Best of Europe: Italy (2002)

Stars: Rudy Maxa

Host Rudy Maxa models hassle-free ways of getting to great places, discovering the world’s vitality and character, and plotting memorable, independent trips. Maxa, a well-known travel personality, writer and lecturer, is an MSNBC business travel columnist, a Pulitzer Prize nominated reporter and the original host of public radio’s "The Savvy Traveler."

Best of Europe: Italy offers a reasonably proficient visual experience that's downgraded by the presence of some digital artifacting. Taken as a whole, the level of detail in the scenic vistas of Italy appear wonderfully crisp with natural colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Unfortunately, the video also suffers from the presence of easily noticeable moire effects that lead to some nasty artifacting. Anytime you see lines running parallel to each other with minimal space between them, shimmering will take hold of those lines, giving that portion of the picture a lack of line consistency. A great example of this effect is a striped shirt on a tourist, or fine lines on cathedrals or building scattered throughout Italy. I noticed the problem the most in the first episode (Rome), but it still appeared in the other episodes as well. Other than that one problem and the occasional out-of-focus shot, fans of the television series will soak up every minute of the beautiful visual experience.

Program One: Rome
Rome beckons with its ancient treasures and modern pleasures. Rudy makes the most of your visit with stops at Rome's charming cafes and shops, informative historic city walks, and a detour to Vatican City.

Program Two: Venice
In magical Venice, Rudy reveals how to escape the crowds by visiting the neighborhoods of Dorsoduro, Cannaregio and San Polo. Join Rudy for a rousing drink at the city's oldest wine bar, take a dreamy gondola ride, and journey to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello for hand blown glass and lace.

Program Three: Florence
Discover glorious Florence. Visit the great museums - the Uffizi, Bargello, and Accademia, as well as the landmarks of the Renaissance - the Duomo, Bapistery and Giotto's Tower. An excursion outside of town leads to a Medici villa, a sleepy Tuscan town, and a museum with inventions by Leonardo da Vinci.

Program Four: Naples & The Amalfi Coast
Deep in the heart of Italy, Naples is the ideal launching point for exploring some of Italy's great historic treasures. Marvel at the ancient city of Pompeii and the devastation of Mount Vesuvius, hop a ferry to the isle of Capri, and drive the spectacular Amalfi coast to take in magnificent views.