Hi from Rick: Exploring the Heart of Europe
Dear Traveler,
I can still taste the pierogi! Last month, I had the joyous experience of filming two new episodes of my public television show in Poland. And all along the way, I kept crossing paths with happy travelers who were visiting Poland on one of our tours. Their tour guides were our tour guides — when Tomasz and Agnes weren't teaching in front of our groups, they joined me on camera to celebrate Poland.
I love the fact that to a great extent, our TV scripts originated with the fun we have on our Poland bus tour: Shopping for ingredients in Kraków's old market, then learning how to make pierogi by hand just like Babcia (Granny) used to do. In Warsaw, listening to the music of Chopin fill the salon of our favorite local hotel, at our very own private concert. And in Gdańsk, learning about Lech Wałęsa and the Solidarity movement…standing in the very shipyards where those events changed the world.
My trip to Poland got me thinking about all the equally delightful visits I've had to its neighboring countries over the years: the Czech Republic, with the beautifully preserved city of Prague and an enchanting, castle-studded countryside. Hungary, with the cosmopolitan metropolis of Budapest, relaxing thermal baths, and surprising food and wine. Slovenia, with its soaring (yet under-appreciated) Alps and fun-to-get-to-know people. Croatia, famous for its shimmering Adriatic coastline, cozy coves, and dreamy islands.
These are places that we used to collectively call "Eastern Europe." But the world has changed — faster, even, in these countries than in most places. That's why this year, we've decided to change our terminology and call these countries what the locals already have for years: "Central Europe."
If you're thinking about traveling to Central Europe, you have lots of enticing choices. For a first-time foray, our Best of Central Europe: Prague to Slovenia tour is a great place to start. It ties together three of the region's top cities — Prague, Budapest, and Kraków — along with some back-to-nature time in Croatia's waterfall-laced Plitvice National Park and in Slovenia's lush Alps. Consider our Best of Prague & Budapest tour for a more in-depth experience in these two history-rich cities. Or, for a deeper dive, you won't regret spending 10 days on our Best of Poland tour…having many of the same experiences (and perhaps even meeting the same people) I just enjoyed while filming there.
In this month's Tour News, get to know more about our itineraries that meander across the heart of Europe with day-by-day slideshows of the Best of Poland in 10 Days and Central Europe: Prague to Slovenia in 15 Days, meet Poland born-and-raised tour guide Beata McCommas, discover what recent tour members love about traveling in Central Europe, and join me for a stroll through Poland's cultural capital, Kraków.
Even for many seasoned travelers, Eastern…ahem, I mean Central Europe seems always stuck on their "wish list." But there's no better time to turn wishing into reality…and get to know these wonderful places on your next Rick Steves tour.
Happy Travels,
Rick