Rick Steves' Europe

In the Alps of Austria and Italy, we celebrate both nature and culture. After conquering the Zugspitze, we tour Innsbruck, visit a remote farm in Austria, and join a Tirolean village festival. Then we cross over into Italy and tour a medieval castle before joyriding deep into the rugged Dolomite Mountains.

Switzerland draws travelers from around the world for its legendary mountains. From the Matterhorn to the Jungfrau to Appenzell, we savor both the country's jaw-dropping alpine beauty and the rich and resilient culture of its people.

After exploring the proud cuisine capital of Lyon - which, at least in its own mind, rivals Paris - we head for Chamonix, in the shadow of Europe's tallest peak: Mont Blanc. With the classic alpine resort as our springboard, we make some high-altitude cheese, then ride the lift up to Aiguille du Midi and over to the border of Italy.

Traveling across Germany, we learn how fascism rose and then fell. From Munich to Nürnberg to Berlin, we trace the roots of Nazism in the aftermath of World War I, when Hitler enchanted masses of angry people. We explore the totalitarian society Hitler built, and see the consequences: genocide and total war.

Teeming Cairo, straddling the Nile, is the capital of Egypt and one of the leading cities of the Muslim world. With 20 million people, greater Cairo pulses with energy.

Exploring the Nile Valley from north to south, we see the highlights of Egypt. In the fabled city of Alexandria, we venture through a market, smoke a shisha, and stroll a Mediterranean promenade. In Luxor, we explore the pharaohs' tombs and temples before sailing on a felucca. Then we kick back on a riverboat cruise, enjoying iconic views of palm trees, minarets, and rustic villages.

Venturing beyond Europe, and with local experts as his guides, Rick uses Ethiopia as a classroom for understanding global hunger and extreme poverty - and how to beat it. Together, we witness the importance of water, education, empowering women, and nutrition. And we see firsthand the impact of globalization and climate change.

In times of crisis, we ask ourselves: What is the true value of travel? Is it just hedonism...or something more powerful? After a lifetime of exploring Europe - and inspiring Americans to see Europe as a springboard for world exploration - Rick Steves shares his reasons why it is.