In this new episode of Rick Steves' Europe we explore Warsaw, the heartbeat of contemporary Poland and home to hard-fought 20th-century history, Chopin concerts, and a grand palace. After a stop at the gingerbread bakeries in red-brick Toruń, we ogle the massive Teutonic Knight fortress of Malbork. Finishing in maritime Gdańsk, we experience handsome Hanseatic townhouses, amber jewelry, and stirring Solidarity history. Check your local public television station for airdates and times, stream wit

29K views · 97 reactions | The Strahov Monastery has overlooked the Prague Castle since the 12th century. Industrious monks once served their community here, both as keepers of knowledge and as producers of beer and wine. The Monastery Brewery still operates today — we grab lunch and a refreshing mug of beer there on Day 2 of the Best of Prague & Budapest in 8 Days Tour: www.ricksteves.com/tours/eastern-europe/prague-budapest | Rick Steves' Europe | Facebook

32K views · 148 reactions | Day 5 of our Bulgaria tour begins with a walking tour of Plovdiv's old town — and then the remainder of the day is free for you to explore. Check out the Mousetrap District, a vibrant and fun-loving corner of town where foodies and creative young people congregate. Tour info: www.ricksteves.com/tours/eastern-europe/bulgaria | Rick Steves' Europe | Facebook

This week on the Travel with Rick Steves radio show: A Brussels-based tour guide offers his recommendations for making the most of a weekend in the Belgian capital. Then Rick's co-author, Cameron Hewitt, joins us to explore what it means to become a "temporary local" when traveling, and how it can help you actually relax on your next vacation. And listeners share ideas for enjoying areas they know well, as long-term locals — including Maine's Acadia National Park and the art museums of St. Peter

276K views · 8.1K reactions | Over the next two weeks, I’ll be...

23K views · 130 reactions | In a time of unprecedented church wealth, St. Francis inspired a refocused spirituality through poverty, humility, and the beauty of nature. On Day 9 of your My Way Italy vacation, our bus will bring you to St. Francis’ hometown — Assisi. We’ll spend two nights there, giving you plenty of time to wander through (and wonder at) this charming town and its surrounding hills. | Rick Steves' Europe | Facebook