Polish food is hearty and tasty—most classic dishes were created to provide calories for working fields and farms. Local tour guide Tomasz gives Rick an introduction to traditional Polish cuisine, including soups, sausage, and potato pancakes. Because Poland is north of the Carpathian Mountains, its weather tends to be chilly, limiting the kinds of fruits and vegetables that flourish here. As in other northern European countries (such as Ukraine, Russia, or Scandinavia), dominant staples include

Tiny Slovenia — with just two million people — is one of Europe's most unexpectedly delightful destinations. Located where the Germanic, Mediterranean, and Slavic worlds come together, Slovenia has a unique appeal. | Rick Steves' Europe

13K views | Nicknamed “the island of saints and scholars,” Ireland is also known as “the terrible beauty” for its bittersweet mix of political struggles, hunger, friendly people, and gorgeous landscapes. | Rick Steves' Europe | Facebook