In this new episode of Rick Steves' Europe, we set a course on a tranquil cruise of the rivers and canals of France's Burgundy region. Aboard a century-old barge-turned-hotel, we're treated to a relaxing pace and natural beauty — plus plenty of gourmet meals and fine wine. Stops for a hike or bike ride help us work up our next appetite, and a château lord welcomes us to taste the vintages of the famed Côte d'Or. Check your local public television station for airdates and times, stream with PBS P

While time with a private guide usually doesn’t come cheap, it’s easily one of the best ways to maximize the experiences at the heart of your trip: gaining some understanding of a different culture, discovering what’s fascinating about a destination’s sights, and maybe finding a personal connection with a person or people who might otherwise seem “foreign.” Hiring a local guide for a personalized city tour is basically like renting a friend who happens to be an expert at the kind of information