Up Next
Back to Show
Rick Steves' Europe
Istanbul: Capital of Emperors and Sultans
Season 13
Episode 1308
Istanbul's rich heritage spans the centuries from Christian Byzantium to Muslim Ottoman rule to today's thriving city. We start our look back at the Roman-tinged Hippodrome, then indulge in the ancient ritual of the Turkish bath. We take in the Blue Mosque and the grand Hagia Sophia, taste Turkish delight at the venerable Spice Market, and explore Topkapı Palace and its harem room deep within.
Support Provided By
28:03
Florence’s bold “rebirth” is powered by the genius of Leonardo, Rafael, and Michelangelo.
Unlock with PBS Passport
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.
28:23
The grand cities of ancient Rome’s vast empire and majestic churches of its fall.
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:37
Rome’s rise, as seen in its supersized monuments, colorful mosaics, and marble Caesars.
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:19
Greece’s timeless art: Golden Age temples, alluring Venuses, and exuberant Winged Victory.
28:04
We marvel at Stone Age cave paintings, mighty megaliths, and mysterious goddesses.
26:47
In times of crisis and challenge, we ask ourselves: What is the true value of travel?
25:33
Rick uses Ethiopia as a classroom for understanding global hunger and extreme poverty
26:15
Exploring the Nile Valley from north to south, we see the highlights of Egypt.
25:02
We visit teeming Cairo, straddling the Nile, exploring the back streets on a tuk-tuk.
26:16
Traveling across Germany, we trace the roots of Nazism in the aftermath of World War I.