Smart Travels with Rudy Maxa — Season 3

Aired 3 April 2004 • 30 min

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.

Aired 10 April 2004 • 30 min

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.

Aired 17 April 2004 • 30 min

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.

Aired 24 April 2004 • 30 min

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

Aired 1 May 2004

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.

Aired 8 May 2004

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.

Aired 15 May 2004 • 30 min

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."

Aired 22 May 2004 • 30 min

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!).

Aired 29 May 2004 • 30 min

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.

Aired 5 June 2004 • 30 min

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.

Aired 12 June 2004 • 30 min

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.

Aired 19 June 2004 • 30 min

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

Aired 26 June 2004

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