Travels in Europe with Rick Steves

It's the beginning of Rick's 3,000-mile grand tour of Europe. In the midst of seeing all of Holland's freedom, Rick advises wearing a money belt to keep your valuables close by.

Rick tours Germany's famed Rhine and Mosel river valleys on train. It's the perfect way to discuss travel strategies and Eurail Passes.

Timelessness is the word to describe Germany's Romantic Road. Rick passes along Prince Bishop's Palace in Wurzburg, among other places. Walking tours of the Romantic Road also provide a backdrop for self-defense.

Diversity is the dictum as Rick spans from a beer hall to a haunting World War II memorial. He provides lessons on traveling with children and alternate forms of lodging.

Rick delves into the formation of Venice. His advice to tourists: It's okay to get pleasantly lost. Just remember to plan an itinerary.

Tuscany and Umbria represents small town Italy. Rick tells all to pack light to really enjoy these and other locales.

Rick concentrates on the lesser-known landmarks in Rome, particularly inexpensive hotels and restaurants. His back-door approach includes a stop at Mussolini's old neighborhood.

Rick battles fatigue in Florence with cappucino and gelati stops in his selective sightseeing. He also gives advice on interpreting the city's telephone system.

Pisa, Lucca, and Portofino are first up Rick scouts the villages on the Italian Riviera. He advises how to stay clean and healthy abroad.

Swiss Alps are the order of the day. Rick recommends using gondolas, funiculars and trains to see the Berner Alps and close contact with Nature. He also discusses wise use of credit cards, travelers' cheques, and money exchanges.

Rick devotes this program to renting and driving cars in Europe. That will direct us to the remote villages of French Switzerland. Part of the journey is an appreciation of modern art, specifically Paul Klee.

Rick tackles the sometimes-difficult task of using public transportation in this tour of Paris. He includes a history lesson on Napoleon and the fascinating world of Rodin.