Rick Steves’ Europe: Iran: Tehran And Side Trips

Airs Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 5 p.m. on KPBS TV

Rick Steves makes new friends in Iran. Welcoming travelers is a traditional Muslim value, and being American makes you the most popular kid in the village.

Credit: Courtesy of Rick Steves

Above: Rick Steves makes new friends in Iran. Welcoming travelers is a traditional Muslim value, and being American makes you the most popular kid in the village.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

As he's done with previous programs on Israel, Egypt, and Eastern Turkey, Rick Steves takes us beyond Europe to a place that's rich with history...and mystery.

Tehran is a mile-high home to 14 million people.

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Credit: Courtesy of Rick Steves

Above: Tehran is a mile-high home to 14 million people.

Rick explores Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran's bustling capital city. University students give us a look at modern values in a theocratic society where religious and anti-American billboards are commonplace.

After a visit to Khomeini's tomb, we take a trip into the countryside to get a taste of village life. Rick enjoys a warm welcome from everyday Iranians.

Read Rick Steves' Iran travel journal and view a slideshow.

Rick's Travel Philosophy:

Travel is freedom...one of the last great sources of legal adventure. Travel is intensified living, with maximum thrills per minute. It's recess, and we need it. Experiencing the real Europe requires catching it by surprise, going casual...Through the Back Door.

Rick Steves is on Facebook, and you can follow @RickSteves on Twitter.

Video

Rick Steves' Iran Lecture: Landing In Tehran

Above: In the first part of Rick's Iran lecture, we learn what inspired Rick to make "Rick Steves' Iran" and about his experience landing in Tehran. For more information on Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door, visit www.ricksteves.com.

Video

Rick Steves' Iran Lecture: Iranian Hospitality

Above: In the final segment, we join Rick as he celebrates his birthday in an Iranian family's home. For more information on Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door, visit www.ricksteves.com.

Video

Rick Steves' Iran Lecture: The Revolution

Above: Rick Steves explores the Islamic Revolution and its place in today's Iran. For more information on "Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door," visit www.ricksteves.com.

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