A note from Kathy McCabe, host and founder of, Dream of Italy, and now Dream of Europe:
Italy is my great love. France was my first love but the entire continent of Europe has always captivated me and I even majored in European Studies in college. Now I’m embracing my wanderlust with a new series Dream of Europe, premiering on PBS stations on January 18, 2025. From the blue grotto of Malta to the verdant green hills of Albania to the famed Abbey Road Studios where The Beatles recorded their iconic hits, McCabe explores Europe with a unique and authentic perspective in her 7-part travel series.
[Be sure to FOLLOW Dream of Europe on YouTube for trailers, segments and eventually full episodes.]
I have been enchanted by Europe since I was a child, so much so that I lived and studied in Lake Annecy in the French Alps the summer I turned 19, While Italy will always have my heart, filming this series was the perfect excuse to finally return to Lake Annecy and explore other up-and-coming destinations in Europe.
Dream of Europe follows my journey as I guides viewers across Europe’s stunning landscapes and historical landmarks. In each episode, Kathy meets with locals, samples regional cuisine, and uncovers the rich and unique cultures of each destination:
- Episode 101: London Part 1 with Abbey Road Studios – I arrive at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London with composer Alessandro Roveri and a group of musicians to record the new theme song for the series in the same studio where The Beatles recorded. McCabe then visits Theatre Drury Lane, owned by Andrew Lloyd Webber, for some ghostly history of the theater and afternoon tea.
- Episode 102: London Part 2 – I continue my London adventures meeting one of the city’s Pearly Kings, visiting Kew Gardens, learning to cook Indian food, and taking part in the life-affirming “Colour Walk” in Spitalfields Market.
- Episode 103: Lake Annecy, France – I take viewers to what she considers one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Lake Annecy in the French Alps. She sails on the lake’s crystal-clear waters to take in the stunning views from the chateau that was said to inspire Walt Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty” and cooks with 2-Michelin star chef Jean Sulpice.
- Episode 104: Malta – I find the small Mediterranean country of Malta to be full of surprises, from pre-historic sites to an enchanting “blue grotto” to handmade filigree jewelry.
- Episode 105: Greek Islands – I set sail on a cruise that takes her through the Greek Islands, including a stop in Santorini before arriving in Athens and exploring two nearby Saronic islands, Aegina and Poros, where she tastes pistachio delights, makes farm-to-table Greek cuisine and visits a local animal rescue.
- Episode 106: Athens – I pay a must-visit to the Acropolis with an incredible guide, tastes classic souvlaki, gets a pair of Greek sandals custom-made by a famed sandal maker, and takes a breathtaking rail bike ride along the Aegean.
- Episode 107: Albania – Affordable and simply stunning, Albania is Europe’s next go-to destination and I take in all of its treasures while rafting on the last wild river in Europe, tasting the flavors of a mussel farm and listening to traditional Albanian music.
The first season of Dream of Europe premieres on PBS stations, PBS.org, the PBS app, and PBS Passport, on January 18, 2025, with new episodes debuting weekly. Check your local PBS listings at www.dreamofeurope.com to find the broadcast schedule. The series is distributed by American Public Television.
Dream of Europe is sponsored by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the leading ultra luxury cruise line delivering the most inclusive luxury experience for over 30 years, and Kensington, purveyor of the world’s most personal travel experiences. Check back here for a chance to win a $20,000 trip to Europe custom-designed by Kensington and enter the Dream of Europe sweepstake. The link