fbpx
Podcast episodes

Episode #251: Special Episode – An Interview with travel legend Rick Steves

Posted on by Untold Italy

This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclosure here

Have questions about your trip to Italy? Ask our Zia our online travel assistant for instant answers - click here to try

Listen to “251. Special Episode: An Interview with travel legend Rick Steves” on Spreaker.

LISTEN ON APPLE LISTEN ON SPOTIFY DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT

follow us

At Untold Italy, we share a travel ethos with the iconic Rick Steves and the Zero to Travel podcast – exploring destinations with curiosity, respect, and a desire to experience the authentic side of each place. Zero to Travel, host Jason Moore sits down with Rick Steves, whose deep love for Italy is as inspiring as his approach to meaningful travel. Rick’s stories and insights into Italian culture remind us of the endless rewards of traveling thoughtfully and savoring each experience.

Summary

In this episode, we are hosting an episode from fellow travel podcast Zero to Travel hosted by Jason Moore – an extraordinary conversation with the legendary travel expert, Rick Steves.

The Zero to Travel podcast explores unique ways to travel the world affordably, sustainably, and meaningfully. It covers a wide range of topics, from budget travel tips to working abroad, alternative travel lifestyles, and personal growth through travel.

 In this special episode, Jason delves into Rick’s ideal day of teleportation travel, explores his passion for art, spirituality, and ethical travel, as well as his advocacy for sustainable tourism. Rick shares heartfelt stories about his career, personal life, and the transformative power of travel.

What you’ll learn in this episode

  • Jason Moore of Zero to Travel welcomes one of his travel heroes – Rick Steves, a renowned travel expert who has been a big influence on both Jason’s personal and professional life
  • His early guidebooks like Mona Winks: Self-guided Tours of Europe’s Top Museums have morphed into the current offerings like Rick Steves Audio Europe: Comprehensive self-guided tours, evolution to free app
  • Rick believes we should not see things in the eyes of the current world, but appreciate them in the context of when they were made
  • Empathy for global suffering, prioritizing a global family view over local issues.
  • The time away from travel due to Covid restrictions, lead Rick to finally work on his long-planned art series, Rick Steves’ Art of Europe, reflecting his deep passion for art and travel
  • Rick in his personal and company put an emphasis on how travel can be transformational – be you a tourist, traveler or pilgrim
  • His perfect day, able to zip around the world would take in Toledo, Spain,  Copenhagen, Denmark and the Swiss Alps, ending his day in his favorite Cinque Terre village for dinner before taking in the late-night scenes and ambiance
  • Rick and Steve encourage everyone to continue to explore through travel

Timeline Overview

  • 20:01 The importance of embracing historical context over modern perceptions as well as embracing cultural differences
  • 32:31 When you return from a trip, you feel excited to share the things you see and experience with others – like an adult Show and Tell
  • 57:54 Rick loves to share his passion for the artwork of Europe – from the stained glass chapel of Saint Chapelle’ to Michelangelo’s David
  • 01:08 Travel enhances appreciation through cultural experiences
  • 01:13 Rick’s perfect day zipping around Europe would include exploring and eating on the Ligurian coast

About our guest – Rick Steves from Rick Steves Europe

Rick Steves is a well-known American travel writer, television host, and author, celebrated for his practical approach to European travel. Launching launched Rick Steves’ Europe in 1976 he gained popularity with his guidebook series *Europe Through the Back Door* and the PBS show, Rick Steves’ Europe, both of which emphasize exploring Europe affordably, culturally, and independently. Steves advocates for immersive travel experiences, promoting understanding through exposure to different cultures. He is also a philanthropist and a vocal advocate for progressive causes, often using his platform to promote values like global citizenship, tolerance, and environmental sustainability.

Follow Rick here

About our co-host – Jason Moore

Jason Moore is the creator and host of Zero to Travel, one of the top-rated travel podcasts inspiring people to travel the world on their terms. With a mission to make travel accessible and rewarding for everyone, Jason shares tips, insights, and expert interviews on budget travel, digital nomad life, and transformative travel experiences. A seasoned traveler himself, Jason has explored over 40 countries, giving him a wealth of firsthand knowledge and stories that resonate with listeners seeking adventure, cultural immersion, and meaningful journeys. Through his podcast and platform, Jason has built a community of travelers who embrace travel as a way to enrich their lives and connect with the world.

Follow Jason here

Places, foods and concepts mentioned

Places

  • Puget Sound – waterways in Washington State, USA
  • Frogner Park – Park in Olso, Norway with lots of amazing statues
  • Rila Monastery – monastery in Bulgaria
  • Sainte Chapelle – famous chapel in Paris with 1113 stained glass windows
  • Eiger Monch and Jungfrau – the three mountains of the ridge of Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland. Jungfrau translates to virgin/maiden, Mönch in the Monk, and Eiger is the Ogre
  • Gimmelwald – a small traffic-free village in the mountains of Switzerland

Food / Drink

  • abbinamento – the art of pairing in Italian food – matching textures and flavors etc

Words / Concepts

Related content on Untold Italy

Podcasts

Articles

Plan your Italian adventures with Untold Italy

If you’re enjoying the podcast and are excited about going to Italy but are overwhelmed by all the options, why not hire our Italy travel experts to help you build your dream trip. Our Italy Trip Planning services will get you from dreaming to booking the trip that suits you and your travel companions best – whether it’s a week in Tuscany, visiting the iconic Italian cities or an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Sicily > learn more.

THE BEST!

If you want a curated Italian adventure, this is your solution. We hired Tyla and the Untold Italy crew to put together our itinerary through Tuscany. We had the vacation of a lifetime! – Jamey Ice (Google) –  read more reviews.

Untold Italy Tours

Founded in 2022, our small group tour company takes curious travelers on multi-day adventures to Italy’s lesser-known regions and to secret spots in places that are better known. Departing in Spring and Fall/Autumn, each trip focuses on food and wine, local traditions and uncovering the Italy you’ve always dreamed of > learn more.

Planning a trip to Italy?

We love travel in Italy and sharing our knowledge. Read our popular Italy trip planning guide or join our FREE Italy Travel Planning Community. Our 150,000+ members are happy to answer questions about your itinerary, how to get from place to place, the best places to stay and fun things to do.

Sign up for our news and podcast updates where we share mini guides, tips, exclusive deals and more and we'll send you our Italy Trip Planning Checklist to say grazie! >> click here to subscribe

Disclosure: Untold Italy assists our readers with carefully chosen product and services recommendations that help make travel easier and more fun. If you click through and make a purchase on many of these items we may earn a commission. All opinions are our own – please visit our disclosure page for more information.

Please share if you found this article useful