Rick Steves Pocket Athens (Fifth Edition)

Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent approximately 100 days a year exploring Europe. His mission is to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. Rick produces a best-selling guidebook series, a public television series, and a public radio show, and organizes small-group tours that take over 30,000 travelers to Europe annually. He accomplishes this with the help of more than 100 well-traveled staff members at Rick Steves’ Europe in Edmonds, WA (near Seattle).

When not on the road, Rick is active in his church and with advocacy groups focused on economic and social justice, drug policy reform, and ending hunger. To recharge, Rick plays piano, relaxes at his family cabin in the Cascade Mountains, and spends time with his son Andy, daughter Jackie, grandsons Atlas and Dashel, and favorite travel partner Shelley.

Cameron Hewitt

Born in Denver and raised in central Ohio, Cameron Hewitt moved to Seattle and joined Rick Steves’ Europe in 2000, where he serves as content manager. Since then, Cameron has traveled to over 35 European countries, contributing to guidebooks, tours, radio and television shows, and other media. Cameron is married to his high school sweetheart and favorite travel partner, Shawna, and enjoys photography, trying new restaurants, and planning his next trip.

Gene Openshaw

Gene Openshaw has co-authored more than a dozen books with Rick, specializing in Europe’s art, history, and culture. Their works, including Europe 101: History and Art for the Traveler and Europe’s Top 100 Masterpieces, aim to bring European art to life for travelers. Gene also writes for Rick’s television shows, produces audio tours, and is a regular guest on Rick’s radio show. For public television, Gene has co-authored two specials with Rick: Fascism in Europe and the six-hour series Art of Europe.

Outside of travel writing, Gene is a composer, having created an opera titled Matter, a violin sonata, and numerous songs. Gene resides near Seattle and is a dedicated supporter of the Mariners baseball team.