Rick Steves' Europe: 20-Year Anthology

Dreaming of a trip to Europe? Take a step closer by "test driving" a Rick Steves tour. Grab some popcorn, sit back, and see if the Rick Steves style of travel is right for you. Filmed during an actual "Best of Europe in 14 Days" tour, we'll get to know our real tour members and guides as they experience the day-to-day events of their trip - and share their candid comments. No actors. No scripts. Honest. Come ride along!

In 1989, a gawky 34-year-old Rick Steves, with his big glasses and trademark backpack, was introduced to the public television through a TV pilot called "travel Through the Back Door." Join Rick on his journey into making his first travel show, which would eventually become one of America's most beloved travel series, Rick Steves' Europe. Rick visits his favorite "back door" destinations and shares tips on traveling smart and appreciating Europes's most magnificent art and its rich history.

On this springtime journey through Spain, Slovenia, Italy, and Greece, we'll celebrate the 2,000-year-old story of Easter in a variety of cultures. Feel the emotion of Holy Week as we join the solemn parades and raucous small-town festivities full of feasting and fireworks. Exploring a rich and fascinating mix of traditions - from Easter's pagan roots to its glorious finale- this one-hour special sheds new light on this timeless holiday.

From England to Norway, Burgundy to Bavaria, and Rome to the top of the Swiss Alps, this hour-long special gets you a seat at the family feast, saves you a pew up in the lofts with the finest choirs, and hands you a rolling pin in grandma's kitchen as she labors over her best-kept holiday secrets. You'll join Romans cooking up female eels, Parisians slurping up oysters, Tuscans tossing fruit cakes, and Norwegian kids winning marzipan pigs. Exploring the rich and fascinating mix of traditions - Christians, pagen, commercial, and edible - you'll see Christmas in a new light.

Join Rick as he traces fascism's history from its roots in the turbulent aftermath of World War I, when masses of angry people rose up, to the charismatic leaders who manipulated that anger, the t totalitarian societies they build, and the brutal measures they used to enforce their ideology. Along the way, we'll be inspired by those who resisted, visit poignant sights throughout Europe, and talk with Europeans whose families lived through those times. Our goal: to learn from the hard lessons of 20th century Europe, and to recognize that ideology in the 21st century.

We'll explore the most surprising and fascinating land Rick's ever visited: Iran. We'll discover the splendid monuments of Iran's glorious past, learn more about the recent history of this perplexing nation, and experience modern Iranian life in it's historic capital and in a countryside village. And we'll meet the people of. this nation, whose government so exasperates our own.

We'll sail from Barcelona to Athens, with stops in the French Riviera, Rome, and more. Our goal: to explore the ins and outs and pros and cons of cruising. We'll learn how to make the most of the cruise experience, from enjoying time on the ship to exercising independence on shore - savoring iconic sights and romantic island getaways.

Joining Rick, we'll run with the bulls at Pamplona, don a mask in Venice for Carnevale, dance with the Spaniards at the April Fair, cheer on the horses at Siena's Palio, hoist a frothy stein at Munich's Oktoberfest, toss a caber at a Scottish Highland Games, and more. No museums... just Europe at play.

Egypt offers a visual potpourri of high energy and ancient mystery- from chaotic Cairo to the silent temples and tombs near Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. We'll explore pharaohs' pyramids at Giza, gold treasures at Cairo's National Museum, and take a trip down the Nile.

This hour-long special weaves together both the Israeli and Palestinian narratives. In Israel, we'll go from the venerable ramparts of Jerusalem to the vibrant modern skyline of Tel Aviv. In Palestine, we'll harvest olives near Hebron, visit a home in Bethlehem, and pop in on a university in Ramallah. We'll also learn about security walls, disputed settlements, and the persistent challenges facing the region,.

Sweeping across easter Turkey, we'll learn a Kurdish folk dance, see a Silk Road palace, watch a little oil wrestling, visit the 4,000-year-old hometown of Abraham, ponder a megalomaniac king's attempt to join the gods, and hang out with nomadic Kurds.

In Turkey, we'll marvel at the fascinating landscape of Cappadocia from high above in a balloon... and from deep below, prowling an underground city where Christians once hid out.

We'll join Rick on a different journey: a symphonic journey. Just as travel broadens one's perspectives, so can music. In this hour-long concert special, Rick teams up with the Cascade Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Michael Miropolsky, on a musical tour that begins in the US, then touches down in seven European countries.

After touring the vibrant capital city of Bucharest, we'll head into Transylvania and Maramureș to visit the fortified churches, legendary castles, and time-warp villages.

We'll trace Bulgaria's complex history, from ancient tombs to medieval Orthodox monasteries to Soviet monuments, plus explore the cities of Sovia, Veliki Tarnovo, and Plovdiv.

We'll explore Europe's "micro-states": Powerful Vatican City, the city-state of San Marino, alpine Liechtenstein, fairy-tale Monaco, and little Andorra, high in the Pyrenees.

We'll explore the ancient capital of Mycenae, old port town of Nafplio, preserved theater at Epidavros, and ruined temple of Olympia. then we'll wander along the rustic Mani Peninsula, stopping in the beach town of Kardamyli, and then head over to the fortress town of Monemvasia

In Greece, we'll tour the must-sees of ancient Athens: the Parthenon, Agora, and amazing National Archaeological Museum. Then we'll visit the ruins of the mystical oracle at Delphi and her romantic, traffic-free isle of Hydra

Island-hopping to Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes, we'll tour ancient ruins, sample rustic cuisine, and compare beaches. And we'll see how cruising lets you do this efficiently.

We'll dine at the fisherman's harbor in Cefalù, ponder the ancient Greeks in Siracusa, commune with monks in a Capuchin crypt, and eat our way through a classic Sicilian banquet.

Exploring Andalucía, we'll experience Spain's whitewashed hill towns, roll down to the coast to visit the windsurfing mecca of Tarifa, and catch a bit of Britain on the Rock of Gibraltar. Then we'll sail to Africa for a finale in Tangier.

Andalusia's Moorish heritage sparkles in the historic capitals of Granada and Córdoba. We'll enjoy this region's food, history, art, and dance - then top it off with fun in the sun on the Costa del Sol.

In flamboyant Sevilla we'll experience its lacy Moorish palace, massive cathedral, lavish royal tombs, labyrinthine Jewish quarter, and people-filled streets.

In Castile - Roman Segovia, walled Avila, youthful Salamanca, and holy Toledo - we'll marvel at art, pop perky pickles, ramble ramparts, and enjoy Europe's most enchanting square.

Exploring parts of Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia, we'll get to know the tthree major groups of the former Yugoslavia - Croats, Servs, and Muslims. And we'll throw in a little fun in the sun in Dubrovnik.

Tiny Slovenia is Europe's most underrated alpine country. From the prosperous capital of Ljubjana, we'll enjoy the mountain resort of Lake Bled, venture into the Julian Alps for natural thrills mixed with WWI history, go spelunking in a gigantic cave, and swim in a charming Adriatic port.

Exploring Croatia, we'll see the "Pearl of the Adriatic," sample some island charm, wander Roman ruins, and hike through the watery wonderland. We'll enjoy its thriving capital city, the Italian-like charm of Istria, and that peninsula's enchanting port town.

In grand, inviting Budapest, we'll visit fascinating relics of its difficult past, relax in its thermal baths and elegant cafes, and cruise the Danube under floodlit monuments.

In this special, Rick visits the places where Martin Luther kicked off the Protestant Reformation 500 years ago, tracing the events that spurred the birth of our modern age.

Starting in the Finnish capital of Helsinki, we explore its Neoclassical old town, modern flair for design, and steamy saunas. Then it's a quick boat ride to Estonia's capital, Tallinn - with its medieval charms and post-USSR renaissance. Originally S6.E10

Once a respected military power, now famously neutral, Sweden's stately capital respects its rich heritage while embracing modern innovation. Originally S6.E9

We'll connect with the culture and art of Norway's proud capital city - from once-fearsome Viking ships to its sleek Opera House, and from tales of World War II heroes to the constant festival of its thriving waterfront. Originally S6.E7

Starting in vibrantly gritty Glasgow, we'll tap into Scottish passions as we tour Stirling Castle, have a wee dram on the Speyside Whisky Trail, and watch a sheepdog demonstration. Originally S10.E12

On the windswept Isles of Iona and Skye, we'll wander through Iron Age forts and a venerable distillery. Then we'll set sail for Orkney's 20th-century wartime harbor at Scapa Flow. Originally S10.E11

We'll visit Glencoe, Inverness, and the Culloden battlefield - and keep our eyes peeled at Loch Ness - as we work up an appetite for modern Scottish cuisine and traditional folk music. Originally S10.E10

In Edinburgh, we'll explore the city's castle, peek at the Scottish parliament building, dabble in local literature, sip some Scotch, and stow away on the Royal Yacht Britannia. Originally S4.E3

At Oxford and Cambridge, we'll see where kings and prime ministers studied. Then we'll wander through Blenheim Palace and visit the Industrial Revolution at Ironbridge Gorge. Originally S10.E1

In the southwest of England, we'll drop in on pirate towns, fishing villages, and a tin mine, then head to Dartmoor National Park in search of stone circles and wild ponies. Originally S9.E10

Join Rick on a coastal journey from Canterbury Cathedral to fortified Dover, along the chalk cliffs of the South Downs, and to Portsmouth for its historic sailing ships. Originally S9.E9

Join us in England's charming West Country as we visit quaint Cotswold villages, Wells Cathedral, legendary Glastonbury, and the stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury. Originally S9.E8

Focusing on Switzerland's often-overlooked urban charms, we make stops in lakeside Luzern, cobbled Bern, spire-filled Zürich, and sophisticated Lausanne. Originally S5.E5

Join Rick as he journeys high into the Swiss Alps. From the lush valley floors to the tops of these peaks, we'll share the story of the Swiss people and their breathtaking land. Originally S2.E14

This program is filled with dizzy alpine thrills, starting on the tip of a peak high above the French resort town of Chamonix, and ending in a cozy mountain hut in Switzerland. Originally S5.E1

In the Alps of Austria and Italy, we conquer the Zugspitze, visit Innsbruck, tour a medieval castle, hike to Europe's largest alpine meadow, and experience Tirolean folk culture. Originally S11.E1

Take a peek behind the scenes as Rick and his crew scamper through Milan and around Lake Como. You'll follow the creative process as the challenges and surprises that come with travel are shaped into a finished TV show.

Join us as we roam modern Frankfurt's delightful old town and explore fascinating Nürnberg, with its fun fountains, medieval lanes, and sobering Nazi Documentation Center. Originally S9.E3

We'll visit the great cities of Saxony: Dresden, with its opulent palaces and art treasures, and Leipzig, with its Bach heritage and a massive monument to Napoleon's defeat. Originally S9.E2

Hamburg, Germany's mighty port city, has a gleaming skyline and a brisk creative energy. From there, we'll visit the Reformation sights of Erfurt and Wittenberg, and finish in wine-loving Würzburg. Originally S9.E1

On the loose in France's countryside, we drive up Alsace's Route du Vin for miles of vineyards, half-timbered villages, and feudal fortresses. We head to Verdun to walk the trenches of World War I before visiting Reims Cathedral to marvel at Gothic splendor and Chagall's stained glass. Our final stop is Epernay, the bubbly birthplace of champagne.

We explore the dramatic castles, prehistoric cave paintings, and prized cuisine of the Dordogne River Valley, with its unforgettable blend of man-made and natural beauty. Originally S5.E2

Slowing down to savor Burgundy's historic, scenic, and edible delights, we revel in the rich traditions of this serene region, where nature is as sophisticated as the people. Originally S5.E1

Here in the Cote d'Azur, we stroll the promenades in Nice, eavesdrop on the reshuffling of fortunes at Monaco's casino, and visit the elegant villas of artists and heiresses. Originally S3.E9

Need a smile? Enjoy the goofy, giddy bloopers from 10 seasons f Rick Steves' Europe. These funny flubs, show Rick muffing his lines, getting the giggles, banging his head, meeting the locals, dancing, singing, and more.

After roaming Versailles - the palace of palaces - we'll drop in on exquisite Vaux-le-Vicomte and extravagant Fontainebleau, marvel at Chartres Cathedral...and dine like kings. Originally S8.E4

In France's Loire Valley, we'll visit four unique castles - elegant Chenonceau, massive Chambord, stately Cheverny, and fragrant Villandry - with fun stops along the way. Originally S8.E3

Packing the best of Paris into one episode, we scale the Eiffel Tower, savor steak tartare and creme brulee, meander in Montmartre, and marvel at the Orsay's Monets and Manets. Originally S3.E6

We'll enjoy a front-row seat at Siena's wild Palio horse race and marvel at treasures from the city's golden age, then head out of town for a taste of Tuscan dolce vita. Originally S9.E7

In the Italian countryside, we'll see how prosciutto and pecorino are made, duck into ancient wine cellars, and visit the hill town of Assisi - and its awe-inspiring basilica. Originally S9.E6

We'll visit Italy's five tiny seaside towns known as the Cinque Terre, while stopping to fish for anchovies, sip wine from barrels, and savor twinkling Mediterranean vistas. Originally S8.E7

Just south of Naples, we'll experience the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, including trendy Positano, the limoncello charms of Sorrento, the ancient Greek temples at Paestum, and the Blue Grotto hidden beneath the enchanting Isle of Capri. Originally S4.E5

We'll visit three great cities in the shadow of Venice: Padova (Padua), with its university life and famed basilica; Verona and its Roman ruins; and Ravenna, for its shimmering mosaics. Originally S8.E8

We'll start with a cruise through Venice's lagoon, pausing to savor fresh fish canal-side. Then we'll sample the treasures of the Accademia Gallery, explore some back-street wonders, and luxuriate in a venerable cafe on St. Mark's Square. Originally S7.E11

Venice, more than any other European city, has an endlessly seductive charm. For centuries, it was nicknamed La Serenissima, "The Most Serenely Beautiful One" — and for good reason. After sorting through the monuments of Venice's powerful past, we'll cruise the Grand Canal and be dazzled by masterpieces of the Venetian Renaissance. Along the way we'll feast on Venetian treats, get a splash of modern art, then glide on a gondola through this city of elegant decay. Originally S7.E10

We enjoy Renaissance art in Florence, the city that propelled Europe out of the Middle Ages. Then we visit two cultural capitals in their own right: Pisa, where we'll marvel at a tipsy tower; and Lucca, where we'll celebrate Puccini. Originally S7.E5