The British Library houses over 12 million books though the highlight for travelers is the room full of well-displayed documents that changed the course of history. You'll find original ancient maps, illuminated Gospels on parchment, the Gutenberg Bible, the Magna Carta, Shakespeare's plays and precious musical manuscripts ranging from Handel's Messiah to hand-written Beatles lyrics. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

This lakeside villa was once the summer residence for the Yugoslav royal family. Post-WWII, when Tito ran Yugoslavia with his unique style of Communism called the "Third Way," he entertained international guests here. Today it's a classy hotel and restaurant, and nostalgic Tito sympathizers can send an email from his desk, sip tea in his lounge, and gaze upon his Socialist Realist wall murals in the ballroom. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

The National Gallery features art showcasing the powerful beauty of Norway’s landscape and people. A visit here gives those heading into the mountains and fjord country a chance to pack along a little better understanding of Norway's history and cultural soul. You’ll also see some of famed Norwegian Expressionist painter Edvard Munch’s works including his iconic The Scream. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rome's Trastevere district is the place to immerse yourself in the crustier side of the Eternal City. Tucked between the Tiber River and the Janiculum Hill, this neighborhood feels worlds away from the rest of Rome. Take a slow wander and train your eyes to see Roman life more intimately. You’ll experience fascinating churches, local trattorias and pastel-colored lanes draped with laundry. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

Along the Antrim coast an hour north of Belfast, the evocative remnants of Dunluce Castle perch dramatically on the edge of a rocky headland. During the Middle Ages Dunluce resisted several sieges until one stormy night the castle's kitchen and servants tumbled suddenly into the sea! Local guides are expert at bringing the turbulent past of ruins like this to life for visitors. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

Barcelona boasts an enticing variety of tapas bars serving small portions of seafood, salads, meat-filled pastries, deep-fried tasties, and on and on. Some are colorful holes-in-walls, some are modern and trendy. Just drop in at any lively place and get a fun, inexpensive sampler plate. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

Filled with over 30,000 works of art, the Louvre is a treasure trove of Western civilization. This vast former royal palace is famous as the home to Mona (Lisa) and Venus (de Milo) but that’s just the appetizer course. You’ll find Greek and Roman sculptures and medieval jewels plus masterpieces from the Renaissance to Romanticism starring Michelangelo, Delacroix, Gericault and many others. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

Europe is continuing to unite — both politically and physically. From the start, the wealthier countries of the European Union have helped their less-affluent neighbors catch up. And, after a generation of huge investments, its transportation infrastructure keeps European commerce and trade moving faster than ever. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

Budapest's main drag, Andrássy Boulevard, is a good place to stroll and get a feel for today’s urban Pest. At the boulevard's end, you’ll find the grand Heroes’ Square, dripping with history; the vast tree-filled expanse of City Park, and, tucked in the middle of it all, Budapest’s finest thermal spa and single best experience, the Széchenyi Baths. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

The elegant Belvedere Palace was Austria's first great public art gallery and today houses the city's best collection of homegrown artists including Gustav Klimt, most famous for "The Kiss." In addition to the beautiful art you can tour the lavish palace, enjoy sweeping views of the manicured gardens and admire the Vienna skyline. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.