Smart Travels - Europe With Rudy Maxa
This series delivers the best of what Europe has to offer, featuring hassle-free ways of traveling to great destinations and discovering Europe's vitality and character. It also teaches the necessities of traveling smart as Maxa adds a touch of luxury to the day-to-day journeys of discovery.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
Mexico City and Ixtapa (#513) Duration: 26:46 STEREO TVG
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 Teotihuacan. The superb National Museum of Anthropology provides more insights into ancient Mexico. For modern day excitement, we hang out at the Zocolo, the world's second largest square and the center of national life since the Aztec era. Finally we head beach-ward to the resorts of Ixtapa- Zihuatanejo on the Mexican Riviera. Tips on getting around and water sports.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Mon, May 20, 2013 -- 9:30am
- KQED Life: Mon, May 20, 2013 -- 11:30pm email reminder
- KQED Life: Tue, May 21, 2013 -- 5:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Sat, May 25, 2013 -- 4:00pm email reminder
Naples and the Amalfi Coast (#101) Duration: 28:30 STEREO TVG
Naples is an ideal launching point for exploring the ancient city of Pompeii and the devastation of Mount Vesuvius. Trek across a still-active volcano, then to stylish Sorrento, sample luscious gelato and hop a ferry to the isle of Capri. Take in spectacular views along the thrilling Amalfi coast and further south visit Paestum, home to the best Greek ruins outside of Greece.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Fri, Jun 7, 2013 -- 9:30am email reminder
Rome (#102) Duration: 28:18 STEREO TVG
Rudy is in the city where all roads lead - Roma. We begin in ancient Rome - the Forum, Palatine Hill, Colosseum, and Baths of Caracalla. Then we explore modern Roman life on the streets and in cafes, pizzerias and gelaterias. We detour to another country, Vatican City, then shop along the Corso and relax at the Piazza di Spagna. Rudy's pick for best city walks are a tour of the historic center and a stroll in shady Trastevere. Tips on getting around and places for tasty snacks.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Mon, Jun 10, 2013 -- 9:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Mon, Jun 10, 2013 -- 11:30pm email reminder
- KQED Life: Tue, Jun 11, 2013 -- 5:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Sat, Jun 15, 2013 -- 4:00pm email reminder
Venice (#103) Duration: 28:37 STEREO TVG
Join Rudy as he surrenders himself to the charms of magical Venice. We tour the famous sites - Piazza San Marco, the fairy tale Basilica of San Marco and the Rialto Bridge. Rudy also shows us how to escape the crowds by visiting the neighborhoods of Dorsoduro, Cannaregio and San Polo. Along the way, he takes us for a rousing drink at the city's oldest wine bar, on a dreamy gondola ride and to a traditional Venetian mask shop. In search of hand blown glass, lace and the birthplace of Venice, we journey to the lagoon islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. Tips on how to navigate your way around this watery city.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Tue, Jun 11, 2013 -- 9:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Tue, Jun 11, 2013 -- 11:30pm email reminder
- KQED Life: Wed, Jun 12, 2013 -- 5:30am email reminder
Genoa and the Italian Riviera (#104) Duration: 28:46 STEREO TVG
We're 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, we tour palaces for a taste of old-world elegance and dine on world-class pesto. Then we head south to the famous resort of Portofino and the sea cliff towns of the Cinqueterre. Finally, we battle vertigo at Pisa's leaning tower. Tips on using train passes and finding addresses.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Wed, Jun 12, 2013 -- 9:30am email reminder
Florence (#105) Duration: 28:18 STEREO TVG
In this glorious city, rich in 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. Rudy's tip for beating the crowds is peaceful Oltr'arno on the other side of the river. An excursion outside of town leads to a Medici villa, a sleepy Tuscan town and a museum with inventions by Leonardo da Vinci. Tips on shopping and how to buy quality leather products.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Thu, Jun 13, 2013 -- 9:30am email reminder
Hill Towns of Tuscany and Umbria (#106) Duration: 28:18 STEREO TVG
Castles, vineyards, walled cities and a fierce medieval rivalry that lingers today - we're out for an adventure in the Italian hill towns. Our base is dramatic Siena, home of the intensely competitive Palio horse race. From Siena we explore the multi-towered town of San Gimignano, watch grapes being harvested at a winery and drop in on the cheese festival in Pienza. Then south to Rudy's secret pick - the haunting hill towns of Pitigliano and Sovana. In Umbria we discover Etruscan tombs, visit the home of St. Francis of Assisi and pick up some pottery in quaint Gubbio. Tips on driving through the maze-like streets of a hill town and finding a place to stay.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Fri, Jun 14, 2013 -- 9:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Fri, Jun 14, 2013 -- 11:30pm email reminder
- KQED Life: Sat, Jun 15, 2013 -- 5:30am email reminder
Provence (#107) Duration: 28:18 STEREO TVG
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. Driving tours of the Alpilles and Luberon regions take us to the red rock village of Rousillion, the lavender ensconced Abbey of Senanque, and the picture perfect village of Eygalieres. We also take in the delights of Provence's cities, Arles, Avignon and Aix-en-Provence. We end our adventures with a dip in the Mediterranean at the seaside village of Cassis. Tips on how to rent a vacation home in France and enjoying the many summer festivals.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Mon, Jun 17, 2013 -- 9:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Mon, Jun 17, 2013 -- 11:30pm email reminder
- KQED Life: Tue, Jun 18, 2013 -- 5:30am email reminder
Paris (#108) Duration: 28:39 STEREO TVG
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. We stroll through the parks, markets and cafes in this city where everyday life is art. Rudy leads us to intimate neighborhoods such as the Marais and its lovely Place des Vosges, the bohemian Latin Quarter and artistic Montmartre. Tips on riding the Metro and shopping for the essentials - bread, cheese, ham and pastries.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Tue, Jun 18, 2013 -- 9:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Tue, Jun 18, 2013 -- 11:30pm email reminder
- KQED Life: Wed, Jun 19, 2013 -- 5:30am email reminder
London (#109) Duration: 28:19 STEREO TVG
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. We pop in to see where Charles Dickens penned Oliver Twist, and get a bird's-eye view of contemporary London from the new London Eye observation wheel. Finally, we check out cutting edge artwork at the newly opened Tate Modern Art Museum. Tips on using cell phones and cash machines.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Wed, Jun 19, 2013 -- 9:30am email reminder
Out of London (#110) Duration: 28:18 STEREO TVG
The countryside outside of London echoes with 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. We gaze on Oxford's dreamy spires and browse in the real Alice in Wonderland's candy store. Next, we pay a visit to Jane Austen's house, puzzle over the mysterious megaliths of Stonehenge, and pursue tales of Camelot in the royal city of Winchester. Tips on driving in England and visiting country pubs.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Thu, Jun 20, 2013 -- 9:30am email reminder
Belgium (#111) Duration: 28:31 STEREO TVG
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. Then we drive to breathtaking Bruges, a medieval city suspended in time. There, we cruise the canals, admire intricate handmade lace and pay homage to a Michelangelo masterpiece. Tips on hearty Belgian cuisine and lace making.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Fri, Jun 21, 2013 -- 9:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Fri, Jun 21, 2013 -- 11:30pm email reminder
- KQED Life: Sat, Jun 22, 2013 -- 5:30am email reminder
Amsterdam and the Netherlands (#112) Duration: 28:18 STEREO TVG
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. Next stop is the Hague, home to the International Court of Justice. Finally, we peek at the delightful city of Delft where we learn techniques for making world-renowned china. Tips on riding trolleys and buying Delftware.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Mon, Jun 24, 2013 -- 9:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Mon, Jun 24, 2013 -- 11:30pm email reminder
- KQED Life: Tue, Jun 25, 2013 -- 5:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Sat, Jun 29, 2013 -- 4:00pm email reminder
Copenhagen and Denmark (#113) Duration: 27:37 STEREO TVG
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. On a day trip to Roskilde, we check out three incredibly well preserved Viking ships. We ride horseback through the Danish countryside, stroll through writer Karen Blixen's gardens, and storm the moat at "Prince Hamlet's" Castle. Tips on canal rides and museum passes.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Tue, Jun 25, 2013 -- 9:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Tue, Jun 25, 2013 -- 11:30pm email reminder
- KQED Life: Wed, Jun 26, 2013 -- 5:30am email reminder
Athens and Delphi (#201) Duration: 27:47 STEREO TVG
While Athens sprawls, its historic core survives. After climbing the majestic Acropolis, prowling the Plaka, and cheering Greece's best folk dancers, we take some easy trips outside the city. We make a pilgrimage to the famed oracle of Delphi and tour a beautiful medieval monastery. Then it's off to the Peloponnesian Peninsula, where we scope out Nafplion's charming port and visit the epic ruins of King Agamemnon in the ancient capital of Mycenae. Along the way, we investigate local superstitions and sample tangy specialty treats. Tip: Finding great Greek food, traditional and contemporary.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Wed, Jun 26, 2013 -- 9:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Wed, Jun 26, 2013 -- 11:30pm email reminder
- KQED Life: Thu, Jun 27, 2013 -- 5:30am email reminder
Greek Islands (#202) Duration: 27:47 STEREO TVG
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 archeological site at Akrotiri uncovers a city frozen in time by the volcano's eruption 3,600 years ago. The island of Naxos offers serenity, a low-keyed pace and bargain accommodations. Its massive marble quarries and kouros sculptures were the toast of ancient Greece. We catch some R&R on trendy Mykonos, and then head to sacred Delos-an uninhabited island covered entirely with ancient ruins, and the place where the great god Apollo was born. Tips: Discovering little off-the-beaten- path surprises.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Thu, Jun 27, 2013 -- 9:30am email reminder
French Riviera (#203) Duration: 27:47 STEREO TVG
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. A short hop up along the winding Grande Corniche leads to wealthy Monaco. Then it's on to glamorous Cannes and the lively beaches at Juan le Pins. In stylish St. Tropez, we visit the prettiest beaches and tour the colorful town. Inland, we make our own perfume in Grasse and explore a medieval hill town. Tips include renting a car, and accommodations.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Fri, Jun 28, 2013 -- 9:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Fri, Jun 28, 2013 -- 11:30pm email reminder
- KQED Life: Sat, Jun 29, 2013 -- 5:30am email reminder









