Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about four months a year exploring Europe. His mission: to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. Rick produces a best-selling guidebook series, a public television series, and a public radio show, and organizes small-group tours that take over 30,000 travelers to Europe annually. He does all of this with the help of more than 100 well-traveled staff members at Rick Steves' Europe in Edmonds, WA (near Seattle). When not on the road, Rick is active in his church and with advocacy groups focused on economic and social justice, drug policy reform, and ending hunger. To recharge, Rick plays piano, relaxes at his family cabin in the Cascade Mountains, and spends time with his son Andy and daughter Jackie. Find out more about Rick at www.ricksteves.com and on Facebook.

Hit Europe's can't-miss art, sights, and bites with Rick Steves Best of Europe!

• Expert advice from Rick Steves on what's worth your time and money
• Itineraries for one to four days in the top destinations in England, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland
• Rick's tips for beating the crowds, skipping lines, and avoiding tourist traps
• The best of local culture, flavors, and haunts, including walks through the most interesting neighborhoods and museums
• Trip planning strategies like how to link destinations and design your itinerary, what to pack, where to stay, and how to get around
• Over 100 full-color maps and vibrant photos