Art, History & Culture Classes

Europe 101: Art and History for Travelers

Get a crash course in ancient Greek life, medieval feudalism, Gothic architecture, Renaissance art, and plenty more. Learn how and why things were done — from castle construction to elegant court life to the rise of Venice to the fall of Rembrandt.

Europe for Foodies

A trip to Europe can be sightseeing for your palate. This food-lover's class outlines some of Europe's best — and most underrated — cuisines; takes a tour of Euro-hipster zones, foodie haunts, and must-try street food; and offers tips on how to inject a love of cuisine into your travels (through food tours, cooking classes, and more).

Europe: The Joy of Travel

Rick Steves shares a colorful slideshow presentation of his favorite places in Europe to inject a little fun and a lot of joy into your European travel dreaming.

European Architecture for Travelers

From the Colosseum to the Eiffel Tower to the Guggenheim Bilbao, every building tells a story. We'll help you learn how to recognize various architectural styles as well as understand and appreciate Europe's treasure trove of great buildings and monuments.

Europe's Musical History Tour

Join us for an overview of Europe's great composers, from Bach to Beethoven to Mozart and more. We'll learn about how their music reflects — and influenced — the art, architecture, and culture of their times.

For the Love of Europe

Rick Steves shares what excites and inspires him about Europe: finding "Back Door" alternatives to crowded destinations; connecting with locals; appreciating cultural, artistic, and natural wonders; learning about both history and contemporary life; and having an experience-driven trip. And he does it all featuring destinations across the Continent that inspired his newest book, “For the Love of Europe”." (Available this summer).

Italy's Art Treasures

More than any other European country, Italy is packed with cultural icons: Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's Venus, the Colosseum, St. Mark's Square, the Sistine Chapel…the list seems endless. We'll sweep through 3,000 years of Italy's story, illustrated with some of Europe's greatest sights and masterpieces.

Michelangelo's Italy

Michelangelo Buonarroti — sculptor, painter, architect, and poet — was both prolific and well-traveled. We'll trace the life, work, and travels of "Earth's Greatest Artist," visiting the Italian cities where he created his masterpieces.

Paris Beyond the Basics: Museums & Architecture

Learn more about the beautiful, challenging, fascinating art you'll find in the many incredible museums in the City of Lights — from the must-sees in the Louvre and Orsay museums to some lesser-known treats. We'll also take a look at the important architectural styles that give Paris' streets their unique and dazzling style.

Picasso for Travelers

Pablo Ruiz y Picasso, considered by many to be greatest artist of the 20th century, once said, "Art is a lie that shows us the truth." Learn about Picasso's colorful life and the many museums throughout Europe where you can find his art.

Travel as a Political Act

Americans who "travel as a political act" can have the time of their lives and come home smarter with a better understanding of the interconnectedness of today's world. In this provocative slideshow lecture — now more timely than ever — Rick draws from lessons he learned while exploring Europe, Central America, Asia, and the Middle East, and shares that by traveling thoughtfully you can take home the greatest souvenir: a broader perspective.

Urban Design in Europe

Europe’s vibrant cities offer up an endless variety of form — from Roman grid plans to the tangle of streets in medieval towns to the swelling exuberance of fountain-filled Baroque piazzas to the innovative people-friendly cities of today. This class will help you understand and appreciate the richness of European urban design through the centuries.

Village Europe

We’ll take a break from Europe’s big cities and learn about a few of the off-the-beaten-track towns and villages tucked into every corner of Europe. From Germany to Italy to France, we'll offer a sampling of towns to visit where you can slow down and enjoy Europe’s Old-World charms.