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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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 Andalucía 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.</p> 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

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.

792 Remember Us; The Greater Journey

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.

793 Aegean Turkey; Florence & Tuscany; Denmark Beyond Copenhagen

Journalist Paige McClanahan examines recent changes in the travel industry and explains how a more conscientious approach to tourism can make it a force for good. And travel writer Sophy Roberts recounts a curious episode in colonial history when the king of Belgium ordered a group of elephants to be sent from India to Congo — and discusses what her own travels taught her about Africa's past and present.

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

794 The New Tourist; Training School for Elephants

Rick Steves, best-selling guidebook author and star of public television’s most-watched travel show, also hosts a fun, hour-long, radio talk show "Travel with Rick Steves" featuring lively conversations about travel, cultures, people, and how worldwide travel can broaden our perspective.

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