SEVEN EPISODES: This DVD contains seven
complete "Rick Steves' Europe" TV shows on Greece & Turkey first broadcast from 2000-2009.
RUNNING TIME: 3 1/2 hours. Closed
Captioned. NTSC format, all region compatible.
Athens & Side Trips: : We'll tour the must-sees of ancient Athens: the Parthenon, Agora & amazing National Archaeological Museum. Then we'll take my two favorite side-trips: mystical Delphi & the traffic-free Isle of Hydra.
Greece's Peloponnese: : The real heart of Greece beats on its Peloponnese Peninsula. We'll enjoy the charming towns of Nafplio, Kardamyli & Monemvasia, then take a magical History tour through the ancient ruins of Olympia, Epidavros & Mycenae.
Greek Islands: The Greek Islands' sunny climate, great beaches and relaxed culture attracts travelers from all corners. Island hopping on the Aegean ferries, we visit touristy, exotic Santorini (starting with an island bus tour), ride a motorbike around Samos, and hang out on the barely-known island of Lipsi where we sample the local cuisine. We stroll on an out-of-the-way black sand beach. Other quiet moments include visiting peaceful Spiliani Monastery, the ancient ruins of Akroteri and the Temple of Hera. With tips from the tourist office, we find offbeat and fun ways to island hop and our own picturesque places to stay..
Istanbul: At Europe's gateway to Asia, we explore the historic, crowded city of Istanbul. We get lost in the Grand Bazaar, feast like kings with locals at a fisherman's wharf, and follow stories of the Byzantine Empire at the ancient wall, St. Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. To escape the high-pitched city bustle, we board a boat on the churning Bosphorus, gaining a view of the Bridge of Galata and the elegant Dolmabahce Palace.
West Turkey: : For half the price of visiting Greece, Turkey offers as much intrigue, history, sun, friendliness and scrumptous food. We visit spectacular Greek ruins at Ephesus and Aphrodisias and ancient hot springs at Pamukkale. Viewers can travel up the Meander River, visit a Turkish bath, eat Turkish pizza and get tips on staying healthy in foreign countries. An exotic culture to most Americans, Turkey feels more familiar as we discover a blend of ancient and modern in nomadic life, whirling Dervishes, and strong Muslim beliefs.
Central Turkey: Before heading for the modern capital, Ankara, we folk dance through tea-soaked, hospitable and engaging ancient villages in central Turkey. From geological wonders in Cappadocia's byzantine cave churches and cliff dwellings to the red pottery kilns of Avanos, friendly locals welcome visitors. The offer of good deals on camel rides and carpets fade near the unspoiled town of Guzelyurt. By the time we reach Ankara, the modern world is back. We learn about Ataturk - called the father of the Turks - who led Turkey from a sultan's empire to the updated scene of the 1920's.
Eastern Turkey After a Mount Ararat sunrise, we visit Abraham's 4000-year-old home town, tour one of the world's biggest dams, cheer on grease wrestlers, come face to face with ancient gods atop windswept Mount Nemrut & dance with new friends in a village.
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