For the Love of Europe

My Favorite Places, People, and Stories

By: Rick Steves

Narrated by: Rick Steves

Length: 10 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

After 40-plus years of writing about Europe, Rick Steves has gathered 100 of his favorite memories together into one inspiring collection: For the Love of Europe: My Favorite Places, People, and Stories.

Join Rick as he's swept away by a fado singer in Lisbon, learns the dangers of falling in love with a gondolier in Venice, and savors a cheese course in the Loire Valley. Contemplate the mysteries of centuries-old stone circles in England, dangle from a cliff in the Swiss Alps, and hear a French farmer's defense of foie gras. 

With a brand-new, original introduction from Rick reflecting on his decades of travel, For the Love of Europe features 100 of the best stories published throughout his career. Covering his adventures through England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and more, these are stories only Rick Steves could tell.

Wry, personal, and full of Rick's signature humor, For the Love of Europe is a fond and inspirational look at a lifetime of travel.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2020 Rick Steves (P)2020 Rick Steves

Glad I got the audio version

Glad I got the audio version as I can hear the passion and emotion when Rick describes the stories he gathered during his life time of travels. I really enjoyed that aspect of the book. I can physically pictured myself being there watching what was going on.

However I was a bit disappointed at parts of the book where Rick imposed his religious and political views. Even though he consequently encourages people to travel experience cultures and be open minded, Rick himself often practice the opposite. Some chapters are so American centric that I had to skip them.

Overall its still a mostly enjoyable read.

Virtual travel at its best

Rick Steves has a great turn of phrase and made me feel I was there seeing the people & sights and enjoying the food and drink. The only disappointment is how he describes the objectification of women - and indeed, in the case of Italian men groping and kissing women tourists, sexual assault- as harmless amusement. It may be their culture, but that doesn’t make it less offensive and harmful to women.

Makes me want to get back out there

For big Rick fans, you are likely to have heard many of the anecdotes throughout the book. Much is a repeat of travel talks and shows.
That being said, I can listen to Rick talk about Europe time and time again. It never really gets old.
This came out at the right time. I needed it.
Keep on travelin’

Very authentic and accurate

I’m Dutch and have traveled all over the world both for work and pleasure. Yes, the world would be a better place if people traveled like Rick and the way I did it. Meeting local people, listening and experiencing their culture and making lifelong friends. Rick has a gift of telling his stories with passion, truth and enthusiasm. Amazing job! Thank you Rick!

Lots of fun to listen to

This is my favorite type of travel narrative. There’s no endless list of must not miss locations but instead a friendly introduction to interesting people who live in fascinating countries. Everything is told with gentle good humor and the admirable curiosity of a citizen of the world.

Incredibly Enjoyable

Having visited some of the places Rick highlights here, I had to smile and revisit them with his words. You can hear the delight and down to earthedness while he tells a bit about his love of Europe. Seems Rick likes to get tipsy and naked in a lot of countries!!! I can respect that!!!

Not as Expected

I was expecting a travel book with tips on places to see, restaurants to enjoy, and insider information. Instead, this is an odd book about Rick Steves’ travels. Being that he is Rick Steves, he gets invited to visit places not open to the public- not helpful since I will not get those opportunities. In addition, although his tours are not inexpensive, he seems to be obsessed with anything free. I am ok paying to get great experiences, but missed out on those, learning instead about practicing chorus, and the like. If you want to hear about how Rick spends time on his vacations, you may like the book. If you are looking for tips on traveling, you may be better off choosing a different book.

interesting book

I think the book got better as I listened to it. the first half was 3 stars and the second half was 5 stars. I struggled to get through the first half. it gets better.

I enjoyed Steves' personal stories dealing with people and culture, such as sharing food with a local child and seeing her face brighten with pop rocks candy.

he did a fine job reading the book.

Everything you'd expect and a bit more

If familiar with Rick Steves work on PBS, this is everything you'd expect and a bit more. Many beautiful stories to inspire travel. I expect I might re-listen to chapters before regional travel.

disappointing

sorry, boring as hell. I gave up halfway through Italy. give me Michael Palin any day.