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Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a progressive way of life packaged in Europe's most 17th-century city. Like Venice, it's crisscrossed by canals and built on millions of pilings. But it's also built on good living, cozy cafés, great art, street-corner jazz, stately history, and a spirit of live-and-let-live.

Amsterdam, Bruges & Brussels

Experience the three greatest cities of Europe's "Low Countries," so named because nearly half the land in Belgium and the Netherlands lies below sea level. In Amsterdam, we'll explore a lively city full of "more canals than Venice," cozy cafes, great art and stately history. With vivid, time-tunnel art, pointy, gilded architecture and Renoir canals, Bruges is a sightseeing treasure where you can savor heavenly chocolate and the world's best beer, and in bustling Brussels, the unofficial capital of Europe, you'll be pleasantly surprised by a rich, mix of food and culture.

Great Britain

From Big Ben to bagpipes, Great Britain features some of Europe's best scenery, top museums, quaintest villages, and friendliest locals — all without a language barrier. We'll visit Bath, Cotswold villages, Wales, the Lakes District, Edinburgh, Hadrian's Wall, and York. In London we'll visit some of the world's best museums, theaters and pubs.

England

Follow England's coastal communities from windswept and desolate Dartmoor to Portsmouth and Brighton. Turn northeast to Canterbury and its famous tales, then over to Dover's castle and channel crossing that takes you beyond the pond.

London

In this class we'll explore one of Europe's most interesting and enjoyable cities from A to Z, including transportation tips; sightseeing suggestions; nightlife and theater pointers; dining options beyond bangers and mash; and how to find a comfortable budget hotel. We'll also whisk you into the English countryside for a look at London's best daytrips.

Ireland

Join us for a slideshow romp through the unique Irish landscape! We'll get a glimpse of Ireland's fascinating history and meet the friendly people of this charming country. Our travels will take us through both the Republic and Northern Ireland, including Dublin, Waterford, the Aran Islands, Dingle Peninsula, Belfast, Derry, and the Giant's Causeway.

Scandinavia

Explore the diversity of Europe's Nordic countries — from agricultural Denmark, to industrial Sweden, to fjord-splintered Norway — as we meander through the Land of the Midnight Sun. We'll visit a salty fishing island, frolic in fjord country, and compare capitals in Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki.

Select Gardens of England & France

Enjoy a pictorial garden visit from Monet's Giverny to Cornwall's Lost Gardens of Heligan to Southern England's Stourhead. Spend an hour viewing some of the "best of the best" and then make your own plans to visit these delightful locations.

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France

It should be no surprise that France is the world's most-visited country. We'll lead you through the battlefields and rugged coastline of Normandy and Brittany, and the vineyards and chateaux of the Loire Valley and Burgundy. Then we head south to Provence and the glamorous Riviera before topping it all off in romantic, historic Paris.

Paris

Paris is synonymous with beauty, romance, great art museums, and fine cuisine. We'll explore the ins and outs of finding good, affordable hotels and restaurants, the best seasons for visiting, and how to organize your sightseeing. You'll also learn about the many day trips possible from Paris, including Versailles, Giverny and Chartres.

Provence & the French Riviera

Join us on a fabulous journey through Provence. You'll learn about the Roman sites in Arles, Pont du Gard, Orange and Glanum as well as the market villages of St. Remy, Isle sur La Sorgue and Rousillon. Along the sea, we'll visit the town of Cassis and the marshes of the Camargue. You'll even learn where to find the lavender.

France's Loire, Dordogne and Languedoc

We'll begin with a trip through the Loire Valley, studded with hundreds of castles and palaces. Farther south we'll explore the Dordogne River Valley, a region that includes rock-sculpted villages and a local cuisine to die for. And finally, we'll uncover less-touristed Languedoc, including the fortified town of Carcassonne.

France's Great Wine Regions

Learn about French village life where land, tradition, and a slower pace are venerated. After Paris, most travelers are drawn to the romantic hill towns and castles, meandering rivers and canals, and seas of vineyards that carpet the French countryside. In village France, everyone values the soil (le terroir) that brings the flavor to their foods and wines and nourishes a rural lifestyle. So while the country's brain resides in Paris, its soul lives in its villages — and that's where you'll feel the real pulse of France.

Germany, Austria & Switzerland

Tour the scenic heart of Europe, from the poetic Rhine to the Romantic Road and the fantasy castles and beers of Bavaria. We'll venture onward to the hills of Mozart's Salzburg, then along the Danube to Vienna. Finally, explore the Alpine wonderland of Heidi's Switzerland in Appenzell and the Berner Oberland.

Austria

Enjoy a virtual trip through Austria's top sights. We'll explore elegant Vienna—the epicenter of opera, coffee, Art Nouveau, and waltz music — then make a quick stop in the vineyard-lined Danube Valley. From there it's on to musical Salzburg, and the storybook lakeside village of Hallstatt. For a taste of Alpine living, we'll end in the snowy peaks and green valleys of Tirol.

Alpine Europe

Meander through the mountains and meadows of Europe's majestic Alps that stretch from France to Slovenia. We'll explore Chamonix, Zermatt, the Bernese Oberland, Hallstatt, the Dolomites, Bled and more. We'll focus upon totally yodel-y outdoor pursuits and villages as well as attractive gateway cities like Bern and Salzburg.

Best of Europe

The best that Europe has to offer. The must-sees — Amsterdam, Venice, Florence, Rome and Paris — and all of their artistic treasures. Plus Europe's quieter treasures, like Germany's castle-coated Rhine River Valley and medieval Rothenburg, the alpine countryside charms of Austria and Switzerland, Italy's sun-drenched Cinque Terre villages and beautiful French Burgundy.

Berlin, Prague and Vienna

We'll explore the heart of historic Europe in three of Europe's greatest cities. Berlin has risen from its tumultuous past to become a gleaming, people-friendly city best known for several world-class museums, a lively nightlife and cafe scene, and many historically significant sites. The hugely popular city of Prague boasts the best beer and art noveau in Europe, a year-round music-festival atmosphere, and an abundance of beautifully preserved facades from every architectural era. Vienna, the Hapsburg Empire's grand capital for 600 years, remains the romantic home of Brahms, outrageously decadent desserts, and the world's classiest cafe culture.

Battlefields of WWI

For WWI history buffs, this class makes the battles of the major western-front battlefields of Ypres, Somme, and Verdun come alive.  Abe Bringolf will brief you on the motivation, warfare, and resolution of the 3 battlefields of the Great War and how to explore them on your own in the 21st century.

Eastern EuropeSign up for classes | Return to top

Eastern Europe

Together we'll travel through Eastern Europe's six most accessible and enjoyable countries: the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia. Along the way, we'll stop off in bohemian Prague, charming Krakow, bustling Budapest, Slovenia's enchanting Julian Alps, and the Adriatic escape of Dubrovnik.

Eastern Europe: Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary

Together we'll travel through a trio of Eastern Europe's most accessible and enjoyable countries: the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary. Along the way, we'll stop off in bohemian Prague, charming Krakow, gorgeous Gdansk, and bustling Budapest.

Prague, Krakow and Budapest

In Prague, we'll enjoy some of Europe's best-preserved architecture, cheapest and best beer, and most engaging sightseeing. Kraków is Poland's most charming city, with one of Europe's biggest and best squares. And Budapest offers some fun-loving thermal baths and fascinating glimpses at the exotic Hungarian culture.

Croatia and Slovenia

The Adriatic is emerging as one of Europe's top destinations. We'll focus primarily on Croatia's Dalmatian Coast: the Roman villa-turned-bustling-city, Split; the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik; and some charming seafront villages. We'll also dip into neighboring Slovenia, combining breathtaking Alpine scenery with a breezy Adriatic café culture.

St. Petersburg, Tallinn and Helsinki

Discover a formerly forbidden corner of Europe, where a blend of eastern, western and royal tastes have created a region unlike any other. Estonia's Tallinn has shaken off its Soviet overcoat to reveal a charmingly Germanic, "romantic road" personality underneath. A ferry ride away, you'll see how elegant, fast-growing Helsinki has become one of Europe's most prosperous cities. Then visit St. Petersburg, where you'll marvel at the masterpiece-packed Hermitage and other Tsarist treasures.

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Mediterranean Europe

Follow the Mediterranean sun from Portugal to Turkey and learn the best way to travel in each country along the way. Find some of the best spots to linger beside the sea, and learn why the Carthaginians, Phoenicians, Arabs, Greeks and Romans all fought for control of these strategic and beautiful coastlines.

Spain and Portugal

Our journey begins in Barcelona, gawking at astounding architecture and rambling down the Ramblas. Then it's on to Madrid, where you can fill up on tasty tapas and visit top museums. Then we'll head south to Granada, the whitewashed hill towns around Sevilla, and Portugal's romantic Algarve Coast, before finishing our journey in bustling Lisbon.

The Basque Region of Spain and France

In this class well explore a region known for its independent spirit, lush scenery, and amazing cuisine. From the laid back seaside town of San Sebastian to the modern architecture of urban Bilbao to the charm of French Bayonne, this class will introduce you to a corner of Europe that many Americans have yet to experience.

Turkey

Our journey begins in exotic Istanbul before crossing the Bosphorus Strait into Asia. We'll show you cosmopolitan Ankara, the otherworldly rock formations of Cappadocia, the Mediterranean resort town of Antalya, and the Apostle Paul's old stomping grounds at Ephesus. We'll also touch on Turkey's diverse geography, people, and spirituality.

Village Turkey

We'll explore the western coast of Turkey from the bustle of Istanbul to the beauty of Bodrum. Vineyards, olive groves, Gallipoli battlefields, mountain villages, seaside towns, local markets, ancient Troy and other sites make this part of Turkey especially delightful and rich in history.

Istanbul: Where East Meets West

Istanbul, a city with one part in Europe and the other in Asia, is Turkey's historic, cultural and religious center. In this class, we'll explore Istanbul's most famous sites including Hagia Sofia, where Christianity and Islam mix, and Chora Church with its fine Byzantine mosaics. We'll go shopping in the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, see Ottoman elegance in Topkapi Palace, marvel at the magnificent Blue Mosque, and experience modern Istanbul as well.

Greece

Punctuated with lots of travel tips, we'll visit many of the ancient sites of the Minoan, Mycenaean, and classical Greek civilizations. Our journey begins in the bustling capital city of Athens, and then we'll dip down to explore the Peloponnese. Our finale will take us island hopping among the Greek islands of Mykonos, Delos, Rhodes, Crete, and Santorini.

Athens & the Peloponnese

From the historic treasures of Athens to the island pleasures of Hydra, from marble monuments where Plato pondered to cliffs that plunge where Odysseus sailed, you'll marvel at the coast's stunning vistas and sugar-cube villages, and appreciate a non-touristy taste of the rugged interior of the Peloponnese Peninsula.

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Italy

You'll almost be able to smell the linguini and taste the vino rosso as we explore enchanting Italy. The north is home to cosmopolitan Milan, time-tripping Venice, serene lakes, and the Alpine Dolomites. In central Italy we'll visit the Renaissance capital of Florence and the quaint hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria. On the Italian Riviera, the Cinque Terre's rocky coastlines and tiny villages are the epitome of picturesque. We'll wrap things up with amazing Rome and the dramatic Amalfi Coast.

Village Italy

Italy is just as exciting out in the countryside. Join us as we drink in a rich blend of wine-cellared villages, countryside vistas, artisan visits, and button-popping home-cooked meals. Visit places most people only dream about: Juliet's Verona, Byzantine Ravenna, St Francis' Assisi, Tuscany and Umbria, and the storybook islands of Lake Maggiore.

Southern Italy & Sicily

Experience "la dolce vita" as we journey through a region rich with culture and contrasts: the vibrant chaos of Naples, cliff-hugging Amalfi coast villages, the cave-dwelling city of Matera — and the island of Sicily, where past Greek, African and Norman cultures colorfully fuse together like the volcanic glass of Mount Etna.

Rome

Join us as we peel away the layers of 3,000 years of Roman history through the sights of this great city, from the Colosseum, Forum and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel to the bubbling Bernini fountains, coffee shops and fashion boutiques of modern Rome.

Florence

Florence invented the art of civilized living back when the rest of Europe was mired in medievalism. We'll trace the birth and flowering of the artistic Renaissance at the Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo's David, as well as other examples of good living — then and now — in this remarkable city.

Venice

Cruise the canals of this maritime city that was once the richest in the Western World. From Titian and Tintoretto masterpieces to sun-dappled palaces and exotic churches, to tiny cichetti bars and evening gondola rides, learn why this romantic city is famous for more than its glass blowing tradition.

Venice, Florence and Rome

Visit the must-see sights of Italy's most famous cities and learn about their roles in shaping the Western World. Along the way we'll wander through 3,000 years of great art and history, from Ancient Rome to the Renaissance in Florence and the Golden Age of Venice.

Italy Q & A

Planning a trip to Italy? Ask questions just like you would during a private Travel Consult but it is all free. A panel of tour guides from our Italy tour program will be on hand to help you plan your journey of a life time. Learn about when and where to go and how long to stay, money-saving tips, transportation options and more.

Stories in Stone: The Trouble with Michelangelo's Marble

David B. Williams, author of Stories in Stone: Travels Through Urban Geology, will highlight the stories of Carrara marble and Italian travertine, as he addresses Italy's beautiful building stones. He will discuss how Michelangelo was almost crushed to death twice in his pursuit of the marble, how travertine from the Colosseum was recycled in the Middle Ages, how a modern geologist studying travertine made a discovery that had implications for life on Mars, and why these two rocks have such enduring stories. His talk will give you new ways to see architecture and history. 

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European Travel Skills

For 30 years, Rick Steves and his staff have been taking careful notes so you can learn from their mistakes rather than your own. We'll teach you the secrets of safe, smart, inexpensive travel — low on stress and high on fun. You'll learn how to plan an efficient itinerary, pack light, and find Europe's off-beat nooks and intimate crannies. You'll maximize adventure and minimize crowds, eat and sleep comfortably on less than $100 per day, choose great budget hotels, and navigate Europe's excellent rail system with ease. Forget about expensive vacations in big American-style hotels. We'll teach you how to experience the real Europe...through the back door!

Packing Light & Right

You'll learn now or you'll learn later: The first step to a great trip is packing light — don't weigh yourself down! You can travel for months with one carry-on size bag and still have everything you need for a great trip. We'll distribute packing lists, show off the latest in lightweight luggage, and demonstrate a professionally packed bag.

Women's Seminar: Packing Light

Learn to pack light and still have all you need for a great trip in a single carry-on bag. Learn more about travel luggage options. Ann Neel, one of our expert Travel Advisors, will help you choose the right bag for your travel needs, then join Joan Robinson, our Packing Diva, who will show you how to pack light and right.

Women Traveling Solo

No matter the destination, solo travel can be the most rewarding adventure of your life. Learn insider tips from a seasoned pro with more than 22 years of travel experience - Beth Whitman, author and publisher of the Wanderlust and Lipstick guides for women travelers and editor of www.WanderlustAndLipstick.com. You'll discover: how to save money in today's travel environment; eco-friendly travel tips; helpful safety tips; how to overcome language barriers; advantages and problems unique to women; how to have a journey alone without being lonely and much more.

European Rail Skills

Can't make heads or tails of railpass options and train schedules? Our experts from America's busiest rail department will teach all you need to know about European trains. We'll help you figure out which railpass is best for you, and cover sleeping on night trains, reading timetables, reserving seats, paying for supplements, and more.

Getting the most from your Travel Agent

Tours, guidebooks, railpasses, consulting...Europe Through the Back Door can help you with almost every aspect of your trip. But for flights and car rentals, we recommend you use a good travel agent. Learn from Elizabeth Holmes — one of our favorite travel agents — how, when and where to find the best deals with the least risk.

Europe Today

The European Union is beginning to rival the United States as a global superpower. We'll trace the rise of modern Europe from the rubble of World War II through the fall of the Berlin Wall to the heady prosperity of today. We'll see how Europe balances unity and diversity, and how it keeps its traditions alive while forging a global outlook.

Travel with Infants and Toddlers

Learn how to make traveling with children easier and more fun. Get helpful tips and advice on issues like how to keep kids busy on a plane, surviving jet-lag, flying with car seats and more.

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Europe 101 — Art and History for Travelers

After years of travel in Europe, we've distilled what you need to know in order to fully appreciate the sights and culture. And just as important, we know what you don't need to know, so you won't walk away from the class feeling like you just ate an encyclopedia. You'll get a crash course in understanding Medieval feudalism, Renaissance art, Gothic architecture, ancient Greek life, and plenty more. Learn how and why things were done — from castle construction to elegant court life to the rise of Venice to the fall of Rembrandt. It's a class for smart people who fell asleep in their European art and history courses before they knew they were going to Europe.

Italy's Art Treasures

Italy — more than any other European country — is packed with cultural sights: Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's Venus, the Sistine Chapel, and Venice's glorious St. Mark's Square. Even travelers with no interest in art and history will encounter masterpieces like these at every turn. Make the most of your trip by getting acquainted with Italy's cultural legacy. This class offers an overview of just the best-known treasures, the ones most first-time travelers will want to see, with the background to bring the art alive.

European Architecture for Travelers

From the Colosseum to the Eiffel Tower to the Guggenheim Bilbao, every building tells a story. Veteran Rick Steves tour guide Dave Hoerlein will help you learn how to recognize various architectural styles as well as understand and appreciate Europe's treasure trove of great buildings and monuments.

Digital Travel Photography

Take great travel photos with tips from Patricia Ridenour of Photographic Center Northwest. Learn about composition, lighting, perspective, grabbing the moment, and more. Patricia will explain the ins and outs of film vs. digital cameras, and help you master your digital camera's features to really capture the magic of your next trip. (Limited to 60 people)

Creative Photo Fun

Barb Bumgardner will show you how easy it is to use your own digital photos to create cards, collage, calendars and other Creative Photo Fun projects. Add your own personalized story as you design a book, a multimedia DVD, or share your photos online.

How to Write Extraordinary Travel Journals

Award-winning travel and humor author Dave Fox offers his popular class to help you inject more vivid detail and emotion into your next travel journal, so it simply bursts with great stories. And discover the secret to getting a lot written during a big travel adventure — when there's so much else to do with your time!

Writing the Personal Travel Essay

Turn your travel adventures into stories you can publish! Dave Fox, author of Globejotting: How to Write Extraordinary Travel Journals, helps you polish your travel diaries into personal essays. Explore sub-genres such as adventure travel, self-discovery, and Dave's specialty: travel humor. Learn how to identify great topics, shine up your rough drafts, and work within an editor's requested word count. Dave will also talk about places where you can publish your work, from personal travel blogs to paying markets such as books and magazines.

Travel Drawing

As you stop to smell the roses on your travels, learn to record your surroundings with simple line drawings. It's a wonderful way to savor the moment, start conversations, and add character to your journal. Required tools: Pocket size drawing tablet and your favorite writing pen for sketching.

Europe's Musical History Tour

Come along as we travel on a musical history through Europe, learning about great composers such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and more, and how their music was a reflection of their times and yet still an inspiration today.  We'll see how music ties in with the art, architecture, and culture of each era, and learn how incorporating music and music related sights in our travels can enrich our experience.

European Cooking

European chef, caterer, and cook book author, Conny Schober, gives you a step-by-step introduction on how to prepare her famous Goulash Soup. You also get to taste this soul–warming, delicious soup and take home a free copy of the recipe so you can prepare it later at home. Sample her 'guilt free' chocolate truffles as well — made without butter, cream or egg yolks. ...OH SOOOO creamy and delicious.

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Beginning French for Travelers

Learn how to make friends with the French during this lesson in language and communication. During this class we will explore the different ways that the French communicate with each other and with tourists. We will learn basic pronunciation skills and key phrases that will help you to make friends with the locals and successfully negotiate your way though France.

Beginning German for Travelers

Surprise the Germans...by speaking their language! Here's your chance to know your Wein from your Wien, and to proudly say "Neuschwanstein" like a local. We'll practice basic pronunciation and a few key phrases — and toss in a few cultural tips — all to make your Teutonic travels smoother and more fun.

Beginning Italian for Travelers

Knowing just a few Italian words can really warm up your welcome in Italy. We'll explore the different ways the locals communicate with each other and with tourists. We'll also practice some basic pronunciation and key phrases that will bring smiles and help you have a smoother Italian trip.

Beginning Spanish for Travelers

You don't need to be a fluent Spanish-speaker to communicate with the locals when you travel in Spain, but learning basic pronunciation and a few key phrases will help your trip go smoother. We'll give you tips on how to make friends, shop for a picnic at a supermercado, get to the train station on time, and more.

Beginning Turkish for Travelers

Although this language traces its roots as far back as 3500BC, it was not until 1932 that Attatürk, the father of modern Turkey established "Turkish as it is spoken today." Have fun learning the "do's and don'ts" as well as the adoption of French and Italian within. Native speaker Sureyya Gokeri will help you master the basics and might even share a few of her culinary tips if you ask.

Beginning Czech for Travelers

Impress the Czechs...by speaking their language! Here's your chance to know the many meanings for "Prosim."  Learn how to ask how to get around, understand a menu, and how to make small talk. We'll practice basic pronunciation and a few key phrases — and toss in a few cultural tips — all to make your travels smoother and more fun.

Scandinavian

Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish are so similar that if you speak one of them, you can quickly learn to understand the other two. Scandinavian tour guide Dave Fox will start this class out with a quick linguistics lesson, tracing these and other languages back to their Viking roots. Then, he'll offer a crash course for travelers, teaching key phrases in all three mainland Scandinavian languages.

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Holiday Travel in the Alps

Fairy-tale villages snuggled under a blanket of snow, hot spiced wine, jagged peaks, gingerbread, winter sports and Christmas markets are all part of the appeal of holiday travel in the alpine regions of Europe. The nations that share the Alps (Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, France & Slovenia) beckon the traveler all year round. Winter travel offers special charms and considerations. Join us for a slideshow of colorful images and travel tips designed to help you plan your own alpine adventure.

How to Make Woven Christmas Hearts

Learn how to make the traditional Scandinavian woven paper hearts to decorate for the holidays. Supplies included.

Travel as a Volunteer

Joyce Major, author of "Smiling at the World," shares her experience with her "voluntourism" travels. There are many volunteer opportunities like helping at the Cat Sanctuary in Italy, helping with archeology in France, teaching English in Spain, working with conservation and wildlife in England and more. Get closer to the local community by working side by side with them in their pursuits. Perhaps you can share your expertise on something that may add to their culture as well.

Capturing Europe with Watercolors

Spend an evening with tour guide and architect Sarah Murdoch learning how to "sketch" with watercolor using a simple, travel-friendly system. Using just 8 colors and a simple brush, you can capture memories of your vacation on the go. We will discuss basic watercolor technique, choosing a subject and  enhancing your journal with watercolor. No prior painting experience necessary, come for fun and be prepared to make some art. Please bring a medium sized round watercolor brush (available at art stores) and a small metal box with a lid (AKA an Altoids box!).

Michelangelo’s Italy

Michelangelo Buonarroti — sculptor, painter, architect and poet — was both prolific and well-traveled. In this hour-long slide show, we'll trace the life, work and travels of "Earth's Greatest Artist," visiting
the Italian cities where he created his masterpieces. You may be surprised to find that the Italy of today is just as culturally rich as it was in the days of Michelangelo.