Smart Travels--Europe with Rudy Maxa

Mexico City is the world’s largest metropolis: modern, crowded, and steeped in tradition. Rudy begins at pre-Aztec Teotihuacán, and learnss more about Mexico's roots at theNational Museum of Anthropology. Modern excitement can be found at the Zocolo, the world’s second largest square and the center of national life. Finally we head to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo on the Mexican Riviera.

Rudy explores the rich history and culture of “The Most Mexican of Cities.” Art and artists are an important part of Guadalajara and Rudy explores papier-mâché piñatas and the dramatic murals of Orozco. Rudy tours a tequila factory, learns about margaritas and samples the best of traditional Mexican cooking. Then on to the cost, where Puerto Vallarta’s traditional charm exists next to new resorts.

With natural beauty and abundant plant and animal life, New Zealand is a traveler’s dream. In the Bay of Islands, Rudy kayaks along the North’s most glorious coastline. A Maori guide shows us where local tribes signed a controversial treaty with European settlers. Hawke’s Bay offers bike rides through fruit and olive groves, and a town with one of the world's highest concentrations of art deco.

The South Island of New Zealand weaves Kiwi culture with scenic splendor. The vast vineyards of Marlborough brought this country’s wines to the world stage. Rudy gets a crash course in Maori bone carving at a local artists' colony. The city of Queenstown draws adventure enthusiasts, from braving white-water rapids on river boards to a hot air balloon ride with views of “Lord of the Rings” country.

Home to sun-washed beaches, seaside towns, cliffs and rainforests and The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland is the ultimate outdoor adventure. We begin north of Brisbane along the sunshine coast, exploring sand dune covered islands, coastal towns and parks. Then we fly north to Cairns, the gateway to the coral, multicolored sea life and azure waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

From the Opera house and the Harbor Bridge to Circular Quay, Rudy basks in the sights along Sydney harbor. Then, it’s pub hopping in the old Rocks quarter, admiring aboriginal art, and a watery adventure at the aquarium. Excursions include surfing at Bondi beach and exploring the cliffs and rainforests of the Blue Mountains.

The energetic, ever-changing Hong Kong. On a famous Star Ferry, Rudy savors one of the most majestic skylines on earth. Ancient tradition cozies up to ultramodern in the city's monasteries, Chinese herbs and shopping obsession. The island of Lantau features one of the world’s largest statues of Buddha. And in the fishing village of Sai Kung, Rudy feasts on freshly caught seafood.

China’s new powerhouse, Shanghai dazzles with fantastic skyscrapers, non-stop shopping and delicious dining. From traditional Tai Chi in the parks and teahouses to market madness and tumbling acrobats, Rudy explores tradition and modernity in this burgeoning city. Excursions to the gardens of Suzhou and the canal town Zhouzhuang bring the ancient past alive.

In Vancouver, Rudy explores world-class cuisine, a spirited night life and modern Asian shopping centers. Nature is ever present and Rudy visits a temperate rainforest and rides a mountain gondola. A spectacular ferry ride to Victoria brings Rudy to a bastion of British Heritage where he enjoys afternoon tea, visits the beautiful Butchart Gardens and dines on seaweed plucked from the seashore.

An urban center surrounded by natural beauty, Seattle combines city life with the great outdoors. Rudy explores the vibrant downtown, samples microbrews and lattes, noses around Seattle’s neighborhoods and hops aboard a ferry. Hike Mount Rainier and boat through the San Juan Islands in search of whales.

The port city of San Francisco revels in art, diversity and food. Chinatown is a feast for the senses, and the city’s Asian Art Museum a must-see. Get savvy on sourdough and tour notorious Alcatraz Island, and stroll through the Haight neighborhood and the Italian cafes of North Beach. Rudy heads to Napa Valley wine country for a relaxing mud bath and some off-beat garden art.

Waikiki Beach is just the start in Honolulu. Rudy explores Hawaii’s Polynesian roots at the Bishop Museum, remembers WWII history at Pearl Harbor, and pays homage to King Kamehameha. Heading north to Kauai, Rudy hikes the Waimea Canyon and kayaks past traditional Hawaiian villages. The Allerton Gardens show off rare tropical plants and restored homes of sugar planters.