Travel With Rick Steves

Author Cassandra Overby relays expert tips for exploring Europe's long-distance hiking trails. Then Greek tour guides discuss what's new in Athens' neighborhoods. And botanist Christopher Wood digs into the world's most interesting contemporary gardens.

Journalist David Wolman tells us how three cowboys from Hawaii's Big Island redefined the American West when they competed at the world rodeo championship. Then writer Michael Scott Moore explores how surfing spread from Polynesia to the world. And historian Sarah Vowell revisits how the Hawaiian Islands became an American territory in the 19th century.

Hear about what it's like to celebrate National Day in Liechtenstein, one of the world's smallest — and wealthiest — countries. (Hint: Free beer at the palace!) Then learn the secret to gelato's distinctive smooth texture and get tips for picking the best gelato shop in any Italian town. And tour guides from Britain tell us why a hike in the wild and windy English moors can be a delightfully uncrowded way to escape into nature.

Discover what makes the food in Sicily arguably the tastiest and most interesting in all of Italy. Then hear what it's like to bicycle 10,000 miles along the old Silk Road, from Turkey to Tibet. And Turkish tour guides give an update on tourism in Istanbul.

Tour guides from across Europe discuss the European Union — and why Switzerland stands apart from its neighbors by not being an EU member. Plus, tour guides from Budapest recommend what to look for when you visit Hungary.

Space journalist Charles Fishman tells us how the Apollo 11 moonwalk became reality. Then Alan Stern, the head of NASA's New Horizons mission, tells us about their probe's fly-by of Pluto earlier this year. And astronaut Chris Hadfield describes the views of Earth from the International Space Station.

The authors of "The Bonjour Effect" noticed that many problems foreigners encounter in France aren't due to not knowing the language, but rather not knowing how the French expect you to communicate with them. Now that their book has been translated into French, they tell us how their work has been received in France. And Rick shares tips for enjoying the Paris nightlife with two younger-generation tour guides, including his son, Andy!

The authors of "The Bonjour Effect"noticed that many problems foreigners encounter in France aren't due to not knowing the language, but rather not knowing how the French expect you to communicate with them. Now that their book has been translated into French, they tell us how their work has been received in France. And Rick shares tips for enjoying the Paris nightlife with two younger-generation tour guides, including his son, Andy!

Brent Glass, former director of the National Museum of American History, recommends places you can visit to commemorate the women who changed American history. Then endurance swimmer Diana Nyad tells us how she set a world record when she swam from Havana to Key West. And naturalist Gary Ferguson describes how the fierce nature of the wilderness can be a setting for both tragedy and healing.

Writer Porter Fox tells us what he discovered when he followed the US-Canada border from Maine to Washington State. Then, writer and photographer Becky Lomax shares her favorite National Park experiences. And guidebook author Kimberley Lovato recommends day trip options for enjoying beaches, redwood groves, and wineries within easy reach of San Francisco.