Rick Steves Reflects on the Most Memorable Meal of His Life, His Top Travel Destination, and Future Adventures

Rick Steves has been a beloved figure for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my travel-enthusiast parents would watch his PBS show, and before our first major European trip, my husband and I scoured YouTube for Rick Steves episodes related to each city we planned to visit. (If only he had a series for every country on the globe!)

Having filmed over 150 episodes in his 33 years of sharing his signature tours, Steves shows no signs of slowing down; he dedicates around 100 days each year to working in Europe, often filming for 12 hours a day, 30 days straight.

This summer, Steves collaborated with Progressive Insurance’s “Parenta-Life Coach” Dr. Rick to create an audio tour of Paris (accessible via the Rick Steves Audio Europe app), where listeners are guided through the city's iconic landmarks.

Steves also recently launched an extensive six-hour series exploring European art. In a conversation with Dinogo, he expressed excitement about filming “the most indulgent, luxurious, delicious TV show [he's] ever done” — a journey along the Burgundy Canal aboard a barge transformed into a floating boutique hotel.

Though Steves is synonymous with Europe, he revealed in a blog post that his favorite country is actually India.

He shared with T+L that it remains at the top of his list because it “rearranges all his cultural perspectives” and reminds him that America is not the standard.

“The fact that a billion people in India perceive the world so differently from us in countless ways — I embrace that,” he explains. “Visiting India is truly enjoyable because I think culture shock is not something to fear. It's a valuable experience. It's the growing pains of expanding one’s viewpoint and should be embraced, not avoided.”

In fact, he emphasized that stepping out of his comfort zone is precisely why he pursues this work.

“It’s the enchanting essence of travel that drives our tour programs, guidebooks, and television shows. Our goal is to inspire Americans to be adventurous and step outside their comfort zones so they return home with an expanded worldview,” he shared.

When it comes to his favorite country in Europe, it’s one that echoes the essence of India. “My favorite country in Europe is Italy, likely because it resembles India the most,” he remarked. “It’s bella chaos; they refer to it as beautiful chaos. I adore Italy. If I had to describe it in one word, it would be piazza. That’s where generations unite, embodying love and community. Americans can draw inspiration from that.”

However, the Washington resident also cherishes many destinations in the U.S. He mentioned that he can’t truly vacation in Europe because there’s always work awaiting him — when he experiences something there, he feels compelled to learn, document it, and share it. Thus, at home, he enjoys pursuits unrelated to his profession: river rafting in Idaho, boating in the San Juan Islands, and spending time at his cabin in the Cascade Mountains.

Yet, he acknowledges that some cherished life experiences can only be found in unique places, like a historic family estate in Tuscany — the backdrop for the best meal he ever had.

“I’m recalling a dinner on a farm in Tuscany — the Gori farm, Signora Gori,” he said, beaming. “Three generations gathered at the table and six generations immortalized in the paintings surrounding us. The food was simple and rustic, but everything paired beautifully. The meat and cheese complemented the wine, creating a truly delightful experience.”

However, according to Steves, a meal like that encompasses much more than just the food. “It’s about the warm atmosphere of the moment. You’re in a historic space, surrounded by generations of people who have lived on that land. The food is what they call a zero-kilometer meal; it’s sourced directly from the farm or nearby and is seasonal.”

And just when you think dinner has come to an end — after the last cheese course and another glass of wine — they start bringing out more, and the experience you wished would never conclude continues.

“They clear the table, transforming it into a kind of chemical lab filled with beakers, small glasses, and quirky vases, bringing out more digestifs and liqueurs,” he explained. “The camaraderie, the sense of community, the conversation, the togetherness — that’s what truly makes it special.”

That’s also the reason behind his pursuits — and why his life’s work has encouraged so many of his fellow Americans to embark on similar journeys.