Exploring parts of Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia, we'll get to know the tthree major groups of the former Yugoslavia - Croats, Servs, and Muslims. And we'll throw in a little fun in the sun in Dubrovnik.

Tiny Slovenia is Europe's most underrated alpine country. From the prosperous capital of Ljubjana, we'll enjoy the mountain resort of Lake Bled, venture into the Julian Alps for natural thrills mixed with WWI history, go spelunking in a gigantic cave, and swim in a charming Adriatic port.

Exploring Croatia, we'll see the "Pearl of the Adriatic," sample some island charm, wander Roman ruins, and hike through the watery wonderland. We'll enjoy its thriving capital city, the Italian-like charm of Istria, and that peninsula's enchanting port town.

In grand, inviting Budapest, we'll visit fascinating relics of its difficult past, relax in its thermal baths and elegant cafes, and cruise the Danube under floodlit monuments.

We'll witness the cobbled charm of bubbly , Boaroque Kraków, make a soul-searching side-trip to Auschwitz, and see what's turned Warsaw into a lively, thriving capital once again.

We'll venture beyond Prague to experience a whirlwind of Art Nouveau, local pub music, stinky cheese, and peat bathing. Then we'll tour a Holocaust memorial in Terezín and the charming castle town of Český Krumlov.

We'll visit beautifully preserved Prague to experience its massive castle, evocative Jewish Quarter, thrilling history, infectious music... and perhaps the best beer in Europe.