Search - Rick Steves Best of Travels in Europe - Collector's Case on DVD

A Travel Planner and Souvenir Par Excellence!

James Ellsworth | Caldwell, TX | 11/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My wife and I are very familiar with this series: we watched and taped many of the episodes on cable TV; we used the travel tips and "back door" attractions to plan our own travels and we revisit our tapes frequently, using them a souvenirs. The entire series is friendly, factual, educational and features fine cinematography. All of these virtues have been transferred to the digital medium and...no commercials or breaks for public television fund-raisers! The travel tips, culture, art and history, architecture and scenery are fine, just like the first time around! This time, you can stop the action and still get crisp images of art and architecture. Questar adds a minimum of "packaging." The slip case holding the set is flimsy weight paperboard and they have "pumped up" the musical entry to each disk, but inside this wrapper, all is as it should be. Questar includes "special features": Rick's "travel tips" segment from the first series is repeated on each disk; a couple of "extras" are not from the Rick Steves series but are well-narrated and very finely photographed items from a generic series. Most "extra" segments are ones that were originally included in the main programs from each series but no harm is done--Questar's order of presenting the material is logical.Each destination is given high-quality treatment: there are no "lesser" destinations since Rick selects ones he has visited and revisited...and continues to enjoy. The material on Turkey, for example, was a real surprise--we discovered a rich and varied set of attractions beginning with Greco-Roman remnants. The scenery is spectacular. Rick and fellow travel-writer, Steve Smith, provide thoughtful, well-written commentary and the whole series illustrates the educational value of open-minded travel to a variety of cultures.You get 20 hours of quality programming (discounting repeats of the travel tips), so the pricing is still reasonable, just as entertainment. If you make use of Rick's insights and tips on places to stay, the set is invaluable."

Contents good, Video quality low

KISUNG PARK | Seoul South Korea | 04/02/2002

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Contents were good as advertised, but video quality were real disappointment. I expected DVD level cinematic video quality, but in reality video quality is VHS level. This DVD series is very useful for a tourer who prepares for real travel, but not for a DVD viewer who hopes for DVD quality scenery experience. So be careful!"

The Best of Rick Steves' Travels in Europe

Honeybee1236 | Jamaica, NY United States | 03/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The best of travels in Europe with Rick Steves is a 6 DVD set. Each DVD is about 3 1/2 hours long. DVD 1 is The British Isles - visits Ireland, W. Ireland, Dublin, Belfast, Great Britian, London, Edinburgh, N. Wales, Cotswold & Bath.
#2 is Germany, Austria & Switzerland visits Munich, Bavaria, Berlin, Potsdam, Vienna, Danube, Salzburg, the Lake District, Berner Alps & Western Switzerland.
#3 is Italy visits Rome, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Venice, Florence, Tuscany & the Italian Riviera.
#4 is Greece, Turkey, Israel & Egypt visits Istanbul, Gates of Jerusalem, Thessalonkia, the Greek Monestaries, Athens, the Peloponnese & the Greek Isles, the Turkish W. Coast & Central Turkey.
#5 is Spain & Portugal visits Toledo & Madrid/ Seville, Andalusia, Barcelona, Segovia, Granada to Costa Del Sol, Tangier, Portugal/Southern Coast & Lisbon.
#6 is France visits Burgundy, Provence & the Loire Valley, Dordogne, the French Riviera, Paris, Normandy & Brittany.All have extra features not included in the main part and also Rick's back door travel tips. It's very scenic and informative for travel planmning or just arm chair travel. These DVD's are a wealth of information, knowledge and adventure. Each DVD is divided into segments so you can take a break after each part. The how to section gives tips on money exchange rates, language, places to stay, eat, tourist centers, car rental, packing, plus a whole lot more. This set is worth the price and I personally loved it."

Excellent videos

M. J Myles | Wheeling, W.V. United States | 05/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great selection of Rick Steves shows on DVD, showing some of the msot famous European countries, there are six dvd, Rick Steves makes travel seem easier and exciting and also is interesting how he meets with the locals and explains places history and everything. he makes it fun like a friend is talking to you. This is great for any one who is going to travel or who wants to and is unable too."