon — including the National War Museum that illuminates Scotland’s proud military history. 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.

Tallinn, Estonia: T...
45 Views
15:00:00 06/13/12

Tallinn, like many parts of the Baltic states, has modernized at an astounding rate since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Yet the Old World ambience within i...

Tallinn, Estonia: Two Medieval Towns

Added 06/13/12
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Tallinn, Estonia: Two Medieval Towns

[LESS INFO] 45 VIEWS | ADDED 15:00:00 06/13/12
Tallinn, like many parts of the Baltic states, has modernized at an astounding rate since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Yet the Old World ambience within its walled town center has been beautifully preserved. In the 15th century, Tallinn consisted of two feuding medieval towns: The hill-topping upper town — called Toompea — is from where the country of Estonia has long been ruled. The lower town was an independent city, filled with mostly German merchants who hired Estonians to do their menial labor. Today, Tallinn is a fascinating blend of pleasing towers, ramparts, facades, "striptiis" bars, churches, shops, and people-watching. 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.

Berlin, Germany: Po...
76 Views
15:00:00 06/06/12

Potsdamer Platz, once the busiest square in Europe, was sliced in two by the Wall in 1961, leaving a deserted no-man's-land. Today, this immense commercial/residen...

Berlin, Germany: Postdamer Platz and Reichstag

Added 06/06/12
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Berlin, Germany: Postdamer Platz and Reichstag

[LESS INFO] 76 VIEWS | ADDED 15:00:00 06/06/12
Potsdamer Platz, once the busiest square in Europe, was sliced in two by the Wall in 1961, leaving a deserted no-man's-land. Today, this immense commercial/residential/entertainment center, perched atop a futuristic transportation hub, is home to several companies' European corporate headquarters. Nearby, the Reichstag — Germany's historically charged parliament building — is a great example of striking and meaningful contemporary architecture. The building combines old and new, just like the reunited Berlin. While the original (late 19th c) cupola was stone and steel, the new one is glass, symbolizing the need for transparency in government. 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.

Brú na Bóinne, Irel...
45 Views
15:00:00 05/30/12

One hour north of Dublin in the Boyne River valley, evocative 5000-year-old (older than the pyramids!) burial mounds sprout from the lush Irish countryside. The be...

Brú na Bóinne, Ireland: Prehistoric Burial Mounds

Added 05/30/12
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Brú na Bóinne, Ireland: Prehistoric Burial Mounds

[LESS INFO] 45 VIEWS | ADDED 15:00:00 05/30/12
One hour north of Dublin in the Boyne River valley, evocative 5000-year-old (older than the pyramids!) burial mounds sprout from the lush Irish countryside. The best place for a glimpse of prehistoric Ireland is Brú na Bóinne, an archaeological site with two amazing ancient passage tombs — Newgrange and Knowth. Upon arrival, visitors receive appointments to tour the tombs, spend waiting time in the state-of-the-art museum, then catch their shuttle bus to the site where a local guide explains their purpose and significance. 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.

Barcelona, Spain: I...
87 Views
15:00:00 05/23/12

Barcelona's once-seedy waterfront was completely transformed when the Olympics were held here in 1992. The man-made beaches — a series of golden crescents that str...

Barcelona, Spain: Inviting Beaches and Intriguing Gothic Quarter

Added 05/23/12
87 Views

Barcelona, Spain: Inviting Beaches and Intriguing Gothic Quarter

[LESS INFO] 87 VIEWS | ADDED 15:00:00 05/23/12
Barcelona's once-seedy waterfront was completely transformed when the Olympics were held here in 1992. The man-made beaches — a series of golden crescents that stretch for miles along the Mediterranean — are a huge hit. Each comes with lively cafes and bars and all are laced together by inviting promenades frequented by strollers, joggers and bikers. Surprisingly nearby is Barcelona's old center — the Gothic Quarter, a tangled-yet-inviting grab-bag of charming squares, rich cultural treasures and other surprises. 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.

Mycenae, Greece: An...
80 Views
15:00:00 05/16/12

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 an...

Mycenae, Greece: Ancient and Mysterious

Added 05/16/12
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Mycenae, Greece: Ancient and Mysterious

[LESS INFO] 80 VIEWS | ADDED 15:00:00 05/16/12
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 Agamemnon" are the star attractions in Athens' National Archaeological Museum. This discovery affirmed the archeologists' theory that Mycenae was Homer's fabled city "rich in gold." 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.

Lake Como, Italy: B...
134 Views
15:00:00 05/09/12

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...

Lake Como, Italy: Bellagio and Varenna

Added 05/09/12
134 Views

Lake Como, Italy: Bellagio and Varenna

[LESS INFO] 134 VIEWS | ADDED 15:00:00 05/09/12
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 of the Lake" is a classy combination of Old World elegance and new world luxury. Varenna — on the less-developed side of the lake — has a romantic waterside promenade, a tiny harbor, and inviting narrow lanes. 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.

Motovun, Croatia: D...
186 Views
15:00:00 05/02/12

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...

Motovun, Croatia: Dramatic Hill Town

Added 05/02/12
186 Views

Motovun, Croatia: Dramatic Hill Town

[LESS INFO] 186 VIEWS | ADDED 15:00:00 05/02/12
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 descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

York, England: Wall...
238 Views
15:00:00 04/25/12

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 to...

York, England: Walled City Packed with Sights

Added 04/25/12
238 Views

York, England: Walled City Packed with Sights

[LESS INFO] 238 VIEWS | ADDED 15:00:00 04/25/12
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 Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

French Basque Count...
226 Views
15:00:00 04/18/12

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 ...

French Basque Country: A Cultural Blend

Added 04/18/12
226 Views

French Basque Country: A Cultural Blend

[LESS INFO] 226 VIEWS | ADDED 15:00:00 04/18/12
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 feel the region's urban pulse. The cathedral marks the town's old center where tall, slender buildings, decorated with typically Basque green-and-red shutters, tower above narrow 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.

Helsinki, Finland: ...
222 Views
15:00:00 04/11/12

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 Russian...

Helsinki, Finland: Vibrant Baltic City

Added 04/11/12
222 Views

Helsinki, Finland: Vibrant Baltic City

[LESS INFO] 222 VIEWS | ADDED 15:00:00 04/11/12
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 casual, quick-and-cheap lunch. After that, a stroll down the lively park-like Esplanadi leads to the center of town. 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.

Brussels, Belgium: ...
265 Views
15:00:00 04/04/12

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...

Brussels, Belgium: Europe's Political Nerve Center

Added 04/04/12
265 Views

Brussels, Belgium: Europe's Political Nerve Center

[LESS INFO] 265 VIEWS | ADDED 15:00:00 04/04/12
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 democratic, prosperous and peaceful Europe. Brussels offers travelers the chance to watch this fascinating story unfold. 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.

Harran, Turkey: Anc...
252 Views
15:00:00 03/28/12

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 w...

Harran, Turkey: Ancient City of Abraham

Added 03/28/12
252 Views

Harran, Turkey: Ancient City of Abraham

[LESS INFO] 252 VIEWS | ADDED 15:00:00 03/28/12
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 series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

Capri, Italy: Price...
274 Views
15:00:00 03/21/12

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...

Capri, Italy: Pricey Towns and Priceless Views

Added 03/21/12
274 Views

Capri, Italy: Pricey Towns and Priceless Views

[LESS INFO] 274 VIEWS | ADDED 15:00:00 03/21/12
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. 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.

Solvorn, Norway: Id...
283 Views
15:00:00 03/14/12

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 ...

Solvorn, Norway: Idyllic Fjordside Town

Added 03/14/12
283 Views

Solvorn, Norway: Idyllic Fjordside Town

[LESS INFO] 283 VIEWS | ADDED 15:00:00 03/14/12
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 and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

Bayeux, France: Fam...
269 Views
15:00:00 03/07/12

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, tel...

Bayeux, France: Famous Medieval Tapestry

Added 03/07/12
269 Views

Bayeux, France: Famous Medieval Tapestry

[LESS INFO] 269 VIEWS | ADDED 15:00:00 03/07/12
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 information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

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Edinburgh, Scotland: Iconic Castle

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Edinburgh, Scotland: Iconic Castle
06/20/12

Edinburgh Castle is the fortified birthplace of the city. Used as both a fort and a royal residence since the 11th century, most of the castle buildings today are from its more recent function as a military garrison. This fascinating and multifaceted sight deserves several hours of your time, and admission comes with a fine guided tour. After the tour other sights of the castle beckon — including the National War Museum that illuminates Scotland’s proud military history. 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.