Rick Steveshas spent 100 days every year since 1973 exploring Europe. Rick produces a public television series(Rick Steves'' Europe), a public radio show(Travel with Rick Steves),and an app and podcast(Rick Steves Audio Europe);writes a bestselling series of guidebooks and a nationally syndicated newspaper column; organizes guided tours that take thousands of travelers to Europe annually; and offers an information-packed website (RickSteves.com). With the help of his hardworking staff of 80 at Rick Steves'' Europe, Inc.#151;in Edmonds, Washington, just north of Seattle#151;Rick''s mission is to make European travel fun, affordable, and culturally broadening for Americans.

Steve Smithmanages tour planning for Rick Steves'' Europe Through the Back Door and has been researching guidebooks with Rick for two decades. Fluent in French, he''s lived in France on several occasions, starting when he was seven, and has traveled there annually since 1986. Steve''s wife, who is an expert on French cuisine and wine, provides invaluable contributions to his books, as do his two children.