AllMovie

In this 39th episode of his popular PBS travel series, Rick Steves arrives in the Turkish metropolis of Istanbul, the crossroads of Asian and European culture -- or, as Rick puts it, "culture shock in an enjoyable package." Everywhere he looks there are traces of the city's golden days as the Holy Roman Empire capitol of Constantinople. With words and pictures, Rick offers a thumbnail history of the Ottoman Empire, which lasted from 1300 A.D. to the early 20th century. Other highlights include the all-purpose mosque of Aya Sophia, the Sultan Ahmet "Blue" Mosque, and a boat ride up the Bosphorus. With the inevitable meal break at a Turkish fish market, Rick brings the third season of Travels in Europe With Rick Steves to a happy conclusion.