Rick Steves's Blog, page 13

Daily Dose of Europe: To My First Travel Partner…Happy Mother’s Day

Even though my Mom, June Steves, passed away in 2011, she remains a huge presence. When I think of how my Mom catapulted me into the wonderful life Ive enjoyed, it was she who first took me to Europe. While my Dad was busy doing business with European piano-builders (he imported pianos), Mom was my first travel partner. (Dad was the big personality the lead character in most stories in our family lore. But it was Mom who made sure we caught the plane, had our documents, stayed safe, and were...

Daily Dose of Europe: Guide Reports, Week 8 — Italy Emerges from Lockdown

For todays Daily Dose of Europe, were getting the scoop straight from our European friends. Like most of the US, much of Europe is still in some version of lockdownbut things are slowly opening up. This installment of our weekly guide reports roundup offers a look at Europe emerging from its cocoon.

In Spain, Jorge Román sent us some stunning photos of the annual patio decorating festival in Córdoba a treasured late-spring tradition that is still happening amidst the pandemic:

In...

Daily Dose of Europe: Going Dutch…in Holland’s Polder Country

On a recent visit to the Netherlands, my longtime Dutch friends Hans and Marjet drove me through polder country. In these vast fields reclaimed from the sea, cows graze, narrow canals function as fences, and only church spires and windmills interrupt the horizon.

Even if weve had to postpone trips to Europe, I believe a daily dose of travel dreaming can actually be good medicine. Heres another one of my favorite travel memories a reminder of whats waiting for you in Europe at the other end...

Daily Dose of Europe: Alsace and Colmar — France and Germany Mix It Up

Cant decide between France and Germany for your next trip? Why not do both at oncein Alsace.

Even if weve had to postpone trips to Europe, I believe a daily dose of travel dreaming can actually be good medicine. Heres another one of my favorite travel memories a reminder of whats waiting for you in Europe at the other end of this crisis.

Biking down a newly paved but skinny one-lane service road through lush vineyards, I notice how the hills seem to be blanketed in green corduroy.

My...

Daily Dose of Europe: The Italian Love of Eating

Im using my quarantine time learning how to cook. One thing is clear: Im nowhere near as good as the Italians. But I can dream of those meals of a lifetime that seem almost routine in Italy.

Even if weve had to postpone trips to Europe, I believe a daily dose of travel dreaming can actually be good medicine. Heres another one of my favorite travel memories a reminder of whats waiting for you in Europe at the other end of this crisis.

Spending a month in Italy, the thought of eating anything...

Daily Dose of Europe: Greece’s Underrated Peloponnese Peninsula

The Greek Islands are famous and beautiful. But the next time I can make it back to Greece, Im heading to its heartland, for less glitz, lower prices, and more substantial sightseeing.

Even if weve had to postpone trips to Europe, I believe a daily dose of travel dreaming can actually be good medicine. Heres another one of my favorite travel memories a reminder of whats waiting for you in Europe at the other end of this crisis.

At a beachside restaurant, with my chair and table lodged in...

Coronavirus Reports from Our Guides in Europe — Week 7

On many days, the first thing I read while Im still in bed are emails from our tour guides all across Europe, many in countries more locked down than mine. Its touching and fascinating to learn what their lives have been like for the last two months. Earlier this week, I sent them all a video message reassuring them that our company is financially strong and determined to weather this storm. Like them, we are eager for this crisis to be over, so we can all get back to guiding our Rick...

Daily Dose of Europe: Rothenburg’s Night Watchman

As we starve this virus by staying home, I keep imagining Europe in the Middle Ages as it suffered through repeated plagues. In a town like Germanys Rothenburg, after dark, when the streets are lonely, you can imagine those take out your dead days when up to a third of the population (mostly the poor) died. The first symptom? Usually a sneeze. (Thats when people first started saying bless you after an ah-choo.) Thankfully, todays pandemic is nothing like the Great Plague, and Im confident...

Daily Dose of Europe: Mysterious Britain

On my next trip to Britain, Ill linger a bit longer at its many mysterious sights.

Even if weve had to postpone trips to Europe, I believe a daily dose of travel dreaming can actually be good medicine. Heres another one of my favorite travel memories a reminder of whats waiting for you in Europe at the other end of this crisis.

On my first trip to Dartmoor National Park, back when I was a student, word of the wonders lurking just a bit deeper into the moors tempted me away from my hostel in...

Daily Dose of Europe: Lago di Como — Where Italians Honeymoon

When traveling in Italy, I find Lake Como the most relaxing place to take a break. Join me there now on a mental break from self-isolation and coronavirus crisis.

Even if weve had to postpone trips to Europe, I believe a daily dose of travel dreaming can actually be good medicine. Heres another one of my favorite travel memories a reminder of whats waiting for you in Europe at the other end of this crisis.

Stretched over two chairs atop the skinny passenger deck of a 10-car ferry as it...