Burt Wolf: Travels and Traditions

Burt Wolf's favorite hotels in Switzerland and Germany.

New York City is the world epicenter for money, creativity and culture. Burt takes a bite of the Big Apple, tells you how it came to be and takes you from the tip of the island to Central Park. Learn about the city's architectural heritage and how a nation of immigrants contributed to the gastronomy of the island.

Philadelphia is one of America's oldest and most interesting cities and the birthplace of our nation. Find out how it was founded as a Quaker colony and why it's the guardian of The Liberty Bell. Learn why Philadelphia is considered the city of brotherly love, tour the largest collection of outdoor murals and visit a Masonic Temple. Take a taste of Philly's traditional foods.

Chicago is famous for many things including talented chefs, specialty bakers and authentic ethnic foods. Burt untangles the history of Chicago, laughs at Second City's food joke, and visits the House of Blues.

Napa Valley is the home to some of our most innovative chefs. Burt tours the valley and introduces us to some of the signature dishes at the best restaurants. We find out why California is the nation's leading dairy state, meet one of the most successful wine makers and find out how prohibition saved the business. We'll also take a look at the ancient process for making barrels and how they changed the taste of wine.

The Basque country of northeast Spain has the oldest culture in Europe and they are determined to keep their traditions. In Bilbao we'll visit the museum that revitalized the city. In San Sebastian, on the Northwest coast of Spain, we'll check out the fastest ball game in the world and learn why it's home to some of the finest Basque cooking in Europe.

Miami Florida is a sophisticated, subtropical city on the same latitude as the Sahara Desert. It has been described as the American city of the future. There's fun in the sun but there's also a major infusion of performing arts. We'll visit some of the local art galleries and taste the local flavors.

Burt takes a look at Belgium and tours the capital city of Brussels. We'll find out why beer is the national drink and sample one flavored with cherries. We'll discover why the hand of a giant became the symbol of the city of Antwerp and find out why food experts love Belgian cooking.

San Francisco is a city whose present day gleam began with the discovery of glittering gold. The people who settled San Francisco came from all over the world and as they mixed together they established the traditions that make San Francisco what it is today. We'll look at the city's unique history, love of opulence and appreciation of good food.

Burt takes us for a ride on America's great mother road, Route 66, and tells us how it transformed the way the world eats. We'll also discover the true origin of the corn dog, the filled dough nut, the horseshoe sandwich, root beer and Abraham Lincoln's favorite cake. We'll visit Abraham Lincoln's hometown and see what his personal life was really like.