Rick Steves' Europe

Part one of three shows on the Eternal City, this episode resurrects the rubble and brings back to life the capital of the ancient world. Focusing on the grandeur of classical Rome, we'll admire the groundbreaking architecture at the Colosseum and Pantheon, and the empire's exquisite art at the Capitoline Museum. Then we'll head out on a bike ride along the ancient Appian Way and take in nearby marvels of Roman engineering.

This second of three shows on Rome reveals a city busy with life and bursting with Baroque. We'll ramble through the venerable heart of Rome, admire breathtaking Bernini statues, ponder sunbeams inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, and mix and mingle with the Romans during an early-evening stroll. Following an exquisite Roman dinner, we'll join locals after dark, lacing together the Eternal City's most romantic nightspots.

In this third of three shows on the Eternal City, we'll explore this grand metropolis — so rich in art and culture — on a more intimate scale, delving into its back lanes and unheralded corners. Venturing through the crusty Trastevere district, visiting the historic Jewish Ghetto, and enjoying art treasures in a string of rarely visited churches, we uncover charms of hidden Rome that compete with its marquee sights.

Part 1 of 2 in Florence, Italy, highlights Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise.

The visit to Florence, Italy, concludes with a look at the city's artistic treasures. Also: side-trips to the cities of Pisa and Lucca.

Part 1 of a two-part tour of Paris includes a Seine River cruise and visits to Napoleon's tomb and the Louvre. Also: Bastille Day celebrations are highlighted.

Conclusion. In Paris, stops include the Cluny Museum; Sainte-Chapelle; and Père Lachaise Cemetery. Also: the Parisian café scene.

A tour of London stops at Westminster Abbey, the British Library and Winston Churchill's secret WWII headquarters. Also: tripling the calories of an English scone at teatime; taking in the evening scene in Soho.

Exploring England's Lake District, which is home to lakes, waterfalls, a slate mine and stony summits. Also: Hadrian's Wall; the Durham Cathedral.

Part 1 of 2. A tour of Venice, Italy, highlights the masterpieces of the Venetian Renaissance. Also: cruising the Grand Canal.

The Venice, Italy, tour concludes. Included: art treasures; hidden wonders.

Rick Steves offers practical advice on how to have a fun and affordable trip to Europe. Sites include Germany, Italy, the Swiss Alps, Paris and London.

Rick Steves offers practical advice on how to have a fun and affordable trip to Europe. Sites include Germany, Italy, the Swiss Alps, Paris and London.

Rick Steves offers practical advice on how to have a fun and affordable trip to Europe. Sites include Germany, Italy, the Swiss Alps, Paris and London.