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Northern Europe

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.

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.

Central Europe Return to top

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

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.

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.

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.

Eastern EuropeReturn 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.

Southern EuropeReturn to top

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.

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.

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.

ItalyReturn to top

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.

Travel Skills Return to top

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.

Womens 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.

Womens Seminar: Tips for Women Traveling Solo

Footloose and fancy free? Join well-traveled women from our staff for a seminar on solo adventures. We'll share our best secrets on planning, packing, safety, sleeping, health, transportation, connecting with locals, combating loneliness — and having the trip of a lifetime.

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.

Traveling with Kids

Anya Clowers, Author of Jet with Kids shares her many tips on enjoying your trip abroad with your children. She applies her knowledge of travel, culture, parenting, and medicine to her work. Learn to plan ahead for the practical issues of life away from home and provide your kids with a fun and friendly time in Europe.

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.

Art & LanguageReturn to top

Art 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.

Beginning French for Travelers

Learn how to make friends with the French during this lesson in language. We'll explore the different ways that the French communicate with each other and with tourists, plus 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.

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)

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!

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.