Smart Travels with Rudy Maxa

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.