Deep in the heart of Naples, Italy is the ideal launching point for exploring some of Italy's great historic treasures. Marvel at the ancient city of Pompeii, and the eerily captured devastation of Mount Vesuvius. Hop a ferry to the isle of Capri, and drive the spectacular Amalfi Coast to take in some magnificent views.

Rudy is in the city where all roads lead - Roma. We begin in ancient Rome - the Forum, Palatine Hill, Colosseum, and the Baths of Caracalla. Then, we explore the modern city of Rome with its ambiant life in the streets, cafes, pizzerias and gelaterias.

Venice, the city of winding canals, decadent buildings, faith, and romance. Tour Piazza San Marco and the Basilica of San Marco. Visit a mask shop, then take a ship to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. As a city built on water, its very existence, floating as if on a dream, is an amazing experience to behold.

We're off to the Italian Riviera seeking la dolce vita in one of the world's most romantic locations. With awe-inspiring cliffs, and beaches that shimmer like jewels on the Mediterranean, the Riviera is as stunning a coastline as anywhere in Europe.

In this glorious Italian city, rich in history and art, Rudy brings the Renaissance to life. We visit the great museums - the Uffizi, Bargello, and Accademia, as well as the landmarks of the Renaissance - the Duomo, Bapistery and Giotto's Tower.

Take an unforgettable journey to the castles, vineyards, and walled cities of glorious Tuscany. In Siena, Rudy explores the multi-towered town of San Gimignano, and watches grapes harvested at a winery. He then discovers the out-of-the-way towns of Pitigliano and Sovana.

Sun, olive trees and cicadas - we're in the heart of France. With our base in the sleepy town of St. Remy, we make forays into the villages, countryside and cities of Provence. On the itinerary are driving tours of the Alpilles and Luberon regions, visits to the delightful cities of Aries, Avignon, and Aix-en-Provence, and a dip in the Mediterranean at the seaside village of Cassis.

Rudy escorts us through Paris, the city of style, art and pastries. We experience extraordinary art - the Impressionist collection at the Musee D'Orsay and the garden sculpture at the Rodin Museum. Then we hit the sites from Notre Dame to the Pompidou Center to the Eiffel Tower.

London is a city that has come close to ruling the world. With a legacy that includes Shakespeare and the Beatles, London seems to have an endless capacity to reinvent itself. Here, we sip tea and savor traditional sights such as Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard.

The countryside outside of London echoes with enchanting storybook images. Around every hedgerow are mythic castles, ruined abbeys, and prehistoric monuments. This time, we leave London and stop at Hampton Court, where Henry VIII wooed Anne Boleyn.

For centuries, Belgium has been a sophisticated hub for gourmets and connoisseurs. In true Belgian style, we treat ourselves to superb chocolate and sample first-rate beer. We indulge our senses with folk music and Bruegel paintings, and investigate the people's passion for comic strips.

The country of the Netherlands inspired the Dutch masters and became a powerhouse that conquered the sea. We bicycle to Amsterdam's great art museums to see the works of Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Then we climb to the attic where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis. Later, we prowl windmills and check out Amsterdam's infamous red-light district.

Join Rudy in the wondrous kingdom of legend and fairytale - Denmark. Here Vikings plundered and Hans Christian Anderson spun children's stories. In cozy Copenhagen, we splurge on pastries, visit the Little Mermaid and dance till dawn at Tivoli Gardens.

While Athens sprawls, its historic core survives. After climbing the majestic Acropolis, rowing the Plaka, and cheering Greece's best folk dancers, we take some easy trips outside the city. Take a pilgrimage to the location where the famed Oracle of Delphi provided guidance and cryptic predictions, and visit the epic ruins of King Agamemnon in the ancient capital of Mycenae.

On the Greek Islands we get familiar with the ferries as we island-hop the Aegean. Sun-drenched, upscale and exotic, Santorini sits on the rim of an ancient, but still active, volcano. At one end of the island, the archaeological site at Akrotiri uncovers a city frozen in time by the volcano's eruption 3,600 years ago.

From Nice to St. Tropez, we drop in on the hot spots along the Mediterranean's famous Cote d'Azur. Based in lively Nice, we visit the local beaches and superb modern art museums featuring works by Matisse, Picasso and Signac. Monaco, Cannes, and St. Tropez await.

The Burgundy region boasts top French wines, romantic canals, Romanesque churches, and some of France's most renowned cuisine. We base in the small town of Beaune and learn about its history of exceptional wine-making. Add a wondrous hot-air balloon ride over the verdant Loire Valley to the itinerary too.

With world-class cultural sites, dynamic new architecture and unstoppable energy, Berlin is a city on the move. We visit the museums - the ancient treasures of the Pergamon and the Egyptian museum, German Expressionism at the Neue Nationalgalerie and the newly designed Jewish Museum.

Munich's lively Marienplatz pulses with outdoor cafes, shoppers, street musicians and happy tourists. At the famous Hofbrauhaus, we sample Bavarian beer and kick up our heels with Schuhplattler dancers clad in lederhosen. Next stop is the Residenz, the family palace built by the Wittlesbachs, who ruled Bavaria for more than 700 years.

In musical Salzburg, we focus on Austria's easy approach to life. We visit the city's grand cathedral, take a funicular up to Europe's greatest medieval fortress, and shop along fine Baroque streets reminiscent of Mozart's time. We visit the house where the young Amadeus was born and where he composed his first masterpiece.

Habsburg palaces, coffee houses, Strauss waltzes...all are symbolic of Vienna. Visiting elegant Schönbrunn Palace, riding in carriages, sampling luscious apple strudel and listening to Mozart concerts, we see that Austria's capital still lives its elegant, proud past.

Milan symbolizes the powerhouse Italy of the 21st century--a European center for finance and fashion. We explore Italy's most extravagantly decorated Gothic cathedral, look at Leonardo da Vinci's famous Last Supper and shop, shop, shop. A visit to the Milan Design Museum shows how, for the Milanese, everyday life is art

We wend our way across this largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Once the hub of the ancient world, Sicily offers up a vibrant, sun-soaked brew of history, tradition, and intense cultural pride. A climb up Mount Etna for its unearthly views will delight.

Here's where we pull together some of Europe's most rewarding sites from the classical world. Ancient Greek and Roman remnants are more than cold stone. They hold centuries of stories. So we revisit some favorite classical sites around the Mediterranean, pick up some new stories and see what kinds of connections we can make.

Travelers adore Italy, and Italy adores the Renaissance. In this historical half-hour, we follow Western Europe's transition from medieval to modern times by exploring the arts and ambiance of this vibrant period of human history that turned our imaginations towards greater purpose.

A key attraction of travel on any continent, including Europe, is that 30 minutes outside any city exists a getaway unlike any you will find on the globe. Truly unique locations that resonate with history and significance. Here, we explore a few such places.

We're blessed with a bit of Irish luck as we take on Ireland's ruggedly beautiful west coast. We start in Galway, Europe's fastest growing city, shopping for Irish crystal and Celtic jewelry. Then it's a salt-sprayed trip to the fabled Aran Islands where we reach breathless heights at a Stone Age fort and ferret out traditional hand-knit sweaters.

Irish eyes are smiling when we explore Dublin, Ireland's urban core. There's history around every corner, and Dublin delights with Trinity College, the Book of Kells, the famous Guinness Brewery, and the infamous Kilmainham jail where Irish rebels spent their last days.

The Romantic Road winds through some of Germany's most picturesque countryside complete with medieval villages and Baroque Palaces. We start our journey in Würzburg where we visit the spectacular Baroque Bishop's Palace or Residenz and taste wine at one of Würzburg's many wine festivals.

For centuries the Rhine has been a natural border and the main route for trade, people, and ideas. We start in the ancient Roman city of Trier and travel up the Mosel River visiting vineyards and ancient castles. In Koblenz, Rudy visits two locations of deep historical significance

Known the world over for its wheels of golden cheese, its sweet prosciutto and divine vinegar, this slice of Northern Italy is a feast. From our base in Bologna we eat our way across the region, taking in the glorious art and culture along the way: cheese and mosaics in Parma, Balsamic vinegar and race cars in Modena, ham, pasta and university life in Bologna.

Graced with charming cities, countryside villas and precious art, this corner of Northern Italy also features a playground of Alpine peaks and meadows. After a spectacular night at the opera in fair Verona's Roman arena, we set out in search of Giotto's colorful frescoes in Padua and architect Palladio's palatial villas in Vicenza and the surrounding countryside.

We leave Western Europe behind as we venture to the exotic cities of Prague and Budapest. In Prague, we marvel at the startlingly beautiful old town and tour the labyrinthine castle that haunted writer Franz Kafka. Bohemian glass dazzles us as we browse the flourishing shops in this former Communist country, and we witness the scene of the "Velvet Revolution."

Sweden is a natural-born beauty, winning us over with luxuriant landscapes and sleek Scandinavian style. We cruise through Stockholm's sun-dappled archipelago, visit a designer hotel and sip cocktails in the trendy Ice Bar (a lounge built completely of ice!).

The grand panoramas of Norway prove irresistible to adventurers. In Oslo, we see testaments to maritime prowess in Viking Ships and the celebrated Kon Tiki raft. We "Scream" with painter Edvard Munch before heading south to the glorious vistas of Telemark country.

The Champagne region of France bubbles over with fine wine, gourmet cuisine, picturesque towns and gothic spires. We base in Reims, home of the historic cathedral where French kings were crowned. From Reims, we tour wine country, visiting champagne producers both large and small.

From a dramatic, historic coast to rural pastures, this sweet section of France abounds with apple orchards, enchanting villages, stunning abbeys and sparkling seaports. We base in the lovely seaside town Honfleur. At Giverny, and in the museums in Rouen and Honfleur, we discover the birth of Impressionism.

Trips to notable European medieval sites in Ireland, Austria, Germany, Belgium, and France, hosted by travel expert Rudy Maxa.

City-in-a-day trips to London, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris, hosted by travel expert Rudy Maxa.

We conjure a bit of magic when we visit the Georgian city of Bath and follow tales of Camelot into South Wales. In Bath, we marvel at ancient Roman spas and peek into the high society of Jane Austen's day. The landscape of Wales' Wye River Valley offers a wealth of scenic riches.

Friendly and feisty, Scotland makes us feel right at home. In Edinburgh, we climb the ramparts of this city's famous castle, shop for kilts, visit mysterious Rosslyn chapel and thrill to a spooky ghost tour. Then we head to historic St. Andrew's to practice our swing on the world's most famous golf course.

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, we'll feast on Barcelona's delights. For the best beaches, we head north to the coves of Costa Brava.

The Spanish capital Madrid welcomes us with grand plazas and sparkling fountains. First stop is the Prado, one of Europe's great museums and home to Goya, El Greco, and Velázquez. Tour El Palacio Real, the seat of the Spanish empire, and the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales that contains a hoard of art treasures hidden away in the center of the city. Day-trip to the imperial city of Toledo with its twisting streets and narrow alleyways.

From a fairy tale fortress to the gentle Pyrenees, Rudy takes in the castles and peaks of this magical region. We tour the largest fortress in Europe, Carcassonne, and sample the local stew, Cassoulet. Your itinerary includes an unforgettable stop at Carcassonne, the largest fortress in Europe, replete with romantic castle ruins. In the high country, explore one of the world's natural wonders, a mountain amphitheater with cascading waterfalls.

The world's finest wines, sweeping vineyards and fine food couple with a river valley dotted with castles. We sample the best Bordeaux then cruise the lovely Dordogne and Lot rivers with stops at chateaux, ancient watermills, and perched villages.

The Swiss Alps reverberate with cowbells, accordions, and laughter. We make our home base in the year-round playground of Interlaken, the "town between two lakes." Then we sail across glacial Lake Brienz, famous for its beautiful woodcarving.

Hot-spiced cider and strains of "O Tannenbaum" warm our hearts as we head to Europe for Christmas. Switzerland has a special glow this time of year and we find plenty of good cheer in the bright Christmas markets and toasty ski lodges high in the crisp mountain air.

We leave 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.

Europe's best kept secret, the Croatian coast of Dalmatia dazzles with stunning white stone cities and azure waters. We begin in Dubrovnik, then island hop up the coast, snorkeling, swimming, sunning, and reveling in the Mediterranean scenery.

We can jet to Europe in a day and visit four cities in less than a week. It is great to take your time, but sometimes you only have a day to visit. How can you be part of the international jet set and still get a taste of "old" Europe? Find out here.

As more travelers return to Europe for multiple visits, many are on the lookout for another dimension in travel. Occasionally, they want to skip historical sites and museums in favor of a trip, or a day, just for fun, and here, Rudy does exactly that.

For a totally different view of Europe, Rudy shows smart travelers how to organize a trip around a theme. Rudy discovers surprising and fresh takes on Europe as he sets out on a music lover's tour. From Italy to the French Pyrenees to Ireland's County Clare to Norway, join Rudy as he shares his favorite musical moments in destinations that are worth a special trip.

A trip to the Hawaiian islands of Maui and Hawai'i (commonly known as the Big Island), hosted by travel expert Rudy Maxa.

A trip to the Hawaiian islands of O'ahu and Kaua'i, hosted by travel expert Rudy Maxa.

The port city of San Francisco revels in art, diversity and food. Chinatown is a feast for the senses, and the city's new Asian Art Museum is a must-see. We also get savvy on sourdough and tour notorious Alcatraz Island. Enjoy the warm days and cool nights of San Francisco.

A hip, happening urban center surrounded by natural beauty, Seattle combines city life with the great outdoors. Rudy explores the vibrant downtown, samples micro brews and lattes, noses around Seattle's neighborhoods and hops aboard a ferry.

As Canada's door to the Pacific Rim, Vancouver is a vibrant mix of European heritage and Asian cultures. In this vital, young and dynamic city Rudy explores the mix of cultures that inspires world-class cuisine, a spirited night life and modern Asian shopping centers.

China's new powerhouse, Shanghai dazzles with fantastic skyscrapers, non-stop shopping and delicious dining. From traditional Tai Chi in the parks and tea houses to market madness and tumbling acrobats, Rudy explores tradition and modernity in this burgeoning city.

We get a Pacific Rim rush when we visit energetic, ever-changing Hong Kong. On a famous Star Ferry, Rudy savors one of the most majestic skylines on earth. This thrilling destination performs a magnificent balancing act, juggling East and West, past and present, commerce and mysticism.

Australia's stunning metropolis, Sydney seduces with its glorious harbor, carefree attitude, and sunny beaches. From the Opera house to the Harbor Bridge to Circular Quay Rudy basks in the sights along the harbor. Local "Sydneysiders" say "there's no better address in the world."

Sun-washed beaches, chic beach side towns, the Blue Mountains, rain-forests and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland is the ultimate outdoor adventure. Also, explore the Featherdale Wildlife Park preserves that allows visitors to interact with that which is distinctly wild about Australia.

The South Island of New Zealand weaves Kiwi culture with scenic splendor. The vast vineyards of Marlborough helped bring this country's wines to the world stage. New Zealand's South Island is also a mecca for extreme sports and outdoor adventures, but it is also a haven for laid-back wine country tours and rapturously beautiful scenery.

With spectacular seismic activity, fascinating plant and animal life, and to-die-for natural beauty, New Zealand is a traveler's dream. Rudy Maxa veers off the tourist track to find New Zealand's most resplendent scenic beauty and awe-inspiring wonders.

Guadalajara is alive with the music of mariachis, flowers, colonial architecture, and passionate artists. Rudy unveils the rich history and culture of "The Most Mexican of Cities." Rudy also tours a tequila factory, and then it is an easy hop to the coast where Puerto Vallarta's traditional charm makes it a popular getaway.

Mexico City, the world's largest metropolis, is modern, crowded, cosmopolitan, and steeped in tradition. Rudy begins with Mexico's ancient roots just outside the city at pre-Aztec Teotihuacán, and the fascinating National Museum of Anthropology. For a change of pace, Rudy trades city life for the soothing waters of the Pacific coast, and the palm-fringed resorts of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo.