Author Francis Tapon describes his three-year excursion into every country in the eastern half of Europe.

Two tour guides from Hungary explain the delights of their country's backroads and recall the pleasures of Communist summer camp.

Two guides from Slovenia highlight the little things they enjoy in their small country.

A tour guide based in Prague describes the joys of walking through her historic and romantic city.

Prague-based tour guide Kateřina Svobodová takes Rick on a walking tour of the charmingly preserved "Golden City of 100 Spires," where sightseeing is fueled by some of Europe's best beer.

Rick talks with William Lobkowicz, the American who inherited his family's titles, palaces, and priceless treasures when the communists fell in Czechoslovakia.

Bulgarian Lyuba Boyanin joins Rick to provide an introduction to travel in her country. This emerging bargain destination in Eastern Europe has traditions dating back to ancient Thracian and Roman times.

The people of Poland find great comfort and inspiration in the music of native son Frydryk Chopin. Rick talks with Katarzyna Derlicka about his place in Polish hearts and how her country honored him on his 200th birthday.

Marijan Kriskovic, a tour guide raised in Croatia, talks about his country's stunning scenery and visitor-friendly coast, where Slavic culture meets the Mediterannean.

Honza Vihan, a native of Prague, offers advice on visiting Europe's best-preserved Baroque city and discusses the Czech capital city's rich history.

Native-born guide Lyuba Boyanin tells Rick how ancient traditions cross paths with post-Soviet capitalist energy and explains why the stuffed pepper is king in Bulgaria.

A few of Rick's friends who grew up "behind the Iron Curtain" talk about their countries and what the region offers the American tourist today.

Rick quizzes three Eastern European friends on the distinctive appeal of their home countries: Hungary, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic. Each offers advice for the traveler on the best sights and how to get the most for your tourist dollars.

Rick chats with three former Communists who share what it was like being raised in different types of Communist countries at a time when half of Europe was under the thumb of the Soviet Union.

Jennifer Wilson explains what it was like to relocate her family from the Midwest to the Croatian mountain village of her ancestors.

Two guides from Hungary explain the delights of the Hungarian countryside, including thermal spas and a rich winemaking culture.

Rick talks with two Hungarian tour guides about the "Paris of Eastern Europe," the hot springs, and Hungarian food.

Rick and Budapest-based tour guide Péter Pölczman explore options for getting beyond the busy capital of Budapest to visit the scenic Danube Bend, Lake Balaton, and the winemaking town of Eger.

Rick revisits Hungary with Elteka Parine Berecz, a teacher and tour guide based in Hungary. She offers advice on visiting the hot springs and enjoying the hearty wine and cuisine.

Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria and Greece get ready for Easter.

Polish tour guide Kasia Derlicka offers ideas for travelers investigating genealogical roots. Cameron Hewitt, coauthor of Rick's Eastern Europe guidebook, was in Krakow when word spread that Pope John Paul II had died. He describes the scene and its place in modern Polish history.

Two tour guides based in Prague offer advice on avoiding the summer flood of tourists, give budget tips, and recommend day trips into the Bohemian countryside.

Amir Telibecirovic, Sarajevo-based journalist and tour guide, describes what it was like to live through the Siege of Sarajevo twenty years ago and what it's like to visit the city today.

Rick's tour guide friends from Slovenia fill him in on why their small country has become so popular as a low-pressure, bargain European escape. They provide an insider's guide to Slovenia and also take a detour along the Adriatic coast of Croatia.

Rick learns about the country of Slovenia from native guides, Tina Hiti and Marijan Krisovic, who share highlights of this small nation and discuss the slow-food movement and the polka.