Rick Steves' Rome: Eternally Engaging

Stream now with KPBS Passport on KPBS+ and YouTube / Watch Friday, March 6, 2026 at 11 p.m. on KPBS TV

In this hour-long travel special, Rick Steves explores the "Eternal City" of Rome, a grand and ancient metropolis rich with exquisite art, vibrant culture and centuries of history. Rick traces the rise and fall of classical Rome, meanders through the heart of Bernini's Baroque Rome and makes a pilgrimage to the Vatican.

Then, he uncovers the charms of hidden neighborhoods filled with character and energy, enjoys a Roman feast, and mixes and mingles with the locals during an early-evening stroll through the city's romantic nightspots.

1 of 12

Michelangelo's "Pieta" in St. Peter's Basilica.

Courtesy of Rick Steves

2 of 12

Rick outside St. Peter's, Vatican City.

Courtesy of Rick Steves

3 of 12

Rick at the Victor Emmanuel Monument, Rome.

Courtesy of Rick Steves

4 of 12

The floodlit Pantheon.

Courtesy of Rick Steves

5 of 12

Rick Steves inside the Colosseum, Rome.

Courtesy of Rick Steves

6 of 12

Rick Steves at the Roman Forum.

Courtesy of Rick Steves

7 of 12

Rick Steves at the Spanish Steps.

Courtesy of Rick Steves

8 of 12

Bernini's "Apollo Chasing Daphne" in the Borghese Gallery.

Courtesy of Rick Steves

9 of 12

Ostia Antica

Courtesy of Rick Steves

10 of 12

Piazza Navona in Rome.

Courtesy of Rick Steves

11 of 12

Mosaics in the Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere.

Courtesy of Rick Steves

12 of 12

Inside the Pantheon.

Courtesy of Rick Steves

Rick Steves advocates smart, affordable, perspective-broadening travel. As host and writer of the popular public television series RICK STEVES' EUROPE, and best-selling author of 40 European travel books, he encourages Americans to travel as "temporary locals." Rick helps American travelers connect much more intimately and authentically with Europe — and Europeans — for a fraction of what mainstream tourists pay.

The Rick Steves Audio Europe™ app organizes Rick's vast library of self-guided walking tours and radio interviews into geographic playlists covering Europe's top sights, travel tips, and cultural insights.

Rick Steves is on Facebook/ Instagram / TikTok