Latvia is often credited with producing the first Christmas tree. Whether or not this is the case, no one knows for sure. There are many variations of the story. Some ... Read More

Christmas in Eastern Europe is celebrated both on December 25 and January 7. Some Eastern European countries may observe both holidays, especially if they have mixed populations. Eastern Orthodox countries, ... Read More

Even though it's still not prime tourist season in Eastern Europe, springtime means that the events calendar is packed with film festivals, music festivals, cultural festivals, and national and religious ... Read More

The Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined the border-free EU zone this week. EU citizens will now be able to travel without having to ... Read More

At many Russian Festivals, visitors can enjoy troika rides. A troika is a carriage drawn by three horses. In the winter, the carriage is replaced with a sled, so that ... Read More

The Czech Republic is famous for its pilsner beer. The town of Plzen even has a Brewery Museum to honor the beer that originated there - Pilsner Urquell. Plzen is ... Read More

If you're a fan of Czech food and drink, and you find yourself in Astoria, Queens, you'll want to visit the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden. Here, you'll be able ... Read More

Spring in Eastern Europe may still contain a touch of winter's chill, but there are advantages to traveling to Eastern Europe during the spring. For one, the major tourist season ... Read More

Vodka is the ultimate drink for sub-zero weather - the Eastern Europeans know this well. Vodka doesn't freeze, warms the insides, and is delicious both straight or as a base ... Read More

Eastern Europe is still a good option if you're a budget traveler, even though the post-Soviet era of dirt-cheap shopping, dining, and lodging is long gone. Moscow is consistently one ... Read More

When the holidays have passed, and as we enter the long stretch of winter to come, planning a trip to Eastern Europe for more temperate seasons can take the edge ... Read More

Winter is a time for celebrating culture in Eastern Europe. Religious holidays, during which the faithful can express their beliefs, remain the focus of winter calendars. New Year's Eve is ... Read More

Croatia's winter festivals are varied and fun. A wine festival kicks off the winter season in November, accompanied by an animated film festival. Christmas and New Year's celebrations hold center ... Read More

Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital city, recognizes Slovenian culture during the winter season. An international film festival attracts filmmakers from around the world, the annual Christmas market attracts both locals and visiters, ... Read More

The Czech Republic, and its capital, Prague, celebrates music all year round. Through the Christmas holiday and during the winter months, Czechs make no exception to their devotion to music. ... Read More