Travel With Rick Steves

Carl Hoffman explains what it was like to travel the world on the most notorious, over-crowded trains, planes, busses and ferries —  the way most of the planet gets from one city to another. And listeners share their own travel discoveries and suggestions for seeing the world. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Guides from Turkey tell us about the surreal scenery of Cappadocia, where you can glide over an endless panorama of colorful "fairy chimneys," or duck your head in a labyrinth of underground cave cities, decorated with Byzantine murals. We'll also get acquainted with the regional distinctions of modern Germany, and Rick takes listener calls about their favorite parts of France. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

We continue our exploration of the differences between French and American culture, with the help of a local tour guide who contrasts the expectations of American and French tourists. Also, a journalist based in Paris returns to delve deeper into understanding the seductive nature of the French. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Ferenc Mate shares lessons from 20 years in Tuscany, where he and his wife went to turn a 13th century building into their dream home; Camille Cusumano explains how a passion for the tango made her relocate to Buenos Aires; and Fred Plotkin describes the simple pleasure of a cleansing sauna in Finland. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

A seasoned river guide explains how a camping trip down the Colorado River can be a life altering experience; Nancy Pearl recommends more of her favorite books for armchair adventures; and two guides from Madrid explain the protocol for enjoying local specialties. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Paul Theroux commemorates fifty years of adventures by comparing notes with Rick on how best to engage with the world and the editors of "Poetry After 9-11" discuss how New Yorkers are dealing with the shock of the September 11th attacks ten years later by composing poetry. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick learns how medieval castles are being built by hand in France and Arkansas, and gets a closer look at how castles functioned in ancient times. Also, William Lobkowicz, American heir to one of Europe's most famous royal families, shares stories of overseeing his family's palace, castles, and treasures in Prague. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rolf Potts shares his misadventures in Turkey and Libya, and describes how he looks for treasure in towns around the world, including one unassuming hamlet off I-70 in central Kansas. Also, listeners offer tips on good eating, within a travel budget, while vacationing overseas. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick explores the historical riches of Potsdam, Germany and dicusses how Athens has grown into a visitor-friendly destination, complete with a new Acropolis museum. Also, adventure cyclist Willie Weir joins Rick from his favorite square in Madrid, and listeners nominate favorite cities to explore. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick looks back fifty years to when the Berlin Wall was built, and discusses with a Berliner what it meant to split the city in half. Also, two participants from a madcap road race from London to Mongolia explain what it's like to finish the Mongol Rally in one piece. Also, a biologist explains how travelers can examine the natural world through the eyes of a Darwinian Tourist. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Jane and Michael Stern inspire travelers with tales of finding classic American dishes with a regional twist; author Dave Hunter offers tips for navigating Interstate-75 between Michigan and Florida; and Richard Bangs dishes on how adventure travel can change the way you view the world. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick is joined by a tour guide raised in Rome who knows her city inside out. We'll check in on the city's now-trendy Jewish Ghetto, get practical tips for planning a visit, and hear what some of our listeners have discovered in Rome. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Two American journalists explain what they've discovered by living in Paris, and by walking across Israel. Elaine Sciolino explains the many ways seduction operates as part of day to day life in France. Also, Martin Fletcher describes what a good long walk down the coast of Israel showed him after 30 years of reporting from the Middle East. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Hear how attending a performance at one of Europe's great concert venues can add to your enjoyment of classical music. A guide from Portugal introduces us to some of the high points away from Lisbon. Also, travel writer Don George shares stories of life-changing food adventures around the world. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Paul Theroux describes what a trip the length of Africa taught him, 40 years after serving with the Peace Corps in a village in Malawi. Frugal Traveler Seth Kugel tells us what it was like to spend a week in a small Mexican town he picked at random, off the tourist grid. And Neil Taylor explains how much the Baltic countries have brightened up in 20 years, since they shook off Soviet Communism. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Ken Burns explains why he thinks the National Parks are some of the best things about the United States; a Washington D.C. guide offers tips for enjoying the Nation's Capital like the locals do;  and Rick discovers what it's like to run a summer crepe stand on the coast of France. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick discusses the tensions behind Greece and Turkey's tumultuous relationship with two women from Greece and Turkey, and travel writer Fred Plotkin shares why Finland is one of his favorite places, especially when the midnight sun produces some of the sweetest berries you'll find anywhere. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick chats with his son, Andy Steves, a recent college grad who's learned a few tricks of his own for low-cost travel options in Europe. We'll also check in with the owners of dorm-style lodgings in Northern Ireland and the Swiss Alps, to get a glimpse inside the world of hostelling. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Bill Bryson examines private life during the Victorian age; London guide Britt Lonsdale explains how to enjoy a proper afternoon tea service; and screenwriter Andrew Davies  shares his appreciation for the works of Jane Austen, whose books about the gentle folk of rural England were first published 200 years ago. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

We'll look at what makes one expert's list for the best zoos in America. And to better understand how one European country stands apart from the rest, we've invited two guides from the Netherlands to explain how the Dutch get along in their densely-packed and efficient country, where millions live below sea level. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.