Why We Travel
In times of crisis and challenge, we ask ourselves: What is the true value of travel? Is it just hedonism...or something more powerful? After a lifetime of exploring Europe Rick Steves shares his reasons why. This special episode is a sonnet to travel — an introspective love story, set in Europe, that vividly celebrates the rewards of exploring our world and the joy that awaits those who travel.
Episodes
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Why We Travel
S11 E1108 - 26m 47s
In times of crisis and challenge, we ask ourselves: What is the true value of travel? Is it just hedonism...or something more powerful? After a lifetime of exploring Europe Rick Steves shares his reasons why. This special episode is a sonnet to travel — an introspective love story, set in Europe, that vividly celebrates the rewards of exploring our world and the joy that awaits those who travel.
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Ethiopia: A Development Story
S11 E1107 - 25m 33s
Venturing beyond Europe, and with local experts as his guides, Rick uses Ethiopia as a classroom for understanding global hunger and extreme poverty — and how to beat it. Together, we witness the importance of water, education, empowering women, and nutrition during a child's first thousand days. And we see firsthand the impact of globalization and climate change.
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Egypt’s Nile, Alexandria, and Luxor
S11 E1106 - 26m 15s
Exploring the Nile Valley from north to south, we see the highlights of Egypt. In the fabled city of Alexandria, we venture through a market wonderland, smoke a shisha, and stroll a Mediterranean promenade. In Luxor, we explore the pharaohs’ tombs and temples before sailing on a timeless felucca. Our finale: Ramesses II's magnificent temple at Abu Simbel.
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Egypt’s Cairo
S11 E1105 - 25m 2s
Teeming Cairo, straddling the Nile, is the capital of Egypt and one of the leading cities of the Muslim world. With 20 million people, greater Cairo pulses with energy. We explore the back streets on a tuk-tuk, drop in on a mosque, haggle with a gauntlet of eager merchants, bake some pita bread, marvel at King Tut’s gold, greet the ancient Sphinx, and climb into the center of the greatest pyramid.
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Germany’s Fascist Story
S11 E1104 - 26m 16s
Traveling across Germany, we learn how fascism rose and then fell, taking millions of people with it. Visiting actual locations — from Munich to Nürnberg to Berlin — we trace the roots of Nazism in the aftermath of World War I, when masses of angry people were enchanted by Hitler. We explore the totalitarian society Hitler built, and see the consequences: genocide and total war.
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French Alps and Lyon
S11 E1103 - 25m 2s
After exploring the proud cuisine capital of Lyon — which, at least in its own mind, rivals Paris — we head for Chamonix, in the shadow of Europe’s tallest peak: Mont Blanc. With the classic alpine resort as our springboard, we make some high-altitude cheese, then ride the lift up to Aiguille du Midi and over to the border of Italy.
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Swiss Alps
S11 E1102 - 25m 2s
Switzerland draws travelers from around the world for its legendary mountains. From the Matterhorn to the Jungfrau to Appenzell, we savor both the country’s jaw-dropping alpine beauty and the rich and resilient culture of its people. As we lace together that dramatic mountain wonder with scenic train rides, breathtaking lifts, and unforgettable hikes, we also enjoy alpine life.
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Austrian and Italian Alps
S11 E1101 - 25m 2s
In the Alps of Austria and Italy, we celebrate both nature and culture. After conquering the Zugspitze, we tour Innsbruck, visit a remote farm in Austria, and join in a Tirolean village festival. Then we cross the Alps into Italy and tour a uniquely well-preserved medieval castle before joyriding deep into the rugged Dolomite Mountains.
Extras + Features
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Berlin, Germany: Trendy Prenzlauer Berg
S8 E12 - 3m 42s
Young, in-the-know locals agree that Prenzlauer Berg is one of Berlin’s most colorful neighborhoods. There are no real sights -- just a lively, laid-back neighborhood ignoring its wonderful late-19th-century architecture high overhead.
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Berlin, Germany: The Wall and Checkpoint Charlie
S8 E12 - 2m 56s
The Berlin Wall Memorial and Museum House at Checkpoint Charlie educate visitors about Berlin's tumultuous 20th century.
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Prague, Czech Republic: Charles Bridge and a Czech Language
S8 E11 - 2m 37s
One of Europe's most pleasant strolls is along Prague's historic coronation route. Use it as a spine, but make a point to venture beyond, and learn enough Czech to interact with the locals.
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Prague, Czech Republic: Old Town Square
S8 E11 - 1m 52s
Prague’s Old Town Square is filled with beautifully preserved landmarks: the Gothic Týn Church, a memorial to Jan Hus, and a 15-century Astronomical Clock.
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Haarlem, Netherlands: Herring and Heritage
S8 E10 - 4m 39s
Haarlem is a “Dutch Masters” kind of town, with plenty of 17th-century architecture. Dodge bikes down narrow lanes to discover some of Haarlem’s gems — pickled herring, masterpieces by Dutch Masters, and, at 100 feet high, Holland’s greatest pipe organ.
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Delft, Netherlands: Town Square and Delftware
S8 E10 - 3m 5s
We stroll along Delft's idyllic canals and markets, and see how its famous Delftware porcelain is made.
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Amsterdam, Netherlands: The Van Gogh Museum
S8 E9 - 2m 52s
The Van Gogh Museum houses the 200 paintings owned by Vincent’s younger brother, Theo — laid out as the story of Vincent's life.
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Amsterdam, Netherlands: Coffeeshops and Red Light District
S8 E9 - 2m 44s
Amsterdam has plenty of examples of their progressive approach to subjects many people consider unsavory: curbside urinals, prostitutes who are unionized, taxed, and regulated and “coffeeshops” that sell marijuana.
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Verona, Italy: Ambience and a Grappa Taste Test
S8 E8 - 3m 29s
About two hours from touristy Venice is Verona — a welcome sip of pure, easygoing Italy. Its main attractions are its wealth of Roman ruins and its 21st-century quiet, pedestrian-only ambience.
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Padova, Italy: The Scrovegni Chapel
S8 E8 - 3m 32s
Padova’s Scrovegni Chapel, with its precious 14th-century Giotto frescoes, is one of Italy’s most beloved art treasures.
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Monterosso al Mare, Italy: Cinque Terre Resort Town
S8 E7 - 2m 39s
Monterosso al Mare is the Cinque Terre's most resorty town of the group, with cars, larger hotels, rentable umbrellas, and the best beach around.
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Ramallah, Palestine: Cultural Capital
S8 E6 - 2m 14s
Ramallah hosts the Palestinian government and international agencies, and is filled with positive energy from the students at nearby Birzeit University.
Schedule
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Rick Steves' Europe
Siena and Tuscany's Wine Country
Monday
Apr 12
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30 Minutes
The Palio wild horse race in Siena, Italy; Tuscany's wine country. -
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Rick Steves' Europe
Siena and Tuscany's Wine Country
Tuesday
Apr 13
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30 Minutes
The Palio wild horse race in Siena, Italy; Tuscany's wine country. -
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Rick Steves' Europe
West England
Tuesday
Apr 13
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30 Minutes
Cotswold villages boast churches, manor homes and gastropubs; New Age capital of Glastonbury; prehistoric stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury. -
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Rick Steves' Europe
Southeast England
Wednesday
Apr 14
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30 Minutes
Traveling from Canterbury to Dover; hiking the trails atop the cliffs of the South Downs; seaside resort of Brighton; the naval heritage of Portsmouth includes a collection of historic sailing ships. -
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Rick Steves' Europe
Southeast England
Thursday
Apr 15
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30 Minutes
Traveling from Canterbury to Dover; hiking the trails atop the cliffs of the South Downs; seaside resort of Brighton; the naval heritage of Portsmouth includes a collection of historic sailing ships. -
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Rick Steves' Europe
England's Cornwall
Thursday
Apr 15
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30 Minutes
The Cornish culture in the far southwest of England; tin mining heritage; pirates' towns and fishing villages; Dartmoor National Park. -
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Rick Steves' Europe
England's Cornwall
Friday
Apr 16
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30 Minutes
The Cornish culture in the far southwest of England; tin mining heritage; pirates' towns and fishing villages; Dartmoor National Park. -
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Rick Steves' Europe
The Heart of England
Friday
Apr 16
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30 Minutes
Kings and prime ministers studied at Oxford and Cambridge universities; Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill; Ironbridge Gorge. -
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Rick Steves' Europe
The Heart of England
Saturday
Apr 17
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30 Minutes
Kings and prime ministers studied at Oxford and Cambridge universities; Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill; Ironbridge Gorge. -
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Rick Steves' Europe
Lisbon
Saturday
Apr 17
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30 Minutes
A visit to Lisbon, Portugal, features cod, hot pastries, a stroll of the city's back lanes and fado music; exploring castles of Portuguese royalty in Sintra. -
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Rick Steves' Europe
Siena and Tuscany's Wine Country
Sunday
Apr 18
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30 Minutes
The Palio wild horse race in Siena, Italy; Tuscany's wine country. -
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Rick Steves' Europe
West England
Sunday
Apr 18
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30 Minutes
Cotswold villages boast churches, manor homes and gastropubs; New Age capital of Glastonbury; prehistoric stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury. -
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Rick Steves' Europe
Southeast England
Sunday
Apr 18
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30 Minutes
Traveling from Canterbury to Dover; hiking the trails atop the cliffs of the South Downs; seaside resort of Brighton; the naval heritage of Portsmouth includes a collection of historic sailing ships. -
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Rick Steves' Europe
England's Cornwall
Sunday
Apr 18
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30 Minutes
The Cornish culture in the far southwest of England; tin mining heritage; pirates' towns and fishing villages; Dartmoor National Park. -
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Rick Steves' Europe
Lisbon
Monday
Apr 19
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30 Minutes
A visit to Lisbon, Portugal, features cod, hot pastries, a stroll of the city's back lanes and fado music; exploring castles of Portuguese royalty in Sintra. -
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Rick Steves' Europe
Lisbon
Tuesday
Apr 20
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30 Minutes
A visit to Lisbon, Portugal, features cod, hot pastries, a stroll of the city's back lanes and fado music; exploring castles of Portuguese royalty in Sintra. -
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Rick Steves' Europe
Portugal's Heartland
Tuesday
Apr 20
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30 Minutes
Dancing on the beach in Nazaré, Portugal; medieval abbey in Batalha; royal library; port wine; exploring Porto, Portugal. -
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Rick Steves' Europe
Portugal's Heartland
Wednesday
Apr 21
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30 Minutes
Dancing on the beach in Nazaré, Portugal; medieval abbey in Batalha; royal library; port wine; exploring Porto, Portugal. -
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Rick Steves' Europe
Travel Skills: Cruising
Wednesday
Apr 21
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30 Minutes
The ins and outs and pros and cons of cruising, including making smart use of limited time on shore and the congestion and commercialism that comes with mass tourism. -
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Rick Steves' Europe
Travel Skills: Cruising
Thursday
Apr 22
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30 Minutes
The ins and outs and pros and cons of cruising, including making smart use of limited time on shore and the congestion and commercialism that comes with mass tourism.
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