Travel with Rick on this video guide to Israel and find out what to do on your next trip. Thanks for joining us. Experience the fun, conviviality, intimacy, and spontaneity of joining Rick in his living room as he drinks his favorite wine and shares his inspirational and sometimes hilarious behind-the-scenes stories. And today, while enthusiastically part of the EU, Bulgaria still wrestles with its communist legacy. Locals sit around a public fountain sipping glasses of wine. American travel authority Rick Steves guides viewers through his favorite European cities. Boyadzhiev's best works feature timeless slices of peasant life: Back in pagan times, people prayed not in temples, but under trees. Prime Video $0.00 with a Prime membership. Elegant in its day, it still feels lived-in, with opulent sitting rooms, fine furnishings, even a rose water fountain. Under the arcade, vivid 19th-century frescoes depict Bible stories, peopled by angels and devils, saints and sinners. Most Bulgarians — like Russians and Greeks — are Orthodox Christians, and the Orthodox tradition stretches from here far to the East. Between the Thracian Plain and Veliko Tarnovo run the Balkan Mountains. Thanks to some progressive policies, the graffiti in this neighborhood seems to add to, rather than detract from, the ambience. Rick: It's confusing for a tourist, because we go "yes." RICK STEVES ’ EUROPE: French Alps And Lyon Stream now or tune in Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 at 4 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. on KPBS TV Thursday, November 5, 2020 They kick off Plovdiv's liveliest pedestrian boulevard, where people promenade in style — past inviting parks and sidewalk cafés. Stefan: Yeah… Thracians buried their royalty in distinctive, dome-shaped tombs that were covered in earth. Rick: You got Mediterranean — so it's a little bit of Greece, a little bit of Turkey, and a lot of Bulgaria. While the fields smell sweet, the work is hard. Steves' first television show, Travels in Europe with Rick Steves, debuted on public television in April 1991 and ended production in 1998. Buried deep under those piles of earth, the tombs were impressive engineering feats from 300 years before Christ. Rick Steves advocates independent travel. The streets are lined with bars, cafés, and creative galleries (look for PLOVEdiv, with prints that put a whimsical pop-culture spin on old communist icons). ET | REGISTER 2. Rick: And what is "no"? These scenes show the 40 days of trials your soul goes through after death. Newly revitalized, this artsy district is where foodies and creative young people congregate. Join Rick's live Monday Night Travel party! Rick Steves’ Europe is public television’s most-watched, longest-running travel series. Rick: Da? They mark the site of the heavily fortified headquarters of a long-gone Bulgarian kingdom. Kazanlak, the main town of the valley — is especially festive in May. Today--with 70,000 inhabitants, and a prestigious university with around 18,000 students — it's called Veliko (Great) Tarnovo to honor its illustrious past. You'll see — preaching their message to each other in an empty field — the Lenin that once topped the pillar in the center of town; Georgi Dimitrov, the "Bulgarian Lenin"; the red star that capped the Communist Party HQ; and several stoic soldiers and workers. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. see our FAQ. Go behind the camera with Rick and his crew for the shoot of his 2006 Milan and Lake Como episode as Rick shares all the tricks of his trade in TV production. Locals sitting around a public fountain sipping glasses of wine. They need to work early, before the rising sun evaporates the essential oils. Sofia prides itself on its mineral springs, which attracted the first settlers here in ancient times. Jump to bottom. From its ruined acropolis, it's easy to see the hills upon which ancient Plovdiv was built. Commission only the best street artists to create art, rather than eyesores. Rick Steves is an explorer at heart, so it should come as little surprise that he is finding unexpected joy in the midst of an awful situation. After a lifetime of exploring Europe Rick Steves shares his reasons why. Today, these statues seem to preach their outdated ideology only to each other. Terms of Service | Privacy, Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria: Battle Monuments, Plovdiv, Bulgaria: Delightful Art and Architecture, Sofia, Bulgaria: Layers of History and Diversity, Thracian Plain, Bulgaria: Valley of the Roses, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria: Medieval Capital. Local authorities figure that street artists will tag buildings anyway–so they might as well focus all that creativity, and pay them to do it. Dozens of these tombs are scattered across this valley, along with hundreds of decoy mounds designed to fool grave robbers. And the royal banquet, with the gods, musicians, servants, horses. The red star, which for 50 years capped the city's grandest edifice, no longer inspires. The iconic church is surrounded by a graceful arcade. He typically does interviews about classical music, but recently he interviewed Rick for an hour. Posted by Becky (seattle) on 08/02/20 03:27 PM. Rick Steves is America's leading authority on European travel. The church is dedicated to Russian soldiers lost in that fight.) Within its walls, you feel something special — both sacred and timeless. Many have already been removed and are displayed here at Sofia's Museum of Socialist Art. Capping a nearby ridge — miles from anything — is one of the most bizarre sights I've seen anywhere: Buzludzha, an abandoned monument to the Bulgarian Communist Party. Stefan: This is very traditional way in Bulgaria. We'll dine on fresh seafood at the fisherman's harbor in Cefalù, ponder ancient Greek greatness in Siracusa, commune with monks alive and departed in a Capuchin crypt, sleep in an olive orchard at an agriturismo, and eat our way through a classic Sicilian banquet with a famous chef. At the top of Shipka Pass, a memorial marks the site where, in 1877, a combined Bulgarian and Russian army finally turned the tide in the battle against the Ottomans. Even amid a pandemic that has hit the travel industry hard, Steves … We're driving deep into the mountains south of Sofia. They also have two children, Andy Steves, and Jackie Steves. Even though Bulgaria was famously docile under Russian rule, life under communism wasn't easy here. This was a golden age for Bulgaria — the 13th and 14th centuries — when its empire dominated the Balkan Peninsula, and stretched all the way to Ukraine. Rick: You come here and celebrate Bulgaria. Verona, Italy: Joy of the Veneto by Rick Steves' Europe. This time I'm surrounded by Slavic culture…it's Bulgaria! Its capital has a stunning cathedral. Bulgaria's complicated history has made it a melting pot. Centuries later, the Roman Emperor Trajan built this 5,000-seat theater. Don't miss the boat! It's a great excuse for a parade — a celebration not only of their alphabet, but of the Bulgarian language and culture in general. OK. Did you come here as a child? At Sofia's main intersection, today's parliament offices fill the Stalinist-style former Communist Party Headquarters. Tombs held a trove of golden treasure, now displayed in museums throughout Bulgaria. This pivotal battle led to the eventual demise of the Ottoman Empire, and to the creation of the modern, independent country of Bulgaria. In 1951, he suffered a stroke, which made his right hand useless. Sicily serves up a full-bodied and tasty travel experience. From Sofia, we visit Rila Monastery, head north to Veliko Tarnovo, explore the Thracian Plain, and finish in Plovdiv. Is that typical in Bulgaria? Until next time, keep on travelin'. Rick Steves's net worth is around $10 million. This island-hopping adventure comes with remote beaches, Crusader castles, a Blue Lagoon, pre-historic wonders, and salty traditional island lifestyles. The bags of roses are stacked high before being dumped into the stills. And today, it remains the country's revered national treasure. With a million people, Sofia is delightfully livable. On the surrounding hillsides, Plovdiv's atmospheric Old Town is a showcase of delightful buildings from the 1800s — a time when the ruling Ottoman Empire was in decline, and Bulgarian cultural pride was on the rise. Peasant women clustered around a fire, knitting as they eke out warmth. A walk along Veliko Tarnovo's craft street reveals a thriving folk culture with opportunities to watch artisans at work. Founded in the 10th century, Rila Monastery was a stronghold for Bulgarian faith, language, and culture during nearly 500 years of Ottoman rule. Rick: So it's unusual for me to have the firewater with the salad. Rick: You like it? Peasant women cluster around a fire, knitting as they eke out warmth. Rick: And the people, why do they like this so much? see our FAQ. Bulgarian is a cross of all civilizations — between north and south, east and west. Relatively unknown and underappreciated, Bulgaria is a country I've long enjoyed for the surprises it offers the curious traveler. Rick takes you behind the scenes as he films Italy's Cinque Terre, five charming villages hidden in the rugged Italian coast. The 175-foot-tall steeple, flanked by bulbous golden onion domes that shimmer in the sunshine, holds a giant bell cast from discarded artillery cartridges after the battle. 7:30 p.m. PT / 10:30 p.m. Party with Rick at one of Europe's most exuberant spectacles (Running of the Bulls in Pamplona), Italy's answer to Mardi Gras (Carnevale in Venice), the wildest horse race on the planet (The Palio in Siena), the biggest beer party anywhere (Oktoberfest in Munich), and more. Our next stop is Bulgaria's medieval capital, Veliko Tarnovo. Thanks for joining us. Rick Steves with family (Photo: Pinterest) Because of his unsuccessful marriage, his fans professed him as gay. And Georgi Dimitrov, the "Bulgarian Lenin," is simply ignored. Tarnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, which was the medieval high-water mark of Bulgarian civilization. Worshippers show their devotion with the help of sacred images. All over Bulgaria, controversy swirls around crumbling communist-era monuments — like this one. Here in Sofia, within a few steps, you've got mosques, churches, and a synagogue. At this crossroads of civilizations, today's Bulgarians have blended old and new into a culture distinctly their own. However, it is inaccurate to assume him as gay as he is a proud father of two grown-up children. Their pragmatic solution? Boldly embarking on a second act, Boyadzhiev's left hand began painting scenes that looked nothing like the ones his right hand had produced. Stefan: Yes, of course! Rick Steves was born on May 10, 1955, and is 63 years old. Its 1.2 million inhabitants enjoy an airy street plan, fine architecture, lush parks, snow-capped mountains on the horizon, and a relaxed pace of life. Stefan: Ne [nods]. The stage wall is mostly intact. With Rick Steves, Andreas Clemens, Georg Reichlmayr, Holger Zimmer. Today, Rila is a place of pilgrimage for Bulgarians, who consider it their faith's single most important site. 4:24. And these ruins have been artfully integrated into 21st-century life. The peaceful beech forests seem a world away from the big city. Stefan: And a lot of Bulgaria. And we're here just in time for the rose harvest. Rick: So what do we have? With a complex weave of modern affluence, Western secularism, and traditional Muslim faith, it's a dynamic and stimulating city, well worth experiencing. Rick: So this is healthy water, then. Stefan: And I see it in your eyes! One of Europe's most dramatically set cities that bunny-hops through a misty gorge at a sharp bend of the Yantra River. That was so good. Preserving its rich heritage is a priority, and the city's infrastructure is built around its archeological treasures. The style: "Bulgarian National Revival.". Stefan: Yes, a little bit sulfur, probably. The Thracians were an impressive civilization. When people ask Rick where his travel dreams take him, you'll see why it is the Cinque Terre. Rick Steves Europe 12 New Shows 2019-2020. Meanwhile, her son finishes each piece with patterns that go back centuries. Go behind the camera with Rick and his crew for the shoot of his 2006 Milan and Lake Como episode as Rick shares all the tricks of his trade in TV production. The church — completed in 1902 by some of the leading Russian architects of the day — is exuberant "Muscovite-style"…over-the-top Baroque-meets-Byzantine. One of the largest Orthodox churches in Christendom--and the only national church I can think of that's named for an important saint of a different country: Russia. And we say, "nazdráve" — And with its ethnic diversity came different religions. The Bulgarians feel a Slavic kinship with Russia — which, in 1878, helped liberate them from centuries of Ottoman rule. And we happened to drop in on a national holiday. A mountain monastery cradles Bulgaria's spiritual soul. Plan your own trip or take one of Rick's value-packed European tours and vacations. Rick: So, why is Rila so important to the Bulgarian people? I'm joined by my Bulgarian friend and fellow tour guide, Stefan Bozadzhiev, who's my teacher for all things Bulgarian — including some fun little insights. Leaving Veliko Tarnovo, we cross over the Balkan Mountains. The monastery was founded in the 930s by Bulgaria's patron saint, St. John of Rila (or Ivan Rilski, as Bulgarians call him), who came here seeking a hermetic way of life. Rick: It's warm… In Plovdiv, as in many European cities, local leaders understand that buildings are going to be tagged anyway. Crossing over this range, you'll pass several worthwhile sights. Rick: So, "no" [nods]…"yes" [shakes head] — yes? Prices are low here, making even a splurge like this surprisingly affordable. Nina skillfully turns clay into art. In this town that's more vertical than horizontal, going for a walk around the block feels like climbing a ladder. In 1951, he suffered a stroke that rendered his right hand useless. Art gallery celebrating Zlatyu Boyadzhiev (1903-1976), who was already a well-established artist when his health took a terrible turn. (The Bulgarians feel a Slavic kinship with Russia, who helped liberate them from nearly five centuries of Ottoman rule. Here's St. John of Rila, who, seeking a hermetic way of life, founded this remote monastery in the year 927. Rick: You know, frankly, this is more interesting than what I would expect. Rick: Ah, OK. It was a favorite destination. Stefan: Yes. And people have enjoyed it for a very long time: Plovdiv claims to be one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. With the end of the Cold War and the arrival of capitalism, it was abandoned. This gigantic conference hall was built in the 1980s, in the waning days of communist rule. But that didn't stop him. Rick: To your health — nazdráve! Todor the silversmith — with his strong hands and distinctive technique — transforms strips and strands of metal into exquisite jewelry. Over the next 25 years, he reveled in bright colors with a childlike exuberance, slapping thick, Van Gogh-like brushstrokes onto the canvas. Should they be allowed to stand, or should they be torn down? ©2021 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Stefan: …to your health. While most tourists stick to the cobbled old town, modern Plovdiv has plenty to offer as well. But a recent initiative to pedestrianize and cobble the streets has turned the area into a hipster paradise. In the fourth century B.C., it was called Philippopolis…the "City of Philip" — he was the father of Alexander the Great. Rick: I'm feeling better already. Bulgaria, so mysterious to most Americans, has a vivid identity as a crossroads of the Balkans. DVD Currently unavailable. Some of Europe's best surprises are its islands. The heart of every single Bulgarian belongs to this place, belongs to this monastery here. 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. The town is shaped like a natural amphitheater. Vast fields of roses bloom overnight. Craftspeople keep traditions alive, and roses offer a fragrant harvest. It's more vertical than horizontal, with a mix of blocky modern construction and traditional Bulgarian homes. Driving across Bulgaria, traffic is sparse, roads are good, and — since we're here in the spring — everything is green and fertile. Boyadzhiev's best works feature timeless slices of peasant life: People praying not in temples, but under trees. The result: a land that's both exotic and fun to visit. We've learned a lot about them through their tombs. 4. The city is named for "holy wisdom," represented by this statue of Sveta Sofia. In this garden of communist propaganda, Lenin, who once topped the main pillar in the center of town, still faces the storm. By registering for an event, you're agreeing to the Rick Steves' Europe Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. This gigantic conference hall was built in the 1980s, in the waning days of communist rule. I'm Rick Steves. 2:17. Built at about the same time as the Eiffel Tower, it's newer than it looks--with a steel frame clad in limestone veneer, and invisible buttresses that hold up its cascading gold and copper domes. Fun to see Youtube video with Rick Steves and Fred Plotkin . After registering through Zoom, you'll receive a confirmation email with a link to the event. Rick: How many springs in Sofia like this? It's fascinating to explore and easy to enjoy. The ancient Greeks dubbed it Philippopolis (for the father of Alexander the Great), and the Romans called it Trimontium (for the "three hills" it was built upon). The importance of community is celebrated — and each weathered face tells a story. Stefan: We celebrate Bulgaria, and the Bulgarian experience. Just steps away is the vibrant and fun-loving corner of town called the "Mousetrap." Hindliyan House was decorated to the taste of its merchant owner. None of Bulgaria's 49,000 Jews were deported to concentration camps. Experience the fun, conviviality, intimacy, and spontaneity as Rick hosts a travel happy hour on Zoom from his living room. It's the Day of Slavic Culture. Fred Plotkin, who wrote Italy for the Gourmet Traveler, has a Youtube series called Fred Plotkin on Fridays. Inside, you're immersed in the glow of Orthodox tradition. Bulgaria is a land of rich culture, with a modern vitality. With glittering treasures from ancient tombs and decrepit monuments to a difficult 20th century, it's a surprising land where this means yes…. Folk traditions are alive and well. You go to "Eastern Europe," you think of potatoes, kraut, and heavy meat, but this is — it feels more Mediterranean. You do not need a Zoom account to participate but you must register below for each event. Boyadzhiev — this is a self-portrait, with his wife — was already a well-established artist when his health took a terrible turn. And it seems the entire town has turned out for the event. Are you ready for some virtual travel? This zone also has more than its share of creative, government-subsidized graffiti. In the southeast of Europe, Bulgaria sits at the east end of the Balkan Peninsula. A block away is one of Europe's largest synagogues. For coronavirus (COVID-19) travel information, Terms of Service | Privacy, previous recordings of Monday Night Travel, Watch with Rick Steves — Great European Festivals, Watch with Rick Steves — Ethiopia: A Development Story, Holiday Special! And this mosque survives from five centuries of Ottoman rule. This time I'm surrounded by Slavic culture…it's Bulgaria! This region is also called the "Valley of the Roses." The bricks lead to Sofia's cathedral — one of the largest Orthodox churches in Christendom. The monastery is still home to a handful of monks, who host both tourists and pilgrims. At the distillery, millions of blooms are quickly unloaded. Rick Steves’ Europe is an empire, with 100 U.S.-based employees and 150 freelance tour guides around the world. The elaborate marble iconostasis separates parishioners from the main altar. Travel with Rick on this video guide up the Nile River in Egypt and find out what to do on your next trip. A crossroads of civilizations, it offers a fascinating story. Rick: Now, this is funny in Bulgaria — you went "yes," like… [swivels head around] Rick: So what is this drink then? If you don't get in, you can catch a recording of the event on this webpage the next day. The country's "second city" (with about 340,000 people), Plovdiv has it all: excellent sightseeing, a charming Old Town, and a bustling New Town. Rick Steves started his professional career by teaching travel classes in The Experimental College. Exploring the Nile Valley from north to south, we see the highlights of Egypt. Stefan: Because they'll have eternal life if they drink it! And we'll enjoy an intimate taste of contemporary culture: the yellow brick road of Sofia; the gregarious craftspeople of the medieval capital, Veliko Tarnovo; and the thriving pedestrian zones of cosmopolitan Plovdiv. And many of the parks come with heavy reminders of a tough 20th century. The payoff: a wide variety of rose oil products, appreciated both abroad, and at home. Stefan: Ne. It was ruled by the Asen dynasty. I'm Rick Steves. Explore Europe with Rick Steves, best-selling travel author and host of public television's "Rick Steves' Europe" and public radio's "Travel with Rick Steves." They didn't reveal the reason behind their divorce. Bulgaria's capital, Sofia is delightfully livable. Rick Steves' Europe Egypt’s Nile, Alexandria, and Luxor. This towering monument commemorates that vast and mighty realm. Stefan: We have more than 40, and this is just one of them. Down in the valley, golden domes mark Shipka Church, which honors the sacrifice of those Russian and Bulgarian troops. Rick: OK. Stefan, can I have another sip of my rakia please? Stefan: Yes — actually many times, with my family. Everything you need is here. Sofia has lots of sprawling parks, offering apartment dwellers a green and inviting space to hang out. 2014 | TV-G | CC. This beautiful place has been a holy site and refuge for over a thousand years. With the end of the Cold War and the arrival of capitalism, Buzludzha was abandoned. A place where East and West mix harmoniously. Deep in the depth of winter, join Rick for a visit to his favorite stretch of Mediterranean coastline, the Italian Riviera. Stefan: Yes, actually — you're right. Hi, I'm Rick Steves back with more of the best of Europe. Although the couple is separated, Rick is … For coronavirus (COVID-19) travel information, And tourists are amazed by its pristine setting (tucked between mountains and forests), the reverent spirituality that fills its stony courtyard, and the vivid art that decorates its church. Registration is open to everyone but only 3,000 can join the live event. 4.0 out of 5 stars 42. Kick off 2021 with a festival bash — Europe's biggest parties and festivals with an insider's look at the fun and craziness! Stefan: This is a traditional Bulgarian drink, and it is called "rakia." [nods] And this replica tomb demonstrates how even in the afterlife, the deceased would be surrounded by comforting images. In Bulgaria. ``, today 's parliament offices fill the Stalinist-style former party! A Slavic kinship with Russia — which, in the fourth century B.C., was. 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