Travel with Rick Steves
Episodes
220 Walking Across Paris; Hidden Gardens of Paris
03 Oct 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Parisian guides offer suggestions on the best ways to explore the city on foot — including how to avoid the crush of rush hour on the Metro &m...
152a Tony Horwitz: Rediscovering the New World; Sailing to Antarctica
26 Sep 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Columbus was just one in a long line of trans-Atlantic travelers. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, travel writer Tony Horwitz retraces the No...
219 From Tango to Tuscany: Ferenc Mate in Tuscany; Camille Cusumano in Buenos Aires
19 Sep 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Ferenc Máté tells us what he's learned from 20 years in Tuscany, where he and his wife went to turn a 13th century building into their...
148a Lord Alderdice: Road Maps to Peace
12 Sep 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Lord Alderdice, one of the key political figures who helped bring peace to Northern Ireland, provides us with a look at the personal reasons that fuel...
218 More Western Whitewater; More Smithsonian DC; Open Phones
05 Sep 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Join Rick for stories about how a whitewater river expedition in the western U.S. can be a life-altering experience -- even if you're over age 50. An...
166a A Brilliant Teacher; Southern California Sidetrips
29 Aug 2010
Contributed by Lukas
The Rhine family of Salem, Oregon explains how they came closer together and what they learned while immersing themselves in a variety of cultures. Al...
217 Barcelona; Michelangelo in Rome
22 Aug 2010
Contributed by Lukas
With the help of two expert guides to Spain, we'll explore trendy Barcelona where the works of modern artists such as Picasso, Gaudí, and Dal...
216 Elizabeth Gilbert's Committed to 'Eat, Pray, Love;' Notorious Royal Marriages; Michelangelo in Florence
15 Aug 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Elizabeth Gilbert shares what she's learned about life's most important relationships. Author Leslie Carroll unveils some of the juicy scandals from "...
215 Open Phones: Sick in Europe; Swedish Vacation; Istanbul By Night
08 Aug 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Guides from Stockholm and Istanbul tell us how to get back to nature in the Swedish countryside, and ideas for enjoying a night on the town in Istanbu...
146a Hungary: Beyond Budapest
01 Aug 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Join Rick as we explore options for getting beyond the busy capital of Budapest and into the heart of Europe in the countryside of Hungary. Tour guid...
214 Open Phones: Favorite Road Trips; Summer Roadfood; Whitewater Rafting
25 Jul 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Rick swaps tales of both American and European road trips; Road Food experts Jane and Michael Stern offer new tips for digging into local specialties;...
213 Italy Faux Pas; Tuscany versus Umbria
18 Jul 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Two locally-based guides help melt the age-old rivalries between the regions of Tuscany and its neighbor Umbria in Italy and take a closer look at wha...
212 Affordable London; Ancient Britain
11 Jul 2010
Contributed by Lukas
London guides Gillian Chadwick and Tom Hooper discuss the many free activities that make London a top-notch city for visitors. Plus, Rick and British ...
211 Spirit Of America: Smithsonian DC; America From the Air; The Butterflies of Grand Canyon
04 Jul 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the spirit of America with Rick as guides from the Museum of American History prep for a patriotic pilgrimage to the sights in the nation's ca...
210 Intrepid Adventurers: Richard Starks & Miriam Murcutt; Harry Rutstein & Marco Polo
27 Jun 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Richard Starks and Miriam Murcutt's assignment to chart a strange river in the jungles of Venezuela turned into an adventure complete with poisoned ar...
138a Christopher Baker's Costa Rica
20 Jun 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Christopher Baker, one of today's top travel writers, describes the "pura vida" that makes Costa Rica, with seaside resorts on two coasts, an active v...
209 Touring Portugal; Open Phones: Making Friends
13 Jun 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Two guides from Lisbon describe what makes Portugal distinctive today, and share itinerary suggestions for a country that used to be a colonial powerh...
208 Stockholm, Sweden; Alexandria, Egypt
06 Jun 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Marita Bergman explains the rituals Swedes enjoy to accompany the long days marking the start of summer. Also, tour guide Colin Clement describes what...
207 More Roadfood USA; Brittany and Normandy
30 May 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Road Food experts Jane and Michael Stern discuss the best places to find good ol' American breakfasts, hamburgers, or pie a la mode and tour guides fr...
139a An Artist's Safari in Africa; Overseas Travel Medicine
23 May 2010
Contributed by Lukas
We're looking at African wildlife eye to eye, through the perspective of Fred Krakowiak, a wildlife painter who shares his love for Africa with us in ...
206 Portugal's Radical Drug Policy; Blissful Bhutan
16 May 2010
Contributed by Lukas
The policies of Portugal and Bhutan are on the agenda. We'll talk to the man who authored Portugal's law that dropped criminal penalties against all n...
205 Frances Mayes: 20 Years Under the Tuscan Sun
09 May 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Frances Mayes joins Rick to reflect on 20 years of living "Under the Tuscan Sun" -- and how getting in tune with living in Italy can change your sense...
204 Exploring the English Countryside; Chopin 200 in Poland
02 May 2010
Contributed by Lukas
From stately gardens and picturesque villages to pre-historic stone circles and hillsides haunted by wild ponies, Rick explores the small towns and sh...
203 Munich and Bavaria; Open Phones: Faux Pas in Germany
25 Apr 2010
Contributed by Lukas
A local Munich guide describes how laid-back, traditional Bavaria, where pretzels and beer combine with legendary castles and fairy tale scenery, play...
202 Earthy Bulgaria; Planet Ice
18 Apr 2010
Contributed by Lukas
A native-born guide describes how ancient traditions cross paths with post-Soviet capitalist energy, and the stuffed pepper is king in Bulgaria. Also,...
133a Istanbul City Guide
11 Apr 2010
Contributed by Lukas
After many centuries, Istanbul still one of the world's greatest and largest cities where neighborhoods retain an intimate character and echoes of pas...
201 Beer In Europe; An Irreverent Curiosity
04 Apr 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Appreciate beer like a European along with Rick in a session comparing the beers and cultures of Europe. Travel writer David Farley also tells us abou...
200 Peloponnesian Greece; Michelangelo: The Artist and His Times
28 Mar 2010
Contributed by Lukas
The essence of ancient Greece is actually an easy drive from the busy city of Athens. We're looking at the pleasures of the Peloponessian Peninsula w...
167a Springtime in Southern Spain
21 Mar 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Another season of spicy, colorful festivals is getting underway in southern Spain. Local guides from Madrid and Seville point out how visitors can tak...
199 The West of Ireland; Field Guide to The Irish Music Session
14 Mar 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Rick gets ready for St Patrick's Day with a closer look at the traditional side of Ireland and exploring the customs of a traditional Irish music sess...
198 Pilots Advice to Reduce Travel Stress; Jane & Michael Stern's 'Road Food USA'
07 Mar 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Around the USA, there are hundreds of affordable, unpretentious, "yum" places serving home cooked meals. Jane and Michael Stern share some of their ...
197 Richard Ellis: Polar Bears on Thin Ice; Open Phones: Travel Reports
28 Feb 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Marine wildlife expert Richard Ellis explains how the loss of the ice cap in the Arctic is accelerating, why the wildlife of the region cannot adapt ...
128a Dan Austin: Road Trip Pilgrim; Open Phones: Extended Travels
21 Feb 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Even if you don't want to climb a mountain, there are many ways to add a deeper sense of purpose to your travels. Dan Austin describes what it takes ...
196 Greg Mortenson's Afghanistan; Art Simon's Bread for the World
14 Feb 2010
Contributed by Lukas
The persistent problems Haiti endures are just one example of the need to go beyond relief aid to tackle the root causes of poverty around the world. ...
195 Fred Plotkin's Finland; Greece & Turkey: Uneasy Cousins?
07 Feb 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Rick finds out what's behind the tensions between neighboring countries Greece & Turkey and travel writer Fred Plotkin talks Finland. For more informa...
134a Rome City Guide
31 Jan 2010
Contributed by Lukas
The city that defined the word "civilization" 2000 years ago, Rome today boasts an extravagant collection of more history, art, and culture than any o...
194 Mexican Borderlands: The Rio Grande and Baja California
24 Jan 2010
Contributed by Lukas
We're taking a look at two parts of Mexico's northern borderlands. Keith Bowden spent the better part of a winter canoeing the length of the Rio Gran...
142a Salman Rushdie: "The Enchantress of Florence" & Sailing the Eastern Mediterranean
17 Jan 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Rick's guest, Sir Salman Rushdie, explains the motivation for his novel, "The Enchantress of Florence," and offers suggestions on how to confront the ...
193 End of the Orient Express; A Summer in Tehran
10 Jan 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Rick toasts the end of the train line known as the Orient Express and continues east to hear about filmaker Justine Shapiro's experience living in Teh...
192 Open Phones: Wrinkles (Faux Pas and Packing Tips); Marty Essen's "Cool Creatures, Hot Planet"
03 Jan 2010
Contributed by Lukas
We're checking in with our listeners for stories of cross-cultural faux pas. We'll share tips for packing light with just a carry-on, and still lookin...
118b International New Years Eve
27 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Rick explores some of the many ways to welcome new year with friends from Scotland, Holland, Hungary, Spain, Sicily, Turkey, and even Australia and Ja...
117b International Christmas Traditions
20 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Some of Rick's European friends from Spain, Hungary, Holland, Sicily, Scotland, and Australia share how different cultures celebrate from Saint Nichol...
76a A Family Christmas in Wales; Sheep in your Travels
13 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we'll hear about the sheep and lambs that dot the hills of rural Britain from an accomplished breeder who welcomes tourists to his sheep fa...
191 Christmas in Rome and Santa Fe; Eiffel's Tower; Frommer's Las Vegas
06 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Author Jill Jonnes joins Rick to discuss who was in the crowd 120 years ago to view The Eiffel Tower, and how radio saved it from being demolished. Al...
169a Smart Help for the Developing World
29 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Rick explores practical solutions to addressing world hunger in the 21st century with guests from a preacher-economist who heads a non-profit agency a...
190 The Pilgrim's Italy; Hans Peter's Trek to Santiago de Compostela
22 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Rick takes a contemporary look at ancient religious paths in Europe and discovers that 21st century travelers in search of religious-themed journeys c...
189 The Whiskey Trail; More British Slang
15 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
There's a great deal of history and national pride in a shot of whiskey. Kate Hopkins, "The Accidental Hedonist," joins Rick to share what she learned...
188 Photographing Machu Picchu; New Mexico; Who is Ataturk?
08 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
An architectural photographer shares tips on capturing the spirit of Machu Picchu with a camera, a guidebook author with an appetite for the unusual t...
153a 1000 Places to See Before You Die; Haunted Europe
01 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Patricia Schultz, author of the best-seller "A Thousand Places to See Before you Die" joins Rick to talk about narrowing down some of her favorite p...
187 Flight Tips; Rural Japan; Even More Kindness of Strangers
25 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Rick experiences traditional Japanese culture with help from Lonely Planet author, Andrew Bender and learns from travel writer Don George about the Ki...
186 European Art Outside the Museum; The Monuments Men
18 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Rick explores art found outside museums in the everyday scene of Europe and author Robert Edsel shares stories of the "Monuments Men" who helped rescu...
141a A Week in Provence
11 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you make it your home base for a few days or for good Provence in southeast France is what most Americans imagine of the French countryside. T...
185 The Berlin Wall: 20 Years Later
04 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
As Berliners prepare to celebrate German Reunification Day Rick chats with three residents about the upcoming 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berl...
184 The Scent Trail; More Kindness of Strangers
27 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Celia Lyttelton shares her story of how she traveled the world to collect the ingredients for her own perfect personal perfume -- the perfect souvenir...
147a Outsiders in the Muslim World
20 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Two American travelers reveal the hidden sub-cultures in the Muslim World of the Middle East and North Africa. Looking behind the veil, our guests are...
183 Mexico City
13 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
One of the largest cities in the world, Mexico City is often compared to some of Europe's great cities in terms of culture, history, street life, and ...
182 The Urge to Preserve: British Banter, Holy Bones, and Inspired Globe-Jotting
06 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Rick examines the slang that separates the Brits from their American cousins in an effort to help travelers avoid being "gob-smacked" by what the lo...
181 Tangier Tourism; Arctic Wisdom
30 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
One of Tangier's local tour guides offers suggestions for visiting the enigmatic gateway city to North Africa that is currently being restored to its ...
180 Budget Phone Tips; Travel for the Birds; Albania for Tourists
23 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Join Rick as he learns about the fascinating relationship between two of North America's most iconic birds -- owls and woodpeckers -- and how they hel...
105a Budapest
16 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Rick examines the enduring appeal of Hungary's capital city and how, after centuries of being a melting pot of cultures, Budapest continues to be one ...
179 Misadventures of Rolf Potts; Open Phones: Budget Eating
09 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Rolf Potts shares his tales and misadventures as a travel writer and Rick shares ideas with listeners on how to eat on a budget while traveling on vac...
178 Eccentric Islands; Backstreet Istanbul
02 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The busy city of Istanbul is now home to millions of Turks and is emerging as one of the hottest places for visitors. Rick delvs into the backstreets ...
150a David Sedaris: An American in Paris and Tokyo
26 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Humorist and frequent traveler David Sedaris tells us how he's settled in as a 50-something ex-pat in Europe. David helps us tackle the gender of Fren...
177 More Geography of Bliss; Finding More Classical Music in Europe
19 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Is the current economic downturn taking a toll on you? We'll investigate what makes people from different cultures happy, with NPR's Eric Weiner, as...
129a Paris City Guide
12 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
If you haven't seen Paris, you really haven't yet tasted the best of Europe. French tour guide Patrick Vidal joins Rick for an insider's perspective o...
176 Visiting Washington DC; More Places to See in the USA & Canada
05 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Rick celebrates Independence day, gathering tips for visiting Washington D.C. from Pauline Frommer and Jay Inslee, who represents Rick's home district...
175 Art in Italy
28 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you studied art history in college, or you just want to be a good sport on your next trip to Europe, we'll see how art can change the way you ...
155a Odysseys
21 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Rick chats with Scott Huler about his voyage in the Mediterranean to re-trace the steps of Ulysses and what he learned about himself 3,000 years after...
174 Flying in Coach; The Ridiculous Race
14 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Rick gets advice from a flight attendant on how to enjoy flying in the coach section of the plane, including tips for getting a good seat, and hears f...
135a D-Day Sites; Open Phones: Summer Travel Plans
07 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The beaches of Normandy, France hold the memories of thousands who fought -- and many who died -- to bring an end to Europe's Nazi tyranny in 1944. Ri...
149a Fred Plotkin's "Chow Italia"
31 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Italians have always believed in eating locally and in-season, and that's exactly what Italian food expert Fred Plotkin recommends when he joins Rick ...
173 Castles in Europe; High School Visionaries
24 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
For centuries castles were considered the high points of their communities. Join Rick as he talks castles with an expert guide from Wales and offers r...
172 Rome: Beneath the Surface
17 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Rick brings centuries of Roman history to life as he takes a closer look at some of the sites found on the streets of Rome, checks in on the city's no...
171 The European Union in 2009
10 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
After World War Two, European visionaries dreamed of cooperation and peace between countries in the hopes to prevent another devastating war. Today, w...
170 Music Festivals in Europe; Ask Arthur Frommer
03 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Budget travel guru Arthur Frommer joins Rick to compare notes on recent travel trends, and share ideas for seeing the world in a down economy. Also,...
169 Smart Help for the Developing World
26 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
We explore practical solutions to addressing world hunger. Rick's guests include a preacher-economist who heads a non-profit agency that advocates for...
137a Travel with Kids
19 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
For some parents, fear of flying means wondering how their kid will behave on the plane. Rick shares practical advice and pointers on traveling with c...
168 Easter in the Holy Land; Footsteps of Saint Paul
12 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Rick celebrates Easter by learning about Christian pilgrimages to Israel and the Mediterranean region, where Saint Paul traveled, calling one of our l...
167 Spain and the Spring Festivals of Andalucia
05 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Local guides from Madrid and Seville share tips on how to experience Spain's colorful southern festivals, from lively cities to white-washed hill town...
166 A Brilliant Teacher Around the World; Southern California Sidetrips
22 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
If travel is the best education - imagine what you could learn when you take a year off to take your family around the world? We'll hear how an aver...
165 Ireland: 2009
15 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Recent changes in the global economy are showing up now in Ireland -- which the European Union used to call one of its best examples of investing in s...
164 Bill Holm: American in Iceland; Winter in Alaska
08 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Writer Bill Holm explains how the view from his cottage on the coast of Iceland illumanates the view of his home in small town Minnesota, and contrast...
124a Everyday Italian Cuisine
01 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Italy's distinctive regional cuisines are a high point for many travelers, but the disinctive customs Italians have for their food and drink sometimes...
163 Estonia
22 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Estonia is emerging from years under Soviet domination and turning into a popular destination for travelers looking to mix old world charm with the en...
162 Romantic Travel Destinations
15 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Rick chats with listeners about finding time for a little romance in our travels and takes calls and emails about the most romantic destinations, incl...
161 Springtime in The Netherlands; Cycling Across Colombia
08 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Bicycles are a popular way to get around town in the Netherlands as part of the efficient Dutch culture. We're checking in on one of Europe's most w...
73a European Comfort Food
01 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Rick explores some of the comfort foods his European friends enjoy in Paris, Madrid, and Tuscany, and shares how travelers can enjoy them during a vis...
160 Helen Thayer: Walking the Gobi Desert
25 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Helen Thayer, one of the most remarkable adventure travelers of our time, dreamed of trekking across Mongolia since she was a schoolgirl. At the age o...
92A Prague and the Czech Countryside
18 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Prague has become a contender as one of Europe's most popular cities for visitors. On this week's Travel with Rick Steves, two tour guides based in P...
159 Rick Steves in Iran, part two: Iran for Tourists
11 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
We conclude our two-part series about Iran on the next Travel with Rick Steves... with an exploration of what the country offers as a tourist destinat...
158 Rick Steves in Iran: Perplexing Issues
04 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
We start a two-part series about one of the most perplexing countries in the Middle East on this week's Travel with Rick Steves. Rick learns about ...
157 The Last Polar Bear; Christmas in Rome and London
14 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Polar bears may be the top of the food chain, but they're taking a serious hit from climate change at the top of the world. This week, we meet wildern...
156 Johnny Jet's Internet Guide to Travel
07 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Johnny Jet is the ultimate frequent flyer. He turned a fear of flying into a travel career that takes him overseas more than he stays at home. On this...
155 Odysseys
16 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever found yourself between a rock and a hard place, or heard the tempting call of the sirens to forget about your plans? These are some of t...
154 Turkey: Beyond Istanbul
02 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Turkey has become a favorite haunt of travelers who look for a distinct and welcoming culture -- living on top of layers of history from the civilizat...
153 1000 Places to See Before You Die
26 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Patricia Schultz, author of the best-seller "A Thousand Places to See Before you Die", brings focus to your travel dreams by narrowing down some of he...
152 Tony Horwitz: Rediscovering the New World, and Sailing to Antarctica
12 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Travel writer Tony Horwitz retraces the North American routes of 16th century explorers, and examines how they changed America before the big wave of ...
151 First Impressions of Iran
05 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Rick shares notes with his Iranian-American filmmaking consultant about their recent trip to Iran to film a special for public television. We'll hear ...
126a Berlin City Guide
28 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Berlin is asserting itself as one of the world's powerhouse cities, and one of Europe's more affordable destinations for newcomers. Rick chats with an...
150 David Sedaris: An American in Paris and Tokyo
21 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Humorist and frequent traveler David Sedaris tells us how he's settled in as a 50-something ex-pat in Europe on the next Travel with Rick Steves. And ...