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

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

Author: Rick Steves December 28, 2024 Duration: 52:00

The "world's leading snowman expert" joins Rick to explore the somewhat dark — and certainly cold — origins of the tradition of building snowmen, and what Frosty and his ilk have come to mean across different societies. Then two Rome-based tour guides unpack some of the cultural treasures crammed into the world's tiniest country, while sharing tips and secrets for a successful visit to Vatican City amid the Jubilee-year pilgrimage that's sure to keep the city packed throughout 2025. And to welcome the new year, two France experts raise a glass to Champagne — both the bubbly and its region of origin — before Scottish tour guides revel in describing the lively New Year's Eve traditions they observe in Edinburgh as "Hogmanay."


For an hour each week, the familiar, curious voice of Rick Steves guides you far beyond the standard tourist itinerary. Travel with Rick Steves is less about checking sights off a list and more about the conversations that happen along the way. Rick, America's leading authority on European travel and a seasoned guidebook author, sits down with a fascinating array of guest experts-historians, journalists, chefs, and local insiders-to delve into the heart of a destination. They discuss the layers of culture, history, and daily life that define a place, while callers chime in with their own questions and discoveries from the road. What you'll hear in this podcast is a genuine exploration of how connecting with different cultures and people adds a profound sparkle to our lives. It’s the thoughtful, accessible dialogue you’d have with a well-traveled friend, one who believes that travel is a powerful way to understand our world. Each episode feels like an invitation to look closer, whether the topic is the traditions of a remote village, the evolving cuisine of a bustling capital, or the simple joy found in a shared meal with strangers. This is for anyone who believes the journey itself-the stories, the misunderstandings, the moments of connection-is the real destination.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Travel with Rick Steves
Podcast Episodes
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Duration: 52:00
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