A master stonemason considers the great sites of Europe and shares what these enduring structures can teach us about permanence, craft, and human ambition. Then an Italian tour guide sheds light on the Dolomites, the spectacular setting where Italian, German, and Ladin traditions meet. Plus, an aficionado of American road trips tells us about efforts to revitalize historic Route 66 as a national heritage trail.

• Stonemason/artist Richard Rhodes, author of "Stone: Ancient Craft to Modern Mastery" (Princeton Architectural Press)
• Italian tour guide Andrea Vincenti
• Jim Hinckley, author of "America's Longest Small Town" (Voyageur Press)

• Richard Rhodes includes photographs he's taken over the years to view noteworthy stone works around the world in his book "Stone: Ancient Craft to Modern Mastery."
• Richard spoke at length with Rick about stonework on Travel with Rick Steves program #814 in December 2025, and offered a "Stonecutter's Tour of Europe" on program #823 in February 2026.
• Richard includes photos of his work on his RhodesWorksDesign.com website.
• Andrea Vincenti's website.
• The Rick Steves online guide to Italy's Dolomites.
• Andrea spoke with Rick about the town of Orvieto, in central Italy, on Travel with Rick Steves program #828 in April 2026.
• Jim Hinckley pays homage to Route 66 in his book, "America's Longest Small Town," which includes photographs from his wife Judy Hinckley of roadside sites and residents. He blogs about the highway, and preservation efforts by the Route 66 Economic Development Committee, on his JimHinckleysAmerica.com website.
• The Route 66 News lists events and festivals held to commemorate the 2026 centennial of the highway.
• The Adventure Cycling Association has detailed route maps for long distance bicycle trips along Route 66.
• Jim Hinckley described decaying "ghost towns" that you might still visit on the backroads of the Old West on Travel with Rick Steves program #542b in October 2024.