As he's done with previous programs on Israel, Egypt, and eastern Turkey, Rick takes us beyond Europe to a place that's rich with history…and mystery. In this first of two half-hour shows on Iran, Rick dodges traffic in Tehran, enjoys the tranquility of a nearby village (Abyaneh), and encounters both anti-American propaganda and a warm welcome from everyday Iranians. This episode of Rick Steves' Europe was created with footage from the first half of the one-hour television special, "Rick Steves' Iran: Yesterday and Today."

Rick Steves believes there's more to travel than good food and fun in the sun. Travelers who "travel as a political act" can have the time of their lives and come home smarter, with a better understanding of today's world. He discusses how his travels have helped shape his worldviews on drug policy reform, national security, and America's place in the world. In his inspirational lecture, Rick explains how, when we venture thoughtfully out of our comfort zone, we gain an empathy for the other 96 percent of humanity and come home with the greatest of all souvenirs: a broader perspective.