America’s most respected authority on European experiences and travel

Host of a new TV series, “Rick Steves Art of Europe,” a six-episode TV special about Europe’s top 100 masterpieces, airing on PBS in October

This week, Ira spoke with Rick Steves, America’s most respected authority on European experiences and travel, and host of a new TV series, “Rick Steves Art of Europe,” a six-episode TV special about Europe’s top 100 masterpieces, airing on PBS in October. In this traveling episode of Ira’s Everything Bagel, Rick talks about not intially appreciating art, despite his mother’s suggestions; the most boring class he took in college; why he has spent the last several years compiling everything about art appreciation; how he wants to give people context before they go to Europe and explore art; his budget tip for going to the galleries in Europe; why art should be fun; how he frames his mind to avoid getting jaded seeing art in Europe again and again; and his goal in the series, which is to make art fun and celebrate Western culture.

Rick Steves is a public TV host, author of dozens of guidebooks, and is America’s most respected authority on European travel. He took his first trip to Europe in 1969, visiting piano factories with his father, a piano importer.  As an 18-year old, Steves began traveling on his own, funding his trips by teaching piano lessons.  In 1976, he started his business, Rick Steves’ Europe, located in Edmonds, Washington.  His mission is to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening.  Rick is also active in his church and with advocacy groups focused on economic and social justice, drug policy reform, and ending hunger.