In Venice, navigate the maze of canals and discover the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs. Ferry to the sleepy outer island, Burano, and explore its winding back streets. In Florence, this spectacular Renaissance city houses Michelangelo's David at L'Accademia and Botticelli's Birth of Venus housed at the Uffizi. Linger at Sidewalk cafes under the famous Giotto's Tower
In Tuscany, the towers and castles of San Gimignano dominate sun-drenched hillsides, while the humbler paths walked by St. Francis wind through Assisi. Visit them and the ancient Etruscan frescoes in Orvieto. On the Italian Riviera, follow the rugged coastline of Cinque Terre, dine on fish freshly caught in the cove of Manarola, stroll the beaches of Corniglia, and relax in the resort town of Monterosso.
Seek out Rome's remarkable treasures: the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and its oldest church, Trastevere's Santa Maria. Take day trips to the ancient port of Ostia Antica, and Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli. Then discovery lively, well-hidden restaurants serving delicious regional cuisines. Next, explore museums, churches and the eclectic architecture of Naples, then travel to the Amalfi coast and the resort town of Sorrento, surrounded by lemon trees, olive groves, and Mediterranean villas. Tempt fate with a visit to Mount Vesuvius and the remnants of the legendary Pompeii.
Share some of Rick's savviest advice for travelers - from day-planning and changing currency to using public transportation and getting around language barriers. Rick's recommendations cover basic security, packing light, and the pros and cons of traveling independently or with a tour group. His suggestions will help any traveler plan their trip wisely, while preparing them to take the unexpected in stride.
See the Duomo, the city's cathedral and centerpiece, visit the La Scala operahouse and spend some time admiring Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper at Santa Maria della Grazie.
Located in Northern Italy's Lake District, Lake Como's shores are lined with 19th century villas and its vistas embrace snow-capped mountains - it's a perfect settings for serious R & R.
Parade and race with the Doge's gondolas through the canals of Venice in the 'Storica Regatta'.
In London, take a walking tour of London's lively street fairs and relaxing pubs, the amble through Greenwich, Hyde Park and Salisbury. Pop up to Scotland for a visit to Edinburgh Castle and the ancient palace of Holyrood House, followed by a walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans at Hadrian's Wall.
Browse the beautiful countryside and majestic casltes of North Wales, and enjoy a medieval banquet. Breathe the good country air of Cotswold and admire its thatched villages, picturesque farms and rolling hillsides. Follow Rick into the old city of Bath, known for its archaeological treasures and the Georgian elegance of its archiecture.
Sample Irish hospitality as Rick visits Dublin and Belfast, the urban and cultural centers of Ireland. Learn a few lessons from the region's turbulent history, its folk traditions, as well as the ancient revelations in the Book of Kells. Tour Western Ireland's unspoiled lands: the Dingle peninsula, the Aran Islands, and the Gaeltachts National Parks.
Visit the stately home that was the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Blenheim is rightly famous for its magnificent tapestries and ceiling murals, an impressive library, and a wealth of historical artifacts
Take a London side-trip to Blackpool in North England, where beaches, boardwalks and amusement parks beckon vacationers from all over England.
See the reconstruction of the Globe Theater in London, then take a 2-hour train ride to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.