The romantic maze of islands, once a center of formidable power and wealth, still seduces visitors with its unique setting steeped in elegant decay. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

A Gdańsk shipyard in 1980 marked the beginning of the end for the Soviet Bloc, as striking workers led by Lech Wałęsa took a stand for their rights. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Maritime trade flourished — and the movement for freedom emerged — in elegant, eclectic Gdańsk, Poland's leading port city with a Hanseatic pedigree. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Poland's cosmopolitan capital thrives with a post-industrial charm that coexists among reminders of a complicated and sometimes harrowing history. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

The rise of Stalin brought about the planned city of Nowa Huta, a proof of concept for communism in which workers' every need was met by the company. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

The notorious Nazi death camp is a powerful memorial to the more than 1 million victims systematically exterminated there during World War II. For more information about Auschwitz-Birkenau, visit https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/poland/auschwitz-birkenau For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Fourteenth-century ruler Kazimierz the Great made Poland a safe haven for Europe's Jews, who prospered in Kraków until the horrors of World War II. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Rick learns about the nuances of Poland's national drink and—with help from a local friend—tries his hand at preparing a traditional favorite dish. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

In Poland's historic and cultural capital, traditions live on while modern life bustles in the busy main square, inviting streets, and riverside park. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

The South Coast's craggy Westman Islands teem with fishing boats and puffin colonies. Their lone town was half buried in 1973 when its volcano blew. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Two hours' drive from Reykjavík are some of Iceland's biggest natural thrills, including Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the rugged valley of Thórsmörk. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.