Travel with Rick Steves

French tour guides describe the Mediterranean highlights of the Riviera and recommend elegant day trips an hour or so outside of Paris. Plus, author Graham Robb tells us what his bicycle adventure across the French countryside taught him about the provincial character of France.

Michael Wood explains how we can better understand China, the world's new superpower, by learning about its achievements over the past four thousand years. We'll also get time-tested advice for taking kids to Europe. Plus, Rick's son Andy shares his favorite phone apps and tech tips for travel.

Say "Happy 150th birthday" to Canada with one of its top TV personalities, Rick Mercer. Sarah Vowell tells us what she discovered about the Americanization of the Hawaiian islands. Plus, a guide from Siena tells us how her neighborhood won last year's Palio horse race twice.

Tune in as Rick gets tips from frequent traveler Wendy on how to actually enjoy a long-distance flight in coach. Then we'll hear expert advice from Lisbon-based tour guides for enjoying the intimate neighborhoods of Portugal's historic capital. And learn about the mix of European elegance and Latin culture that led architecture critic James Gardner to buy an apartment in Argentina's fascinating capital city.

Hear how the summer solstice is celebrated in Scandinavia, where the official start of summer is a big deal. Then listen in as Italian friends discuss the effects of their country's high unemployment rate — and how Italians are meeting the challenge — before taking listener calls to share tips for a "dolce vita" vacation. And come along as we visit with some Tuscan craftsmen keeping traditions alive in their hill town home.

We start with a close look at how World War I upended the roles of Europe's monarchies, then hear about Agatha Christie's 1922 Grand Tour to promote the British Empire, as told to her grandson. And, just in time for "Bloomsday," a Dublin tour guide takes us on an audio walk past the city's must-see sights for fans of James Joyce's "Ulysses."

Hear what's new at the two most popular destinations in the US as the author of the Frommer's guidebook to Disney World shares tips for making the most of your time there, and Pauline Frommer updates us on the best things to do and see in New York City. Plus, a tour guide from Greece tells us how to enjoy an authentic taste of Hellenic culture while out for a night on the town in Greece.

Join us to get a German perspective on Deutschland's recent emergence as the leading nation of the European Union, and stay tuned as our tour-guide guests take calls to help listeners plan memorable German getaways. Then get ready for your summer road trip with recommendations from Patricia Schultz, author of "1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before You Die."

Italian-food expert Fred Plotkin delves into the regional dessert specialties of Italy — and divulges the whereabouts of the best gelato in the entire country. Then a tour guide from Sicily advises us how not to upset the "food police" when eating pasta. Plus, we'll get an overview of Paris's enticing array of open-air neighborhood food markets.

"Senior nomads" Michael and Debbie Campbell discuss their travels among home shares around the world — and why, after three years, they plan to keep on globe-trotting full time. And we'll hear what makes the republic of Macedonia, in the southern Balkans, one of tour guide David Willett's favorite destinations anywhere.