On the Mediterranean Sea, basking between the French and Italian Rivieras, the principality of Monaco barely fits on its one square mile of territory. From the famous casino to the palace atop its fortified hill, a visit to Monaco is a Riviera "must." 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.

"Norway in a Nutshell" is a series of well-organized train, ferry, and bus connections, laying Norway's most beautiful countryside on a scenic platter. Deep forests, countless lakes, and rugged wilderness engage nature lovers both on and off the train. 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.

Hungary's Parliament is enormous, with literally miles of grand halls. Originally housing the sprawling multi-national Habsburg empire, it's now a palace of democracy. And locals enjoy a communal soak in traditional mineral 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.

In the 14th century, Bruges was an economic powerhouse with a population matching London's. When its sea trade dried up in the 16th century the economy collapsed, but today tourism, and chocolate shops, have rejuvenated this uniquely well-preserved gothic city. 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.

Istanbul offers a good opportunity to better understand Islam. Visitors are welcome to visit historic mosques — such as the Blue Mosque, nicknamed because of its blue tiles — and at the same time experience a religion that still packs the house. 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.

Denmark's roots, both Viking and royal, are on display in Roskilde. This historic capital’s centerpiece is its imposing cathedral, with paintings surviving from before the Reformation. And the Viking Ship Museum is a hands-on center for experiencing Denmark's seafaring heritage. 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.

Copenhagen has lots of idyllic parks. Its most royal is the King's Garden surrounding the Rosenborg Castle, summer residence to Denmark's "big personality" king, Christian IV, who ruled from 1588 until 1648. The castle's basement holds cases of treasures to dazzle visitors, including the finest renaissance crown in Europe, from Christian IV's coronation in 1596. 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.

Settle into the pace of Greek country life in Kardamyli. We visit a shopkeeper serving up chamomile and olives harvested from his backyard: the hills of the Peloponnese. 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.

Only a 90-minute hydrofoil ride from bustling Athens, Hydra is the prettiest of the Greek isles. The community is an easy blend of work-a-day commerce, fancy yachts and lazy tourists meandering through traffic-free streets, alongside the occasional donkey. 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 astronomical clock of Olomouc — destroyed by the Nazis in World War II — was rebuilt under Communism in 1953. In good social realist style, you see earnest chemists and heroic mothers rather than holy saints and Virgin Marys. And this is where you can sample the notorious cheese of Moravia, purportedly the stinkiest in the whole country. 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.