It's dedicated to the Russian and Bulgarian troops (now buried in the crypt) who fought fiercely to defeat the Ottomans in 1877. Rick: So it's unusual for me to have the firewater with the salad. Crossing over this range, you'll pass several worthwhile sights. And we say, "nazdráve" — Rick Steves Europe 12 New Shows 2019-2020. Each week he'll share his personal, inspirational, and sometimes hilarious behind-the-scenes commentary, followed by a Q&A — your chance to ask questions and interact with Rick. Stefan: Very healthy. Thracians buried their royalty in distinctive, dome-shaped tombs that were covered in earth. To find the road up, look for the turnoff along the main road between Kazanlak and Shipka, marked by the stoic communist-era statue standing by a pillar. As if stowing away on an actual shoot, you'll meet the crew and hear in their own words how America's most popular travel show is made. Boyadzhiev's best works feature timeless slices of peasant life: People praying not in temples, but under trees. The town is shaped like a natural amphitheater. One of the largest Orthodox churches in Christendom--and the only national church I can think of that's named for an important saint of a different country: Russia. For a visual orientation, scan the mountainous horizon from the valley near Kazanlak and try to pick out three big landmarks: the flying-saucer shaped Buzludzha monument; the blocky Shipka Pass monument; and — down below that — the glimmering golden domes of Shipka Church. OK. The Thracians were an impressive civilization. In 1951, he suffered a stroke, which made his right hand useless. It's never too late to enjoy Rick's live Monday Night Travel party with our weekly video recordings. While the fields smell sweet, the work is hard. The importance of community is celebrated — and each weathered face tells a story. You do not need a Zoom account to participate but you must register below for each event. Rick Steves advocates independent travel. He picked up the brush in his left hand and learned to paint brilliantly — in a completely different style. Kazanlak, the main town of the valley — is especially festive in May. Their pragmatic solution? And the city even has an actual yellow-brick road. see our FAQ. Today, you can drive up, up, up into the mountains and stand before this decaying souvenir of a failed system. This towering monument commemorates that vast and mighty realm. Thanks for joining us. Rick: This place feels so venerable. All over Bulgaria, controversy swirls around crumbling communist-era monuments — like this one. We've learned a lot about them through their tombs. S11 Ep1106 | 26m 15s As a treat for those who've enjoyed over a hundred episodes of Rick Steves' Europe, Rick packed along an extra cameraperson to document the creative process that turns into a finished TV show. You go to "Eastern Europe," you think of potatoes, kraut, and heavy meat, but this is — it feels more Mediterranean. Vast fields of roses bloom overnight. And today, it remains the country's revered national treasure. The church is dedicated to Russian soldiers lost in that fight.) And Georgi Dimitrov, the "Bulgarian Lenin," is simply ignored. This church was built to honor the Russian soldiers who died to free Bulgaria from the so-called "Turkish yoke.". Rashko paints icons with a delicate touch. Watch with Rick Steves — European Christmas, Watch with Rick Steves — Egypt's Nile, Alexandria, and Luxor, Watch with Rick Steves — Germany's Fascist Story, Watch with Rick Steves — French Alps and Lyon, Watch with Rick Steves — Austrian and Italian Alps. A walk along Veliko Tarnovo's craft street reveals a thriving folk culture with opportunities to watch artisans at work. Todor the silversmith — with his strong hands and distinctive technique — transforms strips and strands of metal into exquisite jewelry. Our next stop is Bulgaria's medieval capital, Veliko Tarnovo. Today, the lyrics of the international communist anthem are literally falling off the walls. It's more vertical than horizontal, with a mix of blocky modern construction and traditional Bulgarian homes. Stefan: We have the Thracian king, who is buried here. And these ruins have been artfully integrated into 21st-century life. The result: a land that's both exotic and fun to visit. Bulgaria was one of the only countries in Nazi territory that refused to turn its Jewish population over to Hitler. see our FAQ. Boyadzhiev — this is a self-portrait, with his wife — was already a well-established artist when his health took a terrible turn. It's dinnertime, and Stefan's taking us out for a meal of updated Bulgarian classics. Stefan: …to your health. Party with Rick at one of Europe's most exuberant spectacles (Running of the Bulls in Pamplona), Italy's answer to Mardi Gras (Carnevale in Venice), the wildest horse race on the planet (The Palio in Siena), the biggest beer party anywhere (Oktoberfest in Munich), and more. The Thracian Plain, defined by Bulgaria's two major mountain ranges, was a busy funnel of trade throughout ancient times. Rick: You got Mediterranean — so it's a little bit of Greece, a little bit of Turkey, and a lot of Bulgaria. Stefan: And I see it in your eyes! Rick: So, "no" [nods]…"yes" [shakes head] — yes? Travel with Rick on this video guide to Israel and find out what to do on your next trip. This event was recorded on January 11, 2021. Rick: I'm feeling better already. Stefan: This is very traditional way in Bulgaria. Join Rick's live Monday Night Travel party! Fred Plotkin, who wrote Italy for the Gourmet Traveler, has a Youtube series called Fred Plotkin on Fridays. Until next time…keep on travelin'. Stefan: We have more than 40, and this is just one of them. At the distillery, millions of blooms are quickly unloaded. Between the Thracian Plain and Veliko Tarnovo run the Balkan Mountains. This zone also has more than its share of creative, government-subsidized graffiti. Kick off 2021 with a festival bash — Europe's biggest parties and festivals with an insider's look at the fun and craziness! It's lined with saints, including the church's namesake, Alexander Nevsky. Walls glitter with gold and silver icons, all from the early 20th century. The elaborate marble iconostasis separates parishioners from the main altar. Thanks for joining us. And with its ethnic diversity came different religions. Hindliyan House was decorated to the taste of its merchant owner. Today, these statues seem to preach their outdated ideology only to each other. This beautiful place has been a holy site and refuge for over a thousand years. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Registration is open to everyone but only 3,000 can join the live event. Every day commuters walk by reminders of Sofia's distant past. These bricks were a gift from Austria's Emperor Franz Josef — who, after what must have been a muddy visit in 1907, wanted to encourage Sofia to pave its streets. Today's locals have different aspirations. American travel authority Rick Steves guides viewers through his favorite European cities. Go behind the camera with Rick and his crew for the shoot of his 2006 Milan and Lake Como episode as Rick shares all the tricks of his trade in TV production. Stefan: This is a traditional Bulgarian drink, and it is called "rakia." The ancient Greeks dubbed it Philippopolis (for the father of Alexander the Great), and the Romans called it Trimontium (for the "three hills" it was built upon). 2. Stepping inside, you enter a world of glittering icons, a rich haze of incense, and hundreds of tall, skinny candles. Leaving Veliko Tarnovo, we cross over the Balkan Mountains. 2014 | TV-G | CC. Terms of Service | Privacy, previous recordings of Monday Night Travel, Watch with Rick Steves — Great European Festivals, Watch with Rick Steves — Ethiopia: A Development Story, Holiday Special! Under the arcade, vivid 19th-century frescoes depict Bible stories, peopled by angels and devils, saints and sinners. Centuries later, the Roman Emperor Trajan built this 5,000-seat theater. Rick: How many springs in Sofia like this? They didn't reveal the reason behind their divorce. It was ruled by the Asen dynasty. Is that typical in Bulgaria? On the surrounding hillsides, Plovdiv's atmospheric Old Town is a showcase of delightful buildings from the 1800s — a time when the ruling Ottoman Empire was in decline, and Bulgarian cultural pride was on the rise. He typically does interviews about classical music, but recently he interviewed Rick for an hour. 6. This pivotal battle led to the eventual demise of the Ottoman Empire, and to the creation of the modern, independent country of Bulgaria. Peasant women clustered around a fire, knitting as they eke out warmth. Most Bulgarians — like Russians and Greeks — are Orthodox Christians, and the Orthodox tradition stretches from here far to the East. Inside, you're immersed in the glow of Orthodox tradition. So this is like the…you could say, the "Jerusalem" for the Bulgarian people. Did you come here as a child? Even though Bulgaria was famously docile under Russian rule, life under communism wasn't easy here. While most tourists stick to the cobbled old town, modern Plovdiv has plenty to offer as well. Rick: You come here and celebrate Bulgaria. Rick: So what is this drink then? Locals sitting around a public fountain sipping glasses of wine. Stefan: Yeah… I'm Rick Steves. Rick: And what is "no"? As the second course arrives it's clear that Bulgarian cuisine is a tasty mix of the many cultures that have influenced this country. Should they be allowed to stand, or should they be torn down? Experience the fun, conviviality, intimacy, and spontaneity of joining Rick in his living room as he drinks his favorite wine and shares his inspirational and sometimes hilarious behind-the-scenes stories. Rick Steves' Europe Egypt’s Nile, Alexandria, and Luxor. Posted on June 4, 2020 by Rick Steves Rewatching The Story of Fascism in Europe One summer evening, the American president ordered a park next to the White House to be cleared of peaceful protesters. Stefan: Yes. In this town, anywhere you dig, you find ancient ruins — bits of Roman Sofia. Rick: To your health — nazdráve! Freshness is critical. That was so good. Deep in the depth of winter, join Rick for a visit to his favorite stretch of Mediterranean coastline, the Italian Riviera. And on the top of it we have races with chariots, which is a part of a funeral procession. Peasant women cluster around a fire, knitting as they eke out warmth. In Plovdiv, as in many European cities, local leaders understand that buildings are going to be tagged anyway. Rick Steves is an explorer at heart, so it should come as little surprise that he is finding unexpected joy in the midst of an awful situation. Relatively unknown and underappreciated, Bulgaria is a country I've long enjoyed for the surprises it offers the curious traveler. Built by Russia a century ago, it's a fine example of the exuberant "Muscovite" style. The bricks lead to Sofia's cathedral — one of the largest Orthodox churches in Christendom. Souvenir wall paintings show off some of the merchant's far-flung business travels, from Stockholm to Venice. Thanks for joining us. Stefan: Ne. Join Rick on a fascinating voyage, exploring four of Europe's most intriguing islands: Malta, Capri, Skye, and Orkney. This bell tower, the oldest surviving part of the monastery, served as a final refuge in case of attack. Naples, Italy: The Birthplace of Pizza by Rick Steves' Europe. Don't miss the boat! Russian architects designed the church with a mix of Russian and Neo-Byzantine styles. Sofia has lots of sprawling parks, offering apartment dwellers a green and inviting space to hang out. Jump to bottom. But the couple gets divorced in 2010. And graffiti makes it clear who won the Cold War. Craftspeople keep traditions alive, and roses offer a fragrant harvest. The faithful light candles to help power their prayers: lower-level candelabras are for the deceased; higher-level ones represent prayers for the living. Even amid a pandemic that has hit the travel industry hard, Steves … Rick takes you behind the scenes as he films Italy's Cinque Terre, five charming villages hidden in the rugged Italian coast. 7:30 p.m. PT / 10:30 p.m. Nearby is a museum celebrating the work of the Bulgarian artist Zlatyu Boyadzhiev. Capping a nearby ridge — miles from anything — is one of the most bizarre sights I've seen anywhere: Buzludzha, an abandoned monument to the Bulgarian Communist Party. In the fourth century B.C., it was called Philippopolis…the "City of Philip" — he was the father of Alexander the Great. Go behind the camera with Rick and his crew for the shoot of his 2006 Milan and Lake Como episode as Rick shares all the tricks of his trade in TV production. The city is named for "holy wisdom," represented by this statue of Sveta Sofia. They need to work early, before the rising sun evaporates the essential oils. The heart of every single Bulgarian belongs to this place, belongs to this monastery here. 7. Sofia may be the capital of one of the poorest countries in the European Union, but you wouldn't know it strolling its vibrant boulevards. Here's St. John of Rila, who, seeking a hermetic way of life, founded this remote monastery in the year 927. This bronze head of a powerful king humanizes those ancient Thracians. They also have two children, Andy Steves, and Jackie Steves. These scenes show the 40 days of trials your soul goes through after death. Bulgaria, so mysterious to most Americans, has a vivid identity as a crossroads of the Balkans. Commission only the best street artists to create art, rather than eyesores. Venturing inside, we discover an eerie, crumbling world of vandalized propaganda, a roof that's barely held up by its hammer and sickle, and disintegrating mosaics — once so proud, and now just an artifact of a failed system. Get YouTube Premium Get YouTube TV Best of YouTube Music Sports Gaming Movies TV Shows ... VOLTERRA on Italy's Great Hill Towns by Rick Steves by VolterraTelevision. Stefan: Ne. Also known as "The Mousetrap," this district was once a dreary, deserted, and dangerous quarter. And the theater remains part of the community to this day. Stefan: Yes, yes, of course. Rick: Now, this is funny in Bulgaria — you went "yes," like… [swivels head around] RICK STEVES ’ EUROPE: French Alps And Lyon Stream now or tune in Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 at 4 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. on KPBS TV Thursday, November 5, 2020 With Rick Steves, Andreas Clemens, Georg Reichlmayr, Holger Zimmer. Buried deep under those piles of earth, the tombs were impressive engineering feats from 300 years before Christ. She proudly tops a column marking the center of town. The peaceful beech forests seem a world away from the big city. We're driving deep into the mountains south of Sofia. It has an airy, open street plan, fine old architecture, lush parks, and a relaxed pace of life. And this mosque survives from five centuries of Ottoman rule. Stefan: Ne [nods]. The 175-foot-tall steeple, flanked by bulbous golden onion domes that shimmer in the sunshine, holds a giant bell cast from discarded artillery cartridges after the battle. Create custom playlists with more than 400 educational clips featuring the best of European history, art, culture, and experiences (plus topics beyond Europe). Folk traditions are alive and well. Thanks to some progressive policies, the graffiti in this neighborhood seems to add to, rather than detract from, the ambience. It's the only national church I can think of that's named for a sainted military hero of a different country: Alexander Nevsky, of Russia. Rick: Nazdráve! In 1951, he suffered a stroke that rendered his right hand useless. The monastery was founded in the 930s by Bulgaria's patron saint, St. John of Rila (or Ivan Rilski, as Bulgarians call him), who came here seeking a hermetic way of life. Because of its strategic position, Bulgaria sits on layers of history. Today you'll see a ruined acropolis, a well-preserved ancient theater, gorgeous 19th-century homes filled with the art of local painters, Bulgaria's most thriving pedestrian boulevard, and a hipster zone with creative restaurants and even more creative graffiti. Workers rise before the sun to quickly hand-pick the new blooms. It was a favorite destination. And we'll enjoy an intimate taste of contemporary culture: the yellow brick road of Sofia; the gregarious craftspeople of the medieval capital, Veliko Tarnovo; and the thriving pedestrian zones of cosmopolitan Plovdiv. Boldly embarking on a second act, Boyadzhiev's left hand began painting scenes that looked nothing like the ones his right hand had produced. Sofia prides itself on its mineral springs, which attracted the first settlers here in ancient times. 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. Bulgaria's complicated history has made it a melting pot. At the top of Shipka Pass, a memorial marks the site where, in 1877, a combined Bulgarian and Russian army finally turned the tide in the battle against the Ottomans. With glittering treasures from ancient tombs and decrepit monuments to a difficult 20th century, it's a surprising land where this means yes…. From its ruined acropolis, it's easy to see the hills upon which ancient Plovdiv was built. Bulgarian is a cross of all civilizations — between north and south, east and west. Rick Steves’ Europe is public television’s most-watched, longest-running travel series. The stony seats are etched with their original numbers. A mountain monastery cradles Bulgaria's spiritual soul. Stefan: And a lot of Bulgaria. 5.0 out of 5 stars 14. Rick: …it's mineraly… Hi, I'm Rick Steves back with more of the best of Europe. Stefan: Yes — actually many times, with my family. ©2021 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Our final stop is Bulgaria's most enjoyable city, Plovdiv — with a history going back centuries before Christ. Explore Europe with Rick Steves, best-selling travel author and host of public television's "Rick Steves' Europe" and public radio's "Travel with Rick Steves." At Sofia's main intersection, today's parliament offices fill the Stalinist-style former Communist Party Headquarters. So many flowers and so much hard work. We'll dine on fresh seafood at the fisherman's harbor in Cefalù, ponder ancient Greek greatness in Siracusa, commune with monks alive and departed in a Capuchin crypt, sleep in an olive orchard at an agriturismo, and eat our way through a classic Sicilian banquet with a famous chef. His second show, Rick Steves' Europe , debuted in September 2000, and has aired episodes through 2020, though because he does not produce a season every year, this accounts for 11 seasons. Rick Steves with family (Photo: Pinterest) Because of his unsuccessful marriage, his fans professed him as gay. Down in the valley, golden domes mark Shipka Church, which honors the sacrifice of those Russian and Bulgarian troops. With a million people, Sofia is delightfully livable. Rick: You know, frankly, this is more interesting than what I would expect. Within its walls, you feel something special — both sacred and timeless. We'll trace the country's complex history, from ancient Thracian tombs to medieval Orthodox Christian monasteries to Soviet monuments. The church — completed in 1902 by some of the leading Russian architects of the day — is exuberant "Muscovite-style"…over-the-top Baroque-meets-Byzantine. Bulgaria's capital, Sofia is delightfully livable. The wedding was conducted in St Thomas of Villanova, and the reception took place at Saint David Gold Club. Here in Sofia, within a few steps, you've got mosques, churches, and a synagogue. Plovdiv is a city with many personalities, built upon layers of history: Under the 14th-century Ottoman mosque, they've excavated an ancient stadium. With a complex weave of modern affluence, Western secularism, and traditional Muslim faith, it's a dynamic and stimulating city, well worth experiencing. But that didn't stop him. Worshippers show their devotion with the help of sacred images. The streets are lined with bars, cafés, and creative galleries (look for PLOVEdiv, with prints that put a whimsical pop-culture spin on old communist icons). 2:17. Credits: Rick: Hi, I'm Rick Steves, back with more of the Best of Europe. In this town that's more vertical than horizontal, going for a walk around the block feels like climbing a ladder. In this garden of communist propaganda, Lenin, who once topped the main pillar in the center of town, still faces the storm. This time I'm surrounded by Slavic culture…it's Bulgaria! Relatively unknown and underappreciated, Bulgaria is a country I've long enjoyed for the surprises it offers the curious traveler. Boyadzhiev's best works feature timeless slices of peasant life: Back in pagan times, people prayed not in temples, but under trees. Driving across Bulgaria, traffic is sparse, roads are good, and — since we're here in the spring — everything is green and fertile. One of the finest examples is open to the public. A crossroads of civilizations, it offers a fascinating story. Four centuries before Christ, back when Socrates and Plato were doing their thing in Athens — about 300 miles to the south — Bulgaria was known as "Thrace." Founded in the 10th century, Rila Monastery was a stronghold for Bulgarian faith, language, and culture during nearly 500 years of Ottoman rule. A place where East and West mix harmoniously. Rick: No?!? This was a golden age for Bulgaria — the 13th and 14th centuries — when its empire dominated the Balkan Peninsula, and stretched all the way to Ukraine. Meanwhile, her son finishes each piece with patterns that go back centuries. Many have already been removed and are displayed here at Sofia's Museum of Socialist Art. (The Bulgarians feel a Slavic kinship with Russia, who helped liberate them from nearly five centuries of Ottoman rule. [nods]. The rumors got fueled when he held a discussion on his Facebook page about gay travel in Europe in March 2017. It's fascinating to explore and easy to enjoy. Travel with Rick on this video guide up the Nile River in Egypt and find out what to do on your next trip. This region is also called the "Valley of the Roses." Bulgaria is a land of rich culture, with a modern vitality. 5. Experience the fun, conviviality, intimacy, and spontaneity as Rick hosts a travel happy hour on Zoom from his living room. When people ask Rick where his travel dreams take him, you'll see why it is the Cinque Terre. Rick: Ah, OK. And to this day, these perpetually flowing water taps are appreciated by the locals. The monastery is still home to a handful of monks, who host both tourists and pilgrims. Try it! Are you ready for some virtual travel? And tourists are amazed by its pristine setting (tucked between mountains and forests), the reverent spirituality that fills its stony courtyard, and the vivid art that decorates its church. Rick Steves was born in Barstow, California, United States. Posted by Becky (seattle) on 08/02/20 03:27 PM. Locals sit around a public fountain sipping glasses of wine. And many of the parks come with heavy reminders of a tough 20th century. And we're here just in time for the rose harvest. Hi, I'm Rick Steves back with more of the best of Europe. Today, Rila is a place of pilgrimage for Bulgarians, who consider it their faith's single most important site. 4. Elegant in its day, it still feels lived-in, with opulent sitting rooms, fine furnishings, even a rose water fountain. Rick and wife. This gigantic conference hall was built in the 1980s, in the waning days of communist rule. The Best of Israel - Video - Rick Steves' Europe For coronavirus (COVID-19) travel information, see our FAQ . But a recent initiative to pedestrianize and cobble the streets has turned the area into a hipster paradise. This island-hopping adventure comes with remote beaches, Crusader castles, a Blue Lagoon, pre-historic wonders, and salty traditional island lifestyles. Video: Watch "Egypt's Nile, Alexandria, and Luxor," an episode of the Rick Steves' Europe TV show. One of Europe's most dramatically set cities, it winds through a misty gorge at a sharp bend of the Yantra River. Its cascading gold and copper domes are striking from every angle. For coronavirus (COVID-19) travel information, Rick Steves is America's leading authority on European travel. Local authorities figure that street artists will tag buildings anyway–so they might as well focus all that creativity, and pay them to do it. The red star, which for 50 years capped the city's grandest edifice, no longer inspires. Until next time, keep on travelin'. They mark the site of the heavily fortified headquarters of a long-gone Bulgarian kingdom. However, it is inaccurate to assume him as gay as he is a proud father of two grown-up children. Rick: OK. Stefan, can I have another sip of my rakia please? He hosts tours, publishes guidebooks, speaks at … Rick: Da? At this crossroads of civilizations, today's Bulgarians have blended old and new into a culture distinctly their own. Tombs held a trove of golden treasure, now displayed in museums throughout Bulgaria. Sicily serves up a full-bodied and tasty travel experience. ©2021 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Just steps away is the vibrant and fun-loving corner of town called the "Mousetrap." For coronavirus (COVID-19) travel information, 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. The essential oils evaporate, then recondense...like fragrant moonshine. Throughout the country, school's out — and people are celebrating. Stefan: Yes, of course! Today--with 70,000 inhabitants, and a prestigious university with around 18,000 students — it's called Veliko (Great) Tarnovo to honor its illustrious past. Stefan: Because actually our most favorite, most beloved saint, Saint Ivan Rilski, was buried nearby. Tarnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, which was the medieval high-water mark of Bulgarian civilization. Terms of Service | Privacy, Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria: Battle Monuments, Plovdiv, Bulgaria: Delightful Art and Architecture, Sofia, Bulgaria: Layers of History and Diversity, Thracian Plain, Bulgaria: Valley of the Roses, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria: Medieval Capital. Stefan: Because they'll have eternal life if they drink it! Preserving its rich heritage is a priority, and the city's infrastructure is built around its archeological treasures. With the end of the Cold War and the arrival of capitalism, it was abandoned. From ancient Greeks and Romans to fearsome Slavic warriors, from Ottoman pashas to Cold War communists, each left its mark. In the southeast of Europe, Bulgaria sits at the east end of the Balkan Peninsula. Prices are low here, making even a splurge like this surprisingly affordable. A fattened pig being slaughtered for Christmas; above the victim, each weathered face could tell a story. Rick Steves' Europe. The style: "Bulgarian National Revival.". The town's hillsides are blanketed with both traditional homes and dreary concrete housing blocks. [shaking head] Spokane, Washington Est. The bags of roses are stacked high before being dumped into the stills. I'm Rick Steves. Rick Steves takes a walk with his girlfriend, Shelley Bryan Wee, and her two dogs, Gracie and Jackson, in downtown Edmonds. The Bulgarians feel a Slavic kinship with Russia — which, in 1878, helped liberate them from centuries of Ottoman rule. One of Europe's most dramatically set cities that bunny-hops through a misty gorge at a sharp bend of the Yantra River.