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Rick Steves' Europe
Why We Travel
Season 11
Episode 1108
In times of crisis and challenge, we ask ourselves: What is the true value of travel? Is it just hedonism...or something more powerful? After a lifetime of exploring Europe Rick Steves shares his reasons why. 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.
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25:16
The turbulent century and its rule-breaking art—Picasso, Surrealism and edgy architecture.
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25:17
Shimmering Impressionist canvases by Monet and Renoir, plus Van Gogh, Gauguin and more.
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25:18
Roaming Europe, we admire stately Neoclassical buildings and dramatic Romantic paintings.
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25:36
We marvel at Baroque’s over-the-top churches, palaces, bubbly fountains, and theatric art.
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25:39
From Portugal to Germany, booming economies and new technologies produce exquisite art.
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25:18
Florence’s bold “rebirth” is powered by the genius of Leonardo, Rafael, and Michelangelo.
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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.
25:19
The grand cities of ancient Rome’s vast empire and majestic churches of its fall.
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25:37
Rome’s rise, as seen in its supersized monuments, colorful mosaics, and marble Caesars.
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25:19
Greece’s timeless art: Golden Age temples, alluring Venuses, and exuberant Winged Victory.
25:18
We marvel at Stone Age cave paintings, mighty megaliths, and mysterious goddesses.