The incomparable beauty of the enchanting Isle of Capri.

Travel of America's Jim Petzel offers some "step-by-step" advice on how you can make the most of your European explorations...

One of the things I absolutely love to do when I visit Europe is to take long walks along the many beautiful boulevards that make the Old World so unique and special. My strolls are usually unplanned, and I just let my feet point me in the right direction.

    What I've discovered from my experiences is that no matter what direction I choose or which streets I decide to walk down, I can't possibly make a wrong turn. That's because in Europe every street is a window into the life of the community that lives and works there.

    I've come across narrow, twisted avenidas where I've had the opportunity to watch craftsmen restore centuries-old masterpieces, and I've sauntered past school yards filled with children at play, their laughter echoing off the stone walls. Climbing the narrow stairway to the top of Monte Tiberio on the island of Capri to view the ruins of the Roman Emperor Tiberius' villa, a tiny restaurant with just three or four small outdoor tables crossed my path. I will never forget the incredible views of the cliffs below and glittering waters of the Mediterranean beyond as I dined in the morning sunlight on a simple lunch of spaghetti alle vongole and a glass of home-made wine.

    You can't possibly make a wrong turn either when you discover the Europe of your dreams this year on a 10- to 35-day voyage of a lifetime with Holland America Line. There's never been a more exciting time to explore the continent's many faces - from the broad avenues and gilded palaces of Peter the Great's spectacular St. Petersburg to Rome's grand Colosseum and Forum.

    I do hope that you choose to join us on one of these very special voyages with Holland America. To learn more about these spectacular cruises and values, simply click here to view our Holland America online Europe brochure.