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

To celebrate the season, I’m sharing clips, extras, and behind-the-scenes notes from my one-hour special, “Rick Steves’ European Christmas.” Today we travel to Austria, where the festive swirl of heartwarming sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas abound. This is where the season’s most-loved carol, “Silent Night,” was first performed over 200 years ago. We knew that filming an intimate family Christmas feast would not necessarily come out natural and fun-loving on TV, so we filmed two and pick