Slovenia: more info

Bosnia & Herzegovina: more info

Macedonia: more info

Serbia: more info

Belgrade: more info

Hungary: more info

Budapest: more info

Lithuania: more info

Vilnius: more info

Estonia: more info

Tallinn: more info

Slovakia: more info

Bratislava: more info

Palin explores the mysterious countries once hidden behind the Iron Curtain in a series which encompasses over 20 of eastern Europe's most enticing locations.

What makes this series doubly exciting is that all of the countries visited are just a short (and often cheap) flight away for most Europeans, making it easy for you to visit the places which most capture your imagination, and experience for yourself the wonders of eastern Europe.

If you choose to follow in Michael Palin's New Europe footsteps and see some of the sights for yourself, remember to pack your Bradt guides - Michael did! Palin and his team used Bradt guides and consulted Bradt authors in preparation for their travels. See the range alongside our episode guide below.

New Europe Episode 1

"War and Peace"

16 September, BBC1, 9pm

Palin becomes acquainted with Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia and Albania. From high in the spectacular Julian Alps of Slovenia, he heads to the stunning Dalmatian coast and goes on a tour of the ancient port of Split in Croatia.

A ferry-ride away is the paradise-like island of Hvar, where Michael enjoys walks, wine and fine food with a local restaurateur. Then it's on to the pilgrimage town of Medugorje in Bosnia, where Mirjana Dragicevic tells of her visitations from the Virgin Mary which began 25 years ago.

Michael takes in the spectacular rebuilt bridge in Mostar, visits mine-clearance workers in Sarajevo and meets clubbers in Belgrade. He gains a new perspective on the wars that followed the break-up of Yugoslavia and hears of the hope that reconstruction is bringing.

In Dubrovnik, he meets up with lute maestro Edin Karamazov (who recently made an album with Sting) busking in the splendour of this walled city. An opera-singing captain then takes him down the coast to Albania, once the most secretive country in Europe. Braving the crazy traffic of Tirana on a bike, Michael meets painter and Mayor Edi Rama, who explains how Albania is struggling to shake off its communist legacy. One of the mayor's innovations was to paint the city's buildings in bright colours.

Finally, accompanying a group of pilgrims to an Islamic mountain top monastery, a sheep sacrifice heralds an afternoon of music and hospitality in typical Balkan style.

New Europe Episode 2

"Eastern Delight"

23 September, BBC1, 9pm

Palin uncovers Bulgaria and Turkey in the second episode.

In the rocky Rila Mountains, Michael joins the mystical White Brotherhood sect at their summer solstice celebrations. In Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, he meets Azis, a gay transvestite gypsy whose turbo-folk songs have made him an unlikely Balkan superstar.

In Turkey, Michael visits Edirne - the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and watches some oil wrestling. Michael is more than happy just to watch rather than join in himself! Then, on a hill overlooking the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, Michael marvels at the annual Camel Wrestling festival, in which randy male camels lock legs in a manner even more bizarre than the oil wrestlers.

Bulgaria's charms include the secluded coves scattered along the Black Sea coastline; nature reserves; rugged mountainous scenery, with a wealth of wild flowers, birds and mammals; and several flourishing ski resorts. This corner of eastern Europe can also boast nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, all included in detail in the Bradt guide (to published in December; preorder here).

New Europe Episode 3

"Wild East"

30 September, BBC1, 9pm

For the third episode, Palin heads north once more, over the border into Romania and then on to Moldova.

We also discover Transdniester, a breakaway territory within the internationally recognised borders of Moldova. Although not recognised by any state or international organisation as anything other than a part of Moldova, it runs as an independent state called the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic.

New Europe Episode 4

"Danube to Dnieper"

7 October, BBC1, 9pm

Palin's next stops are Hungary and Ukraine.

Bradt's award-winning guidebook to Hungary caters for every kind of traveller. In recent years this has become a popular destination both with backpackers and the tourist seeking a more luxurious experience. At the heart of this picturesque country is its intriguing capital city - Budapest - for which a separate city guide is available.

In this episode, keep your eyes peeled and you'll spot Bradt's Hungary guidebook in Palin's hotel room!

We come next to the largest country in Europe: Ukraine. Here traditional churches, monasteries and sacred sites provide a contrast to the notorious, but compelling, landmark of Chernobyl.

Andrew Evans, author of Bradt's Ukraine guidebook, shows how this country can easily be explored by rail, river cruise or sea ferry, and also on foot - the ideal way to take in rustic villages of old-world eastern Europe.

Despite still being an unusual destination for the western European traveller, Ukraine has much to offer: from Crimea on the Black Sea in the South to the capital city of Kiev in the north.

New Europe Episode 5

"Baltic Summer"

14 October, BBC1, 9pm

Next Palin takes us to the cluster of small Baltic countries nestled in the far northeastern corner of Europe.

Estonia is the furthest north. Detailing the country's medieval capital, Tallinn, Bradt's guidebook escorts the visitor down its timeless cobbled streets and pinpoints architectural highlights. Extensive coverage is given of the country’s complex cultural history, and its best artists, writers and musicians.

To the south is Latvia. Full coverage is given in the Bradt guidebook to this country of the national parks, medieval castles, Riga's historic landmarks and art galleries, along with how to explore Latvia's unspoilt countryside, travel networks and tourist facilities.

Further south still is Lithuania. The variety of its landscape, its chequered history, and the hospitality of the local people make for a highly memorable visit to this largest of the Baltic states. Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital, provides a cultural centre with highlights including the Gates of Dawn pilgrimage site in the Old Town, Gedimino (the city’s central boulevard), and the church of SS Peter and Paul with its fabulous stuccowork. The Bradt Lithuania guide also features the atmospheric Hill of Crosses at Siauliai, the medieval Trakai castle within easy reach of Vilnius, the seaside town of Palanga and the town of Kaunas.

And finally to Kaliningrad - a tiny fragment of Russia.

In addition to the country guidebooks, Bradt also publishes city guides to Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius, and a general guide to the Baltic Capitals.

New Europe Episode 6

"From Pole to Pole"

21 October, BBC1, 9pm

The next stop en route is Poland.

Krakow is one of the most rewarding and popular Polish cities for a short break, being listed by UNESCO as one of the world’s 12 most significant historic sites. Renata Rubnikowicz’s guide pays ample homage to the many buildings of this old city, while providing a human story behind the landmarks. Young at heart with a thriving student population, Krakow’s lively music scene, cellar coffee bars and fine parklands are great reasons to visit this city and are celebrated here.

This brand new guide includes comprehensive coverage of the historic old quarter and beyond the city walls, including the former Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, all in a convenient pocket-sized format. Also covered are day trips from the city such as the ancient salt mines at Wieliczka and the emotive Nazi camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau.

New Europe Episode 7

"Journey's End"

28 October, BBC1, 9pm

In the final leg of the journey, Palin crosses into the Tatra mountains of Slovakia before descending and passing through the Czech Republic and up into East Germany.

Bradt's Slovakia guide is the ideal companion for a trip to the very heart of eastern Europe. Impressively situated on the Danube, Bratislava boasts stunningly-restored Baroque, Rococo and art-nouveau buildings. Beyond the capital visitors will find a country packed with architectural gems, the renowned wooden churches of the Presov region, imposing fortresses, romantic castles and medieval ruins - all within easy reach thanks to an excellent transport system.

The Czech Republic is also covered by Bradt, with its guide to Prague's old town and historical sights, cycling and walking across the country, the country's UNESCO-listed sites and emerging tourist areas such as the spas of West Bohemia.