A deep-sea diving instructor shares his love for diving with sharks and dispels misconceptions about their danger. A Cuba travel expert explores the places beyond Havana and the complexities of travel to Cuba for US travelers. A guide from Italy takes us into the ancient city of Pompeii, highlighting its historical significance and ruins.

Learn about the historical journey and influence of the Spanish language in North America. Discover the growth of Spanish in the United States and its impact on the country. Explore the accessibility and complexity of the Spanish language, including gender agreements and teaching systems. Dive into learning Spanish, traveling in Spain, and the importance of language skills. Finally, explore the works of influential Spanish artists such as Goya, El Greco, and Maria.

Discover the elegant and easily navigated Vienna, Austria's capital. Learn about Bosnia's transformation into a travel destination after its infamous war. Explore the fascinating ancient structures atop Athens' Acropolis.

A tour specialist from Cairo explains how you can cruise through five thousand years of history on the Nile River in Egypt. Author Pico Iyer suggests paradise on earth might be in some of the most unexpected places. He tells us about his sojourns from the Himalayas to Sri Lanka to experience what South Asia had to show him. And hear how Sophy Roberts searched for the historic "lost pianos of Siberia," and what she actually found. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Former U.S. ambassador to Bulgaria shares travel advice for the Balkans and the impact of reducing travel on climate change. Climate scientist discusses combating pollution and individual actions. Germany's pop music reflects cultural transformation after Cold War. Explore the least explored part of Bulgaria - its mountains, rich in history. German pop scene and Berlin's edgy atmosphere.

Rick's friends discuss Europe's Old World holiday traditions in Bavaria, Croatia, Sweden, Rome, Sardinia, Costa Rica, and Amsterdam. Topics include Advent calendar, gift-giving, midnight Mass, Piazzanabona Christmas market, Persepia scenes, Yule log tradition, Center Class's birthday, controversy over Santa Claus' sidekicks, and Dutch Christmas traditions.

Hear about why cod is so popular among the Portuguese — especially at this time of year — and get a taste of the culinary treats to try in and around Naples. Then find out how the Irish gear up for the holidays, and what listeners enjoy about traveling overseas during the Christmas season. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

A columnist from the Irish Times discusses how the Republic of Ireland has become a modern, progressive nation. A journalist from Utah explores ancient Roman roads connecting Rome with Istanbul and shares his experience walking on them.

Former US ambassador to Switzerland shares insights into Swiss society. Astronomer discusses views from planets in the solar system. Guidebook author highlights winter fun in Anchorage, Alaska.

Tour guides from Lisbon paint audio pictures of the vivid art that colors the streets of Portugal, then a journalist and former diplomat tells of how curiosity led him to meet with healers in the jungles of Nicaragua and Belize. And travel writer Richard Grant explains how a particularly bitter Yukon winter in Dawson City inspired Jack London to write one of his most famous tales of the North. Plus, Rick's in-house art expert gives us a close-up appreciation of Leonardo's Mona Lisa. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.