Great Names In the 13th century, young Marco Polo set out with his father and uncle for a strange new land. No other Europeans had ever traveled to China before, and Marco was excited and delighted by the many curious sights, delicious new flavors, and friendly people they encountered. Their adventure would keep them away from their home in Italy for 24 years - but when they finally returned, they introduced Europe to the wonders of the Far East. Because of Marco Polo, Europe would never be the same!