With nearly a thousand hot springs, famously strong red wine, and a history as spicy as its peppers,

a trip through the Hungarian countryside can be a delight.

Hi, I'm Rick Steves.

Today we're getting an insider's guide to Hungary, especially its quirky small towns and

resort spas outside its bustling capital city of Budapest.

Joining us today is Hungarian tour guide Peter Polzman.

He'll field your calls as we plan a Hungarian holiday in the heart of Europe's civilized cafe culture.

Don't be surprised to see big guys with small speedels and even ladies, I mean yeah it's quite a side.

As a proud Hungarian

Peter will help us understand his country's rich culture and history from the

nomadic magg yards to the genteel hapsburgs through a troubled communist stage and right up to the Gentile Habsburgs, through a troubled communist age, and right up to the cutting-edge

European Union of today.

And we'll hear some of your stories of travel in the Hungarian back roads.

We're going heavy on the paprika as we explore the Hungarian

countryside beyond Budapest on Travel with Rick Steves.

I'm Rick Steves, this is Travel with Rick Steves, and today we're traveling to Hungary.

And in order to do that well, we need some Hungarian help.

I've imported a brilliant Hungarian guide who's sitting right across from me, Peter

Pulsman from Budapest.

Peter, thanks for joining us.

Well, I'm happy to be here, Rick.

Now, actually, you were born outside of Budapest, right? That's true, not too far from Budapest, about 30 miles off to the north.

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