Highclere Behind the Scenes: Gwyn, “The Butterfly Lady”

Join Karine to meet one of the longest serving residents on the Highclere Castle estate. And join them on a journey of joy and firsts, taking delight in the smaller things in life.

Europe

Explore Chavenage House, the home from the PBS series “Poldark”

The friendly, very personable, longtime owners of Chavenage House, welcome you into this quintessential English estate, tucked away in the picturesque Cotswolds.

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Tutankhamen and Highclere Castle

Uncover the fascinating history behind the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb by archaeologist Howard Carter and George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, and get an exclusive look at Highclere Castle’s collection of Egyptian relics.

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Explore Britain’s Great Homes, Gardens and Gin

Step inside the iconic British estates well known to PBS viewers, including Highclere Castle, the “real Downton Abbey”; Wolf Hall’s Broughton Castle; and Chavenage House, better known as Trenwith in Poldark. Beyond these impressive homes, learn the story behind the legendary Bombay Sapphire gin at its historic distillery.

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Churchill’s Britain

Discover the remarkable life and times of revered British statesman Sir Winston Churchill. During this 5-night London extension with Viking, gain Privileged Access to Cabinet War Rooms; visit Churchill’s private Chartwell estate and his birthplace at Blenheim Palace; learn how the British broke the Nazis’ secret code at Bletchley Park and much more.

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Follow in the Path of the Vikings on Scotland’s Orkney Islands

The Vikings ruled these rugged landscapes from the 9th to 13th century. Join Karine and learn more about their presence, as well as other Neolithic civilizations that date back 5,000 years.

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Highclere Behind the Scenes: Gwyn, “The Butterfly Lady”

Join Karine to meet one of the longest serving residents on the Highclere Castle estate. And join them on a journey of joy and firsts, taking delight in the smaller things in life.

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Highclere Behind the Scenes: Pat the Painter

Meet Pat Withers, one of the castle’s favorite, most colorful characters, who came to Highclere as a teenager and never left. As the longest serving staff member at Highclere, she’s worked for three generations of the Carnarvon family.

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At Home at Highclere

Join Karine as she speaks with the Countess of Carnarvon about her new book, At Home at Highclere. Learn about what it is like to live in this stately castle, and its history, delicious food and dedicated staff.

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Highclere Behind the Scenes: Mike the Beekeeper

Join Karine and Finse as they explore the world of bees with Mike Withers, a thirty-year member of the Highclere staff, whose passion for these hard-working, misunderstood insects spans 60 years.

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Malta's Marsovin Winery

Join Karine Hagen at the Marsovin estate in Malta to learn about the winery's rare vintages and inspiring story with CEO and fourth-generation vintner, Jeremy Cassar. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Maltese wine so unique and discover how Jeremy has helped Marsovin achieve recognition on an international scale.

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Antoni Gaudí’s Architecture

Step into the mind of Antoni Gaudí, the colorful Barcelona artist whose passion for nature led him to create astounding biomimetic architecture and seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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Armagnac: Cognac’s Cousin

Join Karine in the fertile Gascony region, where Armagnac is home to France’s oldest brandy. Learn more about this delightful spirit and its ties to the Torshavn venue on our ocean ships.

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Baci: the Original Chocolate Kiss

Karine joins Chocolate Master Massimiliano Guidubaldi at the Perugina School of Chocolate to learn to make Baci, Italy’s original chocolate “kiss,” invented on Valentine’s Day in 1922.

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Barcelona’s Palau de la Música

Look beyond Barcelona’s grand icons and you will discover the unusual music venue of Palau de la Música. Join Karine inside this architectural masterpiece and tribute to Catalonia.

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Beneath Naples, Mystery Awaits

Step below the historic streets of Naples into its ancient past. Explore a vast labyrinth where relics from the early Greeks and impressive Roman architecture remain amazingly intact.

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Beyond Venice’s Gondolas

Gondolas are icons of Venice, but countless other boats and people keep this car-free city running smoothly. Join Karine for a glimpse at the city’s diverse water-oriented infrastructure.

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Brettos, Athens Locals & Ouzo

Mix colorful bottles of ouzo and other spirits, oak casks full of brandy and a colorful owner, and you get Brettos, an Athens bar like no other. Join Karine at this local treasure.

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Catch the Fire of Flamenco

Ignite your soul with flamenco, Spain’s most intriguing dance. Gain an insider’s perspective on what drives the artists to deliver their fiery footwork in this centuries-old tradition.

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Cooking with Karine: A Real Contessa

In her centuries-old Palazzo Tiepolo on the Grand Canal, Contessa Lelia Passi teaches Karine to make risi e bisi, a risotto of rice and peas.

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Croatian Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Croatian words and phrases with Ivana, your Viking tutor. Živjeli!

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Discover Barcelona

From the passion of flamenco to the genius of Gaudí, Barcelona is a city of grand statements. Join Karine to uncover its vibrant cultural and architectural treasures.

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Discover Copenhagen

Journey by water and over land to learn about Copenhagen’s must-see sights from the colorful Nyhavn (New Harbor) to Amalienborg Palace, the winter home of the Danish royal family, Carlsberg Brewery and more.

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Discover Dubrovnik

Croatia’s crystal clear waters have attracted travelers for centuries. But this pristine coast is also known for a shining gem: Dubrovnik, the remarkably preserved medieval walled city.

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Discover Istanbul

Istanbul is the ultimate enigma. A bridge between Europe and Asia, it has drawn from both for centuries. Join Karine as she explores this fascinating and colorful tapestry of cultures.

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Discover Italy’s Magnificent Formal Gardens

Join Karine as she explores several exquisite Italian gardens, where contours and textures, order and nature, mingle in the midst of verdant beauty.

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Discover Venice

Whether you are interested in art, architecture, music or history, romantic Venice has it all. Once the center of the cultured Venetian Republic, it retains an unrivaled old-world charm.

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Dubrovnik Oysters

In the pristine waters off the coast of Croatia, just outside Dubrovnik, Karine introduces you to Pero Sare and his family-run oyster farm.

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Dutch Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Dutch words and phrases with Johan, your Viking tutor. Proost!

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Franciscan Monastery

A testament to the city’s heritage, Dubrovnik’s fascinating Franciscan Monastery is home to one of the oldest pharmacies in the world and one of the most valued libraries in Croatia.

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French Language Lesson

Learn a few useful French words and phrases with Maaike, your Viking tutor. À votre Santé!

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Fresh Pasta: Fast, Fun and Easy!

Venture into the Tuscan countryside to learn the art of making fresh pasta. Under the watchful eye of a delightful Italian mama, Karine learns the secrets of this Italian favorite.

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German Language Lesson

Learn a few useful German words and phrases with Rebecca, your Viking tutor. Prost!

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Hammam: A Traditional Turkish Bath

Step into a world of relaxation designed to soothe body and mind. Explore this much-loved aspect of Turkish culture that has been a favored therapy since the days of the Ottoman Empire.

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Highclere Castle

Join Karine at the “real Downton Abbey,” the historic and renowned Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England, home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.

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Inside Italy’s Coffee Culture

If you cannot tell your macchiato from your espresso corto or you do not know why you should drink your coffee standing, join Karine and friends to explore Italy’s thriving coffee culture.

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Inside the “Blue Mosque”

Join Karine for a tour of the landmark 17th-century Sultan Ahmed Mosque, often called the “Blue Mosque,” one of the world’s most famous places of worship.

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Istanbul’s Mysterious Basilica Cistern

Hidden beneath the streets of Istanbul is the hauntingly beautiful Basilica Cistern, a 6th-century relic. Step into its shadowy depths with Karine to explore its many secrets.

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Italian Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Italian words and phrases with Elena, your Viking tutor. Salute!

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Italy’s Fabled Vespa Scooter

As iconic as Rome’s Colosseum or the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy’s fabled Vespa is central to Italy’s cultural identity. Learn the history of this perennial Italian motor scooter.

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Karine Cooks: Risotto at Lake Como, Italy

Learn how Italians prepare their delicious risotto con funghi porcini and the bubbly addition that gives this particular version a delightfully unique taste.

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Love and Drama at the Acropolis

Every culture has its tale of fated lovers. In Greece, it is Mimikos and Mary, whose romance took an unexpected turn in the shadow of the Acropolis, a story that shook Greek society.

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Montserrat: Catalonia’s Spiritual Treasure

Ascend into Spain’s rugged mountains and enter the sacred world of Montserrat Abbey. Meet a Benedictine monk who shares his knowledge of the monastery’s religious and cultural significance.

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Northern Italy Treasures: Verona & Lake Como

Just beyond majestic Venice is a slice of Italy many people never see. Join Karine as she explores Verona’s architectural landmarks, along with Lake Como’s inspiring panoramas and quaint villages.

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Opening Doors to Armagnac Cellars

Go behind closed doors in Gascony with Karine to learn the essential steps involved in the creation of Armagnac, a process that dates back to the 14th century.

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Pisa’s Leaning Tower: A Galileo Laboratory?

Climb up this iconic landmark with Karine and learn about the bell tower’s intriguing history, including the legend of Galileo and his test of a key hypothesis from the top of this slanted structure.

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Portuguese Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Portuguese words and phrases with Maria, your Viking tutor. Saúde!

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Restoring Michelangelo’s David

Get closer to Michelangelo’s towering David, a masterpiece both revered and reviled by Florentine citizens over the centuries. Join Karine in Galleria dell'Accademia as she meets the woman behind the restoration of this remarkable sculpture.

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Shakespeare & Co.

Peruse this literary haven in Paris, a favorite of book lovers and renowned authors since 1919. Browse its stacks and learn about the “tumbleweeds” who work and reside here.

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Shetlands! The World’s Favorite Ponies

Join Karine as she gets up close and personal with the iconic little horses that call the rugged Shetland Islands home.

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Spain’s Civil War

Join Karine for a look at the Spanish Civil War. Lasting three years, it pulled Italy, Germany, the Soviet Union and luminaries like George Orwell and Ernest Hemingway into the fight.

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Tapas: The Creative Taste of Spain

Barcelona chef Oscar Manresa shares the city's most loved tapas with Karine and explains how this Spanish creation became an inseparable part of Spain's culture and social scene.

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The Amalfi Coast’s Tasty Limoncello

This tangy liqueur has long been one of Italy’s favorite after-dinner drinks. Join Karine to discover how simple it is to make this refreshing and iconic Sorrento digestif at home.

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The Fundamentals of Wine

Join world-renowned Master of Wine Susie Barrie and Karine to learn about the fundamentals of enjoying fine wine, from opening and pouring to decanting and storing.

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The Origins of Opera

What has made opera such a popular and enduring art form? Join Karine as she takes you behind the scenes of this distinctly Italian creation at its source—the opera houses of Italy.

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The Proud People of Catalonia

For centuries, the people of Catalonia have pursued independence. Follow their search for this elusive goal and learn about the determination of Catalans to keep their culture alive.

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The Queen of Smørrebrød

Taste Denmark’s famous open-faced sandwich and perhaps try Hans Christian Andersen’s favorite variety. Watch as Copenhagen’s celebrity chef Ida Davidsen prepares these delicious treats.

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The Venetian Lagoon

Follow Karine as she explores the fascinating Venice Lagoon, stopping to visit Torcello, San Giorgio Maggiori, Sant’ Erasmo, Burano, Lazzaretto Nuovo and Murano.

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Traditional Olive Oil from Croatia

Join Karine in the tiny village of Orašac, Croatia, as she learns centuries-old techniques to make organic extra virgin olive oil at a 250-year-old mill, a living museum.

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Turkey’s Whirling Dervishes

The semazens (whirling dervishes) from the Mevlevi Order complete as many as 2,000 turns in a ceremony named by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

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Turkish Carpets

Learn about the tradition of Turkish carpets with roots stretching back to the Ottoman Empire. These handmade masterpieces have played an important role in Turkish life for centuries.

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Turkish Delights

Known as the milk of artists, chess players and thinkers, Turkish coffee was a favorite of Ottoman royals. Still popular today, its unique brewing method produces a delicious aroma.

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Venice’s Most Unusual Bookstore

Join Karine at Libreria Acqua Alta, a Venetian hidden treasure. This extraordinary shop is run by the charismatic Luigi Frizzo, who believes that books “make your soul come alive.”

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Vesuvius: Italy’s Slumbering Giant

Explore the history of the notorious Mt. Vesuvius with Karine, from its myths and folklore to the part the volcano played (or did not play!) in the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

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Visit Oxford & Highclere Castle

Travel with Viking to the hallowed halls of the University of Oxford, historic Highclere Castle, the “real Downton Abbey,” grand Blenheim Palace and the fabled villages of the Cotswolds.

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World War II Danish Heroes

One of the most inspiring stories of World War II heroism is one few people know. Learn how Danish fishermen risked everything to help Denmark’s Jewish citizens escape the Nazis.

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Wrap yourself in nature at Croatia’s Krka Falls

Join Karine and Finse as they explore the lush, wooded landscape trail that leads to the vivid cascades and azure waters of the impressive Krka Falls.

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Russia

Hermitage Access

Experience St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum, the unrivaled art collection of Catherine the Great, as you never imagined: with personalized, after-hours tours by expert curators.

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Hermitage Cats

Since 1747, a stealthy army of cats has protected the treasures of St. Petersburg’s famed Hermitage Museum from rodents. Karine heads into the museum’s basement to seek them out.

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Russian Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Russian words and phrases with Paulina, your Viking tutor. Spasibo!

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The Mariinsky’s Own Maya Krivchenia

Meet soprano Maya Krivchenia and learn what it is like to sing for one of the best opera companies in the world and hear her perform.

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Asia

Flavors of the Mekong

History, culture and friends—all rolled into one delicious and creative feast. Explore the floating markets along the Mekong Delta and master the culinary art of rolling your very own Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Karine.

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Beijing Hutongs

To experience an authentic slice of real Chinese life, step into the hidden corners of the hutong alleyways, an ancient maze of traditional courtyard houses linked by narrow corridors.

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Chinese Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Mandarin words and phrases with Jessica, your Viking tutor. Nĭ hăo!

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Chinese Medicine

For millennia, the Chinese have balanced their energy with tai chi, acupuncture, herbal medicine and more. Join Karine and learn more about their approach to healthy living.

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Chinese Porcelain

Join Karine as she learns about the history of Chinese porcelain, an art form created during the Han Dynasty and shaped by artisans from the Song, Ming and other dynasties.

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Cooking with Karine: Noodles

Watch as onboard Viking Chef Fong gives Karine a hands-on lesson that reveals some traditional culinary secrets that go into preparing the world’s finest noodles.

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Forbidden City

Karine helps reveal the heart of China’s greatest mystery. Once closed to all but royalty, now this legendary “treasure box” is open to guests like us.

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Secrets of Chinese Tea

Legend has it that tea was discovered 5,000 years ago. Learn about the beloved beverage’s place in Chinese culture, lore and medicine.

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Shanghai Acrobats

Dexterity and strength, passion and focus. Join Karine backstage as she watches some of the world’s most courageous artists perfect their gravity-defying acrobatics.

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The Wonders of China

Home of the iconic Great Wall, China embodies a rich history set against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes.

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Yuyuan Garden

Chosen by the wealthy Pan family as the location of their retirement home, the Yuyuan Garden is a serene example of a traditional Chinese garden—juxtaposed against the backdrop of Shanghai.

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Videos

Videos

Highclere Behind the Scenes: Gwyn, “The Butterfly Lady”

Related Itineraries

NEW! Scandinavia & the British Isles

NEW! British Isles & Iceland Explorer

British Isles Explorer

Into the Midnight Sun

Europe

Explore Chavenage House, the home from the PBS series “Poldark”

Tutankhamen and Highclere Castle

Explore Britain’s Great Homes, Gardens and Gin

Churchill’s Britain

Follow in the Path of the Vikings on Scotland’s Orkney Islands

Highclere Behind the Scenes: Gwyn, “The Butterfly Lady”

Highclere Behind the Scenes: Pat the Painter

At Home at Highclere

Highclere Behind the Scenes: Mike the Beekeeper

Malta's Marsovin Winery

Antoni Gaudí’s Architecture

Armagnac: Cognac’s Cousin

Baci: the Original Chocolate Kiss

Barcelona’s Palau de la Música

Beneath Naples, Mystery Awaits

Beyond Venice’s Gondolas

Brettos, Athens Locals & Ouzo

Catch the Fire of Flamenco

Cooking with Karine: A Real Contessa

Croatian Language Lesson

Discover Barcelona

Discover Copenhagen

Discover Dubrovnik

Discover Istanbul

Discover Italy’s Magnificent Formal Gardens

Discover Venice

Dubrovnik Oysters

Dutch Language Lesson

Franciscan Monastery

French Language Lesson

Fresh Pasta: Fast, Fun and Easy!

German Language Lesson

Hammam: A Traditional Turkish Bath

Highclere Castle

Inside Italy’s Coffee Culture

Inside the “Blue Mosque”

Istanbul’s Mysterious Basilica Cistern

Italian Language Lesson

Italy’s Fabled Vespa Scooter

Karine Cooks: Risotto at Lake Como, Italy

Love and Drama at the Acropolis

Montserrat: Catalonia’s Spiritual Treasure

Northern Italy Treasures: Verona & Lake Como

Opening Doors to Armagnac Cellars

Pisa’s Leaning Tower: A Galileo Laboratory?

Portuguese Language Lesson

Restoring Michelangelo’s David

Shakespeare & Co.

Shetlands! The World’s Favorite Ponies

Spain’s Civil War

Tapas: The Creative Taste of Spain

The Amalfi Coast’s Tasty Limoncello

The Fundamentals of Wine

The Origins of Opera

The Proud People of Catalonia

The Queen of Smørrebrød

The Venetian Lagoon

Traditional Olive Oil from Croatia

Turkey’s Whirling Dervishes

Turkish Carpets

Turkish Delights

Venice’s Most Unusual Bookstore

Vesuvius: Italy’s Slumbering Giant

Visit Oxford & Highclere Castle

World War II Danish Heroes

Wrap yourself in nature at Croatia’s Krka Falls

Russia

Hermitage Access

Hermitage Cats

Russian Language Lesson

The Mariinsky’s Own Maya Krivchenia