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
26:47
Hamburg, Germany’s mighty port city has risen from the ashes of World War II
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:04
A tumultuous 20th century left reunited Berlin entertaining more visitors than ever.
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:03
We experience the best-preserved Baroque city in Central Europe, Prague.
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:02
By train, bike, and boat, we visit the top Dutch sights outside of Amsterdam
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:04
Europe's best-preserved 17th-century city, Amsterdam is traditional and modern.
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:04
In the shadow of Venice, we visit three great cities: Padova, Verona and Ravenna.
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:04
We visit Italy's most remote, romantic stretch of the Riviera, from Vernazza to Monterosso
Unlock with PBS Passport
26:45
We harvest olives near Ramallah, follow pilgrims to Bethlehem and bob in the Dead Sea.
Unlock with PBS Passport
26:45
We start in Jerusalem, visit cosmopolitan Tel Aviv and savor the local cuisine.
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:04
Side-tripping from Paris to the Ile-de-France, Versailles, Vaux le Vicomte & Fontainebleau
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:04
Along the Loire River Valley, the beautiful French countryside is studded with châteaux.
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:04
We marvel at the fascinating landscape of Cappadocia from high above in a balloon.