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

  • Haarlem, Netherlands: Herring and Heritage: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Haarlem, Netherlands: Herring and Heritage

    S8 E810 - 4m 39s

    Haarlem is a “Dutch Masters” kind of town, with plenty of 17th-century architecture. Dodge bikes down narrow lanes to discover some of Haarlem’s gems — pickled herring, masterpieces by Dutch Masters, and, at 100 feet high, Holland’s greatest pipe organ.

  • Berlin, Germany: Trendy Prenzlauer Berg: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Berlin, Germany: Trendy Prenzlauer Berg

    S8 E812 - 3m 42s

    Young, in-the-know locals agree that Prenzlauer Berg is one of Berlin’s most colorful neighborhoods. There are no real sights -- just a lively, laid-back neighborhood ignoring its wonderful late-19th-century architecture high overhead.

  • Verona, Italy: Ambience and a Grappa Taste Test: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Verona, Italy: Ambience and a Grappa Taste Test

    S8 E808 - 3m 29s

    About two hours from touristy Venice is Verona — a welcome sip of pure, easygoing Italy. Its main attractions are its wealth of Roman ruins and its 21st-century quiet, pedestrian-only ambience.

  • Chartres, France: Pure Gothic Cathedral: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Chartres, France: Pure Gothic Cathedral

    S8 E804 - 2m 46s

    A great side trip from Paris is the city of Chartres — and its famous cathedral, arguably Europe’s best example of pure Gothic architecture. It was built quickly, so the cathedral has a unity of architecture, statuary, and stained glass that captures the spirit of the Age of Faith like no other church.

  • Amsterdam, Netherlands: Coffeeshops and Red Light District: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Amsterdam, Netherlands: Coffeeshops and Red Light District

    S8 E809 - 2m 44s

    Amsterdam has plenty of examples of their progressive approach to subjects many people consider unsavory: curbside urinals, prostitutes who are unionized, taxed, and regulated…and “coffeeshops” that sell marijuana.

  • France's Loire: Château Country Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    France's Loire: Château Country Preview

    S8 E803 - 30s

    Along the Loire River Valley, the beautiful French countryside is studded with evocative châteaux. Home-basing in Amboise, we visit four unique castles: elegant Chenonceau, massive Chambord, stately Cheverny, and fragrant Villandry. Along the way, we tour Leonardo's home, feed hunting dogs, enjoy the local cuisine, and savor a princely garden.

  • Central Turkey Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Central Turkey Preview

    S8 E802 - 30s

    We marvel at the fascinating landscape of Cappadocia from high above in a balloon...and from deep below, prowling an underground city where Christians once hid out. We'll join a circumcision party, explore troglodyte ghost towns, shop for sheep at the market, and chat with an imam. Then we enjoy the modern capital, Ankara, and pay our respects to the father of modern Turkey, Atatürk.

Schedule

  • Image
    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Friday
    Apr 19

    30 Minutes

    Rick Steves' guidebooks, public-radio program and numerous television series have made him an essential resource for travelers wishing to explore Europe. This program finds the knowledgeable host offering globetrotters a fresh perspective on lodgings, transportation and places to visit on their journeys. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is Steves' belief that travelers should become "temporary locals," exploring not only major cities and the usual sites, but out-of-the-way locales that often produce the most authentic, and enjoyable, experiences of a trip.
  • Image
    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Amsterdam

    Friday
    Apr 19

    30 Minutes

    Exploring Amsterdam's history, art, and culture.
  • Image
    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    The Netherlands Beyond Amsterdam

    Friday
    Apr 19

    30 Minutes

    The sights outside of Amsterdam, from Haarlem to Rotterdam and Delft to the Zuiderzee.
  • Image
    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Saturday
    Apr 20

    30 Minutes

    Rick Steves' guidebooks, public-radio program and numerous television series have made him an essential resource for travelers wishing to explore Europe. This program finds the knowledgeable host offering globetrotters a fresh perspective on lodgings, transportation and places to visit on their journeys. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is Steves' belief that travelers should become "temporary locals," exploring not only major cities and the usual sites, but out-of-the-way locales that often produce the most authentic, and enjoyable, experiences of a trip.
  • Image
    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Tuesday
    Apr 23

    30 Minutes

    Rick Steves' guidebooks, public-radio program and numerous television series have made him an essential resource for travelers wishing to explore Europe. This program finds the knowledgeable host offering globetrotters a fresh perspective on lodgings, transportation and places to visit on their journeys. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is Steves' belief that travelers should become "temporary locals," exploring not only major cities and the usual sites, but out-of-the-way locales that often produce the most authentic, and enjoyable, experiences of a trip.
  • Image
    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Prague

    Tuesday
    Apr 23

    30 Minutes

    Prague's massive castle, statue-lined bridge, Jewish Quarter and 20th-century history.
  • Image
    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Prague

    Wednesday
    Apr 24

    30 Minutes

    Prague's massive castle, statue-lined bridge, Jewish Quarter and 20th-century history.
  • Image
    Rick Steves' Europe: Berlin: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Berlin

    Wednesday
    Apr 24

    30 Minutes

    A reunited Berlin entertains more visitors than ever before.
  • Image
    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Thursday
    Apr 25

    30 Minutes

    Rick Steves' guidebooks, public-radio program and numerous television series have made him an essential resource for travelers wishing to explore Europe. This program finds the knowledgeable host offering globetrotters a fresh perspective on lodgings, transportation and places to visit on their journeys. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is Steves' belief that travelers should become "temporary locals," exploring not only major cities and the usual sites, but out-of-the-way locales that often produce the most authentic, and enjoyable, experiences of a trip.
  • Image
    Rick Steves' Europe: Berlin: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Berlin

    Thursday
    Apr 25

    30 Minutes

    A reunited Berlin entertains more visitors than ever before.
  • Image
    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Germany's Hamburg and the Luther Trail

    Thursday
    Apr 25

    30 Minutes

    Germany's port city of Hamburg, post-World War II; historic sites of Martin Luther and the Reformation, including Erfurt, Wittenberg and Wartburg Castle; Wurzburg in Franconia.
  • Image
    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Friday
    Apr 26

    30 Minutes

    Rick Steves' guidebooks, public-radio program and numerous television series have made him an essential resource for travelers wishing to explore Europe. This program finds the knowledgeable host offering globetrotters a fresh perspective on lodgings, transportation and places to visit on their journeys. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is Steves' belief that travelers should become "temporary locals," exploring not only major cities and the usual sites, but out-of-the-way locales that often produce the most authentic, and enjoyable, experiences of a trip.
  • Image
    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Germany's Hamburg and the Luther Trail

    Friday
    Apr 26

    30 Minutes

    Germany's port city of Hamburg, post-World War II; historic sites of Martin Luther and the Reformation, including Erfurt, Wittenberg and Wartburg Castle; Wurzburg in Franconia.
  • Image
    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Germany's Dresden and Leipzig

    Friday
    Apr 26

    30 Minutes

    The capital city of Dresden, Germany's palaces and art of the Wettin dynasty; Leipzig's Bach heritage, a monument to the day Europe beat Napoleon and museums.
  • Image
    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Saturday
    Apr 27

    30 Minutes

    Rick Steves' guidebooks, public-radio program and numerous television series have made him an essential resource for travelers wishing to explore Europe. This program finds the knowledgeable host offering globetrotters a fresh perspective on lodgings, transportation and places to visit on their journeys. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is Steves' belief that travelers should become "temporary locals," exploring not only major cities and the usual sites, but out-of-the-way locales that often produce the most authentic, and enjoyable, experiences of a trip.
  • Image
    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Tuesday
    Apr 30

    30 Minutes

    Rick Steves' guidebooks, public-radio program and numerous television series have made him an essential resource for travelers wishing to explore Europe. This program finds the knowledgeable host offering globetrotters a fresh perspective on lodgings, transportation and places to visit on their journeys. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is Steves' belief that travelers should become "temporary locals," exploring not only major cities and the usual sites, but out-of-the-way locales that often produce the most authentic, and enjoyable, experiences of a trip.
  • Image
    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Tuesday
    Apr 30

    30 Minutes

    Rick Steves' guidebooks, public-radio program and numerous television series have made him an essential resource for travelers wishing to explore Europe. This program finds the knowledgeable host offering globetrotters a fresh perspective on lodgings, transportation and places to visit on their journeys. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is Steves' belief that travelers should become "temporary locals," exploring not only major cities and the usual sites, but out-of-the-way locales that often produce the most authentic, and enjoyable, experiences of a trip.
  • Image
    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Wednesday
    May 1

    30 Minutes

    Rick Steves' guidebooks, public-radio program and numerous television series have made him an essential resource for travelers wishing to explore Europe. This program finds the knowledgeable host offering globetrotters a fresh perspective on lodgings, transportation and places to visit on their journeys. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is Steves' belief that travelers should become "temporary locals," exploring not only major cities and the usual sites, but out-of-the-way locales that often produce the most authentic, and enjoyable, experiences of a trip.
  • Image
    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Wednesday
    May 1

    30 Minutes

    Rick Steves' guidebooks, public-radio program and numerous television series have made him an essential resource for travelers wishing to explore Europe. This program finds the knowledgeable host offering globetrotters a fresh perspective on lodgings, transportation and places to visit on their journeys. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is Steves' belief that travelers should become "temporary locals," exploring not only major cities and the usual sites, but out-of-the-way locales that often produce the most authentic, and enjoyable, experiences of a trip.
  • Image
    Rick Steves' Europe: TVSS: Iconic

    Rick Steves' Europe

    Bulgaria

    Wednesday
    May 1

    30 Minutes

    The complex history of Bulgaria, from ancient Thracian tombs to medieval Orthodox Christian monasteries to Soviet monuments.

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