To update his books on Italy, Rick relied on the help of...
Virginia was born and raised in Abruzzo, in central Italy. After graduation she moved to Seattle, where she taught Italian studies at the University of Washington while finishing her doctorate. Besides travel and teaching, Virginia has a passion for Italian cinema and detective fiction. When not leading a Rick Steves’ Europe tour, she spends her time in the Pacific Northwest swimming, reading, and sipping a cappuccino at the nearest coffeehouse.
Ben experienced his first taste of European travel when he was a little guy, exploring medieval castles with his parents. Returning after graduation, he was hooked and has spent much of his time since traveling in Europe independently and leading tours for Rick Steves’ Europe. When not on the road, Ben calls the great Pacific Northwest home.
Sarah trained as an architect, then abandoned her drafting board in 2000 to lead tours and research guidebooks for Rick Steves’ Europe. She blogs about her crazy life on adventureswithsarah.net and often writes about her passion for the perfectly packed bag. She lives in Seattle with her husband, Patrick, and sons, Lucca and Nicola.
Gene has co-authored a dozen Rick Steves books, specializing in writing walks and tours of Europe’s cities, museums, and cultural sights. He also contributes to Rick’s public television series, produces tours for Rick Steves Audio Europe, and is a regular guest on Rick’s public radio show. Outside of the travel world, Gene has co-authored The Seattle Joke Book. As a composer, Gene has written a full-length opera called Matter, a violin sonata, and dozens of songs. He lives near Seattle with his daughter, enjoys giving presentations on art and history, and roots for the Mariners in good times and bad.
