RICK STEVES' EUROPE TRAVEL BITES VI
(TRT noted)
601. Milan’s Artful Cemetery (1:19)
(Remade from Bites II)
While there are many evocative cemeteries in Europe, Milan’s Monumental Cemetery — with its emotional portrayals of the departed, and their heavenly escorts in the melodramatic art styles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries — is in a class by itself.
602. Edinburgh’s New Parliament (1:23)
(Remade from Bites II)
For several centuries, Scotland was ruled from London. In the year 2000, Edinburgh resumed its position as home of Scotland's Parliament. Scotland's strikingly modern Parliament Building opened in 2004. The Catalan architect Enric Miralles mixed bold windows, wild angles, and organic themes into a startling complex that would, as he envisioned, "surge from out of the rock and into the city."
603. Salzburg: Baroque Splendor (1:34)
(Remade from Bites II)
Constructed in the early 1600's, Salzburg's cathedral was one of the first grand Baroque buildings north of the Alps. Immersed in pure, Baroque grandeur, visitors experience harmonious art and architecture while taking in a Mozart Mass.
604. La Feria: Sevilla’s Ultimate Party (1:42)
(Remade from Bites III)
It's no surprise that Sevilla is famous for letting loose in vibrant festivals, and no festival is bigger than the one celebrated in April. Much of Sevilla is packed into the vast fairgrounds for this spontaneous, real, and friendly fair where the Andalusian passion for horses, flamenco and sherry is clear.
605. Edinburgh: “Auld Reekie” (1:44)
(Remade from Bites II)
Old Edinburgh's Royal Mile — a dense tangle of historic buildings, quaint shops and fun museums — winds its way downhill from the medieval castle to Holyrood Palace.
606. Waltzing in Vienna (1:45)
(Remade from Bites II)
Vienna's parks have been filled with the sound of music for centuries. In the late 1800s, Johann Strauss, the waltz king himself, directed wildly popular concerts. Today, the tradition continues to the delight of music lovers from around the world.
607. Cape Sagres: The End of the World (1:46)
(Remade from Bites III)
On the rugged southwestern tip of Portugal, Cape Sagres was the closest travelers could get to the edge of our flat Earth in the days before Columbus. Today, merchants sell their wares next to a lighthouse that marked what was referred to as the end of the world, while fishermen still brave dizzying cliffs for the catch of the day.
608. Amsterdam: The Anne Frank House (1:52)
(New Bite)
Rick explores the Anne Frank House, where, for two years, 13-year-old Anne and her family hid from Nazi persecution. A pilgrimage for many, this house immerses you, in a very immediate way, in the struggles and pains of the war years.
609. Paris: Latin Quarter Café Culture (1:55)
(Remade from Bites III)
In the 13th century, the University of Paris was founded on the south bank of the Seine River. Soon after, the area came to be known as the Latin Quarter for the language passers-by would hear on the street. Today the Latin Quarter makes up the core of Paris' Left Bank, offering a variety of ethnic restaurants, tangled lanes, and the city's famous cafe scene.
610. Nîmes: Bullfighting French-style (2:01)
(Remade from Bites III)
Nîmes' Arena, which is still in use, is considered the best-preserved from ancient Rome. It's another example of fine Roman engineering and propaganda. The arena still hosts colorful pageantry and macho-men still face dangerous beasts, à la Provençale style — meaning the bull dies of old age, not by the sword.
611. Jerusalem's Muslim Quarter (2:04)
(New Bite)
The Muslim Quarter holds over half the population of Jerusalem’s Old City. Exploring its busy pedestrian lanes and market stalls, you feel like you could be anywhere in the Arab world. We visited just before a holy day: the shops were jammed, and the energy was exhilarating. You’ll also see houses fortified and festooned with Israeli flags — the homes of Jewish families staking out this bit of the Old City for their community.
612. Edinburgh: The Scottish Spirit (2:05)
(Remade from Bites II)
Serious connoisseurs of the Scottish spirit will want to pop into Cadenheads Whisky Shop. Founded in 1842, Cadenheads prides itself on bottling fine whisky from casks straight from the best distilleries, without all the compromises that come with more profitable mass production.
613. Prague's Old Town Square (2:07)
(New Bite)
Prague is one of Europe’s best-preserved cities, and its Old Town Square shows it beautifully. The square is filled with carefully preserved landmarks: the Gothic Týn Church, a memorial to Jan Hus, and a 15-century Astronomical Clock. We see all of these, as well as the clock’s famous glockenspiel show…and Rick’s favorite part of the show — the crowd of onlookers.
614. Drinking Beer like a Belgian (2:08)
(Remade from Bites III)
Belgium is right up there with Germany, England, and the Czech Republic as one of the great beer countries. And, when it comes to variety, Belgium is number one. Join Rick for an entertaining and informative tour of a Belgian brewery.
615. Pamukkale, Turkey: Curative Waters (2:08)
(New Bite)
Soak in the ancient bubbling mineral springs of Turkey. We travel to Turkey's historic spa of Hierapolis, famous since ancient times for its curative waters and tranquility. The nearby wondrous white cliffs of Pamukkale create a scenic backdrop for bathers.
616. Berlin's Reichstag: The Heart of German Democracy (2:09)
(New Bite)
The glass-domed Reichstag — Germany's historically-charged parliament building — is a great example of striking and meaningful contemporary architecture. A walkway winds all the way to the top, and a cone of mirrors reflects natural light into the legislative chamber far below. For Germans, with their dark recent history, the architecture comes with a message: the people are determined to keep a wary eye on their government.
617. Snowdonia: Wild Wales (2:10)
(Remade from Bites II)
Arguably Britain's most rugged and beautiful area, Snowdonia National Park is nature at its wild and Welsh best. Britain's second largest park, with over 800 square miles of pristine hiking country, and a dozen of its highest peaks, is one of Wales' scenic wonders. Each year, half a million people scale Mt. Snowdon, the park's centerpiece and the tallest mountain in England or Wales.
618. Portugal’s Laid-back Algarve (2:13)
(Remade from Bites III)
Portugal's south coast was once known as Europe's last undiscovered tourist frontier. But now it's the darling of tour brochures, and much like Spain's Costa del Sol, paved, packed, and pretty developed. Lagos, with a jet-ski marina and a beach-party old town, is as enjoyable as a big-city resort can be. Farther down the coast, the simple fishing village of Salema glitters quietly in the sun.
619. Salzburg: Home of Mozart (2:16)
(Remade from Bites II)
We visit Salzburg — a world-class destination for live music — with over 2,000 performances bringing life to its churches and palaces year-round. Today, the city’s pride in Mozart shows itself best not in museums but in live concerts. We're heading into the Mirabell Palace to hear a string quartet play in a splendid Baroque hall.
620. Amalfi: The Coast with the Most (2:18)
(Remade from Bites II)
Just south of Naples you'll find one of Italy's most beautiful slices of scenery: the Amalfi coastline. To take it all in, you'll want to follow the coast road and let someone else do the driving.
621. Naples: Lovable Chaos (2:25)
(Remade from Bites II)
Naples is Italy in the extreme. We experience some wild Neapolitan traffic, then wander the colorful, narrow streets of the historic core. To better understand the city, Rick is joined by local friend, Roberta Mazzarella.
622. Ramallah, Palestine: Youthful and Cosmopolitan (2:29)
(New Bite)
The urban city of Ramallah is the de facto capital of Palestine, hosting the Palestinian government and international agencies. Adjacent the president’s headquarters stands the tomb of Yasser Arafat. We visit Arafat’s tomb, as well as nearby Birzeit University, where Rick has a meaningful conversation with three young women studying there.
623. Budapest’s House of Terror (2:31)
(Remade from Bites III)
The House of Terror, housed in the former headquarters of both the Nazis and, later, the communist secret police, displays the dark underside of Hungary's 20th-century story. Welcoming travelers with a Soviet tank and a towering wall covered with portraits of the victims of this building, the museum offers a disturbing look at the grim terror that both the far right and the far left inflicted on the people of Budapest, and makes clear that while the uniforms changed in 1945, the terror did not.
624. The First Tuscans (2:33)
(Remade from Bites II)
Tuscany is named after the Etruscan people who lived here centuries before the region was conquered by Ancient Rome. Over 2,500 years ago, long before anybody had heard of Julius Caesar, and back when Rome was just a small town, the Etruscan civilization flourished in this part of Italy. What little we know about the Etruscans we've learned mostly from their fresco-covered tombs.
625. The Riviera’s High Corniche (2:34)
(Remade from Bites III)
This region's breath-taking coastline is traversed by three coastal routes: the Low, Middle, and High Corniches. Sitting upon the Via Aurelia, the Grand, or High, Corniche caps the cliffs with staggering Mediterranean vistas. High above the sea, Èze — touristy yet magnificent — offers art and gastronomy in its medieval center.
626. Belfast: New Morning in Old Smoke (2:40)
(Remade from Bites III)
A few hours north of Dublin, Belfast straddles the Lagan River. Nicknamed "Old Smoke," Belfast was only a village in the 17th century, but with the influx of Scottish and English settlers, particularly during the Industrial Revolution, the city boomed. The inviting public park at Queens University, named after Queen Victoria — who granted Belfast with city status in 1888 — hosts Ulster Museum, the city's one major museum.
627. Prague's Wenceslas Square: Center Stage for Czech Freedom (2:40)
(New Bite)
St. Wenceslas is a symbol of Czech nationalism. Wenceslas Square is the main square of the country, and the natural assembly point when the Czech people need to raise their collective voice for change. Rick’s local friend, Honza Vihan, explains how his family witnessed the rise of the Nazis and Communists from this very square, and how Honza himself participated in the country’s Velvet Revolution.
628. Château de Chenonceau: The Toast of the Loire (2:47)
(New Bite)
This 16th-century Renaissance palace is the toast of the Loire, and one of the great sights in all of Europe, arching gracefully over the Cher River. It was the first great pleasure palace, designed for high society. Rick explains how King Henry II gave the original castle to his mistress, and when the king died, his wife took over the château.
629. Capri: Isle of Hidden Delights (2:47)
(Remade from Bites II)
First made famous as the vacation hideaway of Roman emperors, and once the haunt of romantic-age aristocrats during their grand tour of Europe, the isle of Capri is a great day trip from Naples, Positano, or Sorrento. Rick visits the fabled, enchanting Blue Grotto with local friend, Roberta Mazzarella.
630. London: South Bank Sites (2:50)
(Remade from Bites III)
From St. Paul's Cathedral to the Tate Modern Museum, the Millennium Bridge connects the city of London with the south bank of the Thames, bridging old and new, traditional and modern. We visit the Tate Modern, and experience the massive London Eye observation wheel.
631. Monterosso: Italian Riviera Beach Scene (2:54)
(New Bite)
Monterosso al Mare is the Cinque Terre's most resorty town, with cars, larger hotels, rentable umbrellas, and the best beach around. We experience some of the beach scene, then Rick enjoys an elegant dining experience with his son, Andy. We then venture into the lower-key old town for the evening’s mellow aperitivo time.
632. Ankara and the Father of Modern Turkey (2:54)
(New Bite)
We see today’s Turkish character in Ankara, the vibrant capitol of a modern nation and a thriving example of Turkey’s new affluence. We then visit the mausoleum and memorial museum honoring the father of modern Turkey, Atatürk, where pilgrims from all corners of the country stand before his tomb.
633. Chartres, France: Stunning Gothic Cathedral (3:01)
(New Bite)
A great side trip from Paris is the city of Chartres. We see the town and tour Europe’s most magnificently decorated “pure Gothic” cathedral. Built quickly, the cathedral has a unity of architecture, statuary, and stained glass that captures the spirit of the Age of Faith like no other church.
634. San Gimignano: Towering Hill Town (3:02)
(Remade from Bites II)
San Gimignano, with its distinctive skyline, stands like a medieval mirage on its hilltop. With walls built in the 13th century and 12 surviving towers, what was once a stop for pilgrims en route to Rome is now a popular tourist destination.
635. North Wales: Conwy Castle (3:04)
(Remade from Bites II)
Wales has more castles per square mile than any other place in Europe. The lion's share was not built by the Welsh, but by English invaders. In the fortified castle town of Conwy, we learn from a local expert how these castles were carefully engineered to discourage and withstand Welsh rebellions.
636. The Backstreets of Lisbon (3:04)
(Remade from Bites III)
Lisbon's Alfama tumbles from the castle to the river and dates back over a thousand years to Moorish times. Surviving the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755, the tangled streets of the district today present a cobbled playground of old-world color. Rick is joined by his local friend, Claudia da Costa, to wander through the Alfama and have dinner in a restaurant that serenades diners with the folk music of Lisbon's back streets, fado.
637. Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum (3:07)
(New Bite)
We visit this remarkable museum dedicated to the work of the great Dutch artist, Vincent van Gogh. Laid out as a stroll through the story of Vincent’s life, the museum shows how intimately his life and art were intertwined.
638. Jerusalem: Temple Mount and The Dome of the Rock (3:10)
(New Bite)
In Jerusalem’s Old City, we see the glittering Dome of the Rock, treasured by Muslims; and the holiest place in Judaism: Temple Mount’s Western Wall. The plaza functions as a massive mosque for Muslims, and is the sight of the ancient temple complex where Jews have worshipped for 3,000 years. We experience the lively, intense scene.
639. The Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie (3:11)
(New Bite)
Rick discusses the building of the Berlin Wall and we visit the Berlin Wall Memorial, with fragments of the Wall, information posts, and photos of people who died trying to cross it. We then visit Checkpoint Charlie — the most famous border crossing between the East and West — and its museum, the House at Checkpoint Charlie, which shows how desperation drove East Berliners to all kinds of creative escape attempts — over, under, and through the Wall.
640. Prague: Mucha's Art Nouveau Masterpieces (3:14)
(New Bite)
We visit the Mucha Museum to admire the incessantly-likable art of Alfons Mucha, a founding father of the Art Nouveau movement. We then visit the Czech National Gallery of Modern Art, to view Mucha’s magnum opus, the Slav Epic, a series of 20 huge canvases illustrating a brotherhood of Slavic people; their hard-fought past; and an ultimate, joyful triumph as the Czech people keep their ethnicity intact.
641. London: Cruising the Thames to the Tower (3:14)
(Remade from Bites III)
Rick cruises along the Thames to the Tower Bridge, visits the Tower of London castle complex, and stops for a pint in "The City," the financial center of Britain.
642. Vernazza: Gem of the Cinque Terre (3:16)
(New Bite)
We explore Rick's favorite Cinque Terre village: picture-perfect Vernazza, where the action is at the harbor — with a kids’ beach, plenty of sunning rocks, and a wealth of cafés and restaurants. We take a glimpse at Vernazza’s accommodations options, and see locals shopping the small mobile market, complete with an opera-singing florist.
643. Madrid’s Tapas Tango (3:17)
(Remade from Bites III)
A moveable feast awaits travelers in Madrid, where dinners become a tapas tango. When it comes to variety, Madrid is Spain's tapas capital. Munching, drinking, and socializing, hopping from one bar to the next, is a time-honored tradition that maximizes fun, people, and atmosphere.
644. El Greco in Toledo (3:22)
(Remade from Bites III)
No painter before or since has captured the mystery of the spiritual world like the painter El Greco. His unique style of painting developed in Toledo, Spain. Join Rick on a visit to the Santa Cruz Museum, which houses many of El Greco's 16th-century works.
645. Salamanca: Bull Boards to Tuna Bands (3:24)
(Remade from Bites III)
Immerse yourself in the high and vast plateau of central Spain. Visit the sunny, sandstone city of Salamanca and the finest square in Spain — Plaza Mayor. Savor some of Europe's best people-watching and take in the centuries old troubadour tradition of "Tuna Bands."
646. Antalya, Turkey: Relaxing Gulet Cruise (3:24)
(New Bite)
We explore Antalya, a thriving modern city with an idyllic harbor, a delightful collection of Ottoman-era houses, and a people-friendly promenade. Then Rick luxuriates on a Mediterranean cruise aboard a gulet — a traditional Turkish sailboat. We marvel at the dramatic shoreline under snow-capped peaks, before enjoying a swim and a meal.
647. Provence: The Côtes du Rhône (3:27)
(Remade from Bites III)
The sunny Côtes du Rhône region of France has tempted travelers with its wines practically since it was settled in 600 B.C. by the Greeks. Today, family-run wineries offer an enticing selection of wines that are delightful on your palate, yet easy on your pocketbook.
648. Sacred Sights on the Sea of Galilee (3:28)
(New Bite)
We head 700 feet below sea level to the Sea of Galilee, famous as the place where Jesus did his three years of ministry, and where so many Bible stories were set. We witness baptisms on the Jordan River, and see the area where the Bible says Jesus walked on water. We visit the churches where it is said Christ was resurrected, where a few fish and loaves of bread miraculously fed 5,000, and where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount.
649. Hebron, Palestine: Tomb of Abraham (3:29)
(New Bite)
We visit the West Bank’s largest city, the ancient town of Hebron, a bustling commercial capital and home to the tomb of Abraham, so sacred to both Israelis and Palestinians, and the source of high security and tension in the city. We discuss that tension, and visit the complicated site: an ancient structure capped by a medieval church, which now functions both as a mosque and a synagogue, holding the Tombs of Abraham and his family.
650. The French Riviera: Villefranche and Villas (3:30)
(Remade from Bites III)
The snug port of Villefranche, in spite of luxury yachts glistening in its bay, offers travelers an easy-going slice of small-town Mediterranean life just minutes from bustling Nice and jet-setting Monaco. Some of the Riviera's priciest real estate stretches from Villefranche to Monaco, and the coast is studded with the floating toys of millionaires.
651. Normandy: Remembering D-Day (3:31)
(Remade from Bites III)
Along the 75 miles of Atlantic coast you'll find countless memories of the largest military operation in history. It was on these beautiful beaches at the crack of dawn on June 6, 1944 that the Allies finally gained a foot-hold in France and Nazi Europe began to crumble.
652. Floating Over Cappadocia (3:32)
(New Bite)
We take a majestic hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia to enjoy the best views of its famously-exotic landscape and fantastical “fairy chimney” rock formations.
653. Lake Hallstatt: Oasis of Peace (3:34)
(Remade from Bites II)
We take a train and boat to lovely Hallstatt, a tiny lakeside town bullied onto a ledge between a mountain and a swan-ruled lake. We see the town and tour its salt mine before enjoying the lake aboard a traditional wooden Fuhr boat.
654. Civita: Jewel on the Hill (3:45)
(Remade from Bites II)
Perched on a pinnacle in a grand canyon, the traffic free village of Civita is Italy's classic hill town. In a place so full of history, exploring Civita becomes a cultural scavenger hunt. We tour the town before enjoying a wonderful bruschetta meal.
655. Kraków: Poland’s Cultural Capital (3:46)
(Remade from Bites III)
Kraków emerged from WWII virtually unscathed. As a result, today the city is Poland's leading tourist attraction, with plenty of top-notch sights. Rick is joined by his local friend, Kasia Derlicka, to visit Wawel Hill and learn more about Polish history and culture.
656. Padova's Scrovegni Chapel: Precious Frescoes (3:47)
(New Bite)
We gaze at Giotto’s precious 14th-century frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel, one of Italy’s most beloved art treasures. We hear how the frescoes were a precursor to the Renaissance, and admire Giotto’s ability to tell stories through his art, including his Last Judgment scene, with Satan as a grotesque ogre munching on sinners.
657. Prague's Castle Hill (3:52)
(New Bite)
We visit the Prague Castle complex, towering above the town. Rick’s local friend, Honza Vihan, joins him to tour St. Vitus Cathedral, the must-see sight on Castle Hill, with its soaring lines and vast windows, including a stunning stained-glass created by Alfons Mucha. Honza explains the importance of the sumptuously decorated Wenceslas Chapel. They also enjoy a performance by the Prague Castle Orchestra, playing a song beloved by the Czech people.
658. Bath: Relaxing Since the Romans (4:05)
(Remade from Bites II)
We'll visit the social center of the community 2,000 years ago — its elegant Roman bath, then drift along an old canal popular with pleasure boaters, with paths for bikers, dog-walkers and sightseers.
659. Leonardo in Milan (4:09)
(Remade from Bites II)
The epitome of Renaissance genius, Leonardo da Vinci spent some of his most productive years in Milan, enjoying the patronage of the Sforza family. Leonardo is identified with Milan more than any other Italian city, and contributed to Milan's reputation for design and aesthetics. We learn about Leonardo and see the largest equestrian monument in the world, as well as his famous Last Supper.
660. Orvieto: Signorelli’s Masterpiece (4:13)
(Remade from Bites II)
Famous for its colorful ceramics and gleaming cathedral, Orvieto — Umbria's grand hill town — sits majestically high, above the valley floor on a big chunk of volcanic stone. The cathedral, with its lively façade and mass of mosaics, houses the Chapel of St. Brizio — Orvieto's must-see artistic site.
661. Tuscany: Rustic Slow Food (4:22)
(Remade from Bites II)
When travel dreams take people to Italy, Tuscany is often their first stop. There's something seductively charming about this region and its rustic good-living. We'll experience two classic examples of la dolce vita: joining an early-morning truffle hunt through an oak forest with Rick’s local friend, Roberto Bechi; and tasting the bounty of a small-town artichoke festival. We end with a convivial lunch with a slow-food group.
662. Mont St-Michel: Island Abbey (4:22)
(Remade from Bites III)
Through the ages, Mont St-Michel has been among the top pilgrimage sites in all Christendom. For over a thousand years, the silhouette of the island abbey has sent pilgrims' weary spirits soaring. We visit the stunning abbey and admire its astounding views.
663. Lake Como: Old World Romance (4:24)
(Remade from Bites II)
An hour from Milan by train is Lake Como, Rick's favorite of Italy's northern lakes, with the best mix of accessibility, scenery, offbeat-ness, and a heady whiff of aristocratic romance. We savor the lakeside ambience in the towns of Bellagio and Varenna.
664. Montepulciano: Tuscan Dolce Vita (4:27)
(Remade from Bites II)
Montepulciano welcomes visitors with views, villas, and vino. Streets are lined with noble palazzos because Florentine nobility favored Montepulciano as a breezy and relaxed place for a summer residence. Thanks to aristocratic egos, each palace was built to outdo its neighbor. We admire the town and enjoy a cantina wine-tasting with an enthusiastic local.
665. Brussels: Belgium’s Cultural Capital (4:30)
(Remade from Bites III)
With over a million people, Brussels is the headquarters of NATO and the capital of the European Union. We see La Grand Place — Europe’s grandest square — and admire Flemish and Belgian masterpieces at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts.
666. Paris’ Musée d’Orsay (4:32)
(Remade from Bites III)
The Orsay Gallery, famous for its much-loved collection of Impressionist masterpieces, fills a magnificent building once used as a train station with art from 1848 to 1914. In these halls, the Old World meets the modern, resulting in conservative and revolutionary pieces side by side.
667. Vienna: Haunt of the Habsburgs (4:36)
(Remade from Bites II)
600 years the capital of the mighty Habsburg Empire, today you'll find Vienna an elegant capital ruling the relatively insignificant little landlocked country of Austria. But Vienna's imperial past still dazzles. We tour the Hofburg Palace’s lavish Imperial Apartments and learn about “Sisi” — the Empress Elisabeth — Franz Josef's mysterious, narcissistic, and beautiful wife.
668. York: England’s Second City (4:39)
(Remade from Bites II)
York offers a fascinating collection of great sites mixed with an easy-going pedestrian ambience all lassoed within its formidable wall. Its rich history goes back to ancient times, when York was a Roman provincial capital.
669. Warsaw’s Heroes (4:43)
(Remade from Bites III)
Before the war, Warsaw's old town square was one of the most happening spots in central Europe. By 1945, nearly two-thirds of the city’s pre-war population was dead, with not a building standing in the old town. Today, the thriving city has been painstakingly restored and is a living memorial to its two heroic uprisings during WWII.
670. The Ancient City of Ephesus (4:49)
(New Bite)
Rick visits Ephesus — one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire — and among the world’s best ancient sites. We stroll its broad boulevards, appreciate the pillared façade of its famous library, sit in the theater where the Apostle Paul once spoke, and hear from Rick’s Turkish friend, Lale Surmen Aran, about the everyday lifestyles of the rich and Roman at the Terrace Houses.
671. Northern Ireland’s Antrim Coast (4:49)
(Remade from Bites III)
The Antrim Coast is one of the most popular and scenic drives in the whole of Northern Ireland. A popular vacation getaway from Belfast, the leading attraction along the coast is the Giant's Causeway, a four-mile-long stretch of shoreline famous for its bizarre rock columns.
672. Pompeii: Window on Ancient Rome (4:54)
(Remade from Bites II)
Life in Pompeii stopped in its tracks in 79 A.D., when the thriving city was buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Today, excavations of this once booming city offer the best look anywhere at Ancient Rome, and the remains of homes give a glimpse into Roman lifestyles.
673. Haarlem: A Dutch Masters Kind of Town (4:55)
(New Bite)
We enjoy Haarlem’s 17th-century architecture, and dodge bikes down narrow lanes to discover some of the town’s gems — a delightful Old Town, pickled herring, masterpieces by Frans Hals, and music from a towering pipe organ in the Grote Kerk.
674. Konya, Turkey: Home of Mevlana (5:02)
(New Bite)
We stroll the streets of Konya, one of the most conservative and religious towns in western Turkey, and experience the city’s contrasts of old and new. We visit a huge produce hall and a shepherd shop, where Rick tries on a full shepherd ensemble. Under beautiful domes, we visit the tomb of Mevlana, the 13th-century Muslim philosopher who preached a message of love. And we see the meditative dance of Mevlana’s followers, the “whirling dervishes.”
675. Madrid’s Prado Museum (5:05)
(Remade from Bites III)
The Prado Museum in Madrid houses paintings that give an eye-pleasing overview of Spain's rich history, from its golden age to its slow fade. Highlights include multiple works by Titian, Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights, Velazquez's Las Meninas, and Goya's Second of May.
676. Rome's Trastevere: Colorful and Crusty (5:30)
(New Bite)
We cross Rome’s Tiber River to experience the city’s colorful Trastevere district, a world of proud artisans who’ve found their niche and love it. As we explore, the big city seems worlds away. Rick is joined by local friend, Francesca Caruso, to wander quiet back lanes, lounge in a piazza, and visit a few favorite Trastevere churches.
677. Bethlehem: Crescents and Crosses (5:59)
(New Bite)
Rick visits the city known as Jesus’ birthplace. He discusses the border crossing and the city’s skyline of crescents and crosses — a reminder that the town, while now mostly Muslim, still has many Christians. We see the thriving old center, and the famous Manger Square. We also step inside the mosque just across the square, where we see Muslims gathered to pray. Rick is joined by his local friend, Kamal Mukarkar, to learn more about the city and its people. We cheer on a girls’ basketball team, coached by Kamal, and enjoy dinner with his family.
678. Paris' Louvre: The World's Grandest Art Collection (6:52)
(New Bite)
We visit the Palais du Louvre, a treasure trove of Western civilization and Europe’s oldest, biggest museum. Rick shares a handy tip for avoiding the museum’s famously long line, then we head inside to visit the Denon wing, where we see the statue of Winged Victory, the Venus de Milo, and a number of paintings representative of Renaissance, Neoclassical, and Romantic styles. We learn about Leonardo’s Mona Lisa, Gericault’s Raft of the Medusa, and Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, and hear why these paintings still reverberate with the French people.