Travel with Rick Steves

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A weekly one-hour conversation with guest experts and callers about travel, cultures, people, and the things we find around the world that give life its extra sparkle. Rick Steves is America's leading authority on travel to Europe and beyond. Host and writer of over a hundred public television trave…

Rick Steves


    • May 31, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 52m AVG DURATION
    • 1,014 EPISODES

    4.4 from 2,008 ratings Listeners of Travel with Rick Steves that love the show mention: rick steves, travel show, rick and his guests, enjoy rick, travel advice, travel information, rick's, rick does a great, travel podcasts, destinations, great travel, listening to rick, thank you rick, love to travel, love rick, thanks rick, best travel, traveled, pbs, travels.


    Ivy Insights

    The Travel with Rick Steves podcast is a delightful and educational show that takes listeners on a virtual journey around the world. Hosted by travel expert Rick Steves, this podcast offers a unique blend of travel information, cultural history, and personal experiences. The show covers a wide range of destinations, both popular and lesser-known, and features interviews with local guides and experts. As someone who loves to travel, I have found this podcast to be an excellent source of inspiration and information for planning future trips.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Rick Steves' genuine passion for travel and his ability to bring that enthusiasm to his listeners. His love for exploring new places and experiencing different cultures is infectious, and it's clear that he genuinely enjoys sharing his knowledge with others. The interviews on the show are both insightful and interesting, providing valuable insights into various destinations and experiences. Additionally, the podcast goes beyond just practical travel tips by delving into the cultural aspects of each place, allowing listeners to gain a deeper understanding of different societies.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is its ability to transport listeners to different parts of the world without leaving their homes. Particularly during the pandemic when travel has been restricted, this podcast has been a lifeline for those with wanderlust. Closing your eyes and listening to Rick's descriptions can truly make you feel like you're traveling alongside him.

    One potential drawback of the podcast is Rick Steves' tendency to interrupt his guests during interviews. Some listeners have found this habit distracting and wish he would allow his guests more time to express their thoughts fully. While it doesn't detract from the overall quality of the content, it can be frustrating for those who prefer a more uninterrupted flow.

    In conclusion, The Travel with Rick Steves podcast is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in exploring new destinations or learning about different cultures. Whether you're an experienced traveler or someone who dreams of venturing beyond their comfort zone, this podcast offers valuable insights and inspiration. While it may have a minor flaw in terms of interview style, the overall content and enthusiasm of Rick Steves make it a must-listen for travel enthusiasts.



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    Latest episodes from Travel with Rick Steves

    793 Aegean Turkey; Florence & Tuscany; Denmark Beyond Copenhagen

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2025 52:00


    Expert tour guides share advice for exploring the ancient ruins and seaside villages along Turkey's Aegean coast, the Renaissance wonders of Florence, the sun-drenched Tuscan countryside, and charming Danish towns and islands easily reached on day trips from Copenhagen. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    792 Remember Us; The Greater Journey

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2025 52:00


    We hear how the Dutch continue to remember and honor the servicemen who helped liberate their towns in 1945. And we revisit a conversation with the late historian David McCullough about the influential "Americans in Paris" of the 19th century, who returned home with skills that helped transform life in the US. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    683a English Country Gardens; On Becoming a Gardener; In Praise of Wasting Time

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 52:00


    English tour guides share their enthusiasm for enjoying the riot of color and inspiration you'll find in England's best country gardens. Then author Catie Marron explains how she designed and planted a garden as a way to feel a sense of belonging in her new home. And physicist Alan Lightman explains why it's healthy to give yourself a little unstructured time every day just for goofing off. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    791 Scottish Castles; Mars on Earth; Checking In

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 52:00


    Scottish tour guides tell us about the most famous castles in a country that's brimming with the imposing structures. Then a Santiago-based American travel writer embarks on a 1,200-mile odyssey through one of the driest places on earth — Chile's Atacama Desert — as he searches for a deeper understanding of his adopted homeland. And listeners call in to share stories and find inspiration for their next travel adventures. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    790 Oneika Raymond's Favorite Destinations; US Aid; A Week in Poland

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 52:00


    Journalist Oneika Raymond reveals the top countries where, as a black woman traveling solo, she feels a cultural appreciation and connection. Then the head of Bread for the World describes how the organization's advocacy work has stepped up its efforts in the face of cuts to government aid programs. And tour guides from Poland give us a look at how the country is modernizing, while retaining what makes it uniquely Polish. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    673a Visiting Antarctica; The Journeys of Trees; Italy's Northern Lakes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 52:00


    A travel writer shares how a trip to Antarctica helped him see that continent through the eyes of the early polar explorers. Then a reporter focused on climate change and conservation explains how some North American tree species are migrating to survive the planet's rising temperatures. And two Italy-based tour guides take us to the resort lakes of northern Italy, where the glamour extends beyond the natural scenery. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    789 Easter in Greece; Pillars of Europe; Easter in AndalucĆ­a

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 52:00


    Learn about the customs that Greeks observe as Orthodox Easter draws near. Then contemplate the massive undertaking of building a cathedral centuries ago and how these monuments to faith and devotion helped shape their locales. And get acquainted with southern Spain's elaborate Semana Santa observances, which fill the streets of AndalucĆ­a in the week leading up to Easter. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    788 Spain by Train; Foreign Correspondent; The Lines on Our Maps

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2025 52:00


    Hear from tour guides about Spain's robust high-speed rail network and all the places it can take you. Then hit the road vicariously with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nicholas Kristof for a taste of life as a foreign correspondent. And take a closer look at the surprising and fascinating ways in which borders have shaped our world. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    787 Twenty Years; The Vanishing Point; Martin Sheen's Travels

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2025 52:00


    Rick marks 20 years of his radio show by revisiting some memorable guests and what they've taught us about travel. Then author Paul Theroux celebrates his 84th birthday as he contemplates the passage of time in his new short-story collection, "The Vanishing Point." And actor Martin Sheen describes how his experiences filming overseas have come to influence his political activism. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    696a For the Love of Guidebooks; The Gulf; Greatest Art in Europe

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2025 52:00


    Europe brims with world-class art, and we contemplate some of the continent's truly outstanding paintings, sculptures, and historic edifices. Then we learn about the historic and ecological importance of the Gulf of Mexico from a professor in neighboring Florida. And we consider the humble guidebook and what its pages can tell us, both in the moment and long after the trip is done. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    786 Greek Passions; In Love with the Louvre; Balkan Discoveries

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2025 52:00


    A tour guide from Greece delves into the importance of food, family, and traditions in his homeland. Then a Francophile offers advice on how to take on the vast collection of the world's largest — and arguably greatest — museum. And guidebook researcher Cameron Hewitt shares discoveries from his travels in the Balkans, an affordable and rewarding alternative to the tourist crowds of western Europe. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    785 Irish Legacy of W. B. Yeats; 1960s Ireland; Touring Northern Ireland

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2025 52:00


    Two countrymen explore Ireland's reverence for their national poet, W. B. Yeats. Then a Dublin journalist shares what it was like to grow up amid the turbulent societal changes in his city during the 1960s and '70s. And a guide from Belfast tells us why an Emerald Isle itinerary should include a visit to Northern Ireland. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    625a Snowdonia; Outposts; Natural Slovenia

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2025 52:00


    Delve into the remote outposts and refuges across the globe where travelers have stopped along the course of their adventures. Then hear about the highest views in Wales — and how to reach them — and learn about the country's slate mining heritage. And from Alps to caves, vineyards to beehives, catch the buzz of the natural wonders on display in Slovenia. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    784 Rhineland Karneval; WMF 2025 Watch List; Top Alaska Experiences

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2025 52:00


    Look at what's behind Carnival and Mardi Gras celebrations around the world by learning about the festive season's origins and customs in Germany's Rhineland. Then hear what's been added to the World Monuments Fund's latest "watch list" of endangered cultural sites around the world. And get recommendations for must-see experiences in Alaska, along with tips for planning adventures across the Last Frontier. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    783 British Pubs; Why I Love Brittany; Custodians of Wonder

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2025 52:00


    Two English tour guides explain what Brits mean by a "rough and ready" pub and how to find some of the UK's best pub grub. Then a father-and-son tour-guiding duo invite us to fall in love with their favorite corner of France. And BBC journalist Eliot Stein shares insights from his travels in search of the world's oldest disappearing traditions, giving us a peek into what it's like to be the last to carry a cultural torch. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    395b Monet's Passion; The French House; Marrying Into Italy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2025 52:00


    Coming soon. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    782 Prague vs. Budapest; What's New in Lisbon

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2025 52:00


    This week we explore three of the most charming — and most popular — of Europe's Old World cities: Two tour guides get cheeky as they make the case for which of their own hometowns — Prague or Budapest — offer the best experiences for visitors with limited time in central Europe. And expert locals catch us up on changes afoot in Lisbon, offering strategies for navigating its more crowded sights so that you can still enjoy an authentic taste of today's Portugal. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    781 Potsdam; Emperor of Rome; On the Hippie Trail

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2025 52:00


    We hear why the city of Potsdam — home to elegant Prussian palaces and parklands, all in quick reach of central Berlin — is worth a day's visit. Then we get a sense of what life was really like for the emperors of ancient Rome, with the help of classicist Mary Beard. And we travel back to 1978 with Rick and his longtime buddy Gene Openshaw as they retrace their post-college adventures along the infamous "Hippie Trail" from Istanbul to Afghanistan to India, all the way to Kathmandu. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    602a How Berlin Remembers; Turkish Delights; Travel to Bhutan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2025 52:00


    Two German tour guides let us in on the back story behind Berlin's most memorable monuments to their country's turbulent history. Then two Turks tuck into a discussion of the traditional Turkish street eats, comfort foods, and desserts they recommend for a tasty visit to Istanbul. And an American who met &mdash then married &mdash a local artist in Bhutan shares tips for surmounting the logistical hurdles of visiting this remote Himalayan kingdom. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    780 Miami Getaway; Scottish Icons; Robert Burns Night

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2025 52:00


    Travel Channel host Oneika Raymond recommends her favorite Miami neighborhoods to explore on a sunny getaway. Then friends from Scotland discuss the uniquely Scottish cultural icons that reinforce the small nation's strong sense of identity. And just in time for Burns Night, Perthshire-based troubadour Jim Malcolm explains what Robert Burns' poetry means to his compatriots — and sings some favorite Burns tunes. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    779 Bristol; Barcelona; Bruges

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2025 52:00


    Coming soon. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    778 Pura Vida; Morocco's Best Cities; More Travel Pursuits

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2025 52:00


    The author of a guidebook to Costa Rica discusses what the phrase "pura vida" conveys amid the tropical abundance of her adopted Central American eco-paradise. Then a Morocco expert and fellow guidebook writer recommends the best cities for immersing yourself in the Old World atmosphere of Morocco's intimate, car-free medina neighborhoods. And fellow listeners call in to share how their passions and hobbies have provided a framework for memorable overseas travels. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    777 History of the Snowman; Visiting the Vatican; Champagne; Edinburgh New Year's

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2024 52:00


    Coming soon. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    698a Ready for Christmas Near and Far; Wassailing

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2024 52:00


    Rick gathers some old friends to hear about their childhood Christmases in Spain, Italy, and New Mexico. Then he brings in more friends to describe what you're likely to find this time of year in Austria, Australia, Japan…and Antarctica. Plus, a Brit from Bath explains how the English tradition of wassailing developed as a way to guarantee a good apple harvest — or at least an occasion to enjoy a warm drink with neighbors. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    776 Bulgarian Christmas; What's New in Istanbul; Eight Flavors in the Pantry

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2024 52:00


    Old World traditions — fasting, feasting, incense, and song — make Bulgaria's Christmas season special, and tour guide Stefan Bozadzhiev invites us to imagine it with him. Then an Istanbul guide updates us on the latest big news in Turkey's cultural capital, and a culinary historian inspires us to peruse our spice racks as she discusses the often surprising origins of the eight flavors that unite America's diverse cuisines. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    775 Reopening Notre-Dame; Rue des Martyrs; Other Religions

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2024 52:00


    Ken Follett, author of a monumental series of novels based in medieval Europe, celebrates the much anticipated — and hotly debated — reopening of Paris' Notre-Dame Cathedral five years after its devastating fire. Also, the New York Times' former Paris correspondent Elaine Sciolino tells us what makes her own Paris neighborhood feel like home. And a peace activist from Jerusalem shares a suggestion to help people of different religions get along better. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    774 Spectacular Landscapes; Four Points of the Compass; What's in a Name?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2024 52:00


    A tour guide from England's scenic Lake District recommends two areas — in Switzerland and Iceland — offering even more stunning landscapes to explore. Then a historian invites us to reconsider how we orient ourselves in time and space as he shares insights he's gained from exploring how we arrived at our modern sense of direction. And a former NPR correspondent discusses what happens when a place gets a new name, and how an altered identity can transform the place itself. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    773 Taste of Holland; French Feasting; Eating Across Spain

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2024 52:00


    Indulge your ears in an audio feast by listening in on delectable discussions of the don't-miss traditional foods of the Netherlands and Spain. Hear about how the French structure their day around meal times, as observed by an Australian chef who's settled in central France. And learn about the special cakes that Norwegians enjoy for the holidays. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    653a ƆrĆø Island Denmark; Emilia-Romagna; Italian View of Sicily

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2024 52:00


    Find out what makes the small Danish island of ƆrĆø a perfectly charming and cozy getaway, which region Italophile Fred Plotkin considers Italy's greatest source of culinary and cultural achievements, and why Sicily is such a favorite with visitors, whether from elsewhere in Italy or abroad. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    772 Michelangelo's Tomb; What's New in Dublin; Seeing the Art We Love

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2024 52:00


    Hear about Michelangelo's life-consuming struggle to create the grand papal tomb that was supposed to be his magnum opus, but is largely ignored today. Then get an update on what's new this year in Dublin, where a major renovation at Trinity College's Old Library has turned viewing the Book of Kells, one of Ireland's greatest treasures, into an immersive experience. And join fellow listeners in considering how the thrill of viewing a great work of art in person can be reason enough to plan a trip. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    771 What's New in Berlin; Reflections on the Peace Corps

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2024 52:00


    Tour guides from Berlin update us on what's new in the German capital, and discuss why they love living in a city so dense with history — and one that seems to be constantly reinventing itself. And a former Peace Corps volunteer reflects on the value of his two-year stint, which had him, right out of college, living and teaching halfway around the world. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    542b Wild West Ghost Towns; Heroes of Ireland; Savage Harvest

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2024 52:00


    American road-trip aficionado Jim Hinckley recommends Old West ghost towns to visit before they fade away. Then Irish singer Cathie Ryan explains — and demonstrates — how Ireland remembers its heroes in song. And journalist Carl Hoffman lets us in on what he's concluded after researching the disappearance of banking scion Michael Rockefeller, who vanished in 1961 while on an art-buying expedition in the jungles of New Guinea. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    770 Sagre Festivals of Italy; Rome Today; Eyewitness in Hungary 1956

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2024 52:00


    Learn about Italy's sagre — traditional country fairs, often centering on the local harvest, that usually feature colorful historical pageantry. Then hear what's new in old Rome as it spiffs up for the coming Jubilee Year celebrations. Then listen in as venerated writer and editor Michael Korda recounts his experiences amid one of the Cold War's most dramatic events: the Hungarian uprising of October 1956. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    695a Belgium Pride; Favorite Gardens; Arctic Trails

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2024 52:00


    A native-born Belgian shares what delights him most about his small, but justifiably proud country. Then an expert in public green spaces recommends some of her favorite gardens around the world — plus the most enticing ones she's yet to visit. And a writer who was raised way off the grid in northwest Alaska alerts us to the increasing threats to the people and wildlife of the Alaskan Arctic. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    769 Asian-American Immigration; Democracy in Europe

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2024 52:00


    A Harvard historian discusses how the impact of the Immigration Act of 1965 continues to reverberate in American society, and in particular what the US gained in becoming far more welcoming to Asian immigrants than ever before. And tour guides from Hungary, Poland, and Portugal update us on some of the profound political issues under debate in their countries, and what we Americans might learn from their experiences. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    768 Pan-American Road Trip; Filming the World's Backyard; Travel Pursuits-X

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2024 52:00


    Coming soon. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    578b Walking Ljubljana; Munich and Bavaria; Wild Animals

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2024 52:00


    The co-author of Rick's Central Europe guidebook and a Ljubljana-based tour guide discuss the charms of Slovenia's laid-back capital. Then a tour guide from Munich shares her insider tips for becoming a temporary Bavarian at Oktoberfest, and a naturalist with a knack for adventure explains why even the creepiest critters deserve a little respect. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    767 Eastern European Folklore; Unknown Balkans; Milan

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2024 52:00


    A historian discusses some of the most salient narratives about themselves that eastern Europeans have been passing down through generations of folklore. Then a Bulgarian tour guide lets us in on why the smaller Balkan countries of Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia are emerging as "back-door" destinations. And tour guides from Italy share tips for people-watching among the chic and sleek in Milan's fashionable cafĆ© scene — and the cocktails to enjoy while doing so. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    766 Endangered European Languages; Black Women Travelers; Beating the Crowds, Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2024 52:00


    Coming soon. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    765 Sicilian Splendors; Off the Rails; Favorite Hot Springs

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2024 52:00


    A longtime Italophile shares the charms and rich culture of Sicily. Then a popular columnist and avowed train buff recounts tales of his rail travels the world over. And a photojournalist takes a deep dive into the ways we soak, swim, and slow down in hot springs. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    697a Sacred Paris; Raising a Family in France; A Place in the World

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2024 52:00


    Author Susan Cahill recommends some of the most magnificent religious architecture to explore in Paris, then an American who married a Frenchman describes her experiences raising three young children in a small town outside Paris. And writer Frances Mayes, who lives in both Tuscany and North Carolina, discusses just what makes a place feel like home. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

    764 South Wales; Two Years in Kazakhstan; Global Empty Spaces

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2024 52:00


    Delve into southern Wales and its evocative landscape of castles, pilgrim trails, and coal mines. Then get a rare glimpse into Central Asia's largest country from a former Peace Corps volunteer. And vicariously explore some of our world's remaining desolate places. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

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