

Travel with Rick Steves
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. Related travel information and message boards on www.ricksteves.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 4, 2025 • 52min
807 Islands of Portugal; Easter Island; Endangered Languages
Claudia Costa, a seasoned Portuguese tour guide, reveals the natural beauty and culinary delights of Portugal's Azores and Madeira islands. James Grant Peterkin, a cultural historian, shares insights from his two decades on Easter Island, discussing its fascinating Moai statues and the local Rapa Nui language. Linguist Ross Perlin highlights the urgency of preserving endangered languages, emphasizing their cultural significance and advocating for a multilingual mindset. This conversation celebrates unique island cultures and the importance of linguistic diversity.

Sep 27, 2025 • 52min
806 Swedish-Norwegian Cousins; The London Tube; Czech Castles
In this lively conversation, Catherine Alcock, a knowledgeable London Blue Badge guide, shares insights into navigating and appreciating London's Tube. She reveals the quirks of different Tube lines and practical tips for a smoother ride. Meanwhile, tour guides from Sweden and Norway engage in playful banter about their friendly rivalries, touching on cultural stereotypes. Lastly, delve into the enchanting world of Czech castles, discovering their rich history, stunning architecture, and fairy-tale charm.

Sep 20, 2025 • 52min
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 life-giving nearby star.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Sep 13, 2025 • 52min
805 Italy Side-Trip Towns; Overnight; Enjoying Mexico City
Join Anne Long, a seasoned tour guide in Italy, as she reveals hidden gems beyond the tourist hotspots of Florence, Venice, and Rome. Dan Richards shares captivating stories about the unseen heroes of the night, from bakers to emergency responders, and their vital contributions. Meanwhile, David Lita takes us through the vibrant streets of Mexico City, exploring its multicultural neighborhoods and culinary evolution, along with the challenges posed by rising tourism. It's a delightful journey into culture and adventure!

Sep 6, 2025 • 52min
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 archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Aug 30, 2025 • 52min
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 magic, of landing an airplane.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Aug 23, 2025 • 52min
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 gelato in Italy.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Aug 16, 2025 • 52min
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 leave the US in the rearview mirror.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Aug 9, 2025 • 52min
801 Museum Matters with Mary Beard; Fascinating Museums; Soul of South Korea
Dame Mary Beard, an esteemed classics scholar and British Museum trustee, discusses the ethics of cultural antiquities and the joy of focusing on select museum artifacts. Bob Eckstein, a humorist and New Yorker cartoonist, shares how museums can transform our perspectives through memorable illustrations. Travel writer Chaney Kwok reveals why Seoul is a fantastic starting point for exploring Asia while highlighting the serene beauty of Jeju Island. Each guest brings a unique lens to the transformative power of museums and travel.

Aug 2, 2025 • 52min
800 British Pub Grub; Travel on $75 a Day; Holland
Matt Kepnes, known as Nomadic Matt, is a seasoned traveler and author specializing in budget travel. He shares invaluable tips on exploring the world for just $75 a day. The conversation also covers the delightful evolution of British pub food, spotlighting classic dishes like bangers and mash and charming desserts like spotted dick. Additionally, Dutch guides reveal the rich diversity of Holland, discussing regional identities and the innovative water management strategies that keep the country resilient amidst its unique geography.