Program 765: Sicilian Splendors; Off the Rails; Favorite Hot Springs

A longtime Italophile shares the charms and rich culture of Sicily. Then a popular columnist and avowed train buff recounts tales of his rail travels the world over. And a photojournalist takes a deep dive into the ways we soak, swim, and slow down in hot springs.

• John Keahey, author of "Sicilian Splendors" (St. Martin's Press)
• Journalist Beppe Severgnini, author of "Off the Rails" (Berkley)
• Photojournalist Greta Rybus, author of "Hot Springs" (Ten Speed Press)

• John Keahey is the author of "Sicilian Splendors," among other Italy-based titles, including "Following Caesar." He spoke with Rick about following the ancient route from Rome to today's Istanbul on Travel with Rick Steves program #737 in December 2023.
• Beppe Severgnini is an editor and columnist for Italy's largest-circulation daily newspaper, Corriere della Sera. Books he's written include "Off the Rails: A Train Trip Through Life," "Ciao, America!," and his latest, "Italian Lessons: Fifty Things We Know About Life Now."
• Beppe spoke with Rick on Travel with Rick Steves program #730 about what he noticed his fellow Italians were learning from the pandemic lockdowns, and offered us a few useful Italian phrases to know on program #750.
• Greta Rybus is a freelance photojournalist, specializing in editorial portraiture, travel, and documentary photography, and the author of "Hot Springs: Photos and Stories of How the World Soaks, Swims, and Slows Down." She also posts her photos on Instagram.