Where Europe comes face to face with Asia, we’ll explore the fascinating, multilayered city of Istanbul. On "Istanbul," we’ll lose our way in the Grand Bazaar and munch our way through the famously fragrant Spice Market. We’ll follow the fall of the ancient capital of Byzantium and the rise of Islam at the city’s ancient wall, and wander among the treasures of the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. To escape the city bustle, we’ll cruise the churning waters of the Bosphorus, make friends over backgammon, and try a traditional Turkish bath.
Courtesy of American Public Television
Rick Steves introduces us to new friends in the fifth season of RICK STEVES' EUROPE, ranging from Iran and Turkey to Catalunya and Copenhagen.
America's favorite travel guide transports viewers to Europe's cities, villages and countryside. In the fifth season of RICK STEVES' EUROPE, Rick bikes the back lanes of Copenhagen, waltzes through Vienna, slurps escargot in Burgundy, ventures to the desolate side of a Greek isle for the perfect sunset, and strives to appreciate famously stinky cheese of Olomouc in the Czech Republic. He also wanders through Salvador Dali's home, communes with Viking ghosts on Denmark’s "ship-in-a-bottle" isle, scampers through Delphi’s dramatic ruins, witnesses Barcelonan children learning to speak Catalan and ventures through a World War II-era fortress buried deep in the Swiss Alps.
Experience urban Istanbul by hiking the entire length of its main pedestrian boulevard, immersed in a fascinating sea of people: a melting pot of twenty or so different ethnic groups, with styles from the very traditional to the latest.
In many ways Istanbul's Grand Bazaar remains much as it was centuries ago: enchanting and perplexing visitors with its maze-like network of more than 4,000 colorful shops, fragrant eateries, and insistent shopkeepers.
Hagia Sophia has served over the centuries as one of the greatest houses of worship in both the Christian and Muslim worlds. Hagia Sophia marks the high point of Byzantine architecture and is the pinnacle of that society's 6th century glory days. It remains one of the most important and impressive structures on our planet.
Istanbul's Golden Horn offers panoramic views of the Old Town, a chance to see how the fishermen are doing, and plenty of options for a meal, including Istanbul's version of fast food: fresh mackerel sandwiches. For urban energy, join the million commuters who ferry over and back daily from the Asian side to the European.
Istanbul offers a good opportunity to better understand Islam. Visitors are welcome to visit historic mosques — such as the Blue Mosque, nicknamed because of its blue tiles — and at the same time experience a religion that still packs the house.
Our storybook image of the Ottomans — sultans, harems, eunuchs — is best experienced here, in the Topkapı Palace. Built in the late 15th century, this was the power center of the Ottoman Empire for almost four hundred years.
Istanbul is a city of experiences and one of the most memorable is enjoying a Turkish bath. Turks brought the steam bath with them from Central Asia, blended it with the Roman bath culture they found here, and created the Turkish bath. Today, baths welcome tourists and give a peek into a rich tradition.
Jen is a web producer at KPBS, responsible for program promotion, membership-related activities, and is the editor of the KPBS community calendar. Jen has worked at KPBS since 2000. She is originally from Las Vegas and attended UNLV.
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