Credits

RESEARCHERS

For help with this edition, Rick relied on...

Amanda Buttinger

Amanda came to Madrid in 1997 for what was to be a short adventure. She is still there today, living with her husband and two energetic boys. She maintains her American roots while enjoying Madrileño and Spanish traditions. She leads Rick Steves tours and her own Gather to Travel tours through Spain.

Suzanne Kotz

Suzanne, an editor with Rick Steves’ Europe, began her travel career riding in a station wagon with her six siblings from Michigan to Florida for spring break. Since then, she’s broadened her destinations to include much of Europe and parts of Asia. A librarian by training and a longtime editor of art publications, she’s happiest in her Seattle garden or when planning a meal for family and friends.

Robyn Stencil

Robyn’s adventurous spirit sprouted from childhood explorations of the Pacific Northwest and the competitive sports circuit. After studying in Rome, she joined Rick Steves’ Europe, where she’s become devoted to Europe’s friendly locals, lived-in cities, and vibrant cultures. When she’s not researching, climbing mountains, or running marathons, Robyn calls Everett, Washington, home and works as the program manager of tours for Rick Steves’ Europe.

Cary Walker

Cary discovered international travel during college and has been feeding her wanderlust ever since. A former teacher, she believes that Europe is the best classroom for those who travel with an open mind. When not researching guidebooks or leading Rick Steves’ Europe tours, she resides in Dallas, with her husband Brian and three well-traveled stepsons.

Robert Wright

Raised in Memphis, Robert funded his first dream trip to Europe in 1998 by selling his entire Star Wars collection—proof that where there’s a will, there’s a way. He fell in love with Spain and Portugal and constantly returned, all while living for 14 years in Argentina. In the end, Robert married a sevillano and moved to Spain. He enjoys exploring small-town Iberia and uncovering long-lost connections between Spain and Portugal’s intertwined history.

CONTRIBUTOR

Gene Openshaw

Gene has co-authored more than a dozen books with Rick, specializing in Europe’s art, history, and culture. In particular, their Europe 101: History and Art for the Traveler and Europe’s Top 100 Masterpieces have helped bring European art to life. Gene also writes for Rick’s television shows, produces the audio tours, and is a regular guest on Rick’s radio show. For public TV, Gene has co-authored two television specials with Rick: Fascism in Europe and the ambitious six-hour series Art of Europe. Outside of the travel world, Gene has composed an opera called Matter, a violin sonata, and dozens of songs. Gene lives near Seattle, where he roots for the Mariners in good times and bad. Check out his latest book on art, travel, and love: Michelangelo at Midlife.