Hi, I'm Rick Steves.

I get great satisfaction from bringing Europe into American homes through my public television and radio shows. And I love producing each and every one of my guidebooks. But none of that work makes me prouder than crafting a tour program that, each year, gives 12,000 travelers a personal connection with Europe and its people.

I'm happy to introduce you to our 40 European tours for 2013. As we do every year, we've taken what's been a proven success, evaluated hundreds of new ideas (from my book research, our tour guides, and tour members), and then fine-tuned each itinerary for maximum travel thrills. Among other things for 2013, you'll find that we've...

• Revamped France and added an all-new Best of the French Riviera tour (ideal for the off-season).
• Made the Best of Spain more relaxing — and more affordable — by snipping the side-trip to Morocco.
• Expanded our money-saving, un-guided "My Way" tour program from three itineraries to four, so independent-minded travelers can now choose between Europe, Italy, Germany-Austria-Switzerland and all-new Spain adventures.
• Created an online Tour Account feature that gives you a convenient, secure way to complete forms and access information about your tour.
• Filmed an all-new "Rick Steves Tour Experience" DVD, which lets you ride along with one of our tour groups as they travel from Paris to Rome.

As you might expect, I want everyone to watch my new DVD. But there's still nothing like the real thing. Browse through all we have to offer, and I hope you'll find plenty of reasons to make 2013 your year to experience more of Europe — affordably — the Rick Steves way.

Happy travels,

Rick