PBS - Rick Steves Europe: Collection 1 (2020)

Rick Steves has been the "travel guinea pig" for American Public Television since Travels in Europe with Rick Steves In his program, Rick shows some out-of-the-way places the average traveler misses offers countless travel tips, and always enjoys being immersed in the adventure.

Part 1: 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.


Part 2: Germanys Fascist Story
Traveling across Germany, we learn how fascism rose and then fell, taking millions of people with it. Visiting actual locations — from Munich to N?rnberg 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.


Part 3: Austrian and Italian Alps
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.


Part 4: Swiss Alps
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.


Part 5: Egypts Cairo
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.


Part 6: Egypts Nile Alexandria and Luxor
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.


Part 7: Ethiopia a Development Story
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.


Part 8: French Alps and Lyon
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. And we hike the Tour du Mont Blanc — the trail that circles that iconic mountain.


Part 9: Special a Symphonic Journey
Rick Steves, America's leading authority on European travel, teams up with the Cascade Symphony Orchestra and maestro Michael Miropolsky for a musical journey that begins in the United States, and touches down in seven different European countries. The special, taped at the Edmonds Center for the Arts near Seattle, Washington celebrates music's power to stir the patriotic soul.


Part 10: Special Cruising the Mediterranean
In this one-hour special, Rick sails from Barcelona to Athens, with stops in the French Riviera, Rome, and more. Our goal: to explore the ins and outs and pros and cons of cruising. We’ll learn how to make the most of the cruise experience, from enjoying time on the ship to exercising independence on shore — savoring iconic sights and romantic island getaways.


Part 11: Special Hunger and Hope Lessons from Ethiopia and Guatemala
Rick Steves travels through Ethiopia and Guatemala to learn about extreme poverty — the more than 700 million people who struggle to live on less than $2 a day. Ending hunger is possible. And, with travel as our classroom, we'll learn about innovative solutions, including the importance of water access, education, empowering women, and smart development aid.


Part 12: Special Egypt Yesterday and Today
Rick sails beyond Europe, exploring the historic and cultural wonders of Egypt. In the teeming metropolis of Cairo, Rick climbs to the center of a pyramid, greets the Sphinx and marvels at King Tut's gold. In the fabled city of Alexandria, Rick brings viewers into a wonderland of back lanes and introduces a traditional shisha (hookah) experience.