Travel with Rick Steves

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.

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

Frances Mayes, bestselling author known for her evocative tales of Italy, shares hidden gems in the country, revealing the charm of lesser-known towns and culinary delights. She emphasizes the importance of off-season travel for an authentic experience. Meanwhile, beer expert Dave Carpenter dives into the world of lagers, explaining what sets them apart from ales and exploring the nuances of Czech brewing traditions. Together, they blend travel and taste, unlocking new avenues for the adventurous spirit.

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.