Greece

Questar. Walk along paths at the Acropolis that were once trod by Socrates and other great philosophers. Explore the isle of Santorini with its famed Aegean architecture, and visit the picturesque windmills of Mykonos. In Crete, examine the ruins of Knossos, where the legendary King Minos lived. And in Delphi, learn of the oracles who foretold the future. Approximately 2 hours.

Globe Trekker. Greece, cradle of the Western Civilization, is often considered as the last country of the West and the first of the East. Traveller Christina Chang visits Mainland Greece, its cosmopolitan and culturally rich capital Athens, and the Peloponnesian peninsula; while Megan McCormick heads for the beautiful Greek Islands, scattered around the blue waters of the Ionian and the Aegean Seas. 2 Hours. Along the way? $_$_START_LIST ? Visit the awe inspiring Acropolis overlooking Athens. ? Witness the ancient fire walking festival of Sires in Northern Greece. ? Visit the most southern tip of mainland Greece, thought by the Greeks to shelter the entrance to Hades. ? Catch the ferry Hydra for the celebrations of the Miaoulia Festival. ? Visit the holy isle of Patmos, the party island of Mykonos, the ancient island of Delos, and the volcanic island of Santorini. ? Trek through the spectacular Samaria Gorge in Crete. $_$_END_LIST

DVD. 45 Minutes. Originally created for IMAX theaters and narrated by Nia Vardalos, this fascinating and educational documentary explores the astonishingly rich history of ancient Greece. Using advanced archeological techniques, the film takes viewers onto a journey into the birth of western civilization, using gorgeous cinematography to capture the region's natural beauty and advanced computer graphics to recreate history.

DVD. 7 Days. 52 Minutes. Although Greece is the home of ancient gods, birthplace of European civilization and a country of great warriors and philosophers it is also a country of many islands with tiny villages and white houses, a deep blue sea and almost constant sunshine. Athens is a lively city set in historic surroundings. Unique among all other Greek temples is the Acropolis whose imposing appearance and artistic decoration signified the great influence and power of ancient Athens. Six female figures, the Karyatides, support the southern hall of the Ionic Temple of Erechtheion that stands on sacred ground close to the main temple. The imposing Mitr?polis is the main Greek Orthodox cathedral in Athens. A total of four architects designed this cathedral whose walls comprise the remains of no less than seventy former sacred buildings. The Cyclades Islands are situated in the middle of the Southern Aegean that like a magic circle flows around its former centre, the sacred island of Delos, Mykonos. For centuries this picturesque former pirate village in the middle of Cyclades group of islands has been the meeting place for artists, V.I.P.'s and the international glitterati. The Cyclades are also known as The Pearls Of Greece and it seems as though the gods have scattered a handful of beautiful pearls into the deep blue Aegean Sea. In ancient times they were also known as The Islands Of Light because Apollo, the God of Light and Learning, was born here and also worshipped on the islands. Santorini is the most southerly of the Cyclades Islands and the legendary location of the mythical lost island of Atlantis and also a breathtaking island paradise of rock, lava, sea and light. Crete is the `Island Of Light' and the birthplace of Zeus. Heraklion is the capital of the largest and most southerly of the Greek islands on which a highly developed culture has existed for four thousand years. It's no wonder that in these magnificent islands in the Aegean numerous gods, knights and tourists have always found much good fortune and enchantment!

DVD. Media Lab. 30 Minutes. Immerse yourself into the fascinating world of Greece.Sit back, relax and enjoy the feelings generated by this beautiful Greek scenery. Listen to the traditional music, watch the marvelous landscape that provides a harmonic ambience to relief the stress of modern life. The video was shot in Crete and Peloponnes.

DVD. The Greatest Journeys on Earth. 48 Minutes. Journeys to the Gods After having venerated the pagan gods of Antiquity, two thousand years ago Greece chose to convert to Christianity. From that time forward monks undertook the construction of imposing monasteries hidden away in unusual spots like the edges of cliffs, volcanic islands, or inaccessible rocky summits. Travelers who choose to visit Mount Athos, the Meteoras or the Island of Patmos will not only live through a memorable mystical experience, but will dive head first into an unforgettable odyssey, leading to the heart of the Byzantine Empire. The Greatest Journeys on Earth This collection of thirteen one-hour documentaries suggests unusual itineraries through some of the most beautiful places on earth. Each journey takes the viewer beyond the usual commonplace clichTs of travel destinations. Instead, through geography, history, architecture, culture, celebrations, leisure activities and gastronomy, viewers are able to appreciate the art of living in each destination. With interviews, visits, lavish meals and celebrations, viewers become aware of the richly-textured history of these great destinations. Each program investigates the history and progress of a skill, a means of expression, or a practical discovery that has become an integral part of economic life in a world-famous region. In this way, each story paints a historical portrait and reveals a way of life. The Greatest Journeys on Earth brings viewers into the network of inns and castles in each destination. Gastronomy, leisure, and reminders of celebrities who marked the history of these sites allow viewers to relive, in the present, the magnificent times of the past.

This 2-disc set gives you the 4 newest, widescreen, hi-def "Rick Steves' Europe" TV shows covering Greece, Turkey and Portugal on a Blu-ray disc — plus a set of all 8 shows (old and new) on a DVD. It’s a great value, no matter what kind of player you own (or will own in the future)! Greece, Turkey & Portugal 2000-2014 will take you... On the Blu-ray Disc: 4 shows, 2 hours • Athens and Side Trips • Greece's Peloponnese • Istanbul • Lisbon and the Algarve (all in 1080i 16x9 hi-def format, not closed captioned) On the DVD: 8 shows, 4 hours • Athens and Side Trips • Greece's Peloponnese • Greek Islands • Istanbul • West Turkey • Central Turkey • Eastern Turkey • Lisbon and the Algarve (NTSC format, all region compatible, close captioned, 4 newest shows are widescreen) Want More Shows? Rick Steves' Europe: All Blu-ray Collectors' Edition Box Set is a special 12-disc set that features 70 of Rick Steves' newest shows in super-sharp Blu-ray format (requires a Blu-ray player). Rick Steves' Europe: All 100 Shows 2000-2014 DVD Box Set includes an additional 30 older, standard-definition shows and extras — but the entire set is in DVD format, not Blu-ray.

DVD. The World Atlas. 103 Minutes. The Atlas steps into the digital age. A new one-of-a-kind World Atlas covering all parts of the globe with animated maps from Rand McNally and in-depth cultural and historical information. Each episode is dedicated to different countries, containing four distinct features - physical geography, political geography, popular locations, and thematic maps. The new digitally animated one-of-a-kind version of an Atlas of the World like you have never seen before!

DVD. Discover The World. 30 Minutes. This program looks at the people, history, culture and geography of: Greece.

DVD. Discover The World. 30 Minutes.This program looks at the people, history, culture and geography of: Greece.

DVD. Cities of the World. 60 Minutes. Greece is the cradle of European civilization, a quarry of mythology and ancient relics. On the Chalkidiki Peninsula we can visit the city of Thessalonica, the beaches of Katerini and Paralia, and from the boat we can take a look at the mystical monastery republic, Athos. Near the legendary Olympus Mountain we can take a look at the `rocks of gods', the Meteora monasteries built on the sky-high cliffs. Athens's well known building is the Acropolis, which is garlanded by the golden pillars of the Parthenon. The Agora was the marketplace of the ancient Athens, while the Plaka is a current, full of life eastern bazaar. From the capital the visitors can take journeys to the canal of Corinth and to the beaches of the Attican Riviera. From the dock of Pireus it is easy to take a boat and visit the islands of the Aegean and Ionic Sea. The islands tell us of Romans, Byzantines, pirates and knights. Among the olive tree gardens and orange trees white houses, temples and sunlit ruins are hiding. The sea is blue in the bays surrounded by beaches and on the terrace of a tavern the flavors of the Greek cuisine are always welcome.

DVD. 100 Minutes. Discover The Secrets Behind The Legends Explore the birthplace of Western civilization and extraordinary legends to discover how the Ancient Greeks used imagination and inventiveness and courage and conviction to lead architecture into the modern world. On-location footage, computer modeling and scholarly commentary illuminate how the Greeks were able to realize so many groundbreaking and unique engineering innovations at the dawn of European history. Includes: The Palace of Knossos- did this building house the terrifying Minotaur? The Theatre of Epidaurus- a front row seat for this dazzling feat of engineering The Colossus of Rhodes- a lost triumph that has baffled experts for centuries The Lost City of Atlantis-join the search for this legendary lost civilization The Parthenon- a scandalous foundation for the greatest wonder of ancient Greece Extra Features Acropolis Inside Ancient Greece 5000 Years Of Magnificent Wonders Discover the secrets of more than 60 of Man's most spectacular achievements from around the world. Who built them, and why? What inspired them? Why do these magnificent creations continue to instill a sense of awe-inspiring wonder? Spectacular photography, state-of-the-art computer animation, dramatic reenactments, and insightful commentary capture the astonishing beauty and power of 5000 Years Of Magnificent Wonders to experience time and again.

Join Rick and get a real feel for the people he meets. Find a true understanding of treasured local customs with visits to Athens and the Acropolis; The Peloponnese and the Mycenae Palace; The Greek Islands; Central Turkey, Ankara and Cappadocia; Turkish West Coast, Kusadasi and Ephesus; Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and Kibbutz Ein Gedi; Cairo to Luxor; The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Extra DVD features include: Gates of Jerusalem; Thessalonika and Greek Monasteries; Istanbul; and Rick's Back Door Travel Tips. 3? hours DVD.

117 Minutes. Take a grand tour of the Old World with public radio's original Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, host of the award-winning American Public Television series, Smart Travels, and contributing editor to National Geographic Traveler magazine. This DVD includes visits to: Athens and Delphi - Following a tour of Athens' historic sites, take a pilgrimage to the famed Oracle of Delphi, and visit a beautiful medieval monastery. On the Peloponnesian Peninsula, scope out Nafplion's charming port, and visit the epic ruins of King Agamemnon in the ancient capital of Mycenae. Greek Islands - Go island hopping on the Aegean! On the sun-drenched island of Santorini, discover a city frozen in time by a volcano's eruption 3,600 years ago. Catch some R&R on trendy Mykonos, and then head to sacred Delos, an uninhabited island covered with ancient ruins. Out of Rome - Explore the environs of Rome by way of the Appian Way. First, experience the majesty of Emperor Hadrian's villa and lakes of the Alban Hills. Next, head south to the ancient seaport of Ostia. Along the way, sample olive oil, stop at a medieval hilltop town, and enjoy a retreat fit for an emperor at a five-star villa. Classical Europe - Ancient Greek and Roman remnants are more than cold stone. They hold centuries of stories. Revisit favorite classical sites around the Mediterranean, including Athens, Delphi, Delos, Paestum, Syracuse, Pompeii, Rome, and Provence. Extra Features: Rudy's Travel Tips - E-tickets, in-flight email, looking for festivals. Fascinating Side Trips - Music videos: Athens and Delphi, Greek Islands' traditional Italian street music, and more.

Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Between the Greek mainland and Peloponnes are the extensive ruins of ancient Corinth. Of the city's former magnificence, only a few Doric columns of the 6th century Apollo Temple have survived. Due to its favourable location and fertile soil, three thousand years ago during the Neolithic period the first settlements were established in this region. 146 B.C. marked the end of Classical Corinth. The Romans devastated and plundered the ancient metropolis and enslaved its people and for almost a hundred years the ruins were uninhabited but, due to Caesar, new life returned to the city. Surrounded by the pure, wild beauty of Nature, the ruins blend harmoniously into the magnificence of the surrounding landscape. From a medieval fortress, in the distance there are the remains of an ancient Corinthian port and even today shipping plays an important role in the everyday life of this ancient city.

Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Set in the picturesque, deeply fissured hillside of the Parnass, Delphi is where over 2000 years ago the Greeks sought spiritual advice from the god Apollo, who they believed spoke to them through an oracle. Delphi was home to the Amphictyonic League, the most important of the Greek city states, and was also the location of the Pythian Games. Two eagles dispatched by Zeus from the end of the world met at the foot of Mount Parnassus in Delphi, thus creating the `omphalos' or `navel of the world'. It was hoped that the priestess attendant at the site, Pythia, would impart the will of God which she expressed through her `raging mouth', in ecstasy. This idyllic location, which includes the holy temple of Athena Pronaia, has retained its mystique right up to the present day.

DVD. Terra Mystica. 26 Minutes. Delphi was home to the Amphictyonic League, the most important of the Greek city states, and was also the location of the Pythian Games. Two eagles dispatched by Zeus from the end of the world met at the foot of Mount Parnassus in Delphi, thus creating the `omphalos' or `navel of the world'. It was hoped that the priestess attendant at the site, Pythia, would impart the will of God, which she expressed through her `raging mouth', in ecstasy.

DVD. The Brewshow. 40 Minutes. Athens is one of the world's oldest cities with a recorded history of around 3,400 years. The city is widely referred to as the cradle of western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. Today it's got great craft beer too! Crete is the largest of the Greek Isles and is known for great food, music, wine, villages and of course, beautiful beaches. Let's hit it!

Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Athens is a lively city set in historic surroundings. Likavitt?s is a two hundred and seventy-seven meter-high limestone rock that dominates the city. It towers up above several buildings and on its summit there's a small chapel. The capital of Greece has a long history. It was founded three thousand five hundred years ago and had its golden age during Greek Antiquity under the democratic rule of Perikles. At that time the symbol of one Europe's most influential cultures was created, Greek's national sanctuary, the Acropolis. It took nine years to build the great temple of the goddess Athene, The Parthenon, that was completed in 438 B.C. Unique among all other Greek temples, with its imposing appearance and artistic decoration this temple signified the great influence and power of ancient Athens. With its striking majestic appearance and timeless elegance it was more magnificent than any other building in Greece. Six female figures, the Karyatides, support the southern hall of the Ionic Temple of Erechtheion that stands on sacred ground close to the main temple. Since the beginning of the 4th century the mythical kings Kekrops and Erechtheu were worshiped here until the city's subsequent decline. Legend has it that during a contest between the gods Poseidon left the imprint of his trident on a rock upon which Athene created an olive tree. Throughout its history the temple served many purposes and the Turks, somewhat disrespectfully, transformed the Erechtheion into a harem. The evening sun descends slowly across the ruins of Ancient Greece. The marble of the temple shines golden as though to thank the gods for creating this remarkable city. A city in which both antiquity and the present unite: a symbol of the Occident.

DVD. Cities of the World. 60 Minutes. Whoever visits the Greek capital takes a pilgrimage to the fountain of European culture. The city's most famous building is the Acropolis, which is garlanded by the golden pillars of the Parthenon. The statues, reliefs and frieses of the Acropolis Museum and the Archeological Museum of Athens show us the classical beauty ideal and the perfect sense of proportion. The Agora tells us about the life of ancient Athens, while the Plaka with its narrow roads introduces us to a vivid, Eastern bazaar. In front of the parliament, traditionally dressed guards make up a guard of honor. The city can be best seen from the Likavitos mountain, and the sunset is the most beautiful. From Athens we can take a trip to the port of Pireus, to the monument of the battle at Marathon, to the ruins of the sacred area of Eleusis, to the Korinthos canal, and to the sunny holiday resorts of the Attican Riviera.