RICK STEVES' EUROPE VI



NOTE: APT withdrew episode #601 in February 2016. RICK STEVES SPECIAL: ANDALUCIA:  THE BEST OF SOUTHERN SPAIN (NOLA: RKEE 105) is now a stand-alone program.
#601 Rick Steves' Andalucía: The Best of Southern Spain (60 minutes)
This 60-minute special weaves the region's rich mix of culture, cuisine, history, and natural wonders into a 60-minute special. The hour includes the major cites of Sevilla, Córdoba, and Granada; flamenco, sherry, and horses; dramatic white-washed hilltowns; and fun in the Costa del Sol sun — plus a dash of Britain in Gibraltar.

#602 Croatia: Adriatic Delights
A fascinating land with a hard-fought history in a complex corner of Europe, Croatia is emerging as one of Europe's top destinations. Sampling the very best of Croatia, we start by exploring the fabled Dalmatian Coast from dramatic Dubrovnik to crusty Adriatic island ports. Heading inland, we hike through Plitvice Lakes National Park and enjoy the thriving capital city Zagreb. Our Croatian finale: the Istrian Peninsula and its enchanting port town of Rovinj.

#603 Dubrovnik and Balkan Side-Trips
Nestled inside its mighty ramparts is Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." From this remarkably preserved medieval fortress city, we venture into less-touristed corners of the former Yugoslavia. In Bosnia, we visit Mostar — war-torn in the 90s, but bursting with promise today. In Montenegro, we sail the fjord-like Bay of Kotor and explore its mysterious, mountainous interior.

#604 The Best of Slovenia
Little Slovenia is the least visited and most underrated of Europe's alpine countries. From its prosperous capital of Ljubljana, we enjoy the mountain resort of Lake Bled, venture into the Julian Alps for natural thrills mixed with World War I history, go spelunking in a gigantic cave, and swim with Slavs in a charming Adriatic port.

#605 Granada, Cordoba, and Spain's Costa del Sol
Andalucía's Moorish heritage sparkles in the historic capitals of Granada and Cordoba. And the pride of the Reconquista and the power of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand enliven the region's great sights. Tasting the smooth sherry and marveling at prancing stallions, we find the passion in Andalucían culture. And we top it off with fun in the Spanish sun on the Costa del Sol.

#606 Andalucía, Gibraltar and Tangier (30-minutes)
Exploring Andalucía, we experience the quintessence of Spanish culture. Starting up high, in Spain's whitewashed hill towns, we roll down to the coast to enjoy the windsurfing mecca of Tarifa. Then we catch a bit of Britain on the Rock of Gibraltar, and sail to Africa for a Moroccan finale in Tangier.

#607 Oslo
The proud spirit of the Norwegian people shines in every dimension of their capital city—from its once-fearsome Viking ships to its sleek new Opera House, from tales of World War II heroism to the constant festival of its thriving harborfront. Connecting with the culture, we enjoy art—from Vigeland's statues to Monch's scream—and cap things off by joining local friends for a sail on their fjord.

#608 Norway's West: Fjords, Mountains and Bergen
For Scandinavia's most thrilling sightseeing, we sail under towering fjord cliffs, hike on powerful glaciers, and find surviving traditions in remote farm hamlets. Then we delve into the Hanseatic heritage and enjoy the salty hospitality of Norway's historic capitol, Bergen.

#609 Stockholm
Sweden's capital, confident and self-assured, glitters with souvenirs from the day when it ruled as a superpower. From pondering gilded royal staterooms to sampling gourmet reindeer and sipping vodka in an ice bar, we experience the city's cultural highlights. Then we sail the archipelago for the prettiest island-hopping in northern Europe.

#610 Helsinki and Tallinn: Baltic Sisters
The fascinating capitals of Finland and Estonia offer a chance to sample each country's history, art, and distinct love of life. We'll start in Helsinki with its Neoclassical old town, modern flair for design, and steamy saunas. Then it's just a two-hour boat ride to Tallinn—with its medieval charms and new-found prosperity—celebrating its freedom and thriving in its post-USSR renaissance.

#611 Northern Spain and Camino de Santiago
We follow the trail pilgrims have trod for centuries, from the French border to Santiago de Compostela in the northwest corner of Spain. Along the way, we stop off in Pamplona to run with the bulls, and dive into the unique Celtic culture of Galicia—where Riverdance meets flamenco.

#612 Basque Country
The homeland of the proud and resiliant Basque people is split between France and Spain. From our San Sebastián home base, we tour the ancient Basque capital of Gernika, the dazzling Guggenheim Modern in Bilbao, and then cross into France for more Basque Country charms. From yummy tapa bars to lightning-fast jai alai games, we'll experience Basque culture at its most vivid.