Travel with Rick Steves

The policies of Portugal and Bhutan are on the agenda. We'll talk to the man who authored Portugal's law that dropped criminal penalties against all narcotics users. He'll explain what the intention of the revamped policy was, and how it's actually working out after nearly ten years. And the Himalayan country of Bhutan has strict rules that only allow a small number of escorted tourists in each year. We'll hear how the country that just got TV and the internet in the last decade makes it a priority to promote "gross national happiness." For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Frances Mayes joins Rick to reflect on 20 years of living "Under the Tuscan Sun" -- and how getting in tune with living in Italy can change your sense of time and even help prioritize what matters most in life. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

From stately gardens and picturesque villages to pre-historic stone circles and hillsides haunted by wild ponies, Rick explores the small towns and shires of England and options for touring the enchanting countryside. And, the people of Poland prepare to celebrate the 200th birthday of native son Frydryk Chopin. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

A local Munich guide describes how laid-back, traditional Bavaria, where pretzels and beer combine with legendary castles and fairy tale scenery, plays host to some important anniversaries this year including Oktoberfest and Passion Play. Plus, listeners describe some of their memorable faux-pas experiences in Germany. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

A native-born guide describes how ancient traditions cross paths with post-Soviet capitalist energy, and the stuffed pepper is king in Bulgaria. Also, nature photographer James Martin shares what he discovered about the world's icy environments -- from the North and South Poles to the Himalayas. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

After many centuries, Istanbul still one of the world's greatest and largest cities where neighborhoods retain an intimate character and echoes of past generations remain evident in its narrow streets and ornate monuments. Tan and Lale Aran join Rick and take listener calls for a full hour devoted to Turkey's capital. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Appreciate beer like a European along with Rick in a session comparing the beers and cultures of Europe. Travel writer David Farley also tells us about an eccentric hill town, not far from Rome. It's where a generation of Bohemian residents share space with a centuries-old mystery about a relic the Vatican would rather not talk about. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

The essence of ancient Greece is actually an easy drive from the busy city of Athens. We're looking at the pleasures of the Peloponessian Peninsula where historical sites and mythology mix with laid-back small towns and uncrowded beaches. Also, an expert on Michelangelo highlights some of the personal influences that helped define him as the epitome of the Renaissance man. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Another season of spicy, colorful festivals is getting underway in southern Spain. Local guides from Madrid and Seville point out how visitors can take in the traditions, from lively cities to white washed hill towns in the sunny south. They'll explain how Spaniards maintain their traditions in Seville, and why many consider it the most romantic city in the country. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick gets ready for St Patrick's Day with a closer look at the traditional side of Ireland and exploring the customs of a traditional Irish music session in its natural habitat -- a pub. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.