Maximize every mile, minute, and dollar on your vacation by doing your homework and planning smartly. The stakes are high. You’ll be glad you did. Watch the full talk at https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/experiencing-europe For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

In Iceland's capital, Rick strolls an upbeat street, admires the wool of the country's hardy sheep, and samples the local delicacy: fermented shark. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Geysers spring to life, tectonic plates meet, and Iceland's otherworldly landscape captures the imagination on a day's drive along the Golden Circle. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Twentieth-century artists broke new ground — and all the rules — at a furious pace, boldly exploring anguish, joy, abstraction, and unbridled whimsy. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

The Impressionists fled the studio for the great outdoors, and with bold brushstrokes made light, color, and shadow the true stars of their canvases. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Baroque excesses were countered by the Revolution, the Enlightenment, and a stern, no-frills art that celebrated a new age of science and reason. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

The "Michelangelo of Baroque," Bernini made Rome his gallery, showcasing his creations from the finest statues to his design of St. Peter's Square. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Paintings evolved to appear more life-like, thanks to Giotto's early exploration of 3-D, Masaccio's mastery of depth, and the realism of Fra Angelico. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

The Renaissance master sculpted "David" and the "Pietà," painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and designed the majestic dome of St. Peter's Basilica. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Art in service to religion was joined by a new aesthetic, reflected in grand city halls and fanciful tapestries celebrating life's earthly pleasures. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.