Part 1 of 5, this clip celebrates how we travel to have experiences…to have fun. Going to new places invigorates us. It’s exciting.

Rick Steves' Europe Video

Why We Travel: For Fun and Excitement

Built by Ramses II in about 1250 BC, the temple of Abu Simbel is one of Egypt's must-sees. About 50 years ago, it was at risk of being submerged by the creation of Lake Nasser. Thanks to a heroic effort, the ancient temple was cut into huge blocks and moved to the location where it stands today.

Egypt: The Abu Simbel Temple Complex

A visit to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo helps bring the country's many ancient sights to life. The museum houses the best collection of ancient Egyptian art anywhere, including 3,000-year-old statues, vibrant paintings, and funerary art fit for a pharaoh.

Cairo, Egypt: The Egyptian Museum

Straddling the border between Provence and Burgundy, Lyon has been one of France's leading cities since Roman times. After Paris, it's arguably the most historic and culturally important city in the country, especially considering its reputation as the cuisine capital of France. More info about travel to France: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/france

Lyon, France: City of Capitals

Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn, was essentially built for enjoying the Alps. It's hugely popular with skiers in the winter and hikers in the summer. And with its many lifts, Zermatt is a springboard for countless trails and unforgettable viewpoints. More info about travel to Zermatt: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/switzerland/zermatt

Zermatt, Switzerland: The Matterhorn and the Swiss Alps

At nearly 10,000 feet, the Zugspitze is Germany’s highest mountain. A cable car zips visitors up to the summit, where breathtaking views of peaks in Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland await. The summit also marks the border between Germany and Austria, making for one of the most thrilling border crossings in Europe. More info about travel to the Bavarian Alps: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/germany/bavarian-alps

Bavarian Alps, Germany: The Zugspitze

Karnak was the most important place of worship in ancient Egypt. This sprawling temple complex was built over many centuries during the New Kingdom period, when most of the great pharaohs ruled. Rather than for the public, Karnak was reserved only for royals, priests, and the gods. But today, anyone can explore the site's impressive ruins.

Luxor, Egypt: The Karnak Temple Complex

In the British countryside, near the village of Avebury, stand two of England's most mysterious prehistoric sites: the Avebury Stone Circle, 16 times as big as Stonehenge, and Silbury Hill, a yet-to-be-explained mountain of chalk that's the largest man-made construction from prehistoric Europe. More info about travel to England: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/england

Avebury, England: Avebury Stone Circle and Silbury Hill

Tallinn's Kumu Art Museum displays contemporary Estonian art that traces the country's chaotic 20th century, from idyllic German-influenced pastorals and Communist propaganda to the 1960s counterculture and Estonia's eventual (and peaceful) fight for independence. More info about travel to Estonia: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/estonia

Tallinn, Estonia: Kumu Art Museum

Rising above a plain where the Lowlands meet the Highlands, Stirling Castle was the seat of the kings and queens of Scotland for hundreds of years. It's no surprise that this strategic castle has hosted many of the biggest names and events of Scottish history, from Mary, Queen of Scots, to the Battle of Bannockburn. More info about travel to Scotland: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/scotland

Stirling, Scotland: Stirling Castle

Rome is magnificent and overwhelming at the same time. Make your trip to the Eternal City fun and hassle-free with Rick's travel tips, from choosing where to stay to using public transportation. More info about travel to Italy: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/italy

Sintra, Portugal: Royal Getaway

For centuries, Portugal's royalty considered Sintra the perfect place to escape from Lisbon. Today, tourists can experience Sintra's mix of natural and man-made beauty, too, from fantasy castles to lush forests to craggy hilltops with hazy views of the Atlantic. More info about travel to Portugal: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/portugal

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery is Glasgow's best museum. Like a Scottish Smithsonian, it features everything from natural history exhibits to fine art, including pieces by the 19th-century Scottish Romantics and Art Nouveau architect (and Glaswegian) Charles Rennie Mackintosh. More info about travel to Scotland: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/scotland

Glasgow, Scotland: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

In Northern Ireland, Orangemen parades fill village and neighborhood streets with Protestants from Easter through September. The long-established Orange Order — with their signature orange team color — works to defend British rule, and these parades are like pep rallies for the cause of continued union. More info about travel to Northern Ireland: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/ireland/northern-ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland: Orangemen Parades

Sicily's sprawling, gritty capital of Palermo boasts colorful markets and bustling shopping streets that signal a fun-loving city in regeneration. Take an evening stroll through the landmark Quattro Canti and discover Palermo's trendy, inviting neighborhoods. More info about travel to Sicily: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/italy/sicily

Palermo, Sicily: Lively Neighborhoods

Rick Steves' Europe Video — a video podcast based on Rick's popular TV series — gives you a colorful look at the sights, people and history behind Europe's most interesting destinations. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel info on these destinations.

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Rick Steves' Europe Video

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