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Rick Steves' Europe
Why We Travel
Season 11
Episode 1108
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.
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25:33
Warsaw's heavy history and lively bustle; red-brick Toruń; Malbork Castle; maritime Gdańsk.
24:56
Kraków's grand square, Wawel Castle, communist-era Nowa Huta; sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau.
25:34
The ultimate road trip; Lake Mývatn; Eastfjords; lagoons and waterfalls; Westman Islands.
25:38
The vibrant capital; Blue Lagoon; Golden Circle's majestic nature; Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
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25:16
The turbulent century and its rule-breaking art—Picasso, Surrealism and edgy architecture.
28:26
Shimmering Impressionist canvases by Monet and Renoir, plus Van Gogh, Gauguin and more.
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25:18
Roaming Europe, we admire stately Neoclassical buildings and dramatic Romantic paintings.
28:22
We marvel at Baroque’s over-the-top churches, palaces, bubbly fountains, and theatric art.
28:42
From Portugal to Germany, booming economies and new technologies produce exquisite art.
28:03
Florence’s bold “rebirth” is powered by the genius of Leonardo, Rafael, and Michelangelo.
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25:36
Soaring Gothic cathedrals of radiant stained glass, plus art celebrating worldly pleasure.
25:18
Early Europeans produce diverse art: from Christians to Muslims and Byzantines to Vikings.