Get in a festive mood as Rick invites a few of his friends to compare the beer styles of Europe, and the cultures that go with them. Also, writer David Farley tells us about an eccentric hill town not far from Rome. It's home to a generation of bohemian residents, and one of the strangest mysteries in Italy — a centuries-old relic the Vatican would rather not talk about.

• Tour guides Ferdi Menghi (Belgium), Roy Nicholls (England), Stephen McPhilemy (Ireland), and Dave Hoerline (USA/Denmark)
• David Farley, author of "An Irreverent Curiosity: In Search of the Church's Strangest Relic in Italy's Oddest Town" (Gotham Books/Penguin)

• Rick writes about the beers of Europe.
• The organization Roy cites in Britain that promotes microbreweries is called CAMRA, the "Campaign for Real Ale."
• David Farley's website includes a blog and links to his books and published travel articles.   
• David Farley wrote about Calcata, Italy for Transitions Abroad.
• The Vatican posts a virtual tour of the St. John Lateran church in Rome. 
• Information for visiting the Holy Stairs and Sanctum Sanctorum in Rome.