From the serene beauty of one man's love poem to a woman, the Taj Mahal, to the crowded alleys of downtown New Delhi, India is a feast for the senses.

Rudy Maxa's World

This episode takes viewers into the royal rooms behind the sandstone walls of the Mehrangarh Fort, perched high above the city of Jodhpur. In the dusty countryside outside of Jodhpur.

Everywhere in the Turkish capital is evidence of civilizations that tried to tame it. From the Romans to the Ottomans, this tumultuous city has seen it all, and its architecture, cuisine, and customs reflect that reality.

Great, ancient towns of Ephesus, Antalya, Myra, and Dalyan dot the Turkish coast, tempting visitors to step back into time when lavish Roman homes and markets dotted the landscape.

Rudy takes you to back streets and the quiet, residential klongs, or canals, of Bangkok. Marvel at the Emerald Buddha, visit the city's flower, and fish markets.

Join Rudy as he takes mahout lessons and gets soaked steering his elephant into the river that separates Thailand from Burma. Visit an Akha hill tribe village trying to maintain its traditions in the face of tourism.

Venture into the countryside of Estonia, to the islands of Saaremaa and Muhu, where you'll find windmills, thatch-roofed farmhouses, and quiet waters.

St. Petersburg--enjoying a renaissance since its favorite son, Vladimir Putin, ascended to office--is no longer the gloomy city it once was as billions of rubles pour in to restore the place to its former glory.

The style and verve of one of South America's most beautiful capitals is highlighted with Argentina's national dance, the tango.

Rudy drives into the thin air of the Andes, visiting the graveyard of those who died trying to summit Aconcagua. His choice for high-altitude adventure: getting soaked while whitewater rafting.

From bathing in the neon lights of the Shibuya neighborhood at night to marveling at the city's spring explosion of cherry blossoms to learning your fortune by consulting.

The spiritual heart of Japan, Kyoto offers a glimpse of Japanese life as it used to be, primarily because it was never bombed during WWII.

Pluto

Experience their rich sea life, crystal blue waters, and vibrant cultures. Tour the diverse reefs of the coral, sea turtle rehabilitation centers, and the many islands in the different atolls.

For sheer tropical splendor, the islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora stand alone. Hyper blue lagoons, white-sand beaches, and fish of every shape, size, and color.

Two of the most unique cities in the world are just north of New England. You'll find brie, pate, jewel box-patisseries, and "s'il vous plait" right along with bagels, maple syrup, hockey, delis, and bocce ball.

From the charming fishing towns of Nova Scotia to the vast wilderness of Newfoundland, these are the last great open spaces of Eastern North America.

At Istanbul's Spice Market, brown-gold paprika is carefully molded into the shape of a pyramid. Cinnamon, cumin, ginger, and cardamom infuse the air with the fragrance of the East.

From the world's largest city, Tokyo, to the colorful chaos of Delhi, and from the modern miracle of Seoul to the teeming streets of Bangkok, "Asian Cities" is a passport to the high-tech marvels.

Welcome to Rudy Maxa's World, the ultimate travel experience with America's leading high-end travel expert. Join Rudy Maxa, public radio's original Savvy Traveler and contributing editor for National Geographic Traveler magazine.

Polynesia

Full Episodes

Season 3, 6 episodes