Product Review

Rudy Maxa, the most trusted name in travel, goes beyond the guidebooks to share his authoritative tips, trips and secret places. Now, Europe looks even better in spectacular Blu-ray. The worlds most popular destinations, hidden treasures and off-the-beaten path surprises pop off the screen in spectacular high definition, making these discs a must-own collectible for millions of travel buffs. The first three discs in this collection make up the first travel series photographed in high definition. Rudy, one of Americas foremost travel experts, is seen on more than 300 PBS stations every week, is the popular voice of The Savvy Traveler as heard on NPR, and is the contributing editor of National Geographics Traveler magazine. Frances Champagne Region - Begin this intoxicating tour in Reims, home of the historic cathedral where French kings were crowned. Visit champagne producers both large and small in wine country, and shop for the fine chocolate in the medieval town of Troyes. Discover Charlevilles tradition of puppetry, and marvel at the fortress of Sedan, the largest castle in Europe. Normandy - Witness the birth of Impressionism in Giverny and in the museums in Rouen and Honfleur. The Norman Conquest unfolds in the Bayeux tapestry, and we remember World War IIs D-Day landing. After sampling cider and cheese in the farmland just inland from Honfleur, your journey ends at the awe-inspiring Abbey of Mont-St-Michel. Carcassonne and the Pyrenees - From a fairy tale fortress to the gentle Pyrenees, Rudy takes in the castles and peaks of this magical region. Your itinerary includes an unforgettable stop at Carcassonne, the largest fortress in Europe; romantic castle ruins; and in the high country, one of the worlds natural wonders--a mountain amphitheater with cascading waterfalls. Frances Bordeaux and Dordogne - Sample the best Bordeaux, and then cruise the lovely Dordogne and Lot Rivers, with stops at chateaux, ancient watermills, and perched villages. Attend cooking classes and embark on an underground adventure to see pre-historic cave paintings. Europe Just For Fun - Looking for absolute R&R, total escape, or just a change of pace? Rudy shares his personal picks for a variety of European adventures that are especially entertaining, exhilarating or challenging, including hot-air-ballooning, mountain luge rides, golf, puppetry, amusement parks, country mazes, hiking, or just lazing on a sunny beach. Extra Features: Rudys Travel Tips - Ten biggest traveler mistakes; Strategies for beating the crowds; Choosing a hotel; and more! Fascinating Side Trips - Champagne from the air; Monets garden at Giverny; Medieval jousting at Carcassonne; and more!