Rick Steves has just returned from two weeks in Italy, and is ready to share practical tips, personal anecdotes, and gorgeous photos from hiking in the Dolomites to soaking in the ethereal beauty of Venice, the Cinque Terre, and Lake Como. Purely a vacation, this was a trip of experiences: hiking with friends for six days high in Italy’s Alps, exploring the Venetian Lagoon, pounding pesto, sipping wine on Italy’s Riviera, and capping it all off on Lake Como, where he was named “Ambassador to the

Barcelona is Spain's capital of the proud and distinct region of Catalunya. With Franco's fascism now long gone, Catalan's creative and independent spirit is on a roll. Many visitors find this to be Spain's most cosmopolitan and vibrant corner. | Rick Steves' Europe

Day 2 of the Best of Barcelona and Madrid in 8 Days is...Gaudí Day! We’ll visit the greatest works of Barcelona's master builder — including the towering, dizzying Sagrada Família: www.ricksteves.com/tours/spain-portugal/barcelona-madrid (And here’s some good news: A couple of our April departures are now on sale — including one that's just been discounted by $400.) | Rick Steves' Europe