Getting to Know Village Turkey, France & Italy
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| Our village tours stay in memorable, family-owned hotels and inns, like this one in Turkey. |
All of Rick Steves' tours emphasize people-to-people contact and local cultures, but our 'village tours' are designed to draw you in a little more deeply. You may learn about the 'slow food' movement while taking helpings of a home-cooked meal, how fine wines are created as you walk through a carefully-tended vineyard, or what it takes to press the smoothest olive oil you've ever tasted...as it touches your lips. Rick's hand-picked guides and daily encounters with unforgettable Europeans make our village tours outstanding travel experiences. Here's a little taste of what we're offering for 2009...
Learn About Rick Steves'…
Village Turkey in 10 Days
Just announced! Turkey's rich history and beautiful sights are well worth the journey, but what brings travelers back is the hospitality and culture of its people. Our newest tour follows the western coast, connecting historic sites, harbor-side views...and people to people. You'll sail the Aegean (for a day), dive into markets, taste the wines, and learn from local artisans.
Villages & Vineyards of Eastern France in 13 Days
New for 2009. The heart and soul of France is discovered in its classic villages and carefully-tended vineyards. You'll get to know unspoiled, cobble-stoned towns, and the friendly people who call them home. You'll hike (or soar) to your heart's content in the alpine majesty of Chamonix. And you'll savor the quieter pleasures of France, from its bountiful wine regions to its serene harbors.
Village Italy in 14 Days
What started it all. Ready to experience a more intimate side of Italy, with a tasty focus on food, wine and culture? Join us and you'll drink in a rich blend of wine-cellared villages and cypress-lined country lanes. Along the way you'll walk with local historians, chat with artisans, sip with vintners and learn a few chefs' secrets. You'll linger on village squares 'til midnight, wake to birdsong, and appreciate la dolce far niente.
Online Articles:
Bella Tuscany: "Here Begins Prosciutto"
Learning from locals who remain close to their traditions, and the earth.
Reims Rhymes with France
Getting goose-bumps over buttresses, bubbly and Ike where our Village France tour begins.
Getting Your Buzz with Turkish Coffee
A gritty cup o' joe you'd never brew at home is something to savor in Turkey.
Radio Podcasts with a Village Flavor
Turkey Beyond Istanbul
Turkey has become a favorite haunt of travelers who look for a distinct and welcoming culture — living on top of layers of history from the civilizations of long ago. In this show, former Rick Steves tour guide Meli Seval introduces us to the appeal of Turkey deep within the country — beyond the cosmopolitan scene in Istanbul (originally aired 11/1/2008).
- Listen to the entire show (Windows Media)
Chow Italia: Fred Plotkin's Gourmet Italy
Join us for a gastronomic pilgrimage with the author of "Italy for the Gourmet Traveler." In this show, Fred Plotkin joins Rick to savor the variety of Italy's regional specialties. We'll learn where to look for great Italian food on a budget, and local traditions Italians have for what and when they eat and drink (originally aired 9/13/2008).
- Listen to the entire show (Windows Media)