Rick Steves explains how travel — from Europe to the Middle East to Latin America — has broadened his perspective and shaped his worldview on drug policy reform, the role of government, and America's place in the world. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel class, Rick Steves' guidebook co-author Steve Smith describes Provence, with its romantic hill towns, dynamic cities, and Roman ruins; and the French Riviera, with bustling Nice, world-class modern art, fine beaches, scenic drives, and glitzy Monaco. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel lecture, Steve Smith tours Burgundy (with fine wine and cuisine, inviting villages, stately abbeys, and Guédelon Castle) and the French Alps, where Mont Blanc towers over cable cars that zip across the peaks to Italy. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel class, Rick Steves guidebook co-author Steve Smith explains the highlights of the Dordogne (scenic gorge with canoe rides, decadent foie gras, and prehistoric cave art) and Languedoc (mighty Carcassonne, cliff-topping Cathar castles, and seafront Collioure). Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel lecture, Rick Steves guidebook co-author Steve Smith describes Normandy (D-Day beaches, Monet's gardens at Giverny, half-timbered Honfleur, and evocative Mont St-Michel) and the belle-époque châteaux of the Loire Valley (including Chenonceau). Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel class, Rick Steves guidebook co-author Steve Smith suggests strategies for touring Paris — the Louvre, Orsay, Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysées, Rodin Museum, and Montmartre — plus tips on sleeping, eating, and getting around affordably. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel talk, Rick Steves guidebook co-author Steve Smith teaches skills for traveling in France: finding hotels, enjoying restaurants, using your credit card, appreciating fine art (while beating lines at top museums), and getting around by train or rental car. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel class, Rick Steves explains how Italy intensifies as you plunge deeper — from the urban jungle of Naples (birthplace of pizza) to the ancient ruins at Pompeii to the stunning scenery of the Amalfi Coast. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel lecture, Rick Steves tours Rome — from the ancient ruins at the Forum and Colosseum to St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican (with Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel) — then enjoys Bernini's bubbling Baroque fountains after dark. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

In this travel class, Rick Steves describes Italy's Tuscany and Umbria — adjoining regions famous for their scenery, food, wine, and fine cities and hill towns (including Siena, Pisa, Lucca, Volterra, San Gimignano, Orvieto, Civita, and Assisi). Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.