Travel with Rick Steves

A pair of tour-bus drivers offer their expert tips on what to expect when navigating the highways of Europe. Then we discuss ideas for exploring two of Europe's most scenic regions: the lush Irish countryside and the floral landscapes and villages of southern France — and pop into a Dublin pub for a wee sing-along. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

A German journalist shares some timely thoughts on what his fellow citizens find appealing about America, as well as his insights into the intriguing differences between our two societies. Then a London "mudlarker" who searches the River Thames at low tide for buried objects describes how discarded items can connect us with life in the Victorian era, and even as far back as Roman times. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Joining the discussion are Adam Goodhart, a historian and expert on the isolated Sentinelese people, and Dennis Heditz, a seasoned Dutch tour guide with 25 years in Amsterdam. They explore the enchanting canals of Amsterdam, discussing their cultural and historical significance. Goodhart delves into the mysterious lives of the Sentinelese and the complexities of their isolation. The conversation also highlights Coimbra's rich university heritage, vibrant traditions, and cultural festivities, making it a must-visit destination.

Celebrate Earth Day by considering the ways you can address climate change at home, with practical advice from a scientist who's seen its effects around the world. Then hear from a culinary historian about the crops, farm animals, and agricultural traditions that we risk losing in America. And mark Shakespeare's birthday by learning how his works have played a key role in shaping Africa's newest nation and by getting tips for enjoying a visit to his hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

We admire the seafaring prowess of the Polynesians and hear how a cultural faux pas led to Captain James Cook's fateful encounter with 18th-century Hawaiians. Then tour guides from Athens and Thessaloniki recommend attractions to visit in northern Greece, and The New Yorker’s "Comma Queen," Mary Norris, explains what an appreciation for Greek language and mythology can add to your own Greek odyssey. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

We learn some surprisingly useful Italian phrases from one of Italy's most popular newspaper columnists, then consider why certain places have fostered more than their share of world-changing innovations, and hear about Timbuktu's history as an important center for scholarship. Plus, we find out about the thrill of dropping in on a choir practice in small-town Wales. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

A nature filmmaker and self-proclaimed "umbraphile" shares tips for viewing the next total solar eclipse, when the moon will cast its otherworldly shadow on a narrow band across North America on April 8 — and explains why he thinks it’s worth a trek to the totality zone. Then the "Paddle Pilgrim" returns to tell us about the unexpected challenges along his month-long Southeast Asian adventure kayaking down the Mekong River, where he was forced to learn to "linger with the lotus." And Cecily Wong from Atlas Obscura describes some of the strangest potions and fermented foods concocted before the era of refrigeration. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Explore quirky Oslo customs, remote US spots, and healing herbs worldwide. Learn about Norwegian greetings, uninhabited American landscapes, and the allure of herbal medicine. Discover the benefits of forest bathing, community bonding through herbs, and the herbal traditions of Peru and Greece.

In this all-Irish hour, tour guides describe some of the intriguing sights you'd encounter on a walking tour of Dublin and explain why the rugged Aran Islands, off Ireland's west coast, are such an exciting place to explore Irish traditions. And author Timothy Egan delves into the legacy of 19th-century America's most famous Irish immigrant. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Discover the historical treasures of Ireland, Michelangelo's midlife struggles, and New York City's endangered languages. From ancient artifacts in Dublin to the sculptor's art journey, and efforts to preserve diverse linguistic heritage in urban environments, this podcast covers a wide range of captivating topics.