Ex-Python embarks on his next travel adventure.

Michael Palin has started filming his next travel series - and it's a lot closer to home than he normally goes.

The ex-Python was in Split, Croatia, last week, working on Palin's New Europe.

The show will focus on the Eastern European countries soon to join the EU, which most of us don't know much about. And the subject was chosen so Palin can easily pop back home to see his grandson.

Writing on his website he said: "The idea is to look at the way people live now in countries which will all be part of the EU over the next few years.

"Many of these countries didn't exist when I was born 63 years ago and those that did exist have been through difficult times.

"We shall try to get off the beaten track and to convey some of the beauty of the remote, unspoilt parts of Europe, whilst never being more than three hours' flying time away from my new grandson, Archie."

The series is due to air in autumn 2007, when a book of his journey will also be published.