Rick Steves, Special to Postmedia

LATEST STORIES BY RICK STEVES, SPECIAL TO POSTMEDIA

Cobbles and castles in Bavarian Alps

Like so many travellers, my images of Germany – cute villages, dirndls and lederhosen, and fairy-tale castles – are from southern Bavaria, in the foothills of the Alps. You could easily spend a week here, soaking up culture as you bike along fragrant fields and tour the sights.

May 18, 2019 Travel Europe

In its fairy-tale alpine setting, Neuschwanstein Castle is the most popular tourist destination in southern Bavaria. (Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli)

Collioure and Cadaques: Quiet and picturesque seaside border sisters

Along the western Mediterranean coast, two easygoing — and easy-to-enjoy — beach towns stand like sister cities on each side of the Franco-Spanish border.

May 14, 2019 Travel Europe

Collioure's sand-and-pebble beach ends at the Notre-Dame des Anges church — a view that's inspired many modern artists. (Cameron Hewitt)

German cuisine a treat for travellers

Eating in Germany is a big part of the fun of travelling there. Ingredients are wonderful (especially if you eat with the season), traditions are prized, “modern German cuisine” is giving old dishes tasty and entertaining new twists, and small, creative foodie places are thriving in every city. And here’s even more good news: Eating well in Germany is an amazing value — cheaper than in France, Britain, Italy or Scandinavia.

April 16, 2019 Travel Europe

Germany now has its share of haute-cuisine restaurants, even in small towns — such as the Rhine Valley's tiny Bacharach. (Rosie Leutzinger)

Oxford vs. Cambridge: England's rival college towns

Cambridge and Oxford have been in a centuries-long competition as England’s top two universities – but I’ve always felt that seeing one is enough. The big question is: Which one?

March 28, 2019 Travel Europe

Oxford's skyline is peppered with spires and domes from its venerable colleges. (Cameron Hewitt)

Explore Europe through the eyes of experts

When I arrive in a new city, I book a private guide straightaway — someone who can bring the city’s architecture, history and culture to life. Lately, in the spirit of experiential sightseeing, I’ve been taking specialized tours that highlight unique, local experiences or historical themes. Particularly in big cities, I’ve found all kinds of focused tours, from guided night walks to musical pub crawls.

March 5, 2019 Travel Europe

Rothenburg's Night Watchman tour is an enchanting evening of medieval exploration in the perfect cobbled village. (Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli photo)

Southern Andalucia region the soul of Spain

When my travel dreams drift off to Spain, they often include visions of Andalucia, the southern part of the country that feels more quintessentially Spanish than perhaps anywhere else. With a string of whitewashed hill towns, sunny skies, vibrant festivals, and tempting tapas, Andalucia is the soul of Spain — almost stereotypically so.

February 5, 2019 Travel Europe

Tiny Zahara is a characteristically whitewashed Andalusian town with an evocative Moorish castle. (Rick Steves photo)

Isle of Skye a majestic Scottish adventure

Scotland’s islands may be at this northern nation’s distant fringes, but those who venture to them are richly rewarded with dramatic landscapes, a taste of each island’s rich heritage, and warm welcomes.

January 29, 2019 Travel Europe

Portree, the largest town on the Isle of Skye, is nestled deep in its protective harbour. (Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli photo)

Sicilian surprises in Palermo

One thing I enjoy about my work is getting my outdated impressions back up to date. Europe is always changing — and recently I discovered that Sicily’s capital of Palermo has become a whole new city in recent years. It’s cleaner, safer, and more efficient than it was in years past. But it still retains its colourful edge — and that’s why I love it.

January 15, 2019 Travel Europe

Palermo entertains travellers with striking architecture, vivid street life, a cosmopolitan vibe, and a fun-loving energy. (Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli photo)

Christmas tradition thrives at Nurnberg's market

Cradling a cup of hot-spiced wine as a hand warmer, I stroll through Nurnberg’s main square. All around me are bundled-up shoppers and kids sampling fresh gingerbread, riding the carousel, listening to roving brass quintets, and marvelling at the newest toys.

December 4, 2018 Travel Europe

Festival nutcrackers in Germany are often depicted as authority figures such as soldiers, policemen, and constables. (ETBD staff photo)

Highlights of happening Helsinki

Helsinki — Europe’s youngest and northernmost capital city — feels like an outpost of Europe. While it lacks the cutesy cobbles of Copenhagen, the aristocratic setting of Stockholm, or the futuristic vibe of Oslo, Helsinki holds its own among Nordic capitals with its creative spirit, zest for architecture and design, and a steamy love of saunas.

November 12, 2018 Travel Europe

Helsinki grew up around its busy harbour, overlooked by the gleaming white Lutheran Cathedral. (Rick Steves)