Travel with Rick Steves

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.

Learn about the evolution of Thanksgiving dinner dishes in America, the ongoing challenges of feeding the world's impoverished communities by the World Food Program, and the variety of sausages enjoyed year-round in Germany.

Learn about the risks and heroism in protecting Europe's art treasures during World War II. Then indulge in Italy's overlooked cuisines, including elaborate seafood stews and spreadable salamis. Also, discover the rich flavors of Belgian cuisine, from muscles and stews to harmonious beer pairings with cheese and chocolate.

Tecumseh, a historian discusses the legacy of Shawnee chief Tecumseh and why he was admired even by the settlers he opposed. A Palestinian tour operator shares his journey towards peace and reconciliation in the conflict-ridden region. Two Spanish tour guides talk about what makes Spain a popular tourist destination. Learn about breaking language barriers while traveling in Spain and the role of Tecumseh's father in fighting against British soldiers. Explore the history and legacy of Tecumseh and how he influenced General William Tecumseh Sherman.

Irish writer and expert on Celtic traditions, Fintan O'Toole, discusses the role of the supernatural in Celtic traditions and Irish literature. The podcast also explores the origins of vampire legends in Eastern Europe and delves into spooky encounters experienced by listeners while traveling in Europe.

A creative-writing professor discusses Icelandic mythology, as told in the Viking-inspired sagas — and how a summer backpacking trek around the island nation helped him understand the role these tales play in Iceland's modern-day culture. Then futurist and Wired founder Kevin Kelly looks back on his journeys to document, over nearly 50 years, many of the traditions and features now quickly vanishing across Asia. And experts share advice for fall travels to England's gardens and stone circles, and for understanding British slang. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.