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Arts & Culture

Rick Steves' Viva Espana!

A flamenco dancer, Spain
Courtesy of Rick Steves
A flamenco dancer, Spain

Airs Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 4 p.m. on KPBS TV

The two-hour public television special "Rick Steves' Viva Espana!" captures the quintessence of Spain in vivid high definition.

Rick's Travel Tips

Explore Europe confidently, efficiently and safely using these travel tips.

First, Rick experiences the joys of Andalucia - from dazzling Moorish palaces to flamboyant flamenco - in Granada, Cordoba and points in between. He marvels at the grandeur of the Moors, the power of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand, dazzling equestrian art, and Spain's passion for sherry and the good life on the Costa del Sol, where he feasts on paella.

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Then, after a break, he continues his journeys in southern Spain. Starting in the mountains, he ventures along the route of the whitewashed hill towns, then descends to sea level to enjoy the windsurfing mecca of Tarifa, experiences a dose of Britain on the Rock of Gibraltar and sets sail for Africa to explore the thriving Moroccan city of Tangier.

After another break, Rick heads to northern Spain to follow the centuries-old pilgrim trail from the French-Spanish border to Santiago de Compostela. Along the way, he stops off in Pamplona to run with the bulls, and savors the rich and unique Celtic culture of Galicia - where Riverdance meets flamenco.

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Granada's dominant sight is the Alhambra, the last and greatest Moorish palace. For two centuries, until 1492, Granada reigned as the capital of a dwindling Moorish empire. As Christian forces pushed the Moors farther and farther south, this palace was the last hurrah of a sophisticated civilization. For more information on the RICK STEVES' EUROPE TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.
Spending a day in Tangier might not be the ideal way to experience Morocco, but, at just an hour's crossing by boat from Spain, it makes for a day full of adventure. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.
For nine days each July, throngs of visitors come to run with the bulls, and a whole lot more, at Pamplona's Festival of San Fermin. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

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