Rick Steves Best of Europe

by Rick Steves

Hit Europe's can't-miss art, sights, and bites with Rick Steves Best of Europe!Expert advice from Rick Steves on what's worth your time and moneyItineraries for one to four days in the top destinations in England, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and SwitzerlandRick's tips for beating the crowds, skipping lines, and avoiding tourist trapsThe best of local culture, flavors, and haunts, including walks through the most interesting neighborhoods and museumsTrip planning strategies like how to link destinations and design your itinerary, what to pack, where to stay, and how to get aroundOver 100 full-color maps and vibrant photosCoverage of London, Paris, Provence, the French Riviera, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre, the Swiss Alps/Berner Oberland, Munich, Rothenberg and the Romantic Road, the Rhine Valley, Berlin, and AmsterdamExperience the best of Europe with Rick Steves!

Genres: Travel

1668 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2021

About the author

Rick Steves is an American travel writer, television personality, and activist known for encouraging meaningful travel that emphasizes cultural immersion and thoughtful global citizenship. Born in California and raised in Edmonds, Washington, he began traveling in his teens, inspired by a family trip to Europe. After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in European history and business, Steves started teaching travel classes, which led to his first guidebook, Europe Through the Back Door, self-published in 1980.
Steves built his Edmonds-based travel company on the idea that travelers should explore less-touristy areas and engage with local cultures. He gained national prominence as host and producer of Rick Steves' Europe, which has aired on public television since 2000. He also hosts a weekly public radio show, Travel with Rick Steves, and has authored dozens of popular guidebooks, including bestselling titles on Italy and Europe at large.
Beyond travel, Steves is an outspoken advocate for drug policy reform, environmental sustainability, and social justice. He supports marijuana legalization and chairs the board of NORML. He has funded housing for homeless families and donates to anti-hunger and arts organizations. In 2019, he pledged $1 million annually to offset the carbon emissions of his tour groups.
Steves is a practicing Lutheran with Norwegian ancestry and continues to live in Edmonds. He has two adult children and is in a relationship with Reverend Shelley Bryan Wee. Despite health challenges, including a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2024, Steves remains committed to his mission of helping Americans travel with greater purpose, empathy, and understanding of the world. His work reflects a belief that travel, done right, can be both transformative and a force for peace.

Reviews

[Kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful in planning a trip. Rick Steves points out interesting places to visit in specific cities and countries. He often provides maps and specific directions for walking tours, not to miss views, the best times to visit, places to pause for a drink or snack. He often lists entrance fees for the sites but one must keep in mind that prices and hours of those venues can change over time.

He also provides hints, for example, in Portugal servers may place a plate of appetizers on your table without you requesting it. Beware, you will be charged if you eat from it but no charge if you don't eat from it or push it aside.

[Smkelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good info on the top places to visit in Europe.