For centuries, Portugal's royalty considered Sintra the perfect place to escape from Lisbon. Today, tourists can experience Sintra's mix of natural and man-made beauty, too, from fantasy castles to lush forests to craggy hilltops with hazy views of the Atlantic. More info about travel to Portugal: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/portugal

Sintra, Portugal: Royal Getaway

Rick Steves' Europe Video — a video podcast based on Rick's popular TV series — gives you a colorful look at the sights, people and history behind Europe's most interesting destinations. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel info on these destinations.

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Europe's love affair with art reaches back to its prehistoric societies, and the artifacts they left behind give us a glimpse into their way of life. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Art of Europe: Prehistoric Art

In the ornate, dramatic churches of Austria, elements of art, architecture, and music work in harmony — with a style bold enough to reach the heavens. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Churches of Austria — Rick Steves' Europe Travel Guide

Hunting hounds, manicured grounds, and a mini theme park celebrating the genius of Da Vinci are a few of the amenities at France's grand residences. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Châteaux of France — Rick Steves' Europe Travel Guide

The museums of Rome house the treasures of one of the world's great civilizations, from anonymous scenes of everyday life to breathtaking masterworks. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Museums of Rome — Rick Steves' Europe Travel Guide

From Cornwall to the Adriatic, diners have an appetite for meals starring locally caught fish and shellfish — some humble, some chic, all delicious. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Sintra, Portugal: Royal Getaway

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