From the serene beauty of one man's architectural 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

Delhi and Agra, India

Tour the royal rooms behind the sandstone walls of the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. In the countryside, villagers who have never seen a Westerner invite Rudy Maxa into their homes, and the maharajah of Jodhpur explains why his palace is now a hotel.

Rajasthan, India

From the Romans to the Ottomans, this tumultuous city has seen it all, and its architecture, cuisine, and customs reflect that reality. Tour the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Spice Market.

Istanbul, Turkey

Ancient towns of Ephesus, Antalya, Myra and Dalyan dot the Turkish coast, tempting visitors to step back in time when lavish Roman homes and markets dotted the landscape. Boarding a gullet, Rudy departs from the popular seaside town of Bodrum.

Turkey's Turquoise Coast

Rudy takes you off the beaten path into the quiet canals of Bangkok. Marvel at the Emerald Buddha, visit the city's fresh markets, join locals at outdoor shrines, celebrate the king's 80th birthday with an all-night party, and more.

Bangkok, Thailand

The saffron robes of Buddhist monks, the vivid colors of local blossoms, and the brilliant emerald of rice fields make the Golden Triangle a magical corner of the world. Join Rudy as he takes mahout lessons and gets soaked steering his elephant.

Thailand, The Golden Triangle

Andaman Coast towns such as Phuket are well known to backpackers and sun seekers. Join Rudy as he paddles through hidden entrances of small islands to find mangroves few people ever see. Also, visit the dramatic rock formations of Phang-nga Bay.

Thailand, The Andaman Islands

Venture to Estonia and the islands of Saaremaa and Muhu where you will find windmills, thatch-roofed farmhouses, and quiet waters. Rudy interviews Mart Laar who took over Estonia under tough conditions following the withdrawal of Soviet troops.

Estonia

From the splendors of Peterhof to the quiet grace of the city's canals, this former capital built by a czar has reclaimed its position as one of the world's great destinations. St. Petersburg, enjoying a renaissance, has lifted its gloom.

St. Petersburg, Russia

The style and verve of one of South America's most beautiful capitals is highlighted with Argentina's national dance, the tango, as well as the energy that its diverse population brings to the city. Discover a very special place in Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

As Rudy ascends into the thin air of the Andes, he stops to visit the graveyard of those who died climbing Aconcagua. Rudy's next choice for high-altitude adventure? Getting soaked whitewater rafting. Back at sea level he meets Malbec winemakers.

Mendoza, Argentina

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 a joss-stick at a Buddhist temple, Tokyo offers fascinating experiences.

Tokyo, Japan

The spiritual heart of Japan, Kyoto offers a glimpse of Japanese life as it used to be. Comfortable streets with wooden homes, impressive temples, and a dedication to ancient Japanese traditions make Kyoto one of Japan's most visited cities.

Kyoto, Japan

Pluto

The Garden Route takes you along a rugged, gorgeous South African coastline. Surfers brave enormous waves, and exotic birds watch visitors climb serpentine paths that rise above the coast amid seaside resort towns. Also, visit the village of Franschhoek.

Garden Route

Rudy Maxa knows that an adventurous safari is a wonderful way to experience South Africa. Get up-close-and-personal with lions, giraffes, elephants, and dozens of other animals in their natural habitat, thanks to robust preservation laws in place.

South Africa

Climb the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle. Tee up at the world's most famous golf course, St. Andrews. Tour Deward's whiskey distillery. Stroll Stirling's historic battlefields of Braveheart fame. And sail the bonny banks of legendary Loch Lomond.

Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands

Join Rudy and explore London's traditional sights and contemporary, cutting-edge attractions. In London's breathtaking countryside discover mythic castles, the real Alice in Wonderland's candy store, Jane Austen's house, and the mysterious Stonehenge.

London

Maxa takes viewers along the Silk Road in a country that is an emerging economy in Central Asia, Uzbekistan. Marvel at eye-popping mosques, built centuries ago, and Rudy joins a family for the preparation of the national dish of "plov."

Uzbekistan

Cape Town is a nexus of cultures. Where else in the world can you wake up in a stunning cosmopolitan city, spend the afternoon with penguins, ride a funicular to the edge of the continent, and watch the sun set from a beach with a glass of wine?

Cape Town

From the bustling city of Seoul to the country's quite countryside, South Korea is a traveler's paradise. With their misty mountain temples and the uber-modern cities, Koreans mix an abiding sense of history and tradition with a zeal to achieve success.

Korea

Rudy Maxa's World is the ultimate travel experience. Join Rudy Maxa, America's leading high-end travel expert, public radio's original Savvy Traveler, and contributing editor for National Geographic Traveler magazine, as he explores our fascinating world.

Garden Route

Full Episodes

Season 2, 7 episodes