Rick Steves Travel Talks

Rick Steves' Europe guidebook co-author (and foodie) Cameron Hewitt explains how food is a window into the culture, history, and landscape of a place...and it's delicious, too. Equal parts inspirational and informative, this travel talk explains how food and culture are interrelated, and how age-old European food concepts have become newly trendy stateside. Cameron also offers practical tips on how to find memorable restaurants, navigate European dining and drinking customs, track down affordable street food, and take part in foodie experiences like cooking classes and agriturismo visits. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

Planning a European trip by rail can feel daunting. In this travel talk, Rick Steves' Europe rail expert Gretchen Strauch explains all you need to know about Europe's railways. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel talk, Rick Steves' Europe travel expert Julia Reams-Giersch describes Scotland's top stops — from the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, to the nearby sights of Stirling and St. Andrews, to the rugged Highlands near Inverness and the lovely islands near Oban and the west coast — and explains practical travel skills, including pointers on sleeping, eating, and transportation. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel talk, Rick Steves' Europe co-author and tour guide Sarah Murdoch describes Sicily's top stops — from Palermo to Catania, from Trapani to Taormina, and from sandy beaches to the steamy summit of Mount Etna — and explains practical travel skills, including how to dive into Sicily's unique cuisine and fine wines. Sarah also offers tips on Sicily's top ancient sights, its easygoing hill towns, its dynamic street markets, and surviving its sometimes-intense cities. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

Teacher and travel expert Gretchen Strauch offers a crash course for travelers going to Germany. You'll learn how to pronounce German words, master some key phrases every traveler should know, and better understand how Germany's language is tied to its culture. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

Teacher and travel expert Trish Feaster offers a crash course for travelers going to Spain. You'll learn how to pronounce Spanish words, master some key phrases every traveler should know, and better understand how Spain's language is tied to its culture. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

Teacher and tour guide Trish Feaster has designed this French language class just for travelers — with exactly what you need to know for practical, smooth travels in France. You'll learn how to pronounce French words, master some key phrases every traveler should know, and better understand how France's language is tied to its culture.

Teacher and travel expert Trish Feaster offers a crash course for travelers going to Italy. You'll learn how to pronounce Italian words, master some key phrases every traveler should know, and better understand how Italy's language is tied to its culture. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel talk, Cameron Hewitt shares tips for traveling in Iceland — whether for 24 hours or 2 weeks. (Filmed March 17, 2018.)

In this travel class, Rick Steves' Europe travel consultant Kevin Williams explains how your smartphone or tablet can enhance your trip — including helpful travel apps, tips for avoiding high roaming fees, and what to ask your service provider. (Filmed January 9, 2016.)

In this lecture, Rick Steves describes how art styles follow the march of history: In the 1800s Neoclassical artists celebrate democracy while passionate Romantics champion the individual; the 20th century brings two World Wars, ideological turmoil, and equally wild art; and finally, Rick brings you right up to date with the birth of the European Union and the vibrant world of Europe today. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this lecture, Rick Steves describes how Europe explodes with new ideas in religion, exploration, and politics, resulting in some of the Western world’s greatest art treasures. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this lecture, Rick Steves describes how Europe pieces itself back together after Rome shatters into a thousand kingdoms in A.D. 500. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel class, Rick Steves guidebook co-author Cameron Hewitt shares a port-by-port rundown of the top Mediterranean cruise destinations. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel talk, Rick Steves guidebook co-author Cameron Hewitt shares a port-by-port rundown of the top Northern European cruise destinations. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this talk, Rick Steves guidebook co-author Cameron Hewitt provides a wide range of advice for first-time cruisers, including the factors to weigh when choosing and booking a cruise, how to approach all the optional add-ons, and practical travel skills for enjoying your time both on the ship and in port. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel class, Rick Steves' Europe travel consultant Kevin Williams suggests the best strategy for experiencing Iceland on a brief stopover in Reykjavík, including side-trips to the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, and hiking on a glacier. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel lecture, Rick Steves shares his personal experience traveling through Israel and Palestine and filming his one-hour TV special "Rick Steves' The Holy Land." Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel talk, Rick Steves helps us understand Switzerland, one of Europe's richest, best organized, most diverse and expensive countries. We'll explore the breathtaking Swiss Alps, cruise Lake Geneva, and experience other charming Swiss villages and scenic lakes. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel talk, Rick Steves describes traveling in Spain from gawking at astounding architecture and rambling down the Ramblas in Barcelona to eating tasty tapas and visiting top museums in Madrid to exploring southern Spain's Granada, Sevilla, and the whitewashed hill towns of Andalucía. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel talk, Rick Steves describes Scotland's rich culture and history as we visit windswept St. Andrews; an island distillery; Inverness in the Highlands; Lochs Ness, Garry and Lomond; the Isle of Skye; dramatic Glencoe and Bannockburn; seaside Oban; spiritual Isle of Iona; and the craggy castles of Edinburgh, Cawdor, Urquhart, and Eilean Donan. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel class, Rick Steves explores the diversity of Europe's Nordic countries from agricultural Denmark, to industrial Sweden, to fjord-splintered Norway. Along the way, we'll visit a salty fishing island, frolic in fjord country, and compare the capitals in Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel class, Rick Steves takes us on a journey through Portugal's modern capital city, charming small towns, beautiful seacoast, delicious food and wine, and soulful music. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel talk, Rick Steves tour guide Reid Coen takes us to Greece's bustling capital city of Athens and through several towns along the Peloponnese peninsula, ending with a visit to the traffic-free island of Hydra. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel lecture, Rick Steves takes us on a scenic tour of the heart of Europe. In Germany we'll learn about the poetic Rhine, Romantic Road, and Bavaria's fantasy castles and favorite beers; and in Austria we'll visit Mozart's Salzburg, the blue Danube, and stately Vienna. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel talk, Rick Steves explores the cultural hubs of London, Bath, and York; as well as the rural charms of the Cotswolds and Lake District; the historical thrills of places like Canterbury, Dover, and Warwick; and the rugged beauty of North Wales.

In this travel talk, Rick Steves' guidebook co-author Cameron Hewitt takes us on a journey through a trio of Eastern Europe's most accessible and enjoyable countries: the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary. Along the way, we'll stop off in bohemian Prague, charming Kraków, gorgeous Gdańsk, and bustling Budapest. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this talk, Rick Steves' guidebook co-author Cameron Hewitt shares advice for traveling along Croatia's Dalmatian Coast: the Roman villa-turned-bustling-city, Split; the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik; and some charming seafront villages. He'll also dip into neighboring Slovenia with stops in the Julian Alps, Lake Bled, and the delightful, small city of Ljubljana. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel lecture, Rick Steves explains what excites and inspires him about Europe: finding "Back Door" alternatives to crowded destinations; connecting with locals; appreciating cultural, artistic, and natural wonders; learning about both history and contemporary life; and having an experience-driven trip. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

Rick Steves explains how travel — from Europe to the Middle East to Latin America — has broadened his perspective and shaped his worldview on drug policy reform, the role of government, and America's place in the world. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel class, Rick Steves' guidebook co-author Steve Smith describes Provence, with its romantic hill towns, dynamic cities, and Roman ruins; and the French Riviera, with bustling Nice, world-class modern art, fine beaches, scenic drives, and glitzy Monaco. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel lecture, Steve Smith tours Burgundy (with fine wine and cuisine, inviting villages, stately abbeys, and Guédelon Castle) and the French Alps, where Mont Blanc towers over cable cars that zip across the peaks to Italy. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel class, Rick Steves guidebook co-author Steve Smith explains the highlights of the Dordogne (scenic gorge with canoe rides, decadent foie gras, and prehistoric cave art) and Languedoc (mighty Carcassonne, cliff-topping Cathar castles, and seafront Collioure). Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel lecture, Rick Steves guidebook co-author Steve Smith describes Normandy (D-Day beaches, Monet's gardens at Giverny, half-timbered Honfleur, and evocative Mont St-Michel) and the belle-époque châteaux of the Loire Valley (including Chenonceau). Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel class, Rick Steves guidebook co-author Steve Smith suggests strategies for touring Paris — the Louvre, Orsay, Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysées, Rodin Museum, and Montmartre — plus tips on sleeping, eating, and getting around affordably. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel talk, Rick Steves guidebook co-author Steve Smith teaches skills for traveling in France: finding hotels, enjoying restaurants, using your credit card, appreciating fine art (while beating lines at top museums), and getting around by train or rental car. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel class, Rick Steves explains how Italy intensifies as you plunge deeper — from the urban jungle of Naples (birthplace of pizza) to the ancient ruins at Pompeii to the stunning scenery of the Amalfi Coast. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel lecture, Rick Steves tours Rome — from the ancient ruins at the Forum and Colosseum to St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican (with Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel) — then enjoys Bernini's bubbling Baroque fountains after dark. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel class, Rick Steves describes Italy's Tuscany and Umbria — adjoining regions famous for their scenery, food, wine, and fine cities and hill towns (including Siena, Pisa, Lucca, Volterra, San Gimignano, Orvieto, Civita, and Assisi). Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel class, Rick Steves explains how Florence was the cradle of the Renaissance — and how today's travelers enjoy its art treasures (from the Uffizi to Michelangelo's David), art-filled churches, and delicious Tuscan cuisine. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel class, Rick Steves outlines the glories of Venice, from the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge to St. Mark's Square — including art-filled churches, opulent palazzos, twilit gondola rides, and the cities of Padua, Verona, and Ravenna. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel lecture, Rick Steves describes Italy's north: the Cinque Terre, on the traffic-free Riviera; bustling Milan, with da Vinci's Last Supper; Lake Como, with mellow Varenna and glittering Bellagio; and Italy's Alps, the Dolomites. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel talk, Rick Steves covers practical skills for making the most of Italy, including transportation (trains and rental cars), avoiding lines, planning an itinerary, choosing hotels, taking a cruise, and enjoying Italy's cuisine and wine. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel lecture, Rick Steves describes his experience traveling through Cuba as the US began easing decades of travel restrictions for American tourists. Expand your travel horizons and learn about the time-passed elegance of Havana, Cuba's classic American cars, fine $5 rum, the best Cuban cigars, and the idealistic charms of this remarkable island and its people. (Produced by Seattle's KCTS 9.)

In this travel class, Sarah Murdoch explains that, even when packing light, everyone is entitled to bring a "luxury item" or two — but she also gives examples of what not to bring if you want to save space. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel class on packing light, Sarah Murdoch gives you a tour of her toiletries kit, making tough calls about which cosmetics and other toiletries you really need — and don't need — while on the road. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel class, Sarah Murdoch shows you how to pack light while still fitting all of the essentials into your day bag: water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, spot remover, umbrella, emergency snacks, headphones, iPad, down vest, and more. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel class on packing light, Sarah Murdoch gives you a tour of her carry-on-the-plane-sized luggage (with everything she needs for several weeks in Europe), and outlines the pros and cons of backpacks vs. rolling bags. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this packing light travel lecture, Sarah Murdoch explains how the best travel clothes are lightweight, winkle-resistant, easy to layer, color-coordinated, and versatile. She also demonstrates how one piece of clothing can have multiple uses. Visit www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel talk, Sarah Murdoch explains why it's essential to pack light — and teaches key skills for how to do it. She'll explain her motto: "Nobody ever said 'I wish I'd brought more.'" Visit www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel talk, Rick Steves covers the skills you'll need to find the ideal European hotel, B and B, or hostel, and offers advice for using hotel-review and booking websites, getting online, and doing laundry. Visit www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.