Travel with Rick Steves

Discover the dark origins and cultural significance of snowmen from a leading expert. Explore Vatican City's rich art and spiritual heritage with insider tips for a successful visit. Raise a glass to the bubbly and learn about the tradition of Champagne from French connoisseurs. Celebrate Edinburgh's lively Hogmanay traditions, highlighting 'first-footing' and the joy of 'Auld Lang Syne' as the New Year kicks off. Each segment promises a blend of history, culture, and festive excitement.

The holiday season shines as friends share childhood Christmas memories from Spain, Italy, and New Mexico. Unique customs unfold, including the festive dual gift-giving in Spain and vibrant celebrations in Venice. Listeners journey through global traditions, from wassailing in England to festive gatherings in Antarctica. Japan's evolving holiday spirit contrasts with Italy's deep-rooted customs, showcasing Babbo Natale and La Befana. The warmth of family gatherings and nostalgic reflections on togetherness truly capture the essence of the season.

Stefan Bozadzhiev, a Bulgarian tour guide, shares enchanting insights into Christmas traditions, highlighting the significance of fasting and festive feasts. Lali Sermin Aran updates listeners on Istanbul's vibrant cultural scene, discussing its modernization and rich historical tapestry. Culinary historian Sarah Lohman reveals the eight flavors that connect America's diverse cuisine, uncovering surprising spice origins and immigrant influences. Together, these guests paint a vivid picture of culture, celebration, and culinary history.

Ken Follett, author of a monumental series of novels based in medieval Europe, celebrates the much anticipated — and hotly debated — reopening of Paris' Notre-Dame Cathedral five years after its devastating fire. Also, the New York Times' former Paris correspondent Elaine Sciolino tells us what makes her own Paris neighborhood feel like home. And a peace activist from Jerusalem shares a suggestion to help people of different religions get along better. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Join historian Jerry Broughton, a professor at Queen Mary University, as he unpacks the cultural significance of navigation and how our understanding of direction has evolved over time. Eric Weiner, an acclaimed author, dives into the shifting meanings behind place names, showcasing examples like Bombay to Mumbai and the implications of these changes on identity. Explore breathtaking landscapes in Iceland and Switzerland, revealing their unique allure while discussing the emotional connections tied to geography.

Indulge your ears in an audio feast by listening in on delectable discussions of the don't-miss traditional foods of the Netherlands and Spain. Hear about how the French structure their day around meal times, as observed by an Australian chef who's settled in central France. And learn about the special cakes that Norwegians enjoy for the holidays. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Fred Plotkin, an Italophile and author, dives into the enchanting world of Emilia-Romagna, Italy's culinary heart. He shares why it's a top destination for food and culture lovers. The duo discusses the charm of Ærø Island in Denmark, known for its cozy vibe, unique farm designs, and local stalls. They explore Sicily’s hidden gems, highlighting its rich culinary heritage and revitalized neighborhoods like Palermo and Ortigia. Plotkin encourages travelers to embrace the lesser-known treasures of Italy and enjoy the sensory delights they offer.

Hear about Michelangelo's life-consuming struggle to create the grand papal tomb that was supposed to be his magnum opus, but is largely ignored today. Then get an update on what's new this year in Dublin, where a major renovation at Trinity College's Old Library has turned viewing the Book of Kells, one of Ireland's greatest treasures, into an immersive experience. And join fellow listeners in considering how the thrill of viewing a great work of art in person can be reason enough to plan a trip. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Tour guides from Berlin update us on what's new in the German capital, and discuss why they love living in a city so dense with history — and one that seems to be constantly reinventing itself. And a former Peace Corps volunteer reflects on the value of his two-year stint, which had him, right out of college, living and teaching halfway around the world. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

American road-trip aficionado Jim Hinckley recommends Old West ghost towns to visit before they fade away. Then Irish singer Cathie Ryan explains — and demonstrates — how Ireland remembers its heroes in song. And journalist Carl Hoffman lets us in on what he's concluded after researching the disappearance of banking scion Michael Rockefeller, who vanished in 1961 while on an art-buying expedition in the jungles of New Guinea. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.