Rick Steves' Europe

Join Rick as he explores the most surprising and fascinating land he's ever visited: Iran. In a one-hour, ground-breaking travel special on public television, you'll discover the splendid monuments of Iran's rich and glorious past, learn more about the 20th-century story of this perplexing nation, and experience Iranian life today in its historic capital and in a countryside village.

Join Rick as he explores the most surprising and fascinating land he's ever visited - Iran. In a one-hour, ground-breaking travel special on public television, you'll discover the splendid monuments of Iran's rich and glorious past, learn more about the 20th-century story of this perplexing nation, and experience Iranian life today in its historic capital and in a countryside village.

In Istanbul, we'll lose our way in the Grand Bazaar and munch our way through the famously fragrant Spice Market. We'll follow the fall of the ancient capital of Byzantium and the rise of Islam at the city's ancient wall, and wander among the treasures of the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.

This time we're tasting, pedaling, and cruising our way through Scandinavia's most fun-loving capital -- Copenhagen.

This time we're tasting, pedaling, and cruising our way through Scandinavia's most fun-loving capital -- Copenhagen.

Island getaways are fun, but the real heart of Greece is found in the Peloponnese Peninsula. Its wild, mountainous landscape has hosted the interminable rise and fall of cultures which makes for fascinating sightseeing today.

At a time when Rome was just a village, it was here in Athens that the foundations of our Western civilization were laid. And today, in the mist of such a rich heritage, the vibrant capital of Greece still thrives.

To get a fair look at any country, you need to venture beyond its dominant city. Here in the Czech Republic there's a world of cultural riches and off beat delights outside of Prague -- and in this episode, that's our focus.

This time we're celebrating the good life in Vienna - elegant parks, romantic Danube River, imperial art collections, great music. After centuries of rule by the Habsburg family, today the people are calling the shots, and they seem to be getting it right.

Whether enjoying traditional culture high in the mountains or savoring the joys of modern life in its great cities, the Swiss get it right. In this episode we focus on an often overlooked side part of Switzerland -- its urban charm.

Europe's "microstates" are scattered far and wide. We'll start at Vatican City, drop by San Marino, hike up to Liechtenstein, speed over to Monaco, and finish high in the Pyrenees at Andorra.

Barcelona is Spain's capital of the proud and distinct region of Catalunya. With Franco's fascism now long gone, Catalan's creative and independent spirit is on a roll. Many visitors find this to be Spain's most cosmopolitan and vibrant corner.

The Dordogne River Valley — with its dramatic castles, evocative cave paintings, and prized cuisine — is an unforgettable blend of man-made and natural beauty. We'll take an idyllic canoe ride, and then visit a goose farm and savor the foie gras. We'll also wander through a lamp-lit castle, enjoy a country market, and visit the Sistine Chapel of the prehistoric world.

Burgundy is calm, cultivated, serene; where nature is as sophisticated as the people. Traditions are strong here. If you're looking for quintessential French culture, you'll find it in Burgundy.