Rick Steves' Florence and Tuscany 2011

Rick Steves is on a mission: to help make European travel accessible and meaningful for Americans. He gives travelers inside information on where to stay, what to visit, and how to get there—economically and hassle-free. With Rick as their guide, travelers can delve into European culture, make friends with the locals, and experience everything Europe has to offer. Rick has spent 100 days every year since 1973 exploring Europe. His traveler's library of over 50 best-selling books and videos have sold more than two million copies and his award-winning television series, Rick Steves' Europe, is now in its seventh season. He also organizes and leads tours of Europe and offers an information-packed website. Rick lives in Edmonds, WA, just north of Seattle, with his family. Gene Openshaw is a writer, composer, tour guide, and lecturer on art and history. Specializing in writing walking tours of Europe's cultural sights, Gene has co-authored eight of Rick's books and contributes to Rick's public television series. As a composer, Gene has written a full-length opera (Matter), a violin sonata, and dozens of songs. He lives near Seattle with his daughter, and roots for the Mariners in good times and bad.