Turkey & The Holy Land

Disc 14

1. 1. Istanbul

   In Istanbul, we'll wander through the Grand Bazaar, the fragrant Spice Market, and the treasures of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Then we'll cruise the Bosphorus, make friends over backgammon, and try a traditional Turkish bath.

2. 2. Western Turkey

   After kicking off in Kuşadası, we'll wander ancient Ephesus, soak in a natural spa at Pamakkale, learn why dervishes whirl in Konya, and sail the Med on a gulet from Antalya.

3. 3. Central Turkey

   In Turkey, we'll marvel at the fascinating landscape of Cappadocia from high above in a balloon... and from deep below, prowling an underground city where Christians once hid out.

4. 4. Eastern Turkey

   Sweeping across easter Turkey, we'll learn a Kurdish folk dance, see a Silk Road palace, watch a little oil wrestling, visit the 4,000-year-old hometown of Abraham, ponder a megalomaniac king's attempt to join the gods, and hang out with nomadic Kurds.

5. 5. Rick Steves' The Holy Land: Israelis and Palestinians Today

   This hour-long special weaves together both the Israeli and Palestinian narratives. In Israel, we'll go from the venerable ramparts of Jerusalem to the vibrant modern skyline of Tel Aviv. In Palestine, we'll harvest olives near Hebron, visit a home in Bethlehem, and pop in on a university in Ramallah. We'll also learn about security walls, disputed settlements, and the persistent challenges facing the region,.

6. 6. Egypt

   Egypt offers a visual potpourri of high energy and ancient mystery- from chaotic Cairo to the silent temples and tombs near Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. We'll explore pharaohs' pyramids at Giza, gold treasures at Cairo's National Museum, and take a trip down the Nile.