Rick: So what do we have? Bulgaria is a land of rich culture, with a modern vitality. Thanks to some progressive policies, the graffiti in this neighborhood seems to add to, rather than detract from, the ambience. 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. Rick: And what is "no"? Stepping inside, you enter a world of glittering icons, a rich haze of incense, and hundreds of tall, skinny candles. And it seems the entire town has turned out for the event. Rick Steves with family (Photo: Pinterest) Because of his unsuccessful marriage, his fans professed him as gay. Rick Steves’ Europe is an empire, with 100 U.S.-based employees and 150 freelance tour guides around the world. Their pragmatic solution? A mountain monastery cradles Bulgaria's spiritual soul. The monastery is still home to a handful of monks, who host both tourists and pilgrims. They kick off Plovdiv's liveliest pedestrian boulevard, where people promenade in style — past inviting parks and sidewalk cafés. 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. It was ruled by the Asen dynasty. The town's hillsides are blanketed with both traditional homes and dreary concrete housing blocks. The church is a pan-national creation: designed by Russian architects and decorated with Venetian mosaics, Slovenian oak doors, and Bohemian crystal chandeliers. Stefan: Yes — actually many times, with my family. After World War II, Bulgaria ended up in the Soviet Bloc. The Thracian Plain, defined by Bulgaria's two major mountain ranges, was a busy funnel of trade throughout ancient times. Rick: So, why is Rila so important to the Bulgarian people? 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. With Rick Steves, Andreas Clemens, Georg Reichlmayr, Holger Zimmer. Everything you need is here. So this is like the…you could say, the "Jerusalem" for the Bulgarian people. They didn't reveal the reason behind their divorce. The bags of roses are stacked high before being dumped into the stills. Like much of the Slavic world, Bulgaria uses the Cyrillic alphabet. Tarnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, which was the medieval high-water mark of Bulgarian civilization. They need to work early, before the rising sun evaporates the essential oils. Bulgarian is a cross of all civilizations — between north and south, east and west. see our FAQ. Stefan: Ne. Stefan: We have the Thracian king, who is buried here. 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. But the couple gets divorced in 2010. And many of the parks come with heavy reminders of a tough 20th century. View the daily YouTube analytics of Rick Steves' Europe and track progress charts, view future predictions, related channels, and track realtime live sub counts. Stefan: Yes, yes, of course. Rick: OK. Stefan, can I have another sip of my rakia please? This island-hopping adventure comes with remote beaches, Crusader castles, a Blue Lagoon, pre-historic wonders, and salty traditional island lifestyles. The peaceful beech forests seem a world away from the big city. You do not need a Zoom account to participate but you must register below for each event. And to this day, these perpetually flowing water taps are appreciated by the locals. And Georgi Dimitrov, the "Bulgarian Lenin," is simply ignored. Create custom playlists with more than 400 educational clips featuring the best of European history, art, culture, and experiences (plus topics beyond Europe). This event was recorded on January 11, 2021. Built by Russia a century ago, it's a fine example of the exuberant "Muscovite" style. 3. Experience the fun, conviviality, intimacy, and spontaneity as Rick hosts a travel happy hour on Zoom from his living room. When people ask Rick where his travel dreams take him, you'll see why it is the Cinque Terre. 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. Every day commuters walk by reminders of Sofia's distant past. And, nearby, a folkloric dance troupe shares their traditional music. This zone also has more than its share of creative, government-subsidized graffiti. From ancient Greeks and Romans to fearsome Slavic warriors, from Ottoman pashas to Cold War communists, each left its mark. And we happened to drop in on a national holiday. Today you'll see a ruined acropolis, a well-preserved ancient theater, gorgeous 19th-century homes filled with the art of local painters, Bulgaria's most thriving pedestrian boulevard, and a hipster zone with creative restaurants and even more creative graffiti. He typically does interviews about classical music, but recently he interviewed Rick for an hour. At the distillery, millions of blooms are quickly unloaded. 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. This towering monument commemorates that vast and mighty realm. Rick: Now, this is funny in Bulgaria — you went "yes," like… [swivels head around] Rick: So it's unusual for me to have the firewater with the salad. 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. In Plovdiv, as in many European cities, local leaders understand that buildings are going to be tagged anyway. These scenes show the 40 days of trials your soul goes through after death. With a million people, Sofia is delightfully livable. As if stowing away on an actual shoot, you'll meet the crew and hear in their own words how America's most popular travel show is made. These bricks were a gift from Austria's Emperor Franz Josef — who, after what must have been a muddy visit in 1907, wanted to encourage Sofia to pave its streets. Between the Thracian Plain and Veliko Tarnovo run the Balkan Mountains. At this crossroads of civilizations, today's Bulgarians have blended old and new into a culture distinctly their own. If you don't get in, you can catch a recording of the event on this webpage the next day. Stefan: This is a traditional Bulgarian drink, and it is called "rakia." 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. Join Rick's live Monday Night Travel party! 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. The essential oils evaporate, then recondense...like fragrant moonshine. You go to "Eastern Europe," you think of potatoes, kraut, and heavy meat, but this is — it feels more Mediterranean. And today, while enthusiastically part of the EU, Bulgaria still wrestles with its communist legacy. Rick Steves was born in Barstow, California, United States. Naples, Italy: The Birthplace of Pizza by Rick Steves' Europe. Today's locals have different aspirations. 5. Crossing over this range, you'll pass several worthwhile sights. The payoff: a wide variety of rose oil products, appreciated both abroad, and at home. A block away is one of Europe's largest synagogues. Join Rick on a fascinating voyage, exploring four of Europe's most intriguing islands: Malta, Capri, Skye, and Orkney. A guardian angel accompanies the soul — represented by a small child — through a gauntlet of temptations. 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. Even amid a pandemic that has hit the travel industry hard, Steves … Boyadzhiev's best works feature timeless slices of peasant life: People praying not in temples, but under trees. Rick Steves’ Europe is public television’s most-watched, longest-running travel series. The ruins of its fortress are a reminder of the city's importance 800 years ago. Until next time…keep on travelin'. ©2021 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | With the end of the Cold War and the arrival of capitalism, it was abandoned. From its ruined acropolis, it's easy to see the hills upon which ancient Plovdiv was built. We're driving deep into the mountains south of Sofia. For a visual orientation, scan the mountainous horizon from the valley near Kazanlak and try to pick out three big landmarks: the flying-saucer shaped Buzludzha monument; the blocky Shipka Pass monument; and — down below that — the glimmering golden domes of Shipka Church. Is that typical in Bulgaria? While the fields smell sweet, the work is hard. And this replica tomb demonstrates how even in the afterlife, the deceased would be surrounded by comforting images. They mark the site of the heavily fortified headquarters of a long-gone Bulgarian kingdom. Don't miss the boat! Rick Steves is America's leading authority on European travel. Rick Steves Europe 12 New Shows 2019-2020. Locals sit around a public fountain sipping glasses of wine. Nina skillfully turns clay into art. Also known as "The Mousetrap," this district was once a dreary, deserted, and dangerous quarter. Stefan: Yes, actually — you're right. The result: a land that's both exotic and fun to visit. Jump to bottom. Posted by Becky (seattle) on 08/02/20 03:27 PM. 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. And with its ethnic diversity came different religions. Driving across Bulgaria, traffic is sparse, roads are good, and — since we're here in the spring — everything is green and fertile. Stefan: Because they'll have eternal life if they drink it! The Thracians were an impressive civilization. Thanks for joining us. Rick: To your health — nazdráve! Prices are low here, making even a splurge like this surprisingly affordable. Rick Steves takes a walk with his girlfriend, Shelley Bryan Wee, and her two dogs, Gracie and Jackson, in downtown Edmonds. I'm Rick Steves. Rick: How many springs in Sofia like this? Plovdiv is a city with many personalities, built upon layers of history: Under the 14th-century Ottoman mosque, they've excavated an ancient stadium. Some of Europe's best surprises are its islands. Each week he'll share his personal, inspirational, and sometimes hilarious behind-the-scenes commentary, followed by a Q&A — your chance to ask questions and interact with Rick. A place where East and West mix harmoniously. It's never too late to enjoy Rick's live Monday Night Travel party with our weekly video recordings. This gigantic conference hall was built in the 1980s, in the waning days of communist rule. Verona, Italy: Joy of the Veneto by Rick Steves' Europe. Rick: So this is healthy water, then. A fattened pig being slaughtered for Christmas; above the victim, each weathered face could tell a story. Stefan: Yes, a little bit sulfur, probably. Buried deep under those piles of earth, the tombs were impressive engineering feats from 300 years before Christ. And this mosque survives from five centuries of Ottoman rule. The iconic church is surrounded by a graceful arcade. Locals sitting around a public fountain sipping glasses of wine. Sofia may be the capital of one of the poorest countries in the European Union, but you wouldn't know it strolling its vibrant boulevards. It's dedicated to the Russian and Bulgarian troops (now buried in the crypt) who fought fiercely to defeat the Ottomans in 1877. Travel with Rick on this video guide to Israel and find out what to do on your next trip. American travel authority Rick Steves guides viewers through his favorite European cities. Thanks for joining us. In the fourth century B.C., it was called Philippopolis…the "City of Philip" — he was the father of Alexander the Great. Today, one in every 10 Bulgarian citizens is Muslim, whose ancestors came from Turkey. 7:30 p.m. PT / 10:30 p.m. Finally, we reach Rila Monastery: fortress on the outside…spiritual sanctuary inside. Plan your own trip or take one of Rick's value-packed European tours and vacations. This gigantic conference hall was built in the 1980s, in the waning days of communist rule. 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: Absolutely! Stefan: This is very traditional way in Bulgaria. 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. A crossroads of civilizations, it offers a fascinating story. Hi, I'm Rick Steves back with more of the best of Europe. Down in the valley, golden domes mark Shipka Church, which honors the sacrifice of those Russian and Bulgarian troops. 6. This time I'm surrounded by Slavic culture…it's Bulgaria! Sofia prides itself on its mineral springs, which attracted the first settlers here in ancient times. According to legend, the Asen brothers planted a sword on this spot and said, "Here shall be Bulgaria.". Freshness is critical. 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). Craftspeople keep traditions alive, and roses offer a fragrant harvest. From Sofia, we visit Rila Monastery, head north to Veliko Tarnovo, explore the Thracian Plain, and finish in Plovdiv. After a lifetime of exploring Europe Rick Steves shares his reasons why. Over the next 25 years, he reveled in bright colors with a childlike exuberance, slapping thick, Van Gogh-like brushstrokes onto the canvas. Rick Steves Classroom Europe® is a free online video library for teachers, students, and parents. And the theater remains part of the community to this day. Rick: Da? 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. It was a favorite destination. Peasant women clustered around a fire, knitting as they eke out warmth. For coronavirus (COVID-19) travel information, Meanwhile, her son finishes each piece with patterns that go back centuries. Stefan: And a lot of Bulgaria. Thanks for joining us. Leaving Veliko Tarnovo, we cross over the Balkan Mountains. Founded in the 10th century, Rila Monastery was a stronghold for Bulgarian faith, language, and culture during nearly 500 years of Ottoman rule. DVD Currently unavailable. It's the Day of Slavic Culture. With a complex weave of modern affluence, Western secularism, and traditional Muslim faith, it's a dynamic and stimulating city, well worth experiencing. Thracians buried their royalty in distinctive, dome-shaped tombs that were covered in earth. The red star, which for 50 years capped the city's grandest edifice, no longer inspires. The city is named for "holy wisdom," represented by this statue of Sveta Sofia. Centuries later, the Roman Emperor Trajan built this 5,000-seat theater. 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. Today, Rila is a place of pilgrimage for Bulgarians, who consider it their faith's single most important site. 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. Rick: Ne. Our final stop is Bulgaria's most enjoyable city, Plovdiv — with a history going back centuries before Christ. Stefan: Yes, of course! 7. Try it! Most Bulgarians — like Russians and Greeks — are Orthodox Christians, and the Orthodox tradition stretches from here far to the East. Its capital has a stunning cathedral. Nearby is a museum celebrating the work of the Bulgarian artist Zlatyu Boyadzhiev. This bell tower, the oldest surviving part of the monastery, served as a final refuge in case of attack. Souvenir wall paintings show off some of the merchant's far-flung business travels, from Stockholm to Venice. Boyadzhiev — this is a self-portrait, with his wife — was already a well-established artist when his health took a terrible turn. Relatively unknown and underappreciated, Bulgaria is a country I've long enjoyed for the surprises it offers the curious traveler. Rashko paints icons with a delicate touch. Rick: You got Mediterranean — so it's a little bit of Greece, a little bit of Turkey, and a lot of Bulgaria. For coronavirus (COVID-19) travel information, (The Bulgarians feel a Slavic kinship with Russia, who helped liberate them from nearly five centuries of Ottoman rule. Sicily serves up a full-bodied and tasty travel experience. The rumors got fueled when he held a discussion on his Facebook page about gay travel in Europe in March 2017. Bulgaria's capital, Sofia is delightfully livable. Today, the lyrics of the international communist anthem are literally falling off the walls. Although the communists are gone, their architectural heritage still looms large. 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: And the people, why do they like this so much? And graffiti makes it clear who won the Cold War. All over Bulgaria, controversy swirls around crumbling communist-era monuments — like this one. Just steps away is the vibrant and fun-loving corner of town called the "Mousetrap." In this town that's more vertical than horizontal, going for a walk around the block feels like climbing a ladder. Within its walls, you feel something special — both sacred and timeless. The heart of every single Bulgarian belongs to this place, belongs to this monastery here. In this town, anywhere you dig, you find ancient ruins — bits of Roman Sofia. The town is shaped like a natural amphitheater. And on the top of it we have races with chariots, which is a part of a funeral procession. Throughout the country, school's out — and people are celebrating. Tombs held a trove of golden treasure, now displayed in museums throughout Bulgaria. Venturing inside, we discover an eerie, crumbling world of vandalized propaganda, a roof that's barely held up by its hammer and sickle, and disintegrating mosaics — once so proud, and now just an artifact of a failed system. 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. Hi, I'm Rick Steves back with more of the best of Europe. Fred Plotkin, who wrote Italy for the Gourmet Traveler, has a Youtube series called Fred Plotkin on Fridays. Stefan: Yes. Stefan: …to your health. Rick: No?!? None of Bulgaria's 49,000 Jews were deported to concentration camps. 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 Rick Steves started his professional career by teaching travel classes in The Experimental College. 4. We've learned a lot about them through their tombs. Registration is open to everyone but only 3,000 can join the live event. Many have already been removed and are displayed here at Sofia's Museum of Socialist Art. With the end of the Cold War and the arrival of capitalism, Buzludzha was abandoned. Here in Sofia, within a few steps, you've got mosques, churches, and a synagogue. One of Europe's most dramatically set cities that bunny-hops through a misty gorge at a sharp bend of the Yantra River. 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." By registering for an event, you're agreeing to the Rick Steves' Europe Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. One of Europe's most dramatically set cities, it winds through a misty gorge at a sharp bend of the Yantra River. The importance of community is celebrated — and each weathered face tells a story. Rick Steves advocates independent travel. Are you ready for some virtual travel? Rick: You know, frankly, this is more interesting than what I would expect. To find the road up, look for the turnoff along the main road between Kazanlak and Shipka, marked by the stoic communist-era statue standing by a pillar. In this garden of communist propaganda, Lenin, who once topped the main pillar in the center of town, still faces the storm. Rick: I'm feeling better already. Stefan: Ne. Rick: Nazdráve! Rick Steves, America's leading authority on European travel, returns to transport viewers to the continent's bustling cities, quaint villages and picturesque countryside. Peasant women cluster around a fire, knitting as they eke out warmth. This region is also called the "Valley of the Roses." It's the only national church I can think of that's named for a sainted military hero of a different country: Alexander Nevsky, of Russia. Rick Steves' Europe Egypt’s Nile, Alexandria, and Luxor. Should they be allowed to stand, or should they be torn down? Newly revitalized, this artsy district is where foodies and creative young people congregate. Credits: Rick: Hi, I'm Rick Steves, back with more of the Best of Europe. 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. The elaborate marble iconostasis separates parishioners from the main altar. And we say, "nazdráve" — Rick: Ah, OK. As a treat for those who've enjoyed over a hundred episodes of Rick Steves' Europe, Rick packed along an extra cameraperson to document the creative process that turns into a finished TV show. But that didn't stop him. So many flowers and so much hard work. 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. Watch with Rick Steves — European Christmas, Watch with Rick Steves — Egypt's Nile, Alexandria, and Luxor, Watch with Rick Steves — Germany's Fascist Story, Watch with Rick Steves — French Alps and Lyon, Watch with Rick Steves — Austrian and Italian Alps. 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! Kazanlak, the main town of the valley — is especially festive in May. His second show, Rick Steves' Europe , debuted in September 2000, and has aired episodes through 2020, though because he does not produce a season every year, this accounts for 11 seasons. This time I'm surrounded by Slavic culture…it's Bulgaria! Art gallery celebrating Zlatyu Boyadzhiev (1903-1976), who was already a well-established artist when his health took a terrible turn. At Sofia's main intersection, today's parliament offices fill the Stalinist-style former Communist Party Headquarters. 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. The bricks lead to Sofia's cathedral — one of the largest Orthodox churches in Christendom. Video: Watch "Egypt's Nile, Alexandria, and Luxor," an episode of the Rick Steves' Europe TV show. Commission only the best street artists to create art, rather than eyesores. Workers rise before the sun to quickly hand-pick the new blooms. Over the next 25 years, he reveled in bright colors with a childlike exuberance, slapping thick, Van Gogh–like brushstrokes onto the canvas. Rick and wife. [nods]. However, it is inaccurate to assume him as gay as he is a proud father of two grown-up children. Stefan: Ne. Rick: This place feels so venerable. But a recent initiative to pedestrianize and cobble the streets has turned the area into a hipster paradise. Prime Video $0.00 with a Prime membership. Steves' first television show, Travels in Europe with Rick Steves, debuted on public television in April 1991 and ended production in 1998. 2:17. Spokane, Washington Est. see our FAQ. And today, it remains the country's revered national treasure. Stefan: Because actually our most favorite, most beloved saint, Saint Ivan Rilski, was buried nearby. [shaking head] He picked up the brush in his left hand and learned to paint brilliantly — in a completely different style. 4:24. In 1951, he suffered a stroke that rendered his right hand useless. Rick: So, "no" [nods]…"yes" [shakes head] — yes? Rick: …it's mineraly… After registering through Zoom, you'll receive a confirmation email with a link to the event. 2. Today, you can drive up, up, up into the mountains and stand before this decaying souvenir of a failed system. It's lined with saints, including the church's namesake, Alexander Nevsky. Rick: So what is this drink then? And today, flowers are laid at a monument to Cyril and Methodius, the missionary saints who invented the Cyrillic script to help introduce Christianity to the Slavs back in the ninth century. Relatively unknown and underappreciated, Bulgaria is a country I've long enjoyed for the surprises it offers the curious traveler. Bulgaria's complicated history has made it a melting pot. A fattened pig is slaughtered as townsfolk gather. S11 Ep1106 | 26m 15s Although the couple is separated, Rick is … And the city even has an actual yellow-brick road. We'll trace the country's complex history, from ancient Thracian tombs to medieval Orthodox Christian monasteries to Soviet monuments. And these ruins have been artfully integrated into 21st-century life. And people have enjoyed it for a very long time: Plovdiv claims to be one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. That was so good. Rick Steves' Europe. Kick off 2021 with a festival bash — Europe's biggest parties and festivals with an insider's look at the fun and craziness! 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. While most tourists stick to the cobbled old town, modern Plovdiv has plenty to offer as well. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Even though Bulgaria was famously docile under Russian rule, life under communism wasn't easy here. Rick: You like it? The Bulgarians feel a Slavic kinship with Russia — which, in 1878, helped liberate them from centuries of Ottoman rule. This bronze head of a powerful king humanizes those ancient Thracians. Bulgaria is a great place to travel. It has an airy, open street plan, fine old architecture, lush parks, and a relaxed pace of life. Sofia has lots of sprawling parks, offering apartment dwellers a green and inviting space to hang out. Thanks for joining us. They also have two children, Andy Steves, and Jackie Steves. 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. Rick: It's warm… Stefan: Very healthy. Rick Steves was married to his longtime girlfriend Anne Steves. I'm Rick Steves. Bulgaria, so mysterious to most Americans, has a vivid identity as a crossroads of the Balkans. It's fascinating to explore and easy to enjoy. Vast fields of roses bloom overnight. Rick takes you behind the scenes as he films Italy's Cinque Terre, five charming villages hidden in the rugged Italian coast. Until next time, keep on travelin'. The interior is an eerie, crumbling world of vandalized propaganda, muddy asbestos, a roof that's barely held up by its hammer and sickle, and disintegrating mosaics — once so proud, and now just a humble artifact of a fallen empire. He hosts tours, publishes guidebooks, speaks at … Fun to see Youtube video with Rick Steves and Fred Plotkin . Rick: You come here and celebrate Bulgaria. Get YouTube Premium Get YouTube TV Best of YouTube Music Sports Gaming Movies TV Shows ... VOLTERRA on Italy's Great Hill Towns by Rick Steves by VolterraTelevision. Today, these statues seem to preach their outdated ideology only to each other. Stefan: We celebrate Bulgaria, and the Bulgarian experience. Because of its strategic position, Bulgaria sits on layers of history. The wedding was conducted in St Thomas of Villanova, and the reception took place at Saint David Gold Club. Stefan: Yeah… 2014 | TV-G | CC. Travel with Rick on this video guide up the Nile River in Egypt and find out what to do on your next trip. OK. One of the finest examples is open to the public. Four centuries before Christ, back when Socrates and Plato were doing their thing in Athens — about 300 miles to the south — Bulgaria was known as "Thrace." 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. In 1951, he suffered a stroke, which made his right hand useless. This beautiful place has been a holy site and refuge for over a thousand years. Russian architects designed the church with a mix of Russian and Neo-Byzantine styles. Rick: It's confusing for a tourist, because we go "yes." The church is dedicated to Russian soldiers lost in that fight.) The style: "Bulgarian National Revival.". It's dinnertime, and Stefan's taking us out for a meal of updated Bulgarian classics. Folk traditions are alive and well. 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