Travel with Rick Steves

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 tour guides about Edinburgh's lively New Year's Eve traditions of Hogmanay. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Join winemaker Cecilia Bottai as she shares heartwarming Italian Christmas traditions, including nativity scenes and festive family meals in Umbria. Oslo commentator Paul Johansson brings to life the magic of Norwegian celebrations, featuring julekake, Santa Lucia, and the mischievous Nisse gnome. San Sebastián native Augustin Sirisa introduces the unique Olentzero character from the Basque Country, alongside rich holiday feasts and traditions revived post-Franco. Discover the diverse ways Europe embraces the holiday spirit!

Join Susan Cahill, a Paris expert and author of "Sacred Paris," as she illuminates the city's stunning religious architecture, revealing hidden gems from historic churches to vibrant synagogues. Igor Scamparin, a Venetian guide, shares the magic of Christmas in Venice—talking about glass-themed decorations, communal festivities, and delicious holiday foods like musetto and panettone. Their insights transport listeners to enchanting traditions, from Finland's sauna culture to Ireland’s ancient solstice rituals, painting a rich tapestry of winter celebrations.

Elaine Sciolino, a Paris-based journalist and author, reveals fascinating behind-the-scenes operations at the Louvre, including its Tuesday closures for maintenance and private tours. Richard Rhodes, the last apprentice of the Sienese Freemasons, shares ancient masonry secrets that transform stone into stunning artwork. He discusses the importance of grain orientation, aesthetic corrections in architecture, and the meditative process of chiseling stone. Their insights blend art, culture, and craftsmanship, offering a unique view into the worlds of museums and stonework.

Terry Tempest Williams, a celebrated author and conservationist, discusses the unique 'personalities' of U.S. national parks and their cultural significance. Historian Flannery Burke explores Arizona and New Mexico's identities within the Great Southwest, emphasizing their rich Native heritage and contemporary cultural dynamics. Travel writer Christopher Solomon shares thrilling tales from his mountain-bike adventure across southern Utah, celebrating the joys and challenges of backcountry exploration while advocating for outdoor accessibility.

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 ongoing quest to capture the moods, light, and breathtaking beauty of his homeland. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

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 descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

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 discoveries. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Madeline Potter, a literature scholar specializing in Gothic themes, dives into the dark allure of Gothic literature, discussing its links to locations like Transylvania and the moral questions it poses. Luisa Navarro, a journalist, shares the significance of Mexico's Day of the Dead, offering insights into altar-building and its blend of indigenous and Catholic traditions. Sandy Hester, a New Orleans tour guide, explores the city's unique cemeteries and ghostly tales, highlighting the cultural importance of jazz funerals and voodoo heritage.

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 descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.