Welcome to Rick Steves’ EuropeTravel is intensified living—maximum thrills per minute and one of the last great sources of legal adventure. Travel is freedom. It’s recess, and we need it.I discovered a passion for European travel as a teen and have been sharing it ever since—through my bus tours, public television and radio shows, and travel guidebooks. Over the years, I’ve taught millions of travelers how to best enjoy Europe’s blockbuster sights—and experience “Back Door” discoveries that most tourists miss.This book offers a balanced mix of Swiss cities and villages, mountaintop hikes and lake cruises, thought-provoking museums and sky-high gondola rides. It’s selective: Rather than listing dozens of mountain getaways, I recommend only the best ones. And it’s in-depth: My self-guided scenic rail tours and city/town walks give insight into Switzerland’s fascinating