Quotes from Rick Steves

Europeans marvel at how Americans seem willing, almost eager, to work themselves into an early grave. My European friends have told me proudly, "We don't live to work…we work to live.

Six in 10 Brits call themselves Christian (half of those are Anglican), but in any given week, more Londoners visit a mosque than an Anglican church.

I asked my new friend, "Were you born here?" He thought about it, paused, and then said, "No, 'twas 'bout five miles down the road." Later, I asked him, "Have you lived here all your life?" He winked and said, "Not yet.

Dark Sunglasses: You may want to pick up a pair of especially dark glasses (to be more discreet when appreciating the beautiful people of Aix-en-Provence).

While the traffic is enough to make you scream, people are incredibly good-humored on the road. I never heard angry horns honking. One time, while stalled in a Tehran jam, people in a neighboring car saw me sitting patiently in the back of our van. They rolled down their window and handed Majid a bouquet of flowers, saying, "Give this to your visitor and apologize for our traffic.

Firenze Card when you arrive in Florence

Juan Bautista de Toledo

Churchill War Rooms: £18, daily 9:30-18:00, last entry one hour before closing.

In this global age, the world's problems are our problems.

Italy Is Made of Tuff Stuff

DDR Watchtower This was one of many such towers built in 1966 for panoramic surveillance and shooting (note the rifle windows, allowing shots to be fired in 360 degrees).

Vienna's population has dropped to 1.8 million, with dogs being the preferred "child" and the average Austrian woman having only 1.4 children.

reservations

provides a handy and interesting passage to the Holocaust memorial

In Athens, you'll save money buying the Acropolis combo-ticket, which covers a number of ancient sites (buy at a less-crowded site to save time). City transit passes (for multiple rides or all-day usage) decrease your cost per ride.

The Fountain of Joy still reminds locals that life in Siena is good.

Many tourists visit Athens without ever venturing beyond the Plaka (Old Town) and the ancient zone. With limited time, this is not a bad plan, as greater Athens offers few sights (other than the excellent National Archaeological Museum). But for a more authentic taste of the city, check out the trendy Psyrri district—right next door to the Plaka—with its dilapidated-chic hipster dining and nightlife scene.

Almost everything of importance to tourists is within a few blocks of the Acropolis, in the Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma, and Psyrri neighborhoods.

Acropolis Loop" pedestrian walkway bordering the base of the Acropolis.

The top sights—the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Acropolis Museum, and National Archaeological Museum—deserve about two hours apiece. Two days total is plenty of time for the casual tourist to see the city's main attractions and have a little time left over for exploring (or to add more museums).

Uber operates as UberTaxi in Athens. (You book your ride through the app, but a taxi picks you up.) Uber is generally cheaper than hailing a cab (often even half the cost, except for rides to and from the airport where there's no savings). Note there is a €3 minimum charge.

According to a recent condom-company survey, the average Hungarian has sex 131 times a year (behind only France and Greece), making them Europe's third-greatest liars.

travelers need only focus on four areas: the Old City, the harbor/Barceloneta, the Eixample, and Montjuïc.

Be militantly optimistic