Kings and queens have been crowned and buried since 1066 here in this most historic church in the English-speaking world. Filled with the remains of people who put the Great in Britain — saints, musicians, scientists, and soldiers — gloriously Gothic Westminster Abbey is the national church and the religious heart of the nation. English literature lovers find strolling through the memorials in Poets' Corner is a pilgrimage in itself. 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.

Lucca is still contained within its massive Renaissance ramparts, which locals treat like a circular community park. A 2.5 mile path atop the walls is ideal for a loop on foot or by bike. Lacking "must-see sights," Lucca's appeal is its relaxed old world ambiance, elegant streets and pristine piazzas. The church of San Giovanni hosts nightly concerts featuring the music of home town opera composer Giacomo Puccini. 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.

Hadrian's Wall, built nearly 2000 years ago by the Romans during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, was a cleverly-designed military rampart manned by 20,000 troops. This 73-mile long undulating wall likely defined and protected the bleak northern edge of Roman Britain from pesky barbarians. Much-loved by hikers and historians, the wall is truly one of England’s most thought provoking sights. 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.

Surrounding Venice and cradled by the lagoon are a string of low-lying islands which make a nice escape from the hubbub — especially if you can linger after the tourists return to the city. Regular ferryboats and water taxis connect Venice with nearby lagoon communities like Murano, famous for glass, and Burano, with its lace shops and photogenic Crayola-colored houses. 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.

Auguste Rodin was a modern Michelangelo, sculpting human figures on an epic scale, revealing through the body their deepest emotions. The Rodin Museum presents a full range of his work in marble and bronze (including his famous "The Kiss" and "The Thinker") housed in a historic mansion where the artist once lived and worked. 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.

Paris is a leader in the fashion world, famous for its high end design. Here, window shopping (known to the French as "window licking") in the bountiful boutiques can be a cultural experience. Department stores were invented in Paris, and they are often beautiful monuments to fine living. The Galeries Lafayette, with its belle époque dome, is a classic example. 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.

More than just a great museum, the Borghese Gallery is a beautiful villa set in the leafy surrounding gardens. Art commissioned by the luxury-loving Borghese family is displayed in the fancy frescoed rooms for which it was created. Masterpieces by Baroque masters Bernini and Caravaggio are among the highlights. Don't forget to get an easy-to-obtain reservation. 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.

For a lively and unique way to enjoy Paris, hire a car and driver for a magical after-dark blitz of the city's best views. The French raise floodlighting to an art form and monuments like the majestic Notre Dame and the sparkling Eiffel Tower will take your breath away. Paris is magnifique! 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.

One of the great joys of travel is eating. Restaurants filled with locals are where you’ll find high quality and good value. Order your meal with a spirit of adventure, seeking out seasonal and regional specialties. Markets and shops offer culinary delights as well. Think of cuisine as sightseeing for your palate. Bon appetit! 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.

Today's Europe is increasingly bilingual — and lucky for us English is its second language. You can manage just fine by being polite and by speaking clearly and slowly. Starting conversations with "Do you speak English?" in the local language shows you are willing to try and is appreciated. Communicate with curiosity and an appetite for learning local lingo and gestures. 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.