In this new episode of Rick Steves' Europe, we set a course on a tranquil cruise of the rivers and canals of France's Burgundy region. Aboard a century-old barge-turned-hotel, we're treated to a relaxing pace and natural beauty — plus plenty of gourmet meals and fine wine. Stops for a hike or bike ride help us work up our next appetite, and a château lord welcomes us to taste the vintages of the famed Côte d'Or. Check your local public television station for airdates and times, stream with PBS P

Today is one of the darkest days of winter — and an important part of the Scandinavian Christmas season: Santa Lucia Day. All over Nordic Europe, little candle-bearing Santa Lucias are bringing light to the middle of winter and the promise of the return of summer. To capture the celebration for our European Christmas special, we traveled to Drøbak, where Santa Lucia Day brings everyone out to dance around the trees…with their crowns of real candles. Just up the fjord, in Oslo, we had one night t

It’s beautiful to look at Oslo’s fjord from the city — but it’s exciting, easy, and even more scenic to actually sail it. Just hop on a local and fully electric ferry for an hour, make a loop weaving through a handful of care-free and car-free islands with eight stops, and hop off where you like. It only costs 40 NOK (about $4), and boats leave at least every half hour. Stow away with me now as I cruise to Hovedøya island with my friend and fellow tour guide Pål (who produced this video) — and i