Travel with Rick Steves

In terms of culture, history, street life and great food Mexico City is the western hemisphere's equal to many of Europe's great cities — and one of the largest cities in the world. Two former New Yorkers tell us why they were charmed by Mexico City, why they moved there, and wrote guides to help visitors enjoy it, too. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

We're heading past the major cities to explore the countryside of both Hungary and Scotland. We'll find out why Lake Balaton has been a favorite getaway for Hungarian families for years. Also, we'll recognize where in Scotland's Highlands and western islands you can taste a spiritual energy — along with a good whisky — far from the tourist crowds. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Learn how Europeans are dealing with current economic challenges, and why their approach differs from their American cousins. Also, a Paris-based guide joins Rick to suggest venues where you can get a real taste of Medieval and Impressionist art. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

What would your life be like if you fell in love overseas, got married, and started to raise a family in another culture? Find out how it works for American Lisa Anderson, who's raising two boys in her husband's hometown in northern Italy. Also, two guides who specialize in Sicily explain why the Mediterranean's largest island is growing in popularity as a vacation destination. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick explores the slang that separates Brits from their American cousins in an attempt to help travelers avoid being "gob-smacked" by what the locals might say, or labeled as a "plonker." We'll also examine how relics of many kinds have changed the world and share tips for making travel journals a fun and important way to preserve vacation memories. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Retracing Luther's trek from Germany to Rome, a Lutheran pastor and her husband explain how they traveled as a way to encourage harmony among religious groups in the 21st century. We'll also hear how Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria and Greece get ready for Easter and why it's their biggest holiday of the year. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Simon Winchester describes what he's learned about the world's busiest ocean, the Atlantic, and the many stories it still has to tell. And Reverend Jim Wallis describes how venturing to war zones and even to the "other side of the tracks" can change your perspective on the world. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Filmmaker Ken Burns joins Rick to discuss the American Civil War and what the research for his documentary series taught him. Also, Nancy Pearl recommends favorite armchair travel books and authors who have a gift for conveying the real atmosphere of a foreign place. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Neil Taylor discusses how the streets of London are gaining an international flavor with a growing immigrant population and Rick gets a local perspective on the upcoming Royal Wedding at Westminster Abbey, including tips on experiencing royal traditions while sightseeing. Also, two tour guides from Turkey describe the customs they're observing as they get ready for their own wedding day, and how they aim to keep everyone happy. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Adventure traveler Richard Bangs discusses the water rights dispute he found surrounding the source of the Blue Nile in Ethiopia when he thought he was going whitewater rafting, and guides from southern Italy describe the energetic attractions Naples, and its nearby coastal and island resorts. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.