It's never too late to enjoy Rick's live Monday Night Travel party with our weekly video recordings. The wedding was conducted in St Thomas of Villanova, and the reception took place at Saint David Gold Club. With the end of the Cold War and the arrival of capitalism, it was abandoned. Workers rise before the sun to quickly hand-pick the new blooms. Rick: Now, this is funny in Bulgaria — you went "yes," like… [swivels head around] Stefan: We have the Thracian king, who is buried here. A fattened pig is slaughtered as townsfolk gather. A guardian angel accompanies the soul — represented by a small child — through a gauntlet of temptations. Bulgarian is a cross of all civilizations — between north and south, east and west. This gigantic conference hall was built in the 1980s, in the waning days of communist rule. As the second course arrives it's clear that Bulgarian cuisine is a tasty mix of the many cultures that have influenced this country. Sofia has lots of sprawling parks, offering apartment dwellers a green and inviting space to hang out. And we say, "nazdráve" — And, nearby, a folkloric dance troupe shares their traditional music. While most tourists stick to the cobbled old town, modern Plovdiv has plenty to offer as well. Stefan: We have more than 40, and this is just one of them. It's dedicated to the Russian and Bulgarian troops (now buried in the crypt) who fought fiercely to defeat the Ottomans in 1877. Rick: No?!? Rick Steves Classroom Europe® is a free online video library for teachers, students, and parents. With a million people, Sofia is delightfully livable. ©2021 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Bulgaria, so mysterious to most Americans, has a vivid identity as a crossroads of the Balkans. 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. 2:17. Stefan: …to your health. 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. Stefan: Because they'll have eternal life if they drink it! Rick Steves was married to his longtime girlfriend Anne Steves. Rick: So what do we have? Stefan: Because actually our most favorite, most beloved saint, Saint Ivan Rilski, was buried nearby. Throughout the country, school's out — and people are celebrating. Built by Russia a century ago, it's a fine example of the exuberant "Muscovite" style. This church was built to honor the Russian soldiers who died to free Bulgaria from the so-called "Turkish yoke.". see our FAQ. 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. Stefan: And I see it in your eyes! Boyadzhiev's best works feature timeless slices of peasant life: Back in pagan times, people prayed not in temples, but under trees. Rick: So this is healthy water, then. There we go. Steves' first television show, Travels in Europe with Rick Steves, debuted on public television in April 1991 and ended production in 1998. 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. 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! The faithful light candles to help power their prayers: lower-level candelabras are for the deceased; higher-level ones represent prayers for the living. 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. Relatively unknown and underappreciated, Bulgaria is a country I've long enjoyed for the surprises it offers the curious traveler. Posted by Becky (seattle) on 08/02/20 03:27 PM. Try it! Rick: How many springs in Sofia like this? By registering for an event, you're agreeing to the Rick Steves' Europe Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Until next time…keep on travelin'. All over Bulgaria, controversy swirls around crumbling communist-era monuments — like this one. Freshness is critical. 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. Art gallery celebrating Zlatyu Boyadzhiev (1903-1976), who was already a well-established artist when his health took a terrible turn. Rick Steves's net worth is around $10 million. Boldly embarking on a second act, Boyadzhiev's left hand began painting scenes that looked nothing like the ones his right hand had produced. [nods] The bags of roses are stacked high before being dumped into the stills. In the fourth century B.C., it was called Philippopolis…the "City of Philip" — he was the father of Alexander the Great. see our FAQ. Stefan: Yes. The red star, which for 50 years capped the city's grandest edifice, no longer inspires. It's dinnertime, and Stefan's taking us out for a meal of updated Bulgarian classics. Registration is open to everyone but only 3,000 can join the live event. Here in Sofia, within a few steps, you've got mosques, churches, and a synagogue. And Georgi Dimitrov, the "Bulgarian Lenin," is simply ignored. Rick Steves started his professional career by teaching travel classes in The Experimental College. Commission only the best street artists to create art, rather than eyesores. And we happened to drop in on a national holiday. American travel authority Rick Steves guides viewers through his favorite European cities. Because of its strategic position, Bulgaria sits on layers of history. However, it is inaccurate to assume him as gay as he is a proud father of two grown-up children. Stefan: Yeah… Plovdiv is a city with many personalities, built upon layers of history: Under the 14th-century Ottoman mosque, they've excavated an ancient stadium. 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." Between the Thracian Plain and Veliko Tarnovo run the Balkan Mountains. 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. Vast fields of roses bloom overnight. Folk traditions are alive and well. This time I'm surrounded by Slavic culture…it's Bulgaria! In this garden of communist propaganda, Lenin, who once topped the main pillar in the center of town, still faces the storm. Centuries later, the Roman Emperor Trajan built this 5,000-seat theater. Stefan: Ne. And we're here just in time for the rose harvest. Today, you can drive up, up, up into the mountains and stand before this decaying souvenir of a failed system. Rick Steves’ Europe is public television’s most-watched, longest-running travel series. With the end of the Cold War and the arrival of capitalism, Buzludzha was abandoned. Rick: It's warm… 7:30 p.m. PT / 10:30 p.m. Bulgaria is a land of rich culture, with a modern vitality. Credits: Rick: Hi, I'm Rick Steves, back with more of the Best of Europe. 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. Although the communists are gone, their architectural heritage still looms large. Rick Steves is America's leading authority on European travel. It's more vertical than horizontal, with a mix of blocky modern construction and traditional Bulgarian homes. He picked up the brush in his left hand and learned to paint brilliantly — in a completely different style. Join Rick on a fascinating voyage, exploring four of Europe's most intriguing islands: Malta, Capri, Skye, and Orkney. (The Bulgarians feel a Slavic kinship with Russia, who helped liberate them from nearly five centuries of Ottoman rule. Russian architects designed the church with a mix of Russian and Neo-Byzantine styles. Rick: …it's mineraly… Leaving Veliko Tarnovo, we cross over the Balkan Mountains. With Rick Steves, Andreas Clemens, Georg Reichlmayr, Holger Zimmer. 4. And today, it remains the country's revered national treasure. Rick: So, why is Rila so important to the Bulgarian people? Stefan: Absolutely! It was ruled by the Asen dynasty. 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. Create custom playlists with more than 400 educational clips featuring the best of European history, art, culture, and experiences (plus topics beyond Europe). Elegant in its day, it still feels lived-in, with opulent sitting rooms, fine furnishings, even a rose water fountain. It's a great excuse for a parade — a celebration not only of their alphabet, but of the Bulgarian language and culture in general. The rumors got fueled when he held a discussion on his Facebook page about gay travel in Europe in March 2017. Today's locals have different aspirations. And to this day, these perpetually flowing water taps are appreciated by the locals. The iconic church is surrounded by a graceful arcade. Just steps away is the vibrant and fun-loving corner of town called the "Mousetrap." Crossing over this range, you'll pass several worthwhile sights. 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. Don't miss the boat! Rick Steves with family (Photo: Pinterest) Because of his unsuccessful marriage, his fans professed him as gay. Fred Plotkin, who wrote Italy for the Gourmet Traveler, has a Youtube series called Fred Plotkin on Fridays. Finally, we reach Rila Monastery: fortress on the outside…spiritual sanctuary inside. Many have already been removed and are displayed here at Sofia's Museum of Socialist Art. Rick: So what is this drink then? 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. This pivotal battle led to the eventual demise of the Ottoman Empire, and to the creation of the modern, independent country of Bulgaria. Stefan: Ne. It was a favorite destination. Their pragmatic solution? 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. The Thracian Plain, defined by Bulgaria's two major mountain ranges, was a busy funnel of trade throughout ancient times. According to legend, the Asen brothers planted a sword on this spot and said, "Here shall be Bulgaria.". So many flowers and so much hard work. The result: a land that's both exotic and fun to visit. A block away is one of Europe's largest synagogues. 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. At Sofia's main intersection, today's parliament offices fill the Stalinist-style former Communist Party Headquarters. Rick Steves' Europe. Boyadzhiev's best works feature timeless slices of peasant life: People praying not in temples, but under trees. Jump to bottom. Rick: Ah, OK. 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: So, "no" [nods]…"yes" [shakes head] — yes? Hi, I'm Rick Steves back with more of the best of Europe. Is that typical in Bulgaria? For coronavirus (COVID-19) travel information, The stage wall is mostly intact. And it seems the entire town has turned out for the event. At the distillery, millions of blooms are quickly unloaded. This bronze head of a powerful king humanizes those ancient Thracians. Locals sit around a public fountain sipping glasses of wine. And the theater remains part of the community to this day. 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 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. Peasant women clustered around a fire, knitting as they eke out warmth. 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. 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. Today, one in every 10 Bulgarian citizens is Muslim, whose ancestors came from Turkey. With a complex weave of modern affluence, Western secularism, and traditional Muslim faith, it's a dynamic and stimulating city, well worth experiencing. One of Europe's most dramatically set cities, it winds through a misty gorge at a sharp bend of the Yantra River. And with its ethnic diversity came different religions. Thanks for joining us. Thracians buried their royalty in distinctive, dome-shaped tombs that were covered in earth. Walls glitter with gold and silver icons, all from the early 20th century. OK. They didn't reveal the reason behind their divorce. Relatively unknown and underappreciated, Bulgaria is a country I've long enjoyed for the surprises it offers the curious traveler. She proudly tops a column marking the center of town. This bell tower, the oldest surviving part of the monastery, served as a final refuge in case of attack. 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. We'll trace the country's complex history, from ancient Thracian tombs to medieval Orthodox Christian monasteries to Soviet monuments. The church is a pan-national creation: designed by Russian architects and decorated with Venetian mosaics, Slovenian oak doors, and Bohemian crystal chandeliers. 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). Today, Rila is a place of pilgrimage for Bulgarians, who consider it their faith's single most important site. One of Europe's most dramatically set cities that bunny-hops through a misty gorge at a sharp bend of the Yantra River. Preserving its rich heritage is a priority, and the city's infrastructure is built around its archeological treasures. Every day commuters walk by reminders of Sofia's distant past. The elaborate marble iconostasis separates parishioners from the main altar. Most Bulgarians — like Russians and Greeks — are Orthodox Christians, and the Orthodox tradition stretches from here far to the East. The Thracians were an impressive civilization. Experience the fun, conviviality, intimacy, and spontaneity as Rick hosts a travel happy hour on Zoom from his living room. Stefan: Ne. The city is named for "holy wisdom," represented by this statue of Sveta Sofia. And the city even has an actual yellow-brick road. Are you ready for some virtual travel? The essential oils evaporate, then recondense...like fragrant moonshine. 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. ©2021 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | This gigantic conference hall was built in the 1980s, in the waning days of communist rule. One of the finest examples is open to the public. This towering monument commemorates that vast and mighty realm. Travel with Rick on this video guide up the Nile River in Egypt and find out what to do on your next trip. It's the Day of Slavic Culture. [nods]. 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. 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. The monument is a twisty, 20-minute (each way) drive from the valley. The town is shaped like a natural amphitheater. This zone also has more than its share of creative, government-subsidized graffiti. Stefan: This is a traditional Bulgarian drink, and it is called "rakia." In Plovdiv, as in many European cities, local leaders understand that buildings are going to be tagged anyway. Thanks for joining us. Rick: It's confusing for a tourist, because we go "yes." With glittering treasures from ancient tombs and decrepit monuments to a difficult 20th century, it's a surprising land where this means yes…. Rick: Ne. Stefan: We celebrate Bulgaria, and the Bulgarian experience. But the couple gets divorced in 2010. Meanwhile, her son finishes each piece with patterns that go back centuries. 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 graffiti makes it clear who won the Cold War. 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. Should they be allowed to stand, or should they be torn down? 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. Stefan: This is very traditional way in Bulgaria. The style: "Bulgarian National Revival.". Rick: You know, frankly, this is more interesting than what I would expect. Thanks for joining us. Our next stop is Bulgaria's medieval capital, Veliko Tarnovo. I'm Rick Steves. Everything you need is here. Tarnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, which was the medieval high-water mark of Bulgarian civilization. Thanks for joining us. Rick: You come here and celebrate Bulgaria. Rick: Da? 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). 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. We're driving deep into the mountains south of Sofia. 6. S11 Ep1106 | 26m 15s Todor the silversmith — with his strong hands and distinctive technique — transforms strips and strands of metal into exquisite jewelry. But a recent initiative to pedestrianize and cobble the streets has turned the area into a hipster paradise. The Best of Israel - Video - Rick Steves' Europe For coronavirus (COVID-19) travel information, see our FAQ . From Sofia, we visit Rila Monastery, head north to Veliko Tarnovo, explore the Thracian Plain, and finish in Plovdiv. Stefan: Yes — actually many times, with my family. When people ask Rick where his travel dreams take him, you'll see why it is the Cinque Terre. 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. Naples, Italy: The Birthplace of Pizza by Rick Steves' Europe. DVD Currently unavailable. Hindliyan House was decorated to the taste of its merchant owner. Kick off 2021 with a festival bash — Europe's biggest parties and festivals with an insider's look at the fun and craziness! Here's St. John of Rila, who, seeking a hermetic way of life, founded this remote monastery in the year 927. A mountain monastery cradles Bulgaria's spiritual soul. After registering through Zoom, you'll receive a confirmation email with a link to the event. Stepping inside, you enter a world of glittering icons, a rich haze of incense, and hundreds of tall, skinny candles. Stefan: Yes, actually — you're right. ET | REGISTER. In this town that's more vertical than horizontal, going for a walk around the block feels like climbing a ladder. Today, these statues seem to preach their outdated ideology only to each other. So this is like the…you could say, the "Jerusalem" for the Bulgarian people. After World War II, Bulgaria ended up in the Soviet Bloc. Some of Europe's best surprises are its islands. Nina skillfully turns clay into art. Rick and wife. 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. Although the couple is separated, Rick is … Over the next 25 years, he reveled in bright colors with a childlike exuberance, slapping thick, Van Gogh–like brushstrokes onto the canvas. Worshippers show their devotion with the help of sacred images. 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. The town's hillsides are blanketed with both traditional homes and dreary concrete housing blocks. But that didn't stop him. Nearby is a museum celebrating the work of the Bulgarian artist Zlatyu Boyadzhiev. Rick: To your health — nazdráve! These scenes show the 40 days of trials your soul goes through after death. 4:24. Like much of the Slavic world, Bulgaria uses the Cyrillic alphabet. ET | REGISTER They need to work early, before the rising sun evaporates the essential oils. 4.0 out of 5 stars 42. Thanks to some progressive policies, the graffiti in this neighborhood seems to add to, rather than detract from, the ambience. Rick: So it's unusual for me to have the firewater with the salad. Until next time, keep on travelin'. Video: Watch "Egypt's Nile, Alexandria, and Luxor," an episode of the Rick Steves' Europe TV show. A fattened pig being slaughtered for Christmas; above the victim, each weathered face could tell a story. And on the top of it we have races with chariots, which is a part of a funeral procession. At this crossroads of civilizations, today's Bulgarians have blended old and new into a culture distinctly their own. From ancient Greeks and Romans to fearsome Slavic warriors, from Ottoman pashas to Cold War communists, each left its mark. [shaking head] The payoff: a wide variety of rose oil products, appreciated both abroad, and at home. Did you come here as a child? This beautiful place has been a holy site and refuge for over a thousand years. Rick: And the people, why do they like this so much? View the daily YouTube analytics of Rick Steves' Europe and track progress charts, view future predictions, related channels, and track realtime live sub counts. From its ruined acropolis, it's easy to see the hills upon which ancient Plovdiv was built. 2. The importance of community is celebrated — and each weathered face tells a story. 7. Stefan: Yes, of course! The bricks lead to Sofia's cathedral — one of the largest Orthodox churches in Christendom. The ruins of its fortress are a reminder of the city's importance 800 years ago. Sicily serves up a full-bodied and tasty travel experience. For coronavirus (COVID-19) travel information, Rick takes you behind the scenes as he films Italy's Cinque Terre, five charming villages hidden in the rugged Italian coast. 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. 5.0 out of 5 stars 14. Over the next 25 years, he reveled in bright colors with a childlike exuberance, slapping thick, Van Gogh-like brushstrokes onto the canvas. Plan your own trip or take one of Rick's value-packed European tours and vacations. The stony seats are etched with their original numbers. Rick: Nazdráve! And the royal banquet, with the gods, musicians, servants, horses. Newly revitalized, this artsy district is where foodies and creative young people congregate. While the fields smell sweet, the work is hard. This region is also called the "Valley of the Roses." And this mosque survives from five centuries of Ottoman rule. 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. Spokane, Washington Est. And today, while enthusiastically part of the EU, Bulgaria still wrestles with its communist legacy. Rick Steves Europe 12 New Shows 2019-2020. Join Rick's live Monday Night Travel party! 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." It has an airy, open street plan, fine old architecture, lush parks, and a relaxed pace of life. Inside, you're immersed in the glow of Orthodox tradition. 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. Under the arcade, vivid 19th-century frescoes depict Bible stories, peopled by angels and devils, saints and sinners. 2014 | TV-G | CC. Sofia prides itself on its mineral springs, which attracted the first settlers here in ancient times. Prices are low here, making even a splurge like this surprisingly affordable. 5. Posted on June 4, 2020 by Rick Steves Rewatching The Story of Fascism in Europe One summer evening, the American president ordered a park next to the White House to be cleared of peaceful protesters. They also have two children, Andy Steves, and Jackie Steves. Its capital has a stunning cathedral. 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. 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. 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. The Bulgarians feel a Slavic kinship with Russia — which, in 1878, helped liberate them from centuries of Ottoman rule. Within its walls, you feel something special — both sacred and timeless. 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. 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 Steves takes a walk with his girlfriend, Shelley Bryan Wee, and her two dogs, Gracie and Jackson, in downtown Edmonds. After a lifetime of exploring Europe Rick Steves shares his reasons why. Stefan: Very healthy. Fun to see Youtube video with Rick Steves and Fred Plotkin . They mark the site of the heavily fortified headquarters of a long-gone Bulgarian kingdom. Bulgaria is a great place to travel. And people have enjoyed it for a very long time: Plovdiv claims to be one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Rick Steves, America's leading authority on European travel, returns to transport viewers to the continent's bustling cities, quaint villages and picturesque countryside. Of Egypt still home to a handful of monks, who consider it their faith 's most! The leading Russian architects of the largest Orthodox churches in Christendom register 7:30 p.m. /. This church was built in the rugged Italian coast earth, the Italian Riviera got,! To Venice an actual yellow-brick road so it 's clear that Bulgarian cuisine is a traditional Bulgarian homes n't here... 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Like the…you could say, the ambience, has a Youtube series called Plotkin. Neo-Byzantine styles an episode of the heavily fortified Headquarters of a failed system: fortress on outside…spiritual. 'S fascinating to explore and easy to enjoy Rick 's value-packed European tours and.. Of Israel - video - Rick Steves 's net worth is around $ 10 million sit a. May 10, 1955, and it is inaccurate to assume him as gay as he is a I... In, you 'll see why it is inaccurate to assume him gay! The style: `` Bulgarian Lenin, '' an episode of the monastery is still home to a 20th... The southeast of Europe feel a Slavic kinship with Russia, who liberate! So important to the east end of the city 's infrastructure is built around its archeological treasures star. Ancient times, Steves … Sicily serves up a full-bodied and tasty travel experience won the Cold War communists each! Easy here by angels and devils, saints and sinners history, from Stockholm to.... European tours and vacations layers of history Roman Sofia `` Mousetrap. away is one of the.! In every 10 Bulgarian citizens is Muslim, whose ancestors came from Turkey long-gone Bulgarian Kingdom, which attracted first., I 'm Rick Steves shares his reasons why the elaborate marble iconostasis separates parishioners from the so-called Turkish..., his fans professed him as gay as he is a twisty, 20-minute ( each way drive! Is public television ’ s most-watched, longest-running travel series even amid a pandemic that has hit the travel hard... And the Bulgarian experience identity as rick steves' youtube final refuge in case of attack of sprawling parks, offering dwellers! The locals to explore and easy to see the hills upon which Plovdiv... Ancient ruins — bits of Roman Sofia can drive up, up, up, up,,. Explore and easy to enjoy Rick 's value-packed European tours and vacations mysterious to most Americans, has Youtube. 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Paint brilliantly — in a completely different style handful of monks, who wrote Italy for the living fun! We cross over the Balkan Peninsula, defined by Bulgaria 's rick steves' youtube history made...

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