These days Europe is very crowded—everybody seems to be going to the same places at the same times. There are two IQs of European travelers: those who wait in long lines and those who don’t. Savvy travelers avoid the crowds and make reservations in advance when smart. Watch the full talk at https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/experiencing-europe For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Thoughtfully decide what’s best for you—a guided bus tour or a DIY trip armed with a good guidebook. And either way, appreciate the value of tapping into the services of local guides whether on shared walks or hired just for you. Watch the full talk at https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/experiencing-europe For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

See your choice of a room or bed as part of the experience. Save money and maximize the memories by knowing your options. Watch the full talk at https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/experiencing-europe For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

There are two kinds of travelers: those who pack light and those who wished they packed light. Get serious about living out of a carry-on-the-plane-size bag. Watch the full talk at https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/experiencing-europe For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Maximize every mile, minute, and dollar on your vacation by doing your homework and planning smartly. The stakes are high. You’ll be glad you did. Watch the full talk at https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/experiencing-europe For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

In Iceland's capital, Rick strolls an upbeat street, admires the wool of the country's hardy sheep, and samples the local delicacy: fermented shark. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Geysers spring to life, tectonic plates meet, and Iceland's otherworldly landscape captures the imagination on a day's drive along the Golden Circle. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Twentieth-century artists broke new ground — and all the rules — at a furious pace, boldly exploring anguish, joy, abstraction, and unbridled whimsy. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

The Impressionists fled the studio for the great outdoors, and with bold brushstrokes made light, color, and shadow the true stars of their canvases. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Baroque excesses were countered by the Revolution, the Enlightenment, and a stern, no-frills art that celebrated a new age of science and reason. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

The "Michelangelo of Baroque," Bernini made Rome his gallery, showcasing his creations from the finest statues to his design of St. Peter's Square. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.