Rick on Public TV
Share your comments on Rick Steves’ Europe TV shows with other travelers and with Rick here. Thanks.
Airtimes Across the USA: Find out when Rick appears on TV in your area.
Asia
I'm a 28-year-old New Yorker. I loved the London and Paris episodes. Many other tour guides spend more time telling silly jokes or goofing around than actually exploring the city, but Rick is different. He seems so knowledgeable. With that said, I would really like to see you explore some of the Asian cities (Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore). I'm sure many of your other fans would agree.
Leonard Wilson
New York City, NY USA 04/21/2013
travel skills episide regarding airport tips (sent to improper channel)
Dear Rick,
Having travelled a bit in Europe (not extensively, but enough to know what I'm talking about), I realised you were giving some unwise advice. Before I tell you what I thought was misrepresented, I would first like to say, I usually find you give very wise advice which seems to have come from experience, advice I plan to take to heart in my future travels. It just makes sense, frankly. It wasn't necessarily that the advice was bad, but just that you seemed to be showing a really easy airport (Amsterdam), in a country and city where the language is super easy, and the ticket machines are as simple as 123, just so you can encourage people to just board a plane already and get out there. I understand and see what you are doing, and I understand the value of it because it was how I took my first trip to Germany. I trusted in God instead of planned. I was spontaneous and carefree, but I ran into some difficulties and learned the prudence of planning ahead, and that it was not as scarey as one might think. It was God's will I go to Germany, and I went out of obedience to Him. I did not expect in the least to be mightily biten by the travel bug hereafter. So I realise that if people just take a leap, they'll discover a gem that will become much more valuable to them than. .. some old peice of amber.
But wouldn't it be better to show a difficult airport, with a difficult language, with difficult machines? Then people can see that using wisdom, creativity, ingenuity, intelligence, humility, and patience will get them through and teach them something they would not have learned if they went to London, then Paris, then Amsterdam, then flew home out of London, getting their safe, easy, not-too-stressful-or-life-changing trip. Sure they faced a small fear and gained some ground, but did it change them? If you take valium before you fly, will you get rid of the fear of flying? No, because the next time you fly, you will feel the need to take more valium. You have to stare fear in the face, soberly, if you're going to face it. That is the only way to overcome it. Trust me. I was once so paranoid, people talked about me behind my back. But I'm learning to look fear in the face and face it, certainly not covering it up with drugs, certainly not covering in fear, not living my life, not pursuing my passions and dreams. And life is much more richer now than it ever was before.
Just some food for thought.
stephanie benke
calgary, ab canada 04/05/2013
IRAN and SYMPHONIC TOURS
Excited to have spent an otherwise dull evening really learning about the people of Iran. I found the entire program reassuring and wonder whether you can get Charlie Rose to interview you and show some of the great scenes. In Raleigh, North Carolina, an Iranian native has become a great philanthropist and he might also interview Dr. Meymandi for his wisdom if he is willing to share it on the current situation. Dr. Meymandi is publisher of the Wake County Physician that you can find online. I haven't read it recently, but it often has interesting reminiscences of Iran. I also hope that our New England Public TV stations will use your Symphonic programs. I haven't seen them yet.
Mary Elizabeth Nordstrom
Kennebunk, Maine USA 04/02/2013
Best Show Ever!
Dear Rick Steves,
My friend and I are mutual admirers of your work. Your travels bring hope and happiness to millions of viewers everyday. We watch your show on PBS in the early hours of the morning after a nice toke (if you know what I mean). Your presentation and style are unmatched and we wish you well on your future travels.
Sincerely,
Brian & Terence
Brian
Richmond, VA USA 03/25/2013
Rick Steve's travel
I just want to say "Thank you!" To Rick for all of his tips and products for touring with small groups and on my own. I am a small time, self-taught travel agent and Rick's style has guided me for over 8 years. His insight and guide books have allowed me to create so many memories for me and my family, but also for groups I have customized and personalized trips for! We have found so many off the beaten track places and met so many wonderful people. I never plan or go on an adventure without his newest travel book. Keep 'em coming!
Pamela Sisk
Palm Harbor, FL USA 03/16/2013
Iran
I just watched your program on Iran & am facinated. At conclusion it said it was filmed in April, but did not disclose what year.
My wife & I(both in our 80's) enjoy travelling to off the beaten places. Visited North Korea last fall for 10 days & China by rail just after. We have been to the "Stans"; I lived in Europe & Latin America for a number of years & would seriously consider a trip to Iran--even now. Should we?????
Robert Turner
LosAngeles, CA USA 03/15/2013
Symphonic Journey
Is there a reason why your symphonic journey is not being broadcast on OPB in Portland, Oregon? It was on their Plus channel, but I can't get that station.
I attended one of the filming performances; it was a blast.
Patti Lamb
Longview, WA USA 03/14/2013
European Travel
My wife and I have been travelling in Europe for 30+ years, it's amazing that your advice is exactly what we've learned over time! Your Genius
advice is what everyone should know.
Neil Pederson
Austin, TX USA 03/04/2013
European Travel
This includes linguistic politess, open-jaw flights, packing light, train-smart
travel, eating local, rent-car benefits and pitfalls, learning what the diff is between a hostel in France and un hostal in Spain. It's taken us a lifetime to learn what you try to teach people in 30 minutes every week! Anyone can do it, and it's worth it, if you do it right.
Not to mention a willingness to learn about our fellow human beings, their cultures, their histories. No matter how different theirs may be from ours. Global awareness and assimilation, and, hopefully, one day
a united world. So runs my dream.
Neil Pederson
Austin, TX USA 03/04/2013
The Last Christmas Show
The Christmas Show this past year was spectacular! I watched it several times - in detail.I do not know if it was 2012 - your children were in Switzerland with you. The music and winter scenes in Europe were priceless. Please continue!
c. jones
ann arbor, mi USA 02/27/2013
Symphonic Journey
Just watched "Symphonic Journey" on KCLS Los Angeles. The program was great. The music was perfect for each frame of the accompanying video. The pictures were so clear and certainly encouraged more investigation. I have traveled to many of the cities, but they never looked as beautiful. Thank you for sharing the musical journey. I hope you will be taking the program on the road.
Nancy McHenry
Torrance, CA USA 01/31/2013
Rick now wearing jeans in Europe
"Pants/shorts. Bring two pairs: one lightweight cotton and another super-lightweight pair for hot and muggy big cities. Jeans can be too hot for summer travel (and are slow to dry)." A quote directly from your how to pack guidelines.
Yet, in some shows last season and I think all the shows this season, you are wearing denim blue jeans. And...what's with this 1990's retro sweater over the shoulders look! I look forward to seeing the new 3 part travel tips shows to see what changes to 'Rick's rules" have occurred.
Ross Griffiths
Calgary, AB USA 01/12/2013
Co-Host
Rick - I love your shows. They are always so interesting, fun and informative. My family hails from Old Rome, and I still have many cousins who live a stone's throw from the Vatican.
If you ever need a co-host, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I would treasure the opportunity and experience to travel the world and report on all European locales in historical terms.
Keep up all of the interesting programs!
Linda DiPersio
Medford, MA USA 01/02/2013
new blu rays (?)
please release your hi-def shows on blu ray! there are a a few already for sale but the majority should be for sale!
one cannot go back to dvd after being spoiled on blu ray! thanks
doug
thousand oaks, ca USA 11/25/2012
Rome episodes
We just returned from Rome and, as big fans of your guidebooks and TV shows, watched the recent Rome episodes. They were very far from our experience. In early November, the crowds were huge everywhere. St. Peter's channels tourists inside the church with wooden barricades and ropes and has managed to destroy any chance of experiencing a Christian pilgrimage with no place to kneel and pray. We were hassled for even leaning against a column. Other big Rome sites are even worse. They are overrun with aggressive street vendors. We were approached no fewer than 20 times in an hour at the Spanish steps. All this is very different from our experience of Rome just five years ago. The guidebook has some warnings about Rome but the TV shows are very far from reality.
Howard
Barnet, VT USA 11/15/2012
Iran episode
Just saw an amazing episode on Iran on WGBH in Boston. It was done with sensitivity and imparted a very important message of reaching out to understand a culture we normally vilify. Fascinating views of the artistic treasures of Iran also. The episode ended with beautiful images of Iranian people, humanizing them. Bravo, Steve!
Marylene Altieri
Watertown, MA USA 11/07/2012
Naples & Pompeii show
During your explanation of the eruption of Vesuvius you said Pompeii was buried under fast moving mud and lava. That is incorrect. Pompeii was buried under ash. It was Herculaneum that was buried under boiling hot mud and lava. I know it is a little thing but I was an archaeology student and details do matter. Surprised that you or the person researching the area got it wrong. Thank you.
Marianne Baird
Lakeland, FL USA 09/25/2012
Trip to Slovenia
Hi Rick I traveled this summer Itali using your guide. It was absolutely the best guide you could have. I also Watched your Slovenian trip to Bled and Postojna and some other areas. Like Pred jama Vrsich the Rusin chapel in vrsic. I think youi missed a good oprtunity to introduce the Bled cstle and the vine celler at the castle as this vas a higlite of my grand children boteling and sealing a bottle of vine and storing it for some memorable opertunity. I was born in Slovenia but this was my first trip back with my grand children. I also found the Farm turism in Slovenia to be one of the best ways to travel and enjoy the country
Matt Kolenc
Simcoe Ontario, Canada Canada 09/08/2012
thank you
Hi Rick,
I just want to say, Your show was one of my top favorites as a kid. I'd watch the episode about the county and then go to the library and research it more in depth. I'm 23 and I still am inspired by your show. For many of us in this economy, traveling is just too far out of our reach so thank you for allowing those of us who can't afford the real deal to live out our adventures in our living room and for continuing to feed our interest in different cultures and new places.
I love your show.
Joanna
Tampa, FL USA 08/27/2012
Edinburgh
In his Edinburgh show, Rick says that a third of adult Scottish men died in World War 1. This appears to be far from correct. There were apparently around 74,000 Scottish deaths in that war (as opposed to 150,000 casualties-not the same thing), and the population of Scotland in 1911 was about 4.8 million. Remove the women and children from that denominator, and you're still nowhere near one third.
Chris Grant
Salem, UT USA 07/24/2012
Norway in a Nutshell
While watching this video we saw the Walaker Hotel and booked a 2 night stay there. Tough to find-but oh so worth it! The 4 course dinner was gourmet & breakfasts were filled with homemade, home grown items! Hardest part was getting there without a car. If you book the Sognefjord in a Nutshell tour you can get off the boat at Leikanger & take the bus + cab to get to Solvorn
Pam
Hawthorn Woods, il USA 07/20/2012
Destinations listing
Can you please list all of the destinations on this website so we can reference quickly?
Editor's Note:
Please see http://www.ricksteves.com/tvr/tv_menu.htm for a guide to all episodes' destinations.
USA 06/09/2012
Poland Rediscovered: Krakow, Auschwitz and Warsaw
I think, in "Poland Rediscovered: Krakow, Auschwitz and Warsaw" Steve forgot to mention how many Poles in general were killed during the WWII as he only concentrate on Jewish population. The actual number was 6 million Poles, 3 million Polish Christians and 3 millions Polish Jews, it was 22% of the total population...
justyna
ball, MA USA 06/07/2012
Europe 101: History & Art for the Traveler Book
I found Rick Steves shows many years ago in my country Colombia in 1990's. These shows were aired by Travel Channel in Spanish. Rick had different voice :). I have traveled to Europe many times and his books and information have made me enjoy Europe. I would like to see "Europe 101 History & Art" content in DVD how Kenneth Clark made with his documentary "Civilization" (Book+DVD). Also, it would be great to have different language options in the DVDs to share with relatives.
Jorge Alberto Gonzalez
Miami, FL USA 04/29/2012
episodes all over 10 yrs old?
We love to watch Rick Steves Europe whenever it's on! BUT- why why WHY are the shows all at least over ten years old?! The world has changed a lot since then. Perhaps the shows are there for pre-9/11 nostalgia? When will new episodes (if any) be aired?
Editor's Note: New shows should air this fall. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com/tvr/tvr_menu.htm for updates and to see a guide to all 90 shows (including those filmed within the last decade).
Kristin
Phoenix, AZ USA 03/25/2012
London: Mod & Trad
My husband and I really enjoy Rick Steves' travels everynight. Look forward to the bloopers at the end of some of the episodes. We are planning a vacation to London in the near future and the London: Mod and Trad program was interesting.
Carol
Thousand Oaks, Ca USA 03/23/2012
Rick Steve's Poland
I have to say, I love to watch Rick Steve's Travel shows, but was a little upset watching "Rick Steve's Poland". He opened his tour of Krakow with the line "Krakow remained essentially intact after WWII". I guess this is true, unless you count the 90,000 Jews that were forced into the ghetto and ultimately slaughtered in the concentration camps. I know he paid due respect to the camps later in the show, but the comment was offensive.
Larry Epstein
New Rochelle, NY USA 03/21/2012
Dewi
Dewi,
I second your post. I would love to buy that boxset. Hopefully the mods don't delete these posts like they've been doing lately.
Ryan
CA 03/17/2012
New Season in September
I was so excited to read on your blog about the 16 new shows being released in September. Hopefully by getting my comments in early, we will see my Blu-Ray dream fulfilled!
About 10 years ago, I purchased the VHS tapes for the 1990-98 seasons of Rick's original PBS travel show. I always meant to by the DVDs of the 2000-08 shows but never did. Now with Blu-ray being the new medium, I'm dreaming of the following "Ultimate Collectors" set for BR -
All shows from all seasons 1990-2010-the '90s shows are somewhat dated but still fun to watch and compare with the new ones to see all the changes to Europe and to Rick. All the specials including Iran, European Christmas, Travel Skills (including the late '80s PBS travel specials that started the whole series), and shows made specifically for the pledge drives. The bonus features could include the Political Act lectures, tour previews, Rick's slideshow presentations, the ELCA videos, and of course the blooper reels. Also, think of the possibilities with internet connectivity from the discs.
Dewi
Denver, CO USA 03/16/2012
Rick Steves USA tour
What a delightful and informative evening! Rick Steves is hilarious and fun!
DJL
Dayton, OH USA 03/15/2012
Hidden Europe
Hi Rick,
I enjoyed your 2 hour special on Hidden Europe yesterday on PBS. I learned a lot and will definitely check out some of those places.
Tracy
Fredericton, NB Canada 03/05/2012
France--force feeding of geese
I was appalled to see your promotion of the force feeding of geese in France. You bought the farmer's claim that it is a humane practice hook, line and sinker. In fact, it is a barbaric practice which should not be inflicted upon any living being.
Phil j.
Marshfield, Mass. USA 02/19/2012
Europe Beer Tour
Having a beer at the Orval Trappist was fantastic after riding though the Belgium countryside after stating in Amsterdam. The trip was to Oktoberfest 2009 and I came up with the idea to hit as many Trappist Breweris that I could visit on my way. I made it to 4 of 7.
Neil
Hannum, CO USA 02/19/2012
Congratulations!
Hi Rick,
Having read so many of the comments posted on this wall, the thing that stands out for me is how you effect so many people in such personal ways, and how these people voice ways for you to better accommodate their own special interests and desires. Even though it is impossible to accommodate everyone as they wish, it does shows what a great job you do of reaching out and personalizing your relationship with your audience. You also do a great job of unlocking the world of travel for so many whilst educating with a bit of background history. Keep up the excellent service!
Connie
Oldfield, MO USA 02/17/2012
Kalingrad, Russia
Dear Rick:
How come you have had no show about Kalingrad, Russia? Is it because it is the old Konigsberg, East Prussia and thus a political hot potato.
Thomas Traber
Swanton, VT USA 02/05/2012