iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 5h

Available for Preorder: “Italy for Food Lovers” in Hardcover! Whether you're traveling to Italy or simply an armchair aficionado, the new edition of "Italy for Food Lovers" shows you how to experience the best of Italy through the timeless pleasures of its cuisine. Preorder: shorturl.at/oPYtY

121719

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and I’m asking our community to help spread the word: the earlier prostate cancer is found, the better your chances are of beating it. Visit cancer.org/getscreened to learn more from the americancancersoc.bsky.social and find a screening location.

832669

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

My friend Olle loves to leave me with a memory every time I visit Gimmelwald. Last time, we harnessed up and did the via ferrata (Italian for “iron way”), a 3-hour trek across the cliff between Mürren and Gimmelwald. This time it was tandem paragliding over the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

1634023

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Make hay while the sun shines…and if you’re in a hurry, hire a helicopter. It costs a Swiss farmer about $3000 an hour to haul hay. Watching this, I was struck by how fast they worked…but at $50 a minute, it made sense. What surprised me was that hay would be worth it. Enjoy your cheese.

627417

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

I love the Swiss Alps. But I also love the great Swiss cities: Zurich, Bern, Lausanne, and Luzern. Here’s a quick peek at Luzern—locals leaping into their river, wooden bridges complete with centuries-old paintings, a snowcapped Alpine backdrop, and an inspirational urbanity.

740923

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

For years as a tour guide, I had a love-hate relationship with sleeping on the Rhine—great towns...but hotels over-looking the train tracks with trains rampaging through all night. But now it’s four panes of modern glass and when a thunderous train screams by the building rumbles…you hear nothing.

724513

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

It’s easy to put down Mykonos and Santorini for crowds and high prices, but I came away from this year’s research liking both even more. Here’s a moment of Mykonos bliss…two boys lost in friendship, sharing a moment oblivious to everything but their soccer ball.

1654741

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

You’ll find three basic categories of Greek beaches: fancy beaches with $50-a-day chair and umbrella rentals, family-friendly beaches in town, and secluded, undeveloped beaches. Whatever you choose, pack the three essentials: sun hat, sunscreen, and water.

724211

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

One of the great sights from antiquity is the uninhabited island of Delos, 20 minutes away from Mykonos by shuttle boat. Here’s a look at Delos (and why I much prefer visiting in the early evening, on the last shuttle of the day).   What’s your favorite ancient Greek sight?

1431631

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Santorini? It’s easy to complain about Santorini…too crowded, touristy, and expensive. But I love it. This clip, during my recent guidebook research trip, shows why. What is your key to enjoying Santorini?

3333018

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

One of the great joys of getting into the traveling groove on the Greek Isles is getting comfortable with the ferries. One warning: the ferries are on a tear to stay on schedule, so move quickly when you hear the call to disembark.

125714

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

One thing predictable about lesser-known Greek islands (along with a more traditional scene and few tourists) is great rustic restaurants, wonderful Greek salads, and a culture that encourages splitting plates. Here, my guide, Kosta Panagos (on Rhodos), coaches me. Kalí órexi!

826112

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

I love Vernazza. Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve enjoyed a mindless stroll down my favorite Riviera town anywhere on the Mediterranean, Vernazza. Join me for two minutes of Cinque Terre delight.     This is my favorite piece of Mediterranean coastline — what’s yours?

1642433

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is no longer at risk of falling down thanks to a herculean and high-tech effort. A highlight for many is to climb the tower — here’s what it’s like. What bell towers and church towers—without elevators—have you felt are well worth the climb?

4242470

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Pisa's Piazza of Miracles is an amazing collection of architectural sights (cathedral, baptistry, cemetery, and the bell tower). It has another dimension I find endlessly entertaining: tourists posing for a good photo while instructing friends exactly how to shoot it. (I have fun with this too.)

622415

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

@nbcnews.com featured me in its "Great Americans" series. The story reflects my passion for broadening Americans' perspectives through travel. As we celebrate our nation's 250th, one of the best ways to appreciate America is to understand the world beyond it. www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news...

nbcnews.com

Great Americans: A conversation with travel writer Rick Steves

Tom Llamas has the story of Rick Steves, who has inspired millions of Americans to travel abroad which he says makes America a better country.

1340644

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Palazzo Davanzati is one of Florence’s underrated sights. It’s also an opportunity to appreciate how people lived 600 years ago in Italy. Running water? No…but from the 4th floor, you have bucket access to the cistern well. What’s your favorite glimpse of medieval life at a European sight?

525728

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

The Great Collapsible Florence Market We all love Europe’s old town street markets, but where do they go at night? Check out this creative solution in Florence. What late-night observations have you enjoyed in your travels?

1138628

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

I get a big kick out of visiting places on the covers of our guidebooks — and I know many of you do, too. If you've "done the cover," I'd love to see your photos in the comments.

441923

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Watch Now — My Spring 2026 Trip Report: 50 Days and 50 Nights in Europe More than 3,000 travelers joined me live on Monday Night Travel as I shared photos, stories, and lessons learned from nearly two months of guidebook research across Europe. Watch a recording: www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/...

ricksteves.com

Rick’s Spring 2026 Trip Report — 50 Days and 50 Nights in Europe

Enjoy our live Monday Night Travel party with this video recorded on June 29, 2026. After nearly two months of guidebook research across Europe, Rick returns to Monday Night Travel to share his disco...

313219

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

One of the joys of travel is meeting the locals. On my recent trip to the Greek Isles, I made a new friend: "Sponge Bob." To meet him and learn about the discoveries of my spring research trip, join me tonight (June 29, 6pm PT/9pm ET) on Monday Night Travel. Register: www.ricksteves.com/mnt

226223

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

On the Next Monday Night Travel: My Spring 2026 Trip Report — 50 Days and 50 Nights in Europe Join me next Monday (June 29, 6pm PT/9pm ET) for photos, stories, and lessons learned from nearly two months of guidebook research across Italy, Greece, and Switzerland. Register: www.ricksteves.com/mnt

218717

Reposted by Rick Steves

The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 08/06/2026

Guest Column by Rick Steves: Among the things I love about Italy is how the Renaissance can be spliced into your travels. In Florence, you can sleep in a converted 16th-century monastery that’s just a block from Michelangelo’s “David.”

washingtonpost.com

Guest Column | Rick Steves: How to experience Italy’s Renaissance in person

Brunelleschi's dome, Michelangelo's David and other ways to splice the Renaissance into your travels.

015613

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

On the island of Naxos, meet a 15-foot-tall boy who broke his leg 2,600 years ago. The Flerio Kouros hasn’t healed...he seems kind of lonely...and you can enjoy an unforgettable moment alone in a shady corner of that sun-burnt island with him. Look for our new Greek Isles guidebook in 2027!

1238535

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

I’m just finishing up two weeks of pedal-to-the-metal research as we update our “Rick Steves Greece” guidebook and work on a new Greek Islands guidebook, coming in 2027. Every day, I’ve found new ways to connect vividly with the local culture... which often involves eating and drinking.

1255230

Reposted by Rick Steves

Bloomsbury Religious Studies @bloomsburyrs.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Out now! David Beckmann calls us to push back, restore progress against injustice, and turn values into action. With a foreword by celebrated writer Rick Steves. Order now: bit.ly/3OxwJPz Read a preview: bit.ly/481Lzo6

05912

Reposted by Rick Steves

Shana L. Darabie @shanadarabie.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

Now’s a good time for a rewatch of Rick Steves’ The Story of Fascism in Europe.... youtu.be/JU1IVW6uqM0?...

youtu.be

Rick Steves' The Story of Fascism in Europe

YouTube video by Rick Steves' Europe

122257

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

Don’t miss a rollicking evening of travel fun and magic moments with me as I cap off our 2026 virtual Festival of Tours on Monday, April 27, at 6pm PT/9pm ET. Register now at www.ricksteves.com/tours/festival (it's free & easy!) — and let's raise a nice glass of red wine to happy travels together!

A graphic featuring a photo of Rick Steves and a local tour guide laughing joyfully in front of street art in London's East End. The text on the graphic reads: "Join me live on Monday for...My Favorite "Wow" Moments on Tour!

015214

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

In Seattle? Please join Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee and me this Sunday, April 26 at 4pm for “The Traveler and the Bishop on the State of America's Democracy and Christian Nationalism.” It’s free & easy to register at www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/travel-classes/travel-talks-with-rick. See you soon!

1029942

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Back in 1978, when I was just 23 years old, I traveled with my best friend from Istanbul to Kathmandu — and almost 50 years later, my journal from that trip became a NYT Best Seller. Pick up a paperback edition of “On the Hippie Trail” today — and stow away with me on the adventure of a lifetime!

731424

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Guidebook massacre! I’m prepping for 50 days of research in Europe. And that means it’s time for a little pre-trip violence… I just finished ripping up my guidebooks. Have a peek… if you dare.

1342036

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Thanks for including On the Hippie Trail, @latimes.com!

A screenshot from the LA Times featuring the cover of "On the Hippie Trail" with the following text by Sophia Kercher:

"In the 1970s, tie-dyed vagabonds and stoney American expats loaded up in dusty vans in Europe and took off for Nepal. They'd roll through Turkey, snake up dirt roads to then-peaceful Iran and a welcoming Afghanistan; trek through Pakistan to India and head all the way up to happening Kathmandu. Folks called the route the Hippie Trail. I know because my mom was one of them -- and turns out she may have been lighting up with Steves during his first-ever toke in Herat, Afghanistan. Steves unfolds stories from the trail that widened his view of the world and drove him to become a beloved PBS personality in his resurfaced travel/photo journal meets memoir. Read it when you're longing for an epic trip."

324430

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Let's pray that Trump considers the hard and human reality of “collateral damage”...

A photo of Iranian schoolgirls with the following text:

Look at each face...think of the love, hopes, and dreams in your family...and multiply that by 90 million.

As American taxpayers, every American bomb that drops has our names on it.

201578302

Reposted by Rick Steves

The Seattle Times @seattletimes.com · 02/04/2026

The Edmonds-based travel writer and TV personality says: “A new tax on fat paychecks like mine was just signed into law in my home state — and I like it.”

seattletimes.com

Rick Steves weighs in on WA ‘millionaires tax’

1355781

Reposted by Rick Steves

Dana Wakiji @dwakiji.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

Everyone from @eiagrossepointe.bsky.social is so thankful for @ricksteves.bsky.social for speaking at #NoKings in Grosse Pointe, Michigan!

321316

Reposted by Rick Steves

Steve Mullis @stevemullis.net · 31/03/2026

Travel writer Rick Steves on Washington's newly signed "Millionaires Tax"

Text from a Rick Steves post on Facebook:
"A Millionaires Tax? Let’s Try Shared Prosperity!
A new tax on fat paychecks like mine was just signed into law in my home state — and I like it. In 2029, Washington state will start collecting a 9.9% tax on income over $1 million. The 8,000,000 Washingtonians whose households make less than a million dollars a year will pay zero under this new tax and enjoy all the benefits of a better-funded state. And for the wealthy (like me and an estimated 30,000 others), every million dollars in taxable income that our households earn after the first million will cost us about $100,000.
It takes a lot of money to run a state that’s as livable as ours. Yet Washington is one of only nine states that don’t currently levy a traditional income tax. Our state is still funded by consumption taxes, such as sales and excise taxes, giving us the second-most regressive tax code in the country. (Only Florida has us beat.) And it’s time for Washington millionaires to pay our fair share.
Right about now, Republicans reading this are queuing up in the comments to holler their well-worn excuses: A state income tax will penalize, and therefore demoralize, Washington state’s job creators! Letting the rich get richer results in more wealth trickling down! Wealthy people will flee your state for those with more regressive taxation! (Since California and Oregon already have a comparable tax, that would be distant lands like Texas, Tennessee, and Nevada.)
As a wealthy person myself, I see this tax as essentially free money for all Washingtonians. Everybody in my state gains. And speaking from personal experience, I know that anyone who earns enough to be subject to this tax is beyond the point where consuming more adds to their security, their well-being, or even, arguably, their happiness — meaning there will be basically zero human cost."

Text from Rick Steves Facebook post:
"If you disagree, consider the minuscule impact this tax will have on my state’s millionaires. Now, contrast that with the value of close to $4 billion a year in tax revenue once it’s smartly invested in programs that will help the roughly one-third of Washington households living paycheck to paycheck.
For those who still aren’t convinced, here’s a lesson I’ve learned in my travels: Even if you’re motivated only by greed, if you know what’s good for you, you don’t want to be filthy rich in a society with a huge gap between rich and poor. It’s just not a nice place to raise your kids. And remember: Shrouds have no pockets…especially if you’re a multimillionaire with no heart for your neighbors.
Plus, helping build a better community for you and your neighbors just…feels good. I learned this firsthand back in 2011, when — after years of receiving a Bush-era tax break for the wealthy that I didn’t need — I noticed that to pay for that tax cut, public funding for community programs and institutions was being decimated. Recognizing the practical value of investing my tax savings in my community, I’ve donated $100,000 a year to our local arts center and symphony ever since, covering concert hall rental costs for our volunteer orchestra and much more. Paying a “self-imposed wealth tax” and knowing I’m helping my entire community has brought me great joy for 15 years and counting. It’s far from heroic…but it is a little lonely."

Text from Rick Steves Facebook post:
"The “millionaires tax” that Governor Bob Ferguson signed into law today will make our state better than ever — not just for the working class and poor, but for everyone who values a healthy and sustainable future. And for us millionaires who are enlightened enough to realize that we’ve reached a point where consuming more won’t make us genuinely happier, it just feels right to pay a little extra. For me, it’s biblical (“To whom much is given, much will be required”)… It’s European (after all, societies that are equitably funded are much more “content” than ours)… And — for those of us with a heart for the public good — it’s simply common sense.
Sign me up!"

432488656

Reposted by Rick Steves

Slate @slate.com · 24/03/2026

Rick Steves: "Know people before you bomb them." On Death, Sex & Money, the travel writer reflects on the 2009 episode of his show on Iran. Watch now on YouTube: youtu.be/MGQw7_-6uCw?...

9530162

Reposted by Rick Steves

roger 🗯️ @illuteridae.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

studies of rick steves and his camera crew in iran

327427

Reposted by Rick Steves

DerrickLeftThis (CA40) @derrickleftthis.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

At the very least, I wish more Americans would watch and support @pbs.org. If you haven't seen the @ricksteves.bsky.social Iran episode, you really should take the time. These little windows can change perspectives. Let’s start with empathy. youtu.be/CYoa9hI3CXg?...

youtu.be

Rick Steves' Iran (2009)

YouTube video by Rick Steves' Europe

236276

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

The paperback edition of “On the Hippie Trail” hits bookstores in just a month — and I’ll be hitting the road in late April for a book tour! Tickets are still available in Brookline, Kansas City, and San Diego — find out more at www.ricksteves.com/about-rick/wheres-rick, and I hope to see you there!

A graphic featuring a photo of a bus on the Hippie Trail, a photo of Rick Steves, and the following text:

Rick Steves “On the Hippie Trail” 2026 Tour

April 20 – Chicago, IL (sold out!)
Chicago Humanities at
Francis W. Parker School

April 21 – Brookline, MA
Brookline Booksmith at the
Coolidge Corner Theatre

April 22 – Franklin, IN (sold out!)
Johnson County Public Library at
the Historic Artcraft Theatre

April 23 – Kansas City, MO
Rainy Day Books at
Unity Temple on the Plaza

April 24 – San Diego, CA
Warwick’s at
Point Loma Nazarene University

519425

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

Join me and @bread4theworld.bsky.social CEO EugeneCho live tonight to get the latest on the global fight to end hunger and extreme poverty in spite of wars, climate change, and the end of USAID…why it matters…and how you can help: www.ricksteves.com/mnt.

A photo of Rick Steves with four children in Ethiopia, along with this text:

Tonight on Monday Night Travel with Rick Steves and
Special Guest Eugene Cho (CEO of Bread for the World):
Fighting Hunger post-USAID
Destination: Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Iran

329069

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

24 of our newest @ricksteveseurope.bsky.social tour guides recently reported to Rome for a week of hands-on experience to learn how to lead in the "Rick Steves style." It was my very favorite kind of tour... a mentoring tour, with me as the tour guide! More here: www.ricksteves.com/tours/tour-n...

Here I am in Orvieto Cathedral’s Chapel of San Brizio (on the right, gesturing toward the artwork on the ceiling) — giddy to be mentoring a group of our newly hired Rick Steves' Europe tour guides.

52939

Reposted by Rick Steves

Alex Mendelsohn, PhD @alexmendelsohn.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

Just discovered @ricksteves.bsky.social and can't wait to see more of his travel guides. First thing I came across was this excellent guide on avoiding holiday crowds. As a Brit, I have an innate desire to join the nearest queue. This is the perfect antidote! www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Bn...

youtube.com

Avoiding Crowds - Rick Steves’ Europe Travel Guide - Travel Bite

YouTube video by Rick Steves' Europe

78610

Reposted by Rick Steves

Princess Consuela Bananahammock @angrybitchflo.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

Watching the @ricksteves.bsky.social episode about fascism and Nazi Germany. It's frightening watching it now because so many of the things talked about in this episode are happening RIGHT NOW. I HIGHLY recommend you watch and get everyone you know to watch. youtu.be/aLWWqUUm2uk?...

youtu.be

Germany’s Fascist Story

YouTube video by Rick Steves' Europe

530782

Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

Back in 1978, I traveled through Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India & Nepal with my best friend on the ultimate trip for any backpacker — the so-called Hippie Trail. “On the Hippie Trail” features my journal & photos from that journey — and the paperback edition will be available 4/21!

1360038

Reposted by Rick Steves

Bread for the World @bread4theworld.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Rev. Eugene Cho will join @ricksteves.bsky.social on Monday, March 23 at 9 PM ET for Monday Night Travel! Tune in to hear what’s at stake and why investing in global hunger solutions builds a safer, more stable world: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN…

06913