The Pyramids of Giza are one of the most recognizable scenes in all of tourism. The grandest is known as the Great Pyramid; one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it was designed to house the pharaoh Cheops' body — and help send his soul into the afterlife. Nearby, the Great Sphinx keeps watch over the rising sun.

Rick Steves' Europe Video

Giza, Egypt: The Pyramids and Great Sphinx

(Part 2 of 5) In this clip from Rick's "Why We Travel" TV special, we learn how, through travel, we can deepen our understanding of history, gain context and perspective…and become wiser.

Why We Travel: To Appreciate History

Vienna's historic center is encircled by a road called the Ringstrasse. In the 1860s, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria had Vienna's medieval walls torn down and replaced with this grand boulevard. Today, the three-mile loop is lined with many of Vienna's top sights; hop aboard one of the trams that traverse the Ringstrasse for a DIY, budget tour of the city. More info about travel to Austria: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/austria

Vienna, Austria: The Ringstrasse

Lyon's Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who has been an important religious figure to the city for centuries. Amble down the main aisle to marvel at dazzling Neo-Byzantine art celebrating "Our Lady" and depicting French history, then take the dizzying climb up to the basilica's rooftop for a grand view of Lyon. More info about travel to France: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/france

Lyon, France: The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Zermatt is a small town of 6,000 that hosts nearly two million visitors each year. It has more hotel beds than residents, and nearly everyone earns a living from tourists, who flock here for a peek at the magnificent Matterhorn. You can still find pockets of traditional charm if you wander off the main path, including 200-year-old houses and impromptu folk music performances. More info about travel to Switzerland: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/switzerland

Zermatt, Switzerland: Finding Charm in a Tourist-Filled Town

The Walderalm farm, perched high above the Austrian city of Innsbruck, offers travelers a peek at life on a traditional alpine farm. And for the many visitors enjoying the area's breathtaking hiking and biking trails, it also offers welcome respite and refreshment. More info about travel to Austria: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/austria

Gnadenwald, Austria: The Walderalm Farm

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.

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

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.