Current A–Z Programs

Program Reminder:

Smart Travels--Europe with Rudy Maxa

(visit website)

Ch. Title Description # Day Date Time Length RPT CC DVS AD MD
10.1 France's Normandy From a dramatic, historic coast--to rural pastures, this sweet section of France abounds with apple orchards, enchanting villages, stunning abbeys, and sparkling seaports. Rudy Maxa sets up base in the lovely seaside town of Honfleur. At Giverny, and in the museums in Rouen and Honfleur, he discovers the birth of Impressionism. Near the famous beaches of Normandy, the Norman Conquest unfolds in the Bayeux tapestry, as he remembers the poignant victory of World War II's D-day. Cider and cheese draw him to the lovely farmland, just inland from Honfleur. The journey ends at the awe-inspiring Abbey of Mont-St-Michel. Tips are given on car rental, shopping for antiques, and touring cider country.
WEB LINK
311 SU 05/05/13 03:30am 00:26:45 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.2 France's Normandy From a dramatic, historic coast--to rural pastures, this sweet section of France abounds with apple orchards, enchanting villages, stunning abbeys, and sparkling seaports. Rudy Maxa sets up base in the lovely seaside town of Honfleur. At Giverny, and in the museums in Rouen and Honfleur, he discovers the birth of Impressionism. Near the famous beaches of Normandy, the Norman Conquest unfolds in the Bayeux tapestry, as he remembers the poignant victory of World War II's D-day. Cider and cheese draw him to the lovely farmland, just inland from Honfleur. The journey ends at the awe-inspiring Abbey of Mont-St-Michel. Tips are given on car rental, shopping for antiques, and touring cider country.
WEB LINK
311 SU 05/05/13 03:30am 00:26:45 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Bath and South Wales Friendly and feisty, Scotland makes people feel right at home. In Edinburgh, host Rudy Maxa climbs the ramparts of this city's famous castle, shops for kilts, visits mysterious Rosslyn chapel, and thrills to a spooky ghost tour. Then, he heads to historic St. Andrew's to practice his swing on the world's most famous golf course. In the Scottish highlands, he tries his hand at skeet shooting and falconry, and tours the Dewar's whisky distillery. Then, it's off to historic Stirling, to stroll the battlefields of Braveheart, before setting sail on legendary Loch Lomand. Tips on golf and Scotch whisky are also given, in this first episode of a 13-part season.
WEB LINK
401 TU 05/07/13 08:00am 00:26:45 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Bath and South Wales Friendly and feisty, Scotland makes people feel right at home. In Edinburgh, host Rudy Maxa climbs the ramparts of this city's famous castle, shops for kilts, visits mysterious Rosslyn chapel, and thrills to a spooky ghost tour. Then, he heads to historic St. Andrew's to practice his swing on the world's most famous golf course. In the Scottish highlands, he tries his hand at skeet shooting and falconry, and tours the Dewar's whisky distillery. Then, it's off to historic Stirling, to stroll the battlefields of Braveheart, before setting sail on legendary Loch Lomand. Tips on golf and Scotch whisky are also given, in this first episode of a 13-part season.
WEB LINK
401 TU 05/07/13 02:00pm 00:26:45 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Edinburgh and Scotland In Scotland's capital of Edinburgh, Rudy climbs the city's famous castle, shops for kilts, visit mysterious Rosslyn chapel and goes on a spooky ghost tour. Later, he heads to historic St. Andrew's to practice on the world's most famous golf course. In the Scottish highlands, he tries his hand at skeet shooting and falconry, and tours the Dewar's whisky distillery.
WEB LINK
402 TH 05/09/13 08:00am 00:26:45 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Edinburgh and Scotland In Scotland's capital of Edinburgh, Rudy climbs the city's famous castle, shops for kilts, visit mysterious Rosslyn chapel and goes on a spooky ghost tour. Later, he heads to historic St. Andrew's to practice on the world's most famous golf course. In the Scottish highlands, he tries his hand at skeet shooting and falconry, and tours the Dewar's whisky distillery.
WEB LINK
402 TH 05/09/13 02:00pm 00:26:45 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Barcelona and Costa Brava A Mediterranean marvel, Barcelona simmers with beautiful beaches, medieval mazes, eye popping art, and hypnotic architecture. From tapas bars, to surrealist art, to Modernist structures, Rudy Maxa feasts on Barcelona's delights. Rambles along La Rambla, Gaudi's treasures, a neighborhood festival, designer shopping, and waterfront fun are some of the highlights. For the best in beaches, he heads north, to the coves of the Costa Brava. Tips on tapas and nightlife are given.
WEB LINK
403 TU 05/14/13 08:00am 00:26:45 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Barcelona and Costa Brava A Mediterranean marvel, Barcelona simmers with beautiful beaches, medieval mazes, eye popping art, and hypnotic architecture. From tapas bars, to surrealist art, to Modernist structures, Rudy Maxa feasts on Barcelona's delights. Rambles along La Rambla, Gaudi's treasures, a neighborhood festival, designer shopping, and waterfront fun are some of the highlights. For the best in beaches, he heads north, to the coves of the Costa Brava. Tips on tapas and nightlife are given.
WEB LINK
403 TU 05/14/13 02:00pm 00:26:45 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Madrid The Spanish capital Madrid welcomes people with grand plazas and sparkling fountains. First stop is the Prado, one of Europe's great museums and home to Goya, El Greco, and Velazquez. He tours El Palacio Real, the seat the Spanish empire, and the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales, a fascinating hoard of art treasures hidden away in the center of the city. After dark, he sways to the rhythms of Flamenco dancers, and loses himself in Madrid's pulsating nightlife. Then, he day-trips to the imperial city of Toledo, to roam the twisting streets and narrow alleyways of this historic center. Tips on traditional food and jewelry are also given.
WEB LINK
404 TH 05/16/13 08:00am 00:26:45 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Madrid The Spanish capital Madrid welcomes people with grand plazas and sparkling fountains. First stop is the Prado, one of Europe's great museums and home to Goya, El Greco, and Velazquez. He tours El Palacio Real, the seat the Spanish empire, and the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales, a fascinating hoard of art treasures hidden away in the center of the city. After dark, he sways to the rhythms of Flamenco dancers, and loses himself in Madrid's pulsating nightlife. Then, he day-trips to the imperial city of Toledo, to roam the twisting streets and narrow alleyways of this historic center. Tips on traditional food and jewelry are also given.
WEB LINK
404 TH 05/16/13 02:00pm 00:26:45 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Carcassonne and the Pyrenees From a fairy tale fortress to the gentle Pyrenees, Rudy Maxa takes in the castles and peaks of this magical region. He tours the largest fortress in Europe, Carcassonne, and samples the local stew, Cassoulet. A gallop through the countryside takes in several romantic castle ruins and the artwork of Toulouse Lautrec. Then, he heads for the high country, and one of the world's natural wonders--a mountain amphitheatre with cascading waterfalls. Tips on driving in France, and mountain trails are also given.
WEB LINK
405 TU 05/21/13 08:00am 00:26:45 - (CC) × ST
36.3 Carcassonne and the Pyrenees From a fairy tale fortress to the gentle Pyrenees, Rudy Maxa takes in the castles and peaks of this magical region. He tours the largest fortress in Europe, Carcassonne, and samples the local stew, Cassoulet. A gallop through the countryside takes in several romantic castle ruins and the artwork of Toulouse Lautrec. Then, he heads for the high country, and one of the world's natural wonders--a mountain amphitheatre with cascading waterfalls. Tips on driving in France, and mountain trails are also given.
WEB LINK
405 TU 05/21/13 02:00pm 00:26:45 - (CC) × ST
36.3 Bordeaux and the Dordogne The world's finest wines, sweeping vineyards, and fine food couple with a river valley dotted with castles. Rudy Maxa samples the best Bordeaux, then cruises the lovely Dordogne and Lot rivers, with stops at chateaux, ancient watermills, and perched villages. Cooking classes and an underground adventure, to see pre-historic cave paintings, round out the trip. Tips on wine tasting and walking paths are also given.
WEB LINK
406 TH 05/23/13 08:00am 00:26:45 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Bordeaux and the Dordogne The world's finest wines, sweeping vineyards, and fine food couple with a river valley dotted with castles. Rudy Maxa samples the best Bordeaux, then cruises the lovely Dordogne and Lot rivers, with stops at chateaux, ancient watermills, and perched villages. Cooking classes and an underground adventure, to see pre-historic cave paintings, round out the trip. Tips on wine tasting and walking paths are also given.
WEB LINK
406 TH 05/23/13 02:00pm 00:26:45 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Switzerland and the Alps The Swiss Alps reverberate with cowbells, accordions, and laughter. It is considered the year-round playground of Interlaken, the "town between two lakes". Rudy Maxa sail across glacial Lake Brienz, famous for its beautiful woodcarving. He heads to the spectacular Lauterbrunnen Valley, for a heart-stopping gondola ride to alpine heights, and hikes past flower-filled meadows and mountain chalets. Then, it's off to vibrant Zurich for shopping, chocolate, and tasty Swiss cuisine. Tips on transit passes and buying cheese are also given.
WEB LINK
407 TU 05/28/13 08:00am 00:26:45 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Switzerland and the Alps The Swiss Alps reverberate with cowbells, accordions, and laughter. It is considered the year-round playground of Interlaken, the "town between two lakes". Rudy Maxa sail across glacial Lake Brienz, famous for its beautiful woodcarving. He heads to the spectacular Lauterbrunnen Valley, for a heart-stopping gondola ride to alpine heights, and hikes past flower-filled meadows and mountain chalets. Then, it's off to vibrant Zurich for shopping, chocolate, and tasty Swiss cuisine. Tips on transit passes and buying cheese are also given.
WEB LINK
407 TU 05/28/13 02:00pm 00:26:45 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Alpine Christmas Hot-spiced cider and strains of "O Tannenbaum" warm hearts as Rudy Maxa heads to Europe for Christmas. Switzerland has a special glow this time of year, and he finds plenty of good cheer in the bright Christmas markets and toasty ski lodges. He begins in the magical atmosphere of Zurich, with its glittering trees and festive music. Then, he veers off the beaten path to the medieval town of Bremgarten, for a visit with St. Nicholas. Finally, he discovers a winter paradise in glamorous St. Moritz, the famous ski resort with the "dry, sparkling champagne climate". Tips on Christmas ornaments and winter sports are also given.
WEB LINK
408 TH 05/30/13 08:00am 00:26:45 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Alpine Christmas Hot-spiced cider and strains of "O Tannenbaum" warm hearts as Rudy Maxa heads to Europe for Christmas. Switzerland has a special glow this time of year, and he finds plenty of good cheer in the bright Christmas markets and toasty ski lodges. He begins in the magical atmosphere of Zurich, with its glittering trees and festive music. Then, he veers off the beaten path to the medieval town of Bremgarten, for a visit with St. Nicholas. Finally, he discovers a winter paradise in glamorous St. Moritz, the famous ski resort with the "dry, sparkling champagne climate". Tips on Christmas ornaments and winter sports are also given.
WEB LINK
408 TH 05/30/13 02:00pm 00:26:45 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Out of Rome Rudy Maxa leaves the eternal city behind, by way of the famous Appian Way, to explore the environs of Rome. First, it's the majesty of Emperor Hadrian's villa, and the wine and lakes of the Alban Hills. Next, it's south to the ancient seaport of Ostia, Rome's Pompeii. Along the way, he watches olive oil pressing, stops at the ancient's favorite beach, and visits a medieval hilltop town. Tips on tasting olive oil and navigating Rome's ring road are also given.
WEB LINK
409 TU 06/04/13 08:00am 00:26:45 - (CC) × ST
36.3 Out of Rome Rudy Maxa leaves the eternal city behind, by way of the famous Appian Way, to explore the environs of Rome. First, it's the majesty of Emperor Hadrian's villa, and the wine and lakes of the Alban Hills. Next, it's south to the ancient seaport of Ostia, Rome's Pompeii. Along the way, he watches olive oil pressing, stops at the ancient's favorite beach, and visits a medieval hilltop town. Tips on tasting olive oil and navigating Rome's ring road are also given.
WEB LINK
409 TU 06/04/13 02:00pm 00:26:45 - (CC) × ST
36.3 Croatia's Dalmatian Coast Europe's best kept secret, the Croatian coast of Dalmatia, dazzles with stunning white stone cities and azure waters. Rudy Maxa begins in Dubrovnik, then island hops up the coast, snorkeling, swimming, sunning, and reveling in the scenery. In Split, he visits a Roman emperor's palace, and makes excursions to ruins, timeless towns, and fortresses. Tips on boating, food, and driving are given.
WEB LINK
410 TH 06/06/13 08:00am 00:26:45 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Croatia's Dalmatian Coast Europe's best kept secret, the Croatian coast of Dalmatia, dazzles with stunning white stone cities and azure waters. Rudy Maxa begins in Dubrovnik, then island hops up the coast, snorkeling, swimming, sunning, and reveling in the scenery. In Split, he visits a Roman emperor's palace, and makes excursions to ruins, timeless towns, and fortresses. Tips on boating, food, and driving are given.
WEB LINK
410 TH 06/06/13 02:00pm 00:26:45 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Paris Rudy tours Paris, the city of style, art and pastries, to experience extraordinary art--the Impressionist collection at the Musee D'Orsay, and the garden sculpture at the Rodin Museum. Then, he hits the sites, from Notre Dame to the Pompidou Center, to the Eiffel Tower. He strolls through the parks, markets, and cafes in this city, where everyday life is art. Rudy goes to intimate neighborhoods, such as the Marais and its lovely Place des Vosges, the bohemian Latin Quarter, and artistic Montmartre. Tips are given on riding the Metro and shopping for the essentials--bread, cheese, ham, and pastries.
WEB LINK
108 SA 06/08/13 08:30am 00:28:39 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Genoa and the Italian Riviera The group is off to the Italian Riviera, seeking la dolce vita, in one of the world's most romantic places. With death-defying cliffs and beaches that shimmer like jewels, the Riviera is as stunning a coastline as anywhere in Europe. In the port town of Genoa, palaces are toured, for a taste of old-world elegance, and to dine on world-class pesto. Then, they head south to the famous resort of Portofino, and the sea cliff towns of the Cinqueterre. Finally, vertigo is battled at Pisa's leaning tower. Tips are given on using train passes and finding addresses.
WEB LINK
104 SA 06/08/13 10:00am 00:28:47 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Paris Rudy tours Paris, the city of style, art and pastries, to experience extraordinary art--the Impressionist collection at the Musee D'Orsay, and the garden sculpture at the Rodin Museum. Then, he hits the sites, from Notre Dame to the Pompidou Center, to the Eiffel Tower. He strolls through the parks, markets, and cafes in this city, where everyday life is art. Rudy goes to intimate neighborhoods, such as the Marais and its lovely Place des Vosges, the bohemian Latin Quarter, and artistic Montmartre. Tips are given on riding the Metro and shopping for the essentials--bread, cheese, ham, and pastries.
WEB LINK
108 SA 06/08/13 08:30pm 00:28:39 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Genoa and the Italian Riviera The group is off to the Italian Riviera, seeking la dolce vita, in one of the world's most romantic places. With death-defying cliffs and beaches that shimmer like jewels, the Riviera is as stunning a coastline as anywhere in Europe. In the port town of Genoa, palaces are toured, for a taste of old-world elegance, and to dine on world-class pesto. Then, they head south to the famous resort of Portofino, and the sea cliff towns of the Cinqueterre. Finally, vertigo is battled at Pisa's leaning tower. Tips are given on using train passes and finding addresses.
WEB LINK
104 SA 06/08/13 10:00pm 00:28:47 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Paris Rudy tours Paris, the city of style, art and pastries, to experience extraordinary art--the Impressionist collection at the Musee D'Orsay, and the garden sculpture at the Rodin Museum. Then, he hits the sites, from Notre Dame to the Pompidou Center, to the Eiffel Tower. He strolls through the parks, markets, and cafes in this city, where everyday life is art. Rudy goes to intimate neighborhoods, such as the Marais and its lovely Place des Vosges, the bohemian Latin Quarter, and artistic Montmartre. Tips are given on riding the Metro and shopping for the essentials--bread, cheese, ham, and pastries.
WEB LINK
108 SU 06/09/13 02:30pm 00:28:39 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Genoa and the Italian Riviera The group is off to the Italian Riviera, seeking la dolce vita, in one of the world's most romantic places. With death-defying cliffs and beaches that shimmer like jewels, the Riviera is as stunning a coastline as anywhere in Europe. In the port town of Genoa, palaces are toured, for a taste of old-world elegance, and to dine on world-class pesto. Then, they head south to the famous resort of Portofino, and the sea cliff towns of the Cinqueterre. Finally, vertigo is battled at Pisa's leaning tower. Tips are given on using train passes and finding addresses.
WEB LINK
104 SU 06/09/13 04:00pm 00:28:47 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 Four Great Cities II Rudy Maxa takes a whirlwind tour of four cities that represent a bit of the old, and bit of the new, in Europe. He shows how to get the most out of one-day visits to Copenhagen, Berlin, Munich, and Rome. Tips on maximizing travel memories from a 24-hour stay in a European big city are given.
WEB LINK
411 TU 06/11/13 08:00am 00:26:45 - (CC) × ST
36.3 Four Great Cities II Rudy Maxa takes a whirlwind tour of four cities that represent a bit of the old, and bit of the new, in Europe. He shows how to get the most out of one-day visits to Copenhagen, Berlin, Munich, and Rome. Tips on maximizing travel memories from a 24-hour stay in a European big city are given.
WEB LINK
411 TU 06/11/13 02:00pm 00:26:45 - (CC) × ST
36.3 Europe Just for Fun Rudy shares his personal picks of Europe "Just for Fun". As more travelers return to Europe for multiple visits, many are on the lookout for another dimension in travel, including hot-air-balloon trips, mountain luge rides, country hikes, or amusement park visits. (12 of 13)
WEB LINK
412 TH 06/13/13 08:00am 00:26:45 - (CC) × ST
36.3 Europe Just for Fun Rudy shares his personal picks of Europe "Just for Fun". As more travelers return to Europe for multiple visits, many are on the lookout for another dimension in travel, including hot-air-balloon trips, mountain luge rides, country hikes, or amusement park visits. (12 of 13)
WEB LINK
412 TH 06/13/13 02:00pm 00:26:45 - (CC) × ST
36.3 A Music Lover's Europe Rudy shows smart travelers how to organize a trip around a theme. He sets out on a music lover's tour. Winning, live performances by the Sicilian folk band Diascouri; he visits folkdance groups in Greece, Sweden, and Norway; and delights in the classics in Italy and Austria. Everywhere, the music provides a backdrop for enthralling local scenery and engaging local stories.
WEB LINK
413 TU 06/18/13 08:00am 00:26:45 (RPT) (CC) × ST
36.3 A Music Lover's Europe Rudy shows smart travelers how to organize a trip around a theme. He sets out on a music lover's tour. Winning, live performances by the Sicilian folk band Diascouri; he visits folkdance groups in Greece, Sweden, and Norway; and delights in the classics in Italy and Austria. Everywhere, the music provides a backdrop for enthralling local scenery and engaging local stories.
WEB LINK
413 TU 06/18/13 02:00pm 00:26:45 (RPT) (CC) × ST