Travel with Rick Steves
A weekly one-hour conversation with guest experts and callers about travel, cultures, people, and the things we find around the world that give life its extra sparkle. Rick Steves is America's leading authority on travel to Europe and beyond. Host and writer of over a hundred public television travel shows and author of 30 best-selling guidebooks, Rick now brings his passion for exploring and understanding our world to public radio.
Episodes
832 Terry Tempest Williams: The Glorians
Join us for a special hour with American author and environmental activist Terry Tempest Williams as she invites us to consider the interconnectedness of the natural world, and discusses what we gain from recognizing and engaging with all that's around us — including a heightened appreciation of the good in our world.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including epis
534b Crete; Alaska's Tip of the Iceberg; Darwin Comes to Town
A pair of tour guides from Greece tell us how the island of Crete offers a natural experience unlike any other. Then travel writer Mark Adams describes his 3,000-mile voyage along the coasts of Alaska to follow what the Harriman Expedition saw in 1899. And a Dutch biologist explains how urban evolution is happening faster than we used to think all over the world.
For more information on
680a The Last Cowboys; Perfect Day California; American Bald Eagle
New York Times reporter John Branch tells us how one family in southern Utah keeps a cowboy tradition alive at rodeos across the West. Then an award-winning travel journalist recommends itineraries for scenic road trips and sites to explore across California. And an environmental history scholar pays tribute to the American bald eagle, whose recovery from the brink of extinction is an env
831 Greek Theatre; Beyond Santorini; Home Base Hiking in Europe
An Athenian theater director discusses drama's role as a building block of civil society since ancient times, and recommends some Greek destinations that are especially fascinating for the theatrically inclined. Then a pair of tour guides offer their picks for lesser-known Greek islands that promise a break from the bustle and expense of tourist centers such as Mykonos and Santorini. And
286c Mother's Day; Sweet Home Croatia; An American Mother in Paris
On our Mother's Day edition, we hear what it was like to relocate a Midwestern family to the Croatian village their great-grandparents came from. An American who married a Frenchman tells us what it’s like raising a child in Paris. We go on a sentimental family trip to San Francisco, and hear how mamma is center stage in Sicily. Plus Rick pays tribute to his late mother, who influen
830 Bite of Rome; Heart of London; Spirit of Portugal
The founder of a food-tour company tells us in delicious detail about some of his favorite eats to enjoy on the streets of Rome. Then a British tour guide shares how to take in London's historic core as well as its changing landscape on a visit to the boroughs of The City and Westminster. And a tour guide from Lisbon illuminates the contrasts between Portugal's bustling cities and the mor
829 Packing Light; Sweden Beyond Stockholm; Check-In
One of Rick's longtime cohorts shares her road-tested advice on what you need — and don't need — to put in your suitcase for a successful overseas trip. Then a brother-and-sister pair of Swedish tour guides share their picks for places to explore beyond Stockholm, from easy day trips to coastal wilderness adventures. Plus, listeners chat with Rick about what made their recent
781a Potsdam; Emperor of Rome; On the Hippie Trail
We hear why the city of Potsdam — home to elegant Prussian palaces and parklands, all in quick reach of central Berlin — is worth a day's visit. Then we get a sense of what life was really like for the emperors of ancient Rome, with the help of classicist Mary Beard. And we travel back to 1978 with Rick and his longtime buddy Gene Openshaw as they retrace their post-college ad
828 Orvieto; Taking the Train; India by Rail
A tour guide from Orvieto explains why his Umbrian hill-town home is well worth a stop on your Italy itinerary. Then a rail enthusiast looks at train travel in Europe and beyond and considers how — and why — the US set off upon a different track. And a British journalist takes us along as she rides the rails on a lively journey across India.
For more information on Travel wit
827 The Grand Tour; Touring Today; Sagrada Família 2026
The Grand Tour was a rite of passage for the aristocracy, and the adventuresome spirit behind it lives on in modern European itineraries. A longtime travel publisher traces the evolution of this fantastic voyage. Then Rick Steves' Europe guidebook researcher Cameron Hewitt takes a look back on the ways travel has evolved over the past quarter century. And as the Sagrada Família str
826 Ask the Senior Nomads; What Europeans Are Talking About
Debbie and Michael Campbell, aka the "Senior Nomads," offer listeners their expert advice on traveling full-time during retirement. And tour guides from Britain, Poland, and Germany reflect on how politics and media shape public conversation about current events within their own and neighboring nations.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, pro
748a Quirky Oslo; Last Empty Places; Herbal
An American expat in Oslo shares some of the quirks and customs of life in his adopted home. Then, a wilderness and history author recounts what he found exploring four blank spots on the US map. And an ethnobotanist describes the healing properties of different kinds of herbs around the world — some of which might be growing in your own backyard.
For more information on Travel wit
825 First Timer's Ireland; At Home in Ireland
Tour guides from the north and south of Ireland let us in on their picks for sights and experiences that will make a first trip to the Emerald Isle a memorable one. Plus, an Irish American singer explains the importance of music to the Irish and how the island's history is found in its folk ballads and songs.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode description
824 Pre-Columbian Mexico City; Unearthing Pompeii; Shortest History of France
Get tips for experiencing what remains of Aztec culture in modern-day Mexico City. Then hear about what recent excavations in Pompeii are revealing about first-century life in the Roman Empire. And join a historian in considering how the cultures of France's many neighboring countries have long shaped and enriched its identity.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including
823 The View from Europe; Stonecutter’s Tour of Europe
Rick engages a panel of European tour-guide friends to find out how they're responding to recent changes in the political relationship between their countries and the US, and to discuss the home-grown populist pressures that have been gaining followers in Europe. Plus sculptor Richard Rhodes recommends European destinations with especially impressive stonework — from famous building
822 Estonia Today; European Beer
Estonia's medieval charm, beautifully preserved naturescapes, and Baltic culture are cultivating a burgeoning tourism scene. Bradt guidebook author and Estonian authority Neil Taylor lets us in on the abundant appeal of the former Soviet republic. And a certified Cicerone — that's "craft beer expert" — takes us on a tour of European suds and helps us tap into the best pints ac
744a Falling for Saturn; Heart of Martin Sheen; Florentine Favorites
Astronomer Philip Plait — who fell in love with Saturn after first viewing the gas giant, with its mesmerizing rings and moons, through a telescope as a child — shares some of the amazing discoveries we've made about the planet in recent years. Then actor Martin Sheen describes how his travels in the developing world have opened his eyes, and his heart, to the needs of others.
821 Expert On Board; Foreign Correspondent Lyse Doucet
An Easter Island-based travel writer and lecturer lets us in on what life is like on the cruise-ship circuit. Then journalist Lyse Doucet recounts her career as the BBC's chief international correspondent and delves into the issues her profession grapples with today.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - v
820 Vietnam; Touring the Mississippi River
Bradt guidebook author Joshua Zukas, who focuses exclusively on Vietnam, shares why he enjoys challenging misconceptions about his adopted home. And a writer who has spent his life captivated by the mighty Mississippi River takes us on a virtual tour of America's great waterway, from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode desc
819 Swiss Riviera; How to Plan a Safari; Take a Hike in Europe
One of Rick's tour guides opens our eyes to the idyllic "Swiss Riviera" that borders Lake Geneva. Then a British journalist and safari expert takes us into Africa, sharing the best ways to find authentic safari experiences. And a hiking-and-biking tour operator tells us how to escape the crowds of Europe's grand cities by spending a few days hitting the trail.
For more information on Tra
690a Hamburg; The Art of Europe; Extreme Sports
Find out why Germany's "second city," the industrial northern port of Hamburg, is a first-choice getaway for many of the country's residents. Then get the inside scoop on Rick's "Art of Europe" TV miniseries, which explores the backstories of the continent's greatest artworks. And consider what drives some death-defying athletes to go all-in for "extreme sports."
For more information on
818 Amsterdam Museums; Regenerating London; European Borders
Two Dutch tour guides help us get the picture on what's new on Amsterdam's eclectic exhibit scene. Then a Blue Badge guide lets us in on where to go in London to see the exciting ways the venerable city is reinventing itself. And a journalist delves into the inexact science of borders and ponders the complicated relationship between physical geography and national identity.
For more info
817 Budget Travel Tips; Moonlight Express; Hola South America
A budget-minded travel blogger shares timely tips for keeping costs down — so that you can keep your travel dreams alive. Then a British journalist with a passion for rail travel enthuses about the special magic of the sleeper train. And an American writer based in Chile tells us what he loves about living in South America.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - includin
816 Vesterheim; Atlas Obscura Curiosities; Lessons Learned
Celebrate Norwegian roots in America as we mark the 200th anniversary of a major wave of immigration to the US from the Scandinavian nation. Then join an expert of the offbeat as he delves into some of the more curious places and things held dear by people around the world. And listen in as callers share their favorite travel memories of the year behind us. Plus, learn from Scottish
427c Christmas in London, Umbria, France, Norway, Greece, Basque Country
Christmas is a little different across the pond — where Santas dwell on farms or in the woods, festively decorated boats stand in for sleighs, and fermented trout is a must-try treat. Learn about holiday traditions observed in France, Norway, Greece, London, the Spanish Basque Country, and small-town Italy, as a slate of Rick's guides share their customs and memories of this festive
815 Sacred Paris; Newgrange Solstice; Finnish Sauna; Christmas in Estonia, Rome, Venice
Hear a Francophile's recommendations for some of the most magnificent religious architecture to explore in Paris. Then vicariously experience a winter solstice ritual from inside an ancient tomb in Ireland, and warm up to the custom that's central to life in Finland: the sauna. Plus, kick off the Christmas season with local holiday traditions from Tallinn, Rome, and Venice.
For more info
814 Tuesdays at the Louvre; Stone
A Paris-based journalist lets us in on what happens behind closed doors at the city's grandest museum when it shuts to the public each Tuesday. And the last apprentice to be trained in the medieval techniques of masonry in Tuscany reveals how ancient secrets help to turn stone into masterpieces of art and architecture.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode d
495b National Parks Dinner Party; The Great Southwest; Utah's Craziest Bike Ride
Author Terry Tempest Williams describes the various "personalities" of a dozen US national parks and examines each one's contributions to the American character. Then historian Flannery Burke tells us how Arizona and New Mexico came to embody what we now think of as the Great Southwest. And travel writer Christopher Solomon enjoys getting dusty on a mountain-bike tour across southern Utah
813 20th-Century France; Finest Hotel in Kabul; Photogenic Scotland
Historian Colin Jones has managed to distill centuries of French history into just 250 pages, and he leads us through significant sights from the mighty nation's recent past. Then a veteran BBC correspondent recalls turbulent times in 1980s Afghanistan and the hotel that still stands as a symbol of the country's resilient people. And a photographer from Scotland's Hebrides describes his o
812 What's New in Venice; The Senior Nomads Come Home; Food Tours in Europe
One of Rick's favorite Venice tour guides lets us in on changes afoot in Italy's city of dreams. Then the tireless Senior Nomads share lessons from a dozen years on the road as they unpack their suitcases and settle down for good. And a gastronomic guide invites us to dig into the best bites from across the continent.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode de
811 Slavic Europe; Running with the Bulls; Checking In
Guidebook researcher Cameron Hewitt opens our eyes to the history, nature, and genuine welcome that await travelers venturing to the Slavic nations of central and eastern Europe. Then a tour guide from Switzerland explains what compels him to run with the bulls in Pamplona each summer, as he's done for five decades. And listeners chat with Rick about their latest European travel discoveri
810 Gothic Literary Tourism; Mexico's Day of the Dead; Spooky New Orleans
Hear how Gothic literature uses scary stories and the supernatural to explore human nature. Then learn about the origins and traditions of Mexico's annual celebration of departed loved ones. And get a New Orleans tour guide's take on the uniquely spiritual culture of her city as well as some of its most haunted sights.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode d
809 Women of Pompeii; Lesser-Known Greek Isles; Weird Ireland
Learn about the societal roles and everyday lives of the women of Pompeii. Then get recommendations from a Greek tour guide for some islands that should be on your radar for your next visit. And take a walk on the Emerald Isle's weird side with a local collector of all things offbeat, outlandish, and delightfully Irish.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode
679a Nordic Roots; Dutch Towns; Bridge to Nicaragua
Hear how the characters of Nordic mythology can help you better understand the past, and how they influence the epic tales that entertain us today. Discover Dutch towns to explore beyond Amsterdam where you can view technological marvels as well as medieval charm. Also, find out how tourism in Nicaragua is trying to rebound from multiple setbacks, one rural homestay at a time.
For more i
808 See You in the Piazza; Lagers
Bestselling author Frances Mayes comes in from the Tuscan sun to tell us about her favorite uncrowded corners of Italy, away from the crush of the country's top tourist destinations. And a certified beer judge explains what makes lager the world's most popular style of the ubiquitous beverage.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archi
807 Islands of Portugal; Easter Island; Endangered Languages
A Portugal tour guide describes the scenic and culinary rewards that await visitors to the country's mid-Atlantic island getaways. Then a Scotsman who spent over two decades living on Easter Island takes us behind the mysteries of its famous stone figures and shares what daily life is like in the remote outpost. And a New York linguist reminds us of the benefits of preserving our world's
806 Swedish-Norwegian Cousins; The London Tube; Czech Castles
Get an inside look at the (mostly) friendly rivalries of Scandinavia as a pair of tour guides from Sweden and Norway sit down for a chat. Then hear from a London Blue Badge guide about what to know — and love — about London's famous underground metro system. And listen in as we explore the grand castles of the Czech Republic.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves -
654a Best of Bulgaria; Traveling with Disabilities; Chasing the Sun
Two tour guides from Sofia explain why Bulgaria is one of Europe's most underrated travel destinations (hint: it has a long, fascinating history — and bargain prices). Author Francine Falk-Allen shares know-how and insights for traveling with a physical disability. And author Richard Cohen describes the varied ways human cultures have long celebrated — and feared — our l
805 Italy Side-Trip Towns; Overnight; Enjoying Mexico City
Who's afraid of the dark? Adventurer Dan Richards shines a gentle light on what goes on in our world after sunset. Then an Italy tour guide looks beyond the crowds of Florence, Venice, and Rome to share her favorite side trips that are worth the diversion. And a Mexico City guide clues us in on the multicultural neighborhoods and cosmopolitan vibe of his city, the largest metro area in No
804 Favorite Hot Springs in Europe; Walk Around the World
A photojournalist lets us in on her favorite European hot springs to visit, from Iceland to Turkey and points in between. And a man who spent seven years traversing the globe on foot — with his faithful pup alongside him — describes how his adventure helped him learn to embrace the now.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program
803 Ohio's Ancient Trails; Safeguarding Heritage Sites; How to Land a Plane
Learn about the Ancient Ohio Trail and its cluster of mysterious geometric earthworks left behind by pre-Columbian mound-builder cultures. Then get an inside look at the World Monuments Fund's biennial selection of endangered archaeological and cultural sites, whose preservation is vital to our heritage. And what goes up, must come down: Pilot Mark Vanhoenacker shares the physics, and the
718a Pastas You Should Know; In Sardinia; Gelato
Italian food expert Fred Plotkin describes some of the unusual varieties of pasta that you can find in Italy — and the reason behind their different shapes. Historian Jeff Biggers explores the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, where sites dating back to the Bronze Age are found across the island. And tour guides from Tuscany and Sicily bring us the scoop on how to find the best gela
802 Ladies of the Louvre; The Roma; American Expats
Author Elaine Sciolino gives us the history behind the famous women — both artists and subjects — to visit in Paris' grand repository. Then a Romani author shares what it was like growing up in her culture as we trace the lineage and influence of the vibrant Romani people. And the well-traveled Paul Theroux provides aspiring expats a realistic assessment of what it means to le
801 Museum Matters with Mary Beard; Fascinating Museums; Soul of South Korea
Beloved English classics scholar Dame Mary Beard offers wisdom on how to tackle the vast collection of the British Museum, and ponders the ethics and responsibility of retaining the cultural antiquities of other lands. Then a cartoonist shares his love of museums and how they transform us by illustrating memorable moments at his favorites across North America. And a Korean American travel
800 British Pub Grub; Travel on $75 a Day; Holland
Spotted Dick, Eton Mess, Ploughman's Lunch: Two British guides decode the best of England's pub food and explain how far it's come since the days of soggy chips and limp sausages. Then a travel blogger shares tips for exploring the world without breaking the bank. And a pair of Dutch guides illuminate the differences between the fairy-tale provinces of Holland and the country of the Nethe
799 Irish Oddities; Viking Sights; Cycling the Silk Road
Meet an Irishman who scours the Emerald Isle to report on oddities and lesser-known facets of his country's culture. Then learn about the lasting impact of the Viking era in Norway and where to observe it on your next visit. And hear what it's like to bicycle 10,000 miles along the old Silk Road, from Turkey to Tibet.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode de
670a Weekend in Brussels; The Temporary European; My Town
A Brussels-based tour guide offers his recommendations for making the most of a weekend in the Belgian capital. Then one of Rick's co-authors joins us to explore what it means to become a "temporary local" when traveling, and how it can help you actually relax on your next vacation. And listeners share ideas for enjoying areas they know well, as long-term locals — including Maine's
798 France, North vs. South; Streets of Paris; Loire Valley Chateâu Country
A trio of Rick's tour guides banter about the nuances of northern and southern France, from climate and demeanor to food and fashion. Then author Susan Cahill describes how wandering the streets of Paris brings to life the stories of the city's artists, writers, and historical figures. And an expert offers recommendations for enjoying the elegant chateâu country of the Loire Valley.
797 Kayaking Manhattan; The Wild Mississippi; Happy Travels
Journalist Eliot Stein takes us along on the unique adventure of kayaking the perimeter of Manhattan Island and observes some of the pockets of nature that persist within New York's concrete jungle. Then a midwestern author shares his lifelong passion for the Mississippi River and delves into the recreational, ecological, and spiritual facets of America's mighty waterway. And TV host Sama
796 Oh Canada!
Two prominent Canadian authors share their perspective on today's strained political relationship between the US and its northern neighbor. They reflect on their country's geography, diversity, strength, and identity, and consider the history and attitudes that make Canada distinct from the US. And of course, they talk a bit of hockey.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - in
795 Liverpool; Finding Ancient Roman Art; Home Base Hiking in Europe
Find out what makes Liverpool worth at least a day's visit even for those with no interest in Fab Four lore, then hear from renowned classicist Mary Beard about some of the best places outside Italy to see remnants of the ancient Roman empire. And learn why one expert recommends finding a good home base to unlace your boots on a multi-day European hiking trip.
For more information on Tra
447b Hungarian Hot Springs; Peru's Boiling River; Padova & the Veneto
Hear how people of all ages enjoy a day at the baths in Budapest, where doctors commonly prescribe a relaxing day at the spa. Then learn about a sacred geothermal river located deep in Amazonian Peru: It's huge, deadly hot, and might contain clues to the origins of life on Earth. And get advice for enjoying the splendor of Padua, located just half an hour from the crowds of Venice, and ho
794 The New Tourist; Training School for Elephants
Journalist Paige McClanahan examines recent changes in the travel industry and explains how a more conscientious approach to tourism can make it a force for good. And travel writer Sophy Roberts recounts a curious episode in colonial history when the king of Belgium ordered a group of elephants to be sent from India to Congo — and discusses what her own travels taught her about Afri
793 Aegean Turkey; Florence & Tuscany; Denmark Beyond Copenhagen
Expert tour guides share advice for exploring the ancient ruins and seaside villages along Turkey's Aegean coast, the Renaissance wonders of Florence, the sun-drenched Tuscan countryside, and charming Danish towns and islands easily reached on day trips from Copenhagen.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details
792 Remember Us; The Greater Journey
We hear how the Dutch continue to remember and honor the servicemen who helped liberate their towns in 1945. And we revisit a conversation with the late historian David McCullough about the influential "Americans in Paris" of the 19th century, who returned home with skills that helped transform life in the US.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptio
683a English Country Gardens; On Becoming a Gardener; In Praise of Wasting Time
English tour guides share their enthusiasm for enjoying the riot of color and inspiration you'll find in England's best country gardens. Then author Catie Marron explains how she designed and planted a garden as a way to feel a sense of belonging in her new home. And physicist Alan Lightman explains why it's healthy to give yourself a little unstructured time every day just for goofing of
791 Scottish Castles; Mars on Earth; Checking In
Scottish tour guides tell us about the most famous castles in a country that's brimming with the imposing structures. Then a Santiago-based American travel writer embarks on a 1,200-mile odyssey through one of the driest places on earth — Chile's Atacama Desert — as he searches for a deeper understanding of his adopted homeland. And listeners call in to share stories and find
790 Oneika Raymond's Favorite Destinations; US Aid; A Week in Poland
Journalist Oneika Raymond reveals the top countries where, as a black woman traveling solo, she feels a cultural appreciation and connection. Then the head of Bread for the World describes how the organization's advocacy work has stepped up its efforts in the face of cuts to government aid programs. And tour guides from Poland give us a look at how the country is modernizing, while retain
673a Visiting Antarctica; The Journeys of Trees; Italy's Northern Lakes
A travel writer shares how a trip to Antarctica helped him see that continent through the eyes of the early polar explorers. Then a reporter focused on climate change and conservation explains how some North American tree species are migrating to survive the planet's rising temperatures. And two Italy-based tour guides take us to the resort lakes of northern Italy, where the glamour exten
789 Easter in Greece; Pillars of Europe; Easter in Andalucía
Learn about the customs that Greeks observe as Orthodox Easter draws near. Then contemplate the massive undertaking of building a cathedral centuries ago and how these monuments to faith and devotion helped shape their locales. And get acquainted with southern Spain's elaborate Semana Santa observances, which fill the streets of Andalucía in the week leading up to Easter.
For more
788 Spain by Train; Foreign Correspondent; The Lines on Our Maps
Hear from tour guides about Spain's robust high-speed rail network and all the places it can take you. Then hit the road vicariously with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nicholas Kristof for a taste of life as a foreign correspondent. And take a closer look at the surprising and fascinating ways in which borders have shaped our world.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - i
787 Twenty Years; The Vanishing Point; Martin Sheen's Travels
Rick marks 20 years of his radio show by revisiting some memorable guests and what they've taught us about travel. Then author Paul Theroux celebrates his 84th birthday as he contemplates the passage of time in his new short-story collection, "The Vanishing Point." And actor Martin Sheen describes how his experiences filming overseas have come to influence his political activism.
For mor
696a For the Love of Guidebooks; The Gulf; Greatest Art in Europe
Europe brims with world-class art, and we contemplate some of the continent's truly outstanding paintings, sculptures, and historic edifices. Then we learn about the historic and ecological importance of the Gulf of Mexico from a professor in neighboring Florida. And we consider the humble guidebook and what its pages can tell us, both in the moment and long after the trip is done.
For m
786 Greek Passions; In Love with the Louvre; Balkan Discoveries
A tour guide from Greece delves into the importance of food, family, and traditions in his homeland. Then a Francophile offers advice on how to take on the vast collection of the world's largest — and arguably greatest — museum. And guidebook researcher Cameron Hewitt shares discoveries from his travels in the Balkans, an affordable and rewarding alternative to the tourist cro
785 Irish Legacy of W. B. Yeats; 1960s Ireland; Touring Northern Ireland
Two countrymen explore Ireland's reverence for their national poet, W. B. Yeats. Then a Dublin journalist shares what it was like to grow up amid the turbulent societal changes in his city during the 1960s and '70s. And a guide from Belfast tells us why an Emerald Isle itinerary should include a visit to Northern Ireland.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episod
625a Snowdonia; Outposts; Natural Slovenia
Delve into the remote outposts and refuges across the globe where travelers have stopped along the course of their adventures. Then hear about the highest views in Wales — and how to reach them — and learn about the country's slate mining heritage. And from Alps to caves, vineyards to beehives, catch the buzz of the natural wonders on display in Slovenia.
For more information
784 Rhineland Karneval; WMF 2025 Watch List; Top Alaska Experiences
Look at what's behind Carnival and Mardi Gras celebrations around the world by learning about the festive season's origins and customs in Germany's Rhineland. Then hear what's been added to the World Monuments Fund's latest "watch list" of endangered cultural sites around the world. And get recommendations for must-see experiences in Alaska, along with tips for planning adventures across
783 British Pubs; Why I Love Brittany; Custodians of Wonder
Two English tour guides explain what Brits mean by a "rough and ready" pub and how to find some of the UK's best pub grub. Then a father-and-son tour-guiding duo invite us to fall in love with their favorite corner of France. And BBC journalist Eliot Stein shares insights from his travels in search of the world's oldest disappearing traditions, giving us a peek into what it's like to be t
395b Monet's Passion; The French House; Marrying Into Italy
Listen in as an artist who helped restore Monet's gardens explains why the French painter first created these colorful gardens at his house outside Paris. Then hear how renovating a house on an island off the coast of Brittany can feed your wild side. And find out what happens when you marry an Italian…and your new in-laws live next door. Plus, an adventure cyclist shares the story
782 Prague vs. Budapest; What's New in Lisbon
This week we explore three of the most charming — and most popular — of Europe's Old World cities: Two tour guides get cheeky as they make the case for which of their own hometowns — Prague or Budapest — offer the best experiences for visitors with limited time in central Europe. And expert locals catch us up on changes afoot in Lisbon, offering strategies for navi
781 Potsdam; Emperor of Rome; On the Hippie Trail
We hear why the city of Potsdam — home to elegant Prussian palaces and parklands, all in quick reach of central Berlin — is worth a day's visit. Then we get a sense of what life was really like for the emperors of ancient Rome, with the help of classicist Mary Beard. And we travel back to 1978 with Rick and his longtime buddy Gene Openshaw as they retrace their post-college ad
602a How Berlin Remembers; Turkish Delights; Travel to Bhutan
Two German tour guides let us in on the back story behind Berlin's most memorable monuments to their country's turbulent history. Then two Turks tuck into a discussion of the traditional Turkish street eats, comfort foods, and desserts they recommend for a tasty visit to Istanbul. And an American who met — then married — a local artist in Bhutan shares tips for surmounting the
780 Miami Getaway; Scottish Icons; Robert Burns Night
Travel Channel host Oneika Raymond recommends her favorite Miami neighborhoods to explore on a sunny getaway. Then friends from Scotland discuss the uniquely Scottish cultural icons that reinforce the small nation's strong sense of identity. And just in time for Burns Night, Perthshire-based troubadour Jim Malcolm explains what Robert Burns' poetry means to his compatriots — and sin
779 Bristol; Barcelona; Bruges
Consider three distinctly different styles of historic European cities as we hear how Bristol has transformed itself from an industrial and maritime powerhouse into a creative center for the southwest of England — and how it rewards visitors who set aside at least a day for this city just a half-hour from well-touristed Bath. Then learn from a local about how the Catalan culture of
778 Pura Vida; Morocco's Best Cities; More Travel Pursuits
The author of a guidebook to Costa Rica discusses what the phrase "pura vida" conveys amid the tropical abundance of her adopted Central American eco-paradise. Then a Morocco expert and fellow guidebook writer recommends the best cities for immersing yourself in the Old World atmosphere of Morocco's intimate, car-free medina neighborhoods. And fellow listeners call in to share how their p
777 History of the Snowman; Visiting the Vatican; Champagne; Edinburgh New Year's
The "world's leading snowman expert" joins Rick to explore the somewhat dark — and certainly cold — origins of the tradition of building snowmen, and what Frosty and his ilk have come to mean across different societies. Then two Rome-based tour guides unpack some of the cultural treasures crammed into the world's tiniest country, while sharing tips and secrets for a successful
698a Ready for Christmas Near and Far; Wassailing
Rick gathers some old friends to hear about their childhood Christmases in Spain, Italy, and New Mexico. Then he brings in more friends to describe what you're likely to find this time of year in Austria, Australia, Japan…and Antarctica. Plus, a Brit from Bath explains how the English tradition of wassailing developed as a way to guarantee a good apple harvest — or at least a
776 Bulgarian Christmas; What's New in Istanbul; Eight Flavors in the Pantry
Old World traditions — fasting, feasting, incense, and song — make Bulgaria's Christmas season special, and tour guide Stefan Bozadzhiev invites us to imagine it with him. Then an Istanbul guide updates us on the latest big news in Turkey's cultural capital, and a culinary historian inspires us to peruse our spice racks as she discusses the often surprising origins of the eigh
775 Reopening Notre-Dame; Rue des Martyrs; Other Religions
Ken Follett, author of a monumental series of novels based in medieval Europe, celebrates the much anticipated — and hotly debated — reopening of Paris' Notre-Dame Cathedral five years after its devastating fire. Also, the New York Times' former Paris correspondent Elaine Sciolino tells us what makes her own Paris neighborhood feel like home. And a peace activist from Jerusale
774 Spectacular Landscapes; Four Points of the Compass; What's in a Name?
A tour guide from England's scenic Lake District recommends two areas — in Switzerland and Iceland — offering even more stunning landscapes to explore. Then a historian invites us to reconsider how we orient ourselves in time and space as he shares insights he's gained from exploring how we arrived at our modern sense of direction. And a former NPR correspondent discusses what
Recommended
0xResearch
10000 MINUTES
1000 Things You Should Know
1000x
1001 Classic Short Stories & Tales
1001raah | هزار و یک راه
1001 Sherlock Holmes Stories & The Best of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
1001 Songs That Make You Want To Die
100 Famous Dogs
#100MasterCoaches with Mel Leow, MCC
100% Mixtape Podcast
100 With The Hunter's
