Travel with Rick Steves

Rick examines Sicily and what the "heel, toe and instep" of the boot of Italy has to offer the adventurous traveler.  In addition, we'll explore pirate history and lore along the Carolina coast, where legendary sea scoundrels made their mark during colonial times. 

Local tour guides explain why Madrid and Prague are two of the most romantic cities in Europe. Plus, Rick chats with listeners who share unforgettable encounters from their travels, where the kindness of the locals — even with a language barrier — left a lasting impression.

A portrait photographer shares tips for taking top-notch photos of the people you meet in your travels. A painter shares how going on an artist's safari has deepened his love of African wildlife, and lets him look eye to eye with the creatures of the savannah. Also, a travel writer tells us how he's preparing to start a three-year trip to every country in Africa.  

Take a closer look at the pleasure of eating like an Italian with Fred Plotkin. Two guides from Slovenia highlight the good things they enjoy in their small country.  Also, we'll see how dozens of sites connected to African-American history can teach us about the freedoms that 21st century Americans might take for granted. 

Bill Bryson points out what the rooms and items in your house can teach you about the world. Tour guide, Britt Lonsdale, explains your options for enjoying an elegant afternoon tea in London. Also, public radio's favorite librarian, Nancy Pearl, inspires us to read about the far away places of the world.

North Ireland's city of Derry is gearing up to be this year's "U-K City of Culture." We'll find out how concerts and the arts are uniting the Irish. Hear how London's working class East End is becoming a trendy scene for colorful shops and a good curry dinner. In addition, hear how an American family explored the beaches of Croatia as if it was their second home.

Journalist Jonathan Groubert explains what a recent change of government means for the Netherlands.  And Travel Channel host Samantha Brown chats about her latest projects.  Plus, listeners tell us fun ways they get to feel like one of the locals in Europe. 

A wine expert from Paris explains how the wine industry operates in France and offers tips for finding the best deals on French wine.  We'll also explore the rich New Year's Eve traditions of Scotland.  And listeners describe places they want to return to, as well as a fun way to explore the world from the comfort of your own kitchen. 

Hear about holiday traditions from Wales and Hungary, Sicily and Scotland.  Learn about the unique ways people light up the season in Santa Fe — where the fragrance of piñon wood fires leaves a special impression.  Hear how scientists at a research station in Antarctica make merry.  Plus, listeners share some of their favorite Christmas memories from holiday travels.

Friends from Madrid, Rome, London and Lisbon tell us about their cities' traditions for the Christmas season.  And we’ll hear how the holidays are celebrated in Bulgaria, the Swiss Alps, Austria and the Low Countries.

To keep you well-fed while traveling around the holidays, American Road Food experts Jane and Michael Stern recommend over-the-top dining venues for sharing a family meal. Also, Rick checks in with Phil Keoghan, the host of TV's "The Amazing Race," as it wraps up another season, racing around the world, and we'll hear how people enjoy Christmas away from home on vacation in Switzerland, Venice, Bavaria, and in Prague.

Hear how the Dutch and the Swedes get their holiday season started. Get advice for blending in with the locals next time you're in Paris.  Also, get tips for enjoying the expanded pedestrian zones on the streets of Madrid.

You don't have to go inside a museum to experience great art. We look at some of the ways Europeans love to embellish their every-day scene.  Also, Robert Edsel shares stories of the people who helped rescue the masterpieces of Western art from the Nazis, during and after World War Two, and how their work continues today.

Ireland's Celtic Tiger economic boom improved the quality and variety of what the Irish like to eat. We'll look at trends in Irish cuisine from its culinary capital of Kinsale in County Cork. We'll also examine the effects of the Columbia River's massive hydropower dams that fuel the Pacific Northwest, where the price of cheap energy goes beyond what shows up on the electric bill.

If texting a phone message is the biggest workout your hands get all day, Ferenc Mate shares the rewards of relying on one another, instead of our gadgets. Dan Austin describes his journey into becoming a "road trip pilgrim," and how a low-budget bike journey changed his view of the world.  Plus, listeners share teachable moments they encountered while traveling in Germany.