Travel with Rick Steves

Learn how Ireland is displaying its connections with the infamous Titanic — in Belfast, where it was built, and in County Cork, its final port of call. We'll also explore the historic synagogues and neighborhoods of Prague, once home to Europe's largest Jewish population. And we'll meet a woman who's been helping former enemies make peace in a number of the world's hot spots.

British actress and global traveler Joanna Lumley tells Rick why her family is revered in Bhutan, then Spanish tour guides describe the highlights of their country's spiritual capital, Toledo. Plus, Rick shares tips for finding an affordable room and a good breakfast in Europe’s convents and monasteries.

International news gets personal as Rick's friends give us a peek into what current affairs are on Germans' minds, and a tour guide from Turkey explains what prompted her to join the thousands protesting in the streets of Istanbul last year. Plus, Rick shares travel notes with listeners about Egypt, Italy, and France.

Author Ferenc Máté shares the rewards of relying on one another, instead of our gadgets, and filmmaker Dan Austin describes how a low-budget bike journey changed his view of the world — and spurred him to do the same for others. Plus, listeners share teachable moments they encountered while traveling in Germany.

We'll hear how Americans can now legally visit Cuba, from a Cuba travel expert who leads motorcycle tours across the island. Also, author Graham Robb tells us about the accomplishments of the ancient Celts, and the sophisticated celestial-based geometry they used to organize their world, and a pair of Irishmen share a beer and a little banter with Rick for Saint Patrick's Day.

This week, we'll learn about the pre-Inca sites of the northern Peru cloud forest, where the tourist crowds of Cuzco are hundreds of miles away. Also, a radio journalist describes what it was like to be embedded with the U-S military in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he got to observe the day to day lives of soldiers in the green zone, and guides from Spain explain how the southern region of Andalucia is a soulful home to many of the time-honored traditions of Spain.

Hear about the threats to iconic places in the United States that the World Monuments Fund has added to its latest "watch list" of endangered places. Guides from Wales and Ireland share their favorite highlights of the Irish Sea that unites the Celtic lands of Britain and Ireland.  Also, get a wee taste of Irish storytelling prowess.

Meet an urban explorer who tells us why his favorite part of Paris is underground, and how he gets to enjoy a view of the Manhattan skyline from the top of the Brooklyn Bridge. We'll also hear how a street artist brings color and panache to people around the world. Also, soon-to-be travelers ask Rick for advice on upcoming trips to Europe.

Guides from Greece and Egypt share tips for sightseeing the historical highlights of the eastern Mediterranean. Plus, guides from southern Italy and Morocco take listener calls with ideas for exploring the local color of the "instep" of southeast Italy, and for going deep into Morocco.

Learn about a few of the many traditional cheeses that go with the seasons in France. Two authors tell us about the culture shock that comes with marrying a Frenchman and living in Paris. Also, an American clothing designer tells us how he awakened a part of himself, by returning to West Africa, where his parents were born. 

The heroic efforts of Allied troops known as The Monuments Men are about to be depicted in a major motion picture.  Hear how the film's co-author and producer was inspired to tell their story, and how the effort to recover important works of art stolen by the Nazis in World War Two continues today as a work in progress. Plus, the star of the Doc Martin TV series tells us what it's like to film the show in a fishing village on the coast of Cornwall. 

Get tips for planning a visit to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii, near Naples. Explore ancient monuments, dating to the Roman Empire and earlier, that are scattered across the countryside of England from Hadrian's Wall to Stonehenge. Also, hear how recent renovations have turned Glasgow into an energetic showpiece city in the center of Scotland.

The stereotype of bland food in Britain is changing. Actress and cookbook author Madhur Jaffrey tells us how Britain has become a "Curry Nation." Also, the owner of a fair trade coffee company explains the workings of the coffee industry, from the perspective of the growers.

There's a lot you can understand about Italy by observing how they operate their rail lines.  Author and long-time Verona resident Tim Parks lets us in on the Italian way of doing things. Guides from the scenic Amalfi Coast take listener calls and share highlights of their corner of Italy, from Positano to the isle of Capri. 

Hear about some of the heritage sites around the world that are in danger of being destroyed by war, weather, and neglect.  Learn what is lost when an endangered minority language disappears from earth. Also, mountain climbing legend Ed Viesturs explains how he tackles Mount Everest and the rest of the world's highest peaks — without an oxygen mask.