Below is a list of broadcasts scheduled to air in the next 60 days on any of our three channels.
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. Winning, live performances by the Sicilian folk band Diascouri, and by Groupo Emiliano, a zany, classically-trained quartet from Emilia Romagna, are the backbone of this offbeat trip. But performance is just the start. Rudy visits folkdance groups in Greece, Sweden and Norway and delights in the classics in Italy and Austria. And everywhere, the music provides a backdrop for enthralling local scenery and engaging local stories. Tips on organizing a trip around a theme.
26 minutes long
tpt Channel 2.1
No upcoming airings of this
episode on this channel.
tpt MN Channel 2.2
No upcoming airings of this
episode on this channel.
This list includes any broadcasts that aired in the past 2 months on any of our three channels.
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 sights and museums in favor of a trip-or a day- just for fun. They're ready for absolute R&R; looking to break up serious sightseeing with hot-air-balloon trips, mountain luge rides, country hikes or days at an amusement park. They're seeking new adventures in Europe-flights of fancy-spiced with great meals and local libations of course. This time, Rudy shares his personal picks of Europe Just for Fun.
26 minutes long
tpt Channel 2.1
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
tpt MN Channel 2.2
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
We can jet to Europe in a day and visit four cities in less than a week. It's 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? This time Smart Travels takes viewers on a whirlwind tour of four cities that represent a bit of the old and bit of the new in Europe. Rudy shows viewer 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.
26 minutes long
tpt Channel 2.1
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
tpt MN Channel 2.2
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
Croatia's Dalmatian Coast
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 scenery. In Split we visit a Roman emperor's palace and make excursions to ruins, timeless towns and fortresses. Tips on boating, food and driving.
26 minutes long
tpt Channel 2.1
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
tpt MN Channel 2.2
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
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. Along the way we watch olive oil pressing, stop at the ancient's favorite beach and visit a medieval hilltop town. Tips on tasting olive oil and navigating Rome's ring road.
26 minutes long
tpt Channel 2.1
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
tpt MN Channel 2.2
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
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. We begin in the magical atmosphere of Zurich, with its glittering trees and festive music. Then we veer off the beaten path to the medieval town of Bremgarten for a visit with St. Nicholas. Finally, we discover a winter paradise in glamorous St. Moritz, the famous ski resort with the "dry, sparkling champagne climate". Tips on Christmas ornaments and winter sports.
26 minutes long
tpt Channel 2.1
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
tpt MN Channel 2.2
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
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". We sail across glacial Lake Brienz, famous for its beautiful woodcarving. We head to the spectacular Lauterbrunnen Valley for a heart-stopping gondola ride to alpine heights, and hike 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.
26 minutes long
tpt Channel 2.1
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
tpt MN Channel 2.2
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
Bordeaux and The Dordogne
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. Cooking classes and an underground adventure to see pre-historic cave paintings round out the trip. Tips on wine tasting and walking paths.
26 minutes long
tpt Channel 2.1
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
tpt MN Channel 2.2
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
Carcassonne and The Pyrenees
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. A gallop through the countryside takes in several romantic castle ruins and the artwork of Toulouse Lautrec. Then we head for high country and one of the world's natural wonders - a mountain amphitheatre with cascading waterfalls. Tips on driving in France, and mountain trails.
26 minutes long
tpt Channel 2.1
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
tpt MN Channel 2.2
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
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 Velazquez. We tour 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 we sway to the rhythms of Flamenco dancers and lose ourselves in Madrid's pulsating nightlife. Then we day-trip to the imperial city of Toledo to roam the twisting streets and narrow alleyways of this historic center. Tips on traditional food and jewelry.
26 minutes long
tpt Channel 2.1
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
tpt MN Channel 2.2
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
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, we'll feast 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 we head north to the coves of the Costa Brava. Tips on tapas and nightlife.
26 minutes long
tpt Channel 2.1
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
tpt MN Channel 2.2
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
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. In the Scottish highlands, we try our hand at skeet shooting and falconry, and tour 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.
26 minutes long
tpt Channel 2.1
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
tpt MN Channel 2.2
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
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. We stop by Wells to admire that city's spectacular cathedral, and we quest for the Holy Grail in the mystical town of Glastonbury. The poignant landscape of Wales' Wye River Valley offers a wealth of scenic riches. We investigate Caerleon's claim to King Arthur and explore a ruined abbey that inspired poet William Wordsworth. Tips on bookstores and country fairs.
26 minutes long
tpt Channel 2.1
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
tpt MN Channel 2.2
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
Four Great Cities of Europe
London, Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels. A European city bustles-it's a hub of commerce and the arts, energy, surprise, and international flavor. Where do you start if you have just 24-hours? Here, we highlight some best choices of the urban culture in four great cities. London calls for high tea at the Athenaeum and modern art at the New Tate. Paris treats us to impressive dining, the Musee D'Orsay and the Pompidou. Rembrandt's The Night Watch and traditional rijsttafel dinner are mandatory in Amsterdam, and in 1000 year-old-Brussels, we land in what some call "the most beautiful town square in Europe." Europe's great cities stay with you.
26 minutes long
tpt Channel 2.1
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
tpt MN Channel 2.2
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
The medieval world is one of the big draws of European Travel. Moody ruins, "tippy" towers, cobbled streets, sparkling mosaics, monasteries, castles, and cathedrals form the core of many a tourist's dreams. In this episode we revisit some favorite spots and toss in a few new sights as we make a little sense out of a fascinating 1000 years-from the fall of Rome to the dawn of the Renaissance. We sort it all out with several short itineraries in Ireland, Austria, Germany, and France.
26 minutes long
tpt Channel 2.1
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
tpt MN Channel 2.2
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
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. Near the famous beaches of Normandy, the Norman Conquest unfolds in the Bayeux tapestry and we remember the poignant victory of World War II's D-day. Cider and cheese draw us to the lovely farmland just inland from Honfleur. Our journey ends at the awe inspiring Abbey of Mont-St-Michel. Tips on car rental, shopping for antiques and touring cider country.
26 minutes long
tpt Channel 2.1
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
tpt MN Channel 2.2
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
France's Champagne Region
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. In the medieval town of Troyes, we shop for fine chocolate and discover a collection of modern art. North of Reims, the city of Charleville delights with its golden architecture and tradition of puppetry. Our final destination is the imposing fortress of Sedan, the largest castle in Europe. Tips on how to buy quality champagne and touring wine country.
26 minutes long
tpt Channel 2.1
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
tpt MN Channel 2.2
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
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. After dropping by the home of playwright Henrik Ibsen, we're off to a boisterous celebration of Norwegian village life, complete with traditional costumes, dancing and potato pancakes. Next it's a ride on Europe's most spectacular railway and a boat cruise through the impossibly beautiful scenery of the fjords. We end up in Bergen, Norway's best-preserved medieval city, taking in a traditional stave church and views that inspired composer Edvard Grieg. Tips on railroad travel.
26 minutes long
tpt Channel 2.1
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
tpt MN Channel 2.2
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
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!). We stroll through the Karl Milles sculpture garden, and admire the world's best- preserved 17th century warship, the Vasa. Then it's off to the woodsy "Kingdom of Crystal" where we peek in on Sweden's best glass artists and get rowdy at a traditional herring dinner. We pay tribute to a grand medieval castle once called the "key to Sweden". Then we escape to the vacation island of Oland, an out-of-the-way charmer with timeless windmills, ancient ruins and glorious sand beaches. Tips on shopping for glass.
26 minutes long
tpt Channel 2.1
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.
tpt MN Channel 2.2
No previous airings of this
episode on this channel.