Culture

Rick Steves' Europe

Rick Steves, America's leading authority on European travel, returns to transport viewers to the continent's bustling cities, quaint villages and picturesque countryside.

Mighty Alps

54m 27s

Join Rick Steves on an alpine adventure, with scenic train rides, breathtaking lifts, majestic glaciers, and unforgettable hikes. We conquer the Dolomites in Italy and the Zugspitze in Austria. In Switzerland, we savor the beauty of the Matterhorn, the Jungfrau, and Appenzell. And in France, starting from Chamonix, we ride the lift up to the Aiguille du Midi and hike the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc.

Episodes

  • Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of the 20th Century: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of the 20th Century

    S12 E1212 - 25m 16s

    Europe’s tumultuous 20th century spawned a kaleidoscope of cutting-edge art. From Spain to Hungary, Glasgow to Oslo, we seek out all that’s wild, colorful, surreal, and just plain fun. The fascinating work of Pablo Picasso leads us through the century’s major art styles. And in today’s gleaming cities, we see how a persistent artistic spirit connects us with both our past and an exciting future.

  • Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of the Impressionists and Beyond: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of the Impressionists and Beyond

    S12 E1211 - 25m 17s

    The late-1800s saw old notions of beauty challenged by revolutionary artists. We enjoy pioneering Impressionist works—Monet’s lilies, Renoir’s ladies, Degas’ snapshots and Rodin’s statues—that capture the joie de vivre of the age. We trace the tempestuous travels of Van Gogh through his incomparable art. And we finish in Spain, with wild and crazy buildings that herald the dawn of a new century.

  • Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of the Neoclassical Age: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of the Neoclassical Age

    S12 E1210 - 25m 18s

    Around 1800, Europe was in transition, reflected in two art styles. First, we visit Europe’s great cities with their stately Neoclassical buildings of columns and domes. Meanwhile, the Revolution has unleashed a call for freedom, both political and personal. We see dramatic Romantic canvases depicting extreme emotions and awesome Nature, and tour dreamy castles—virtual theme parks of Romanticism.

  • Rick Steves’ Europe: Baroque Art: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Rick Steves’ Europe: Baroque Art

    S12 E1209 - 25m 36s

    Forged in Europe’s religious struggles, Baroque art inspired the faithful and dazzled the masses. We start in Rome, with its awe-inspiring St. Peter’s, fleshy Bernini statues and bubbly fountains. In Belgium, we see the dramatic canvases of Rubens. And finally: the ultimate Baroque palace, Versailles, with its chandeliered Hall of Mirrors and vast gardens where nobles played as Revolution brewed.

  • Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of the Renaissance Beyond Florence: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of the Renaissance Beyond Florence

    S12 E1208 - 25m 39s

    From Italy, the Renaissance spread across Europe, revolutionizing art. We travel to Spain and Portugal where overseas plunder is transformed into lacy architecture and ethereal paintings by El Greco. In bustling Germany and Belgium, new technologies enable Durer’s mass-produced engravings, Van Eyck’s meticulous oil paintings, Brueghel’s peasants at play, and the futuristic visions of Bosch.

  • Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of the Florentine Renaissance: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of the Florentine Renaissance

    S12 E1207 - 25m 18s

    After its medieval struggles, Europe rediscovered the art of the ancients, led by booming Florence. We revel in the bold spirit of the Cathedral’s lofty dome and Botticelli’s sweet Venus. Leonardo da Vinci gives us the iconic Last Supper and enigmatic Mona Lisa. And Michelangelo—sculptor of David, painter of the Sistine, and architect of St. Peter’s—takes the Florentine Renaissance to new heights.

  • Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of the High Middle Ages: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of the High Middle Ages

    S12 E1206 - 25m 36s

    As Europe passed A.D. 1000, its growing prosperity was reflected in soaring Gothic cathedrals graced with colorful altarpieces, lacy stonework, and radiant stained glass. We visit luxurious castles to see exquisite tapestries showing a new secular love of worldly pleasures and, end in Italy, where pioneering artists like Giotto were mastering realism and pointing the way to the future of art.

  • Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of the Early Middle Ages: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of the Early Middle Ages

    S12 E1205 - 25m 18s

    After Rome’s fall, Europe’s Christians kept culture alive with art rooted in their deep faith. We visit sturdy Romanesque churches filled with art that reinforced the ruling order. Meanwhile, Europe was invigorated from the fringes: Byzantines to the East, with their dazzling mosaics; Spanish Muslims with their lush palaces; and fierce Vikings of the North—all part of Europe’s rich cultural stew.

  • Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of the Roman Empire: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of the Roman Empire

    S12 E1204 - 25m 19s

    With its vast empire, ancient Rome gave Europe its first common culture. From England to Turkey, we explore the greatest Roman cities, marveling at their over-the-top art, soaring aqueducts, and crowd-pleasing theaters. As Rome fell, saints replaced Caesars and Christianity filled the vacuum with art-filled churches—preserving the grandeur of imperial Rome and inspiring the Europe to come.

  • Rick Steves' Europe: Ancient Roman Art: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Rick Steves' Europe: Ancient Roman Art

    S12 E1203 - 25m 37s

    Follow Rome’s rise through its awe-inspiring art, starting at Rome’s humble birthplace in the Forum. Soon Rome is graced with supersized monuments like the majestic domed Pantheon and the Colosseum, where gladiators battled to the death. We also get a glimpse of Rome’s more intimate side: the colorful mosaics, luxurious frescoes, and realistic portraits of the solid citizens who made Rome great.

  • Rick Steves' Europe: Art of Ancient Greece: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Rick Steves' Europe: Art of Ancient Greece

    S12 E1202 - 25m 19s

    Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art. Traveling from its sun-splashed isles to the rugged mainland to bustling Athens, we trace the rise of Greek culture. We marvel at the timeless Acropolis, perfect Parthenon, and Golden Age theaters. And we watch as art evolves from stiff statues to perfectly balanced Venuses to the exuberant Winged Victory, capturing the spirit of the age.

  • Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of Prehistoric Europe: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of Prehistoric Europe

    S12 E1201 - 25m 18s

    As the Ice Age glaciers melted, prehistoric Europe bloomed with surprisingly sophisticated art. From Ireland to France, Scotland to the Greek Isles, we traverse that mystical world of mighty megaliths, torchlit cave paintings, magical goddesses, and wrinkled bog people. We stand in awe as a massive tomb is radiated by a dramatic beam of sunlight and listen to ritual horns that still play today.

Extras + Features

  • Padova, Italy: The Scrovegni Chapel: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Padova, Italy: The Scrovegni Chapel

    S8 E808 - 3m 32s

    Padova’s Scrovegni Chapel, with its precious 14th-century Giotto frescoes, is one of Italy’s most beloved art treasures.

  • Fontainebleau, France: Royal Château: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Fontainebleau, France: Royal Château

    S8 E804 - 3m 5s

    It seems every king, queen, and emperor since has loved this palace — Louis XIII was born here, Louis XV was married here — but Fontainebleau has more Napoleon Bonaparte connections than any other palace.

  • Prague, Czech Republic: Old Town Square: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Prague, Czech Republic: Old Town Square

    S8 E811 - 1m 52s

    Prague’s Old Town Square is filled with beautifully preserved landmarks: the Gothic Týn Church, a memorial to Jan Hus, and a 15-century Astronomical Clock.

  • Güzelyurt, Turkey: Beautiful Land: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Güzelyurt, Turkey: Beautiful Land

    S8 E802 - 3m 58s

    Güzelyurt is the kind of discovery I love to feature in my guidebooks — almost no tourism, lots of history, plenty of character.

  • Ramallah, Palestine: Cultural Capital: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Ramallah, Palestine: Cultural Capital

    S8 E806 - 2m 14s

    Ramallah hosts the Palestinian government and international agencies, and is filled with positive energy from the students at nearby Birzeit University.

  • Cheverny, France: Château and Hounds: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Cheverny, France: Château and Hounds

    S8 E803 - 2m 39s

    The stately hunting palace of Cheverny is immaculately preserved, having stayed in the same family for five centuries. The kennel is also worth a visit at dinnertime, when the 70 hunting hounds are fed.

  • Antalya, Turkey: Relaxing Gulet Cruise: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Antalya, Turkey: Relaxing Gulet Cruise

    S8 E801 - 3m 9s

    A popular excursion from Antalya is a cruise on a gulet — the traditional Turkish sailboat. Sailing away, we marvel at the dramatic shoreline under snow-capped peaks. Resorts, park-like beaches, and ancient ruins clinging to cliffs are all tucked into this rugged-yet accessible Riviera playground.

Schedule

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    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    London: Mod and Trad

    Monday
    Jul 15

    30 Minutes

    London; Millennium Bridge; mummies; riverside beachcombing; the Thames.
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    Rick Steves' Europe: Greek Islands: Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Greek Islands: Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes

    Tuesday
    Jul 16

    30 Minutes

    Three classic Greek getaways -- Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes -- include touring ancient Greek ruins, tracing the vestiges of the Crusades and sampling rustic cuisine.
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    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Naples and Pompeii

    Tuesday
    Jul 16

    30 Minutes

    Back-street fish markets; pizza; climbing Mount Vesuvius; the ruins of Pompeii.
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    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Highlights of Paris: Eiffel and Monet to Crème Brulée

    Tuesday
    Jul 16

    30 Minutes

    Eiffel Tower; Orsay Gallery; French cuisine; Parisian history.
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    Rick Steves' Europe: European Festivals I: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    European Festivals I

    Wednesday
    Jul 17

    30 Minutes

    Siena, Italy's, Palio horse race; Scottish Highland Games; Carnevale in Venice, Italy; celebrating Easter in Greece.
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    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Italy's Amalfi Coast

    Wednesday
    Jul 17

    30 Minutes

    The Amalfi Coast: Positano resort; Sorrento; ancient Greek temples at Paestum; the Blue Grotto.
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    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Belgium: Bruges and Brussels

    Wednesday
    Jul 17

    30 Minutes

    Headquarters of the European Union; medieval hospital; carillon concert; lace; art; Belgian chocolate.
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    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    European Festivals II

    Thursday
    Jul 18

    30 Minutes

    April Fair in Seville, Spain; Bastille Day in Paris; running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain; Munich's Oktoberfest; a traditional family Christmas; Nuremberg, Germany's holiday market; sledding by torchlight in Switzerland.
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    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Milan and Lake Como

    Thursday
    Jul 18

    30 Minutes

    Fashion in Milan, Italy; cruising Lake Como; lakeside village of Varenna.
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    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Provence: Legendary Light, Wind and Wine

    Thursday
    Jul 18

    30 Minutes

    Roman ruins in Nimes; Avignon's papal palace; Van Gogh's Arles; the Rhone.
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    Rick Steves' Europe: The Best of Sicily: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    The Best of Sicily

    Friday
    Jul 19

    30 Minutes

    Palermo, Italy; the Romanesque cathedral of Monreale; Mount Etna; cannoli; Greek temples at Agrigento; Roman mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale; the Greek theater in Taormina.
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    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Tuscany's Dolce Vita

    Friday
    Jul 19

    30 Minutes

    Hunting for truffles; artichoke festival; farmhouse feast; a ride through cypress groves.
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    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    French Riviera: Uniquely Chic

    Friday
    Jul 19

    30 Minutes

    The Riviera's yachts; Monaco harbor; Nice's promenade; artists' hangouts.
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    Rick Steves' Europe: Sicilian Delights: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Sicilian Delights

    Saturday
    Jul 20

    30 Minutes

    Fresh seafood at the fisherman's harbor in Cefalù, on the northern coast of Sicily; Siracusa; Capuchin crypt; agriturismo; a classic Sicilian banquet.
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    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Italy's Great Hill Towns

    Saturday
    Jul 20

    30 Minutes

    Italy's classic hill towns include San Gimignano, Cortona, Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio.
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    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Poland Rediscovered: Krakow, Auschwitz and Warsaw

    Monday
    Jul 22

    30 Minutes

    Cobbled and Baroque Krakow; tragedy at Auschwitz; lively Warsaw.
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    Rick Steves' Europe: Scotland's Highlands: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Scotland's Highlands

    Tuesday
    Jul 23

    30 Minutes

    The Weeping Glen of Glen Coe; Inverness; the battlefield of Culloden; Stone Age burial grounds and Iron Age island forts; Caledonian Canal; Loch Ness; sheepdog demonstration; traditional folk music.
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    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Vienna

    Tuesday
    Jul 23

    30 Minutes

    The palace of Maria Theresa; Hapsburg crown jewels; a picnic on the Danube.
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    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Budapest: The Best of Hungary

    Tuesday
    Jul 23

    30 Minutes

    Straddling the Danube River is the Hungarian city of Budapest, with its bridges, mineral baths, old coffeehouses, parks and thriving capitalism.
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    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Lisbon and the Algarve

    Wednesday
    Jul 24

    30 Minutes

    The best of Portugal features Lisbon's Fado singers and ornate architecture, and the Algarve's windy Cape Sagres and pristine beaches.

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