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. Related travel information and message boards on www.rickst ...
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Podcast by Rick Steves Audio Europe
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Rick Steves' Europe Video — a video podcast based on Rick's popular TV series — gives you a colorful look at the sights, people and history behind Europe's most interesting destinations. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more European travel info on these destinations.
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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 abo…
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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 Trave…
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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 Trav…
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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, …
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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 - inclu…
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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 o…
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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 o…
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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 celebrat…
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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 …
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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 ep…
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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…
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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…
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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 asse…
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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 No…
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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 province…
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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…
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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 lo…
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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 c…
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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 Am…
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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 inf…
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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 …
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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 …
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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 he…
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Author Diccon Bewes explains why the Swiss are deliberately different from the rest of their European neighbors.由Rick Steves Audio Europe
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Istanbul tour guide Lale Sürmen Aran shares the latest developments on sights in Turkey's thriving cultural capital.由Rick Steves Audio Europe
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Tour guides Jorge Román and Francisco Glária provide insight into the charming areas worth visiting on Spain's Costa del Sol.由Rick Steves Audio Europe
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Portugal tour guide Cristina Duarte tells us why Portugal's venerable, vibrant university town of Coimbra is such a delight to explore.由Rick Steves Audio Europe
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Dutch tour guide Dennis Gerrits discusses Amsterdam's iconic waterways and their significance in trade, travel, and simply enjoying life.由Rick Steves Audio Europe
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Bosnian tour guide Sanel Marić describes what his country, a generation after the Balkans war, has to teach us about getting along with our neighbors — and why the nation is growing as a travel destination.由Rick Steves Audio Europe
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Rick and Bulgarian tour guide Stefan Bozadzhiev talk about why the smaller Balkan countries of Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia are emerging as "back-door" destinations.由Rick Steves Audio Europe
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Bulgarian tour guide Stefan Bozadzhiev sings the praises of his country's vibrant cultural capital, Plovdiv — one of the oldest cities in Europe.由Rick Steves Audio Europe
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Author and Italophile John Keahey discusses the charms, the social fabric, and the rich culture of Sicily.由Rick Steves Audio Europe
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Italy tour guide Ann Long offers recommendations for enjoying Italy's gorgeous Amalfi Coast as the region grapples with ever-increasing crowds.由Rick Steves Audio Europe
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Tour guides share what's new in Dublin, including how to see the Book of Kells while its home in Trinity College undergoes renovation starting in late 2025.由Rick Steves Audio Europe
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Greece tour guide Apostolos Douros provides travel tips for the lesser-known island getaways in the Aegean and Ionian seas.由Rick Steves Audio Europe
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Athens tour guide Effie Perperi recommends easy day trips from the capital to see the historic Greek countryside and several ancient sites.由Rick Steves Audio Europe
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Tour guide Andrea Wolf offers tips for enjoying elegant Vienna, Austria's capital and the epicenter of a once-mighty empire.由Rick Steves Audio Europe
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Tour guides from Berlin discuss why they love living in a city so dense with history — and one that seems to be constantly reinventing itself.由Rick Steves Audio Europe
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Ken Follett, author of a book series based in medieval Europe, celebrates the much anticipated reopening of Paris' Notre-Dame Cathedral five years after its devastating fire.由Rick Steves Audio Europe
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Author and French food lover Andrew Prior takes Rick on a culinary tour through Paris, highlighting the many ways to enjoy the city's delicious food scene.由Rick Steves Audio Europe
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Author Pamela Petro, who calls herself "less than Welsh, but more than American," shares her favorite spots worth seeing in southern Wales.由Rick Steves Audio Europe
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Tour guides Helen Houston and Liz Lister offer recommendations for enjoying scenic hiking trails in the Scottish countryside, from the hills to the coast.由Rick Steves Audio Europe
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Tour guide Charlie Rawson extols the benefits of tackling a segment of this rugged, picturesque path, where great landscapes and a sense of community abound.由Rick Steves Audio Europe
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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 description…
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These days Europe is very crowded—everybody seems to be going to the same places at the same times. There are two IQs of European travelers: those who wait in long lines and those who don’t. Savvy travelers avoid the crowds and make reservations in advance when smart. Watch the full talk at https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show…
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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 Ri…
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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 unstru…
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Thoughtfully decide what’s best for you—a guided bus tour or a DIY trip armed with a good guidebook. And either way, appreciate the value of tapping into the services of local guides whether on shared walks or hired just for you. Watch the full talk at https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/experiencing-europe For European trave…
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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 …
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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…
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