Rick Steves' Europe Vide‪o‬ Rick Steves

Vienna's historic center is encircled by a road called the Ringstrasse. In the 1860s, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria had Vienna's medieval walls torn down and replaced with this grand boulevard. Today, the three-mile loop is lined with many of Vienna's top sights; hop aboard one of the trams that traverse the Ringstrasse for a DIY, budget tour of the city. More info about travel to Austria: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/austria

Lyon's Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who has been an important religious figure to the city for centuries. Amble down the main aisle to marvel at dazzling Neo-Byzantine art celebrating "Our Lady" and depicting French history, then take the dizzying climb up to the basilica's rooftop for a grand view of Lyon. More info about travel to France: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/france

Zermatt is a small town of 6,000 that hosts nearly two million visitors each year. It has more hotel beds than residents, and nearly everyone earns a living from tourists, who flock here for a peek at the magnificent Matterhorn. You can still find pockets of traditional charm if you wander off the main path, including 200-year-old houses and impromptu folk music performances. More info about travel to Switzerland: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/switzerland

The Walderalm farm, perched high above the Austrian city of Innsbruck, offers travelers a peek at life on a traditional alpine farm. And for the many visitors enjoying the area's breathtaking hiking and biking trails, it also offers welcome respite and refreshment. More info about travel to Austria: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/austria

Part 1 of 5, this clip celebrates how we travel to have experiences…to have fun. Going to new places invigorates us. It’s exciting.

Built by Ramses II in about 1250 BC, the temple of Abu Simbel is one of Egypt's must-sees. About 50 years ago, it was at risk of being submerged by the creation of Lake Nasser. Thanks to a heroic effort, the ancient temple was cut into huge blocks and moved to the location where it stands today.