Rick Steves' Europe

- Season 8

(2014)

After kicking off in Kusadasi, we wander ancient Ephesus, soak in a natural spa at Pamukkale, learn why dervishes whirl at Konya, and sail the Mediterranean on a "gulet" from Antalya.

Marvel at the otherworldly Cappadocian landscape from above in a hot-air balloon, and from below in a labyrinthine underground city. Explore troglodyte ghost towns, and chat with an imam. Also, experience incredible Ankara and Atatürk.

In France's Loire Valley, we'll visit four unique castles - elegant Chenonceau, massive Chambord, stately Cheverny, and fragrant Villandry - with fun stops along the way.

After roaming Versailles - the palace of palaces - we'll drop in on exquisite Vaux-le-Vicomte and extravagant Fontainebleau, marvel at Chartres Cathedral...and dine like kings.

We'll discover the best of Israel, stopping in passionate, traditional Jerusalem, cosmopolitan Tel Aviv, the fortress of Masada, the Sea of Galilee, and the Yad Vashem memorial.

Exploring Palestine - the Muslim and Arab half of the Holy Land - we'll visit Jerusalem, harvest olives near Ramallah, follow pilgrims to Bethlehem, and bob in the Dead Sea.

We'll visit Italy's five tiny seaside towns known as the Cinque Terre, while stopping to fish for anchovies, sip wine from barrels, and savor twinkling Mediterranean vistas.

We'll visit three great cities in the shadow of Venice: Padova (Padua), with its university life and famed basilica; Verona and its Roman ruins; and Ravenna, for its shimmering mosaics.

Uniquely entertaining Amsterdam shows off its Rembrandts and Van Goghs, rivers of bikes, and pot-filled coffees hops - all under gabled facades leaning out over placid canals.

Zipping from Haarlem to Rotterdam, and from Delft to the former Zuiderzee, we'll enjoy fragrant cheese markets, soggy polderland, charming towns, and windmills both new and old.

We'll visit beautifully preserved Prague to experience its massive castle, evocative Jewish Quarter, thrilling history, infectious music...and perhaps the best beer in Europe.

While visiting Berlin's powerful sights - moving memorials, top-tier museums, surviving bits of communist and fascist days - we'll take time to revel in its vibrant social scene.