Ep 2. North Wales: Feisty and Poetic

In season 4, episode 2 of Rick Steves Europe, viewers are taken on a tour of North Wales. Dubbed as "Feisty and Poetic," the episode showcases the rugged and stunning beauty of Wales as well as its unique culture and history that sets it apart from other parts of the United Kingdom.

Rick Steves starts off in the medieval town of Conwy where he gets a glimpse of the 13th-century castle, one of the best-preserved fortifications remaining in Europe. The castle was constructed by King Edward I in his bid to control rebels, and viewers will learn about the strategic importance of Conwy and the castle during the middle ages.

From Conwy, Steves heads to the country's scenic coast, which he describes as "one of the most poetic corners of Europe." Along the way, viewers will discover the charm and character of the villages that dot the coastline, such as Porthdinllean, where the homes of fishermen line the cove. Here, Steves meets a group of fishermen, who take him out on their boats for a spot of fishing. The segment is both fun and interesting, as the fishermen share their knowledge of Welsh customs and practices around fishing.

The tour then visits the beautiful village of Llangollen regarded as the gateway to North Wales. The village is known for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, a cultural festival that draws thousands of visitors to the town each year. Here, Steves gets a glimpse of the festival's rehearsals, which are underway.

The episode then takes viewers to the heart of the Welsh countryside, where the rugged landscape is an excellent backdrop for the ancient Druids. Rick Steves visits Stonehenge's lesser-known cousin, the standing stones of Avebury. Here, Steves has an encounter with a local character, who introduces him to the spiritual meaning behind the stones and shares fascinating stories of the ancient site's history.

The journey then moves on to the stunning Snowdonia National Park, known for its mountains, hiking trails, and magnificent views. The park is the most extensive National Park in Wales, and Steves hikes up to the summit of Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales. The climb is strenuous but worth it- offering incredible views of the rugged park and surrounding countryside.

After the climb, Steves goes to the Beddgelert, a village located in Snowdonia National Park that's steeped in Celtic history and legend. Steves explores the area and visits the grave of Gelert, a faithful hound who paid the ultimate price for his loyalty.

The episode ends at the coastal town of Caernarfon, famous for its castle and as the birthplace of Prince Charles. Steves explains the strategic importance of Caernarfon castle during the Wars of the Roses and how it was later used as a venue for the investiture of Prince Charles in 1969.

Overall, this episode of Rick Steves Europe is an excellent display of the beauty of North Wales. The combination of history, stunning scenery, and unique Welsh culture makes it a must-watch for anyone planning to visit this captivating part of the UK.