Italia

Two tour guides to Rome join Rick to discuss the history and artistry of the greatest church in Christendom. For more info on traveling in Europe, see www.ricksteves.com.

Visiting St. Peter's Basilica - Audio Europe: Italy (Venice, Florence, Rome)

Art history expert William Wallace joins Rick to discuss the early influences Michelangelo had in his hometown of Florence, and what you can still see of it today. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

Michelangelo in Florence - Audio Europe: Italy (Venice, Florence, Rome)

Top Renaissance paintings.  
     In the Renaissance, Florentine artists rediscovered the beauty of the natural world. The Uffizi Gallery shows this beauty in all its three-dimensional, realistic glory, capturing the optimistic spirit of the Renaissance. The Uffizi is the best collection anywhere of Italian Renaissance painting. Medieval art had been symbolic, telling Bible stories. Realism didn't matter. But Renaissance people saw the beauty of God in nature and the human body. On this 2-hour tour, we'll see the evolution from stiff medieval altarpieces to realistic, three-dimensional, beautiful canvases. The highlights? Masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Titian. Don't forget to download the handy PDF companion maps.
     Sightseeing nitty-gritty: The Uffizi is often very crowded, so consider booking an advanced reservation by telephone (39-055-294-883), online (www.b-ticket.com/b-ticket/Uffizi), through your hotelier, or at booking locations in Florence (including the Uffizi itself). The Uffizi costs €6.50, but mandatory special exhibitions generally bump the price to €10. Reservations add another €4/ticket. Hours: Tue–Sun 8:15–18:50, last entry 30 min before closing, closed Mondays. The Uffizi is located on the Arno River between the Palazzo Vecchio and Ponte Vecchio, a 15-minute walk from the train station. Tel. 055-238-8651, www.polomuseale.firenze.it. No photos allowed.
     [This audio tour was updated in 2023]
     For more specifics, consult my guidebook. This was excerpted from Rick Steves' Florence and Tuscany 2010. Copyright 2009 Avalon Travel. Related information at www.ricksteves.com.

Florence: Uffizi Gallery Audio Tour - Audio Europe: Italy (Venice, Florence, Rome)

From the Duomo to the Arno.  
     As the home of the Renaissance and birthplace of the modern, urban lifestyle, Florence is Europe's cultural capital. This 90-minute walk through the heart of Renaissance Florence starts at the soaring church dome that symbolizes the proud Renaissance spirit. We'll also see the bronze doors that opened the Renaissance, and walk the same narrow streets as Michelangelo and the Medicis. As we walk from the Duomo to the Arno River — about a mile altogether — we'll see the Florence of yesterday, but also the vibrant, trendy city that is Florence today. Don't forget to download the handy PDF companion maps.
     Sightseeing nitty-gritty: The bulk of this walk's sights are enjoyable any time of day, whether the sight is open or not. But if you choose to go inside, be aware that many of Florence's sights have erratic opening hours, some others require a reservation, and still others have long lines where reservations are strongly recommended. The Duomo (Cathedral) is free, open Mon–Wed and Fri 10:00–17:00, Thu 10:00–15:30, Sat 10:00–16:45 except first Sat of the month 10:00–15:30, Sun 13:30–16:45. Climbing the Dome costs €8, open Mon–Fri 8:30–19:00, Sat 8:30–17:40, last entry 40 min before closing, closed Sun. The Campanile (Giotto's Tower) costs €6, open daily 8:30–19:30, last entry 40 min before closing. The Baptistery interior costs €4, open Mon–Sat 12:15–19:00 except first Sat of month 8:30–14:00, Sun 8:30–14:00, last entry 30 min before closing. The famous bronze doors are on the outside so they're always "open" (viewable) and free. Orsanmichele Church is free, open Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00, closed Mon. The niche sculptures are always viewable from the outside. WCs are in cafés along the walk. In churches and other sights along this walk, photos without a flash are generally OK.
     [This audio tour was updated in 2023]
     For more specifics, consult my guidebook. This is excerpted from Rick Steves' Florence and Tuscany 2010. Copyright 2009 Avalon Travel. Related information at www.ricksteves.com.

Florence: Renaissance Walk Audio Tour - Audio Europe: Italy (Venice, Florence, Rome)

Greek tour guide Anastasia Gaitanou tells Rick how Athens has grown into a visitor-friendly destination, complete with a new Acropolis museum. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

Athens - Audio Europe: Greece

Famous hill with Parthenon.  
     Athens' show-stopper is this dramatic hill topped with the ancient world's greatest temple, the Parthenon. Stroll among historic ruins and eroded statues, and appreciate those Golden Age people who set the tone for all of Western civilization. 
     Starring: The Parthenon and its reliefs; the carayatid lady-statues of the Erechtheion; and expansive views over modern Athens.
     Practicalities: €12 ticket also includes the Agora. Open daily May-Sept 8:00–20:00, Oct-April 8:00–15:00. To avoid crowds, go before 10:00 or after 14:00. The bare hilltop can be blazingly hot and has no tourist services except WCs and drinking fountains, so plan ahead. Backpacks are allowed. Tel. 210-321-4172, www.culture.gr.
     More info: Excerpted from the book "Rick Steves' Greece," www. ricksteves.com

The Acropolis Audio Tour - Audio Europe: Greece

Italy is home to more of the world's artistic masterpieces than anywhere else. Rick talks with three art historians about how to discover, understand, and appreciate the art of Italy. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

Art in Italy - Audio Europe: Italy

Silver Ladders

Sometimes He's In My Dreams

A Spanish tour guide discusses what makes Barcelona a booming tourism destination, and offers suggestions for visiting the city's less touristy attractions.

Barcelona Guide

Three

Further

Nick Heys of Heys Reviews discusses his work researching globalism, the world controllers, and their plan for world government.

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*Podcast intro music is from the song "The Queens Jig" by "Musicke & Mirth" from their album "Music for Two Lyra Viols": http://musicke-mirth.de/en/recordings.html (available on iTunes or Amazon)

Nick Heys: The World Controllers & Their Age-Old Plan for World Government #509

Goodnight To All Dogs

Yoshio Ojima (Programming,Synthesizers,SE and Recording) 
Satsuki Shibano (BECHSTEIN Piano,Synthesizers,Voice and SE)

With our love and respect to Erik Satie and Bill Evans

Special Thanks to Noriko Nagano

Recorded and Mixed by Yoshio Ojima 
Recorded at OJIMAS' House and SHIBANOS' House , July.- Aug.1994 
Mixed at OJIMAS' House, Aug.1994

music for element (1994)  yoshio ojima / satsuki shibano

An expert on Antoni Gaudí reveals what the Modernisme architect had envisioned for Barcelona's "Sagrada Família."

Florence: Uffizi Gallery Audio Tour - Audio Europe: Italy (Venice, Florence, Rome)

Rick Steves Audio Europe

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