A self-described "Rome nerd" helps us picture what it was like to live in the Roman Empire and explains how much we can learn about the era from its now 2,000-year-old rubble. Then a tour guide from Bulgaria sings the praises of its cultural capital, Plovdiv — one of the oldest cities in Europe, possibly in the whole world. And listeners share serendipitous stories from their European travels.

• Phillip Barlag, author of "The History of Rome in 12 Buildings" (New Page Books)
• Stefan Bozadzhiev, tour guide based in Sofia, Bulgaria

• Phillip Barlag is the author of "The History of Rome in 12 Buildings."
• Phillip has also written "Evil Roman Emperors" and "The Leadership Genius of Julius Caesar."
• The opening episodes of Phillip's podcast "The 'Greats' of History" examine the lives of prominent figures from Ancient Egypt.
• Stefan Bozadzhiev blogs about Bulgaria travel at Down the Road with Stefan on Facebook, and offers tours of Bulgaria, the Balkans, and Central Asia through Lyuba Tours, based in Sofia.
• The Rick Steves online guide to Bulgaria.
• Listener Judith enjoyed a visit to Sissinghurst Castle Gardens near Cranbrook in Kent, England.
• Rick recommends visiting the Memorial Museum in Caen, when touring the nearby D-Day landing sites in Normandy, France.