Rick Steves' Europe

I've watched Rick Steves' Europe for years on PBS. Rick is a friendly, amiable guy who presents each show in a very down to earth manner. Not only does he cover the usual tourist spots, but some shows cover the off-the-beaten-track, if not offbeat, sights that you didn't know existed in these places. And he always includes some of the locals who give their own take on their home countries. I like the show.

Unfortunately, I have to subtract a couple of points because Rick has a tendency to present a slightly upbeat and supportive take on Europe's social welfare system. It's a minor quip, but I don't think he factors in the astronomical taxation and cost of this system and how it's starting to implode on itself. I find it a minor distraction, but most viewers won't give it a second thought.

That's my take. So if you like Europe, you'll enjoy watching.

I enjoy watching Rick travel around Europe. He's a little cheesy at times, but I think he gives good recommendations and advice about things to do instead of just sticking to the super touristy spots everyone already knows about.

When I was planning my next trip to Europe, I found it useful watching his episodes to plan my itinerary. And it's comfortable watching just to have in the background. I've learned a lot from watching his show.

Really like the show. And the narator voice too. I wish they travel to Asia too.

Rick Steves is a great proponent of travel; he loves it and relates well to people and customs, which he embraces as a first-hand learning experience. His folksy style comes across well because he is natural. I recently saw his program on Paris. Not only does the viewer see the highlights of this magnificent city but the way of life for Parisians. Steves also teaches us about the landmarks like the Hotel des Invalides with its military history. We get a synopsis of the life of Napoleon whose resting place we see within a magnificent rotunda. We tour a market with its street life as he chats with a local guide on purchasing beef, cheese and a red wine from Côtes du Rhône. We hear about the long struggle for freedom and how Bastille Day is marked on July 14 to honour the fighters who stormed the Bastille to free political prisoners. We take a walk in one of the numerous parks that Parisians and their families enjoy. The architecture of the city along its wide boulevards is viewed as the camera passes under the Arc de Triomphe. Steves tells us that his favourite church is not Notre Dame Cathedral but the Church of Saint-Sulpice, where he visits to see and hear the massive organ with its wonderful music. If you tag along with Rick on his forays into the cities of Europe and his many other destinations, you will get a great feel for the joy of travel and its power to make us better citizens of the world.

This show takes on the best aspects of the great travel shows that unfortunately seemed to have disappeared over the past few years from TV.

Rick is a great narrator who takes you on journeys throughout Europe whilst providing a comfortable and laid back atmosphere. Unlike most travel documentaries this one takes you more in-depth despite having a short runtime. He manages to squeeze in interesting facts and scenery in a quick but relaxing manner. You will experience landmarks, art, food, and local customs.

This show is a definitive must see for any travel enthusiast. You will definitely find a way to appreciate it especially in the later seasons.