Program 578b: Walking Ljubljana; Munich and Bavaria; Wild Animals

The co-author of Rick's Central Europe guidebook and a Ljubljana-based tour guide discuss the charms of Slovenia's laid-back capital. Then a tour guide from Munich shares her insider tips for becoming a temporary Bavarian at Oktoberfest, and a naturalist with a knack for adventure explains why even the creepiest critters deserve a little respect.

• Barbara Jacopič, tour guide based in Ljubljana, Slovenia
• Cameron Hewitt, co-author of the Rick Steves Eastern Europe / Central Europe guidebooks
• Munich-born tour guide Daniela Wedel
• Adventure traveler Marty Essen, author of "Endangered Edens" (Encante Press)

• The Rick Steves guide to Ljubljana.
• The official Oktoberfest website in Munich.
• The historic Hofbrauhaus in Munich calls itself the world's most famous tavern. Daniela also recommends the Augustiner Biergarten.
• Daniela Wedel features her photography at Nomad's View on Facebook.
• You can view Rick's TV special "The Story of Fascism in Europe" online.
• Marty Essen includes photos from his travels and information about his "Around the World in 90 Minutes" presentation on his website. His eco-tourism books include "Endangered Edens" and "Hits, Heathens, and Hippos."