Hear a Francophile's recommendations for some of the most magnificent religious architecture to explore in Paris. Then vicariously experience a winter solstice ritual from inside an ancient tomb in Ireland, and warm up to the custom that's central to life in Finland: the sauna. Plus, kick off the Christmas season with local holiday traditions from Tallinn, Rome, and Venice.

• Susan Cahill, author of "Sacred Paris" (St. Martin's Griffin)
• Ireland travel expert Stephen McPhilemy
• Arts maven Fred Plotkin, co-author of "Rick Steves' Italy for Food Lovers" (Avalon Travel)
• Neil Taylor, author of "Estonia: A Modern History" (Hurst)
• Kenny Dunn, proprietor of "Eating Europe," based in Rome
• Tour guide Igor Scomparin, based near Venice

• Susan Cahill explores her favorite religious architecture in Paris in her book, "Sacred Paris."
• Susan also writes about the people who made history at nearly two dozen sites across Paris in her book "The Streets of Paris."
• L'Officiel Spectacles provides listings of cultural events in Paris and vicinity.
• Stephen McPhilemy writes about his Winter Solstice experience at Newgrange.
• Stephen also operates the Milltown House boutique B&B on the Dingle Harbour.
• Rick collaborated with Fred Plotkin on the book "Italy for Food Lovers."
• Fred hosts weekly arts interviews, Fridays at 2pm Eastern time, on the Idagio platform. They are also archived under "Fred Plotkin on Fridays" on YouTube.
• Helsinki's official tourism site has an English-language guide to saunas around the city.
• Neil Taylor has written "Estonia: A Modern History," and was awarded an MBE in 2021 for his contributions to UK-Estonia relations. He also writes the "Bradt Travel Guide to Estonia," often called the definitive guidebook to the country.
• Kenny Dunn is the founder of Eating Europe, which offers food tours in more than 20 major cities in Europe.
• Igor Scomparin offers private tours of Venice "off the beaten path."

Pgm 815 Winter Haiku awards

Stark and white beauty
Fairyland snow on bare trees
Central Park New York
—Dana Ivey, New York, New York

Sun on cottonwood
Reflections of leaf and sky
The smell of river

Moving through canyon
Winter light beckons me on
Don't know when to stop
—Rick Preston, Miramonte, California

The sun is shining,
But I still feel a bit chilled.
I hate my jacket.
—Lisa Treder, Edmonds, Washington

Moving to Munich
Our coldest winter ever
Then beautiful spring!
—Gretchen Williams, Mercer Island, Washington