Kimberly's Italy Travel

The famous tower that leans is why most people visit Pisa, however there is so much more to explore in this small and multi-hued city. The color palette is muted yet beautiful, and the architecture is a cohesive mix of Renaissance, Romanesque and Gothic. It's a walkable city that truly loves it's aperitivo hour! Don't do the day tripper concept that so many do. Stay the night in order to see and experience everything Pisa has to offer, including the Leaning Tower...and then spend a second night since the crowds are long gone! https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

We are so happy we chose Torino for our first stop on our 3-week road trip in Italy. It is not on the greatest hitÕs list, which right there, says enough! It is a working, living city that accepts tourists, but on it's terms. You almost feel like you belong even as a tourist if you appreciate and respect their history, which we did in spades. Amazing architecture, appreciation of history in regards to literature and the arts, and obviously all things food and wine related. Take a listen, and make Torino a destination you should definitely put on your list. https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

Our Italian road trip is in 4th gear! We hit the autostrada to get to Firenze in time to meet friends who flew in for a 3 day extravaganza with yet more friends. We attended a private art opening at Palazzo Vecchio, which was followed by the quintessential Tuscan dinner….one long table with about 30 people on each side, candles, endless bottles of wine, delicious pasta, platters of Tuscan cured meats, and many, many languages. We all felt so lucky to be seated at that table. Yet, it was time to depart Firenze and head south, on more back roads in order to see the stunning Val d’Orcia landscape. It’s been a long and fabulous road trip, with more to come. https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

In this episode we outline our initial impressions of Turin, Pisa, and Volterra and our wonderful farmhouse stay in Tuscany, which has a diverse group of people from different nationalities. We speak about our wonderful dinner with our host and other guests, including a couple from Roma who adopted a dachshund puppy named Gregorio, from the owners of the farmhouse. We are now in Florence. Overall, we are enjoying (as usual!!) our time in Italy and look forward to sharing more about this great trip in our upcoming episodes. Ciao! https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

Kimberly and Tommaso talk about their visit to Passalacqua on Lake Como, which just last week was honored with the distinction of the Best Hotel in the World! What an honor, and what a stunning villa! They praise the elegance and attention to detail of the renovation by the De Santis family, who have been involved in the hospitality industry for generations in Lago di Como. What a treat it was to have a private visit during the off season and be able to meet some of the proud staff who help define this one-of-a kind property. Passalacqua is the perfect example of Italian craftsmanship and hospitality at it's finest. Link to the hotel: https://www.passalacqua.it/

Tommaso continues the discussion from a previous episode about preparing and connecting your phone while traveling in Italy. He focuses on iOS devices and provides instructions for updating the operating system and turning off automatic updates. Tommaso goes through the PDF guide that can be downloaded from their website, detailing how to turn off background app refresh, enable data roaming for eSIM or mobile provider usage, and manage cellular data usage for specific apps. He advises simplifying your digital life while travelling and highlights the convenience of using eSIM cards. https://www.kimberlysitaly.com/connect Instagram Facebook

We spontaneously came up with this title while recording the episode on Padova, or Padua, as it's known in English. The amount of "firsts" and "oldests" that Padova can claim, is rather remarkable for such a small city. It's often passed over due to it's proximity to Venezia, so only those in the know make a point to spend a few days in this history rich and record setting city. Padova has the oldest botanical garden in the world, the largest interior hall in all of Europe without (support) columns and the second oldest university in Italy, where Galileo was a beloved professor. And for those in the medical profession, the University of Padua has the oldest surgical theatre in the world and the university has been acknowledged as the birthplace of modern science. How's that for some street cred? https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

Lake Lugano, Lake Maggiore and Lake d'Orta are all geographically stunning and full of history, like the rest of Italy. We felt a bit remiss by always taking about Lake Como, so we decided to fill you in on what each of these three lakes offer as well. A majority of Lake Lugano is in Switzerland and the top third of Lake Maggiore is as well, so that's gives you the opportunity to get a Swiss stamp in your passport! However, the language, cuisine and wine will all be Italian, so fear not! Lago d'Orta is a very small but very special lake, rich in history and beauty. The sole island in the lake welcomes visitors, but in silence, since it's inhabitants are Benedictine Nuns. It's a one-of-a-kind experience to walk on the one stone path through this island, and definitely a visit you will not forget. CNN Link: Click Here https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

Every few months we want to inform you of things we think you should know regarding Italian travel and new offerings that may make your vacation even sweeter. These updates might not be as enticing as an entire episode on Portofino or Venice, but we promise that you will thank us for it later! 2024 will require that you have an ETIAS Visa to enter the country. It's easy to get and we share with you exactly how to apply for it online, all for the price of a small beer! The new year will also offer a new mode of train travel in the country that is very appealing, affordable and good for the planet! All good news for any of you thinking to visiting Italy in 2024! https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

Portofino is truly a stunning little harbor, and once you are seated under the green and white striped awning of Taverna del Marinaio sipping a cocktail, you will understand why people have flocked here for generations. Beautiful places attract beautiful people, so you will have plenty of eye candy to look at. However, there is rich history as well for such a teeny village. Ships sought refuge in the protected harbor since the first century, and one thousand or so years later, they built a duomo that appears simple from the exterior yet is surprisingly ornate once you enter. The castle with it's distinguished location on top of the rock promontory dates back to Middle Ages, which is nothing to sneeze at. Put Portofino on your list of treats, just try to visit slightly off season and live La Dolce Vita as best you can! https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

This petite but intriguing city in the Veneto Region of Italy should be on your radar, yet luckily most tourists skip right over it because it's on their way to Venezia. What they don't realize they are missing is that Verona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to it's prodigious collection of beautifully preserved architectural gems throughout the centuries. The long tail of Verona's operatic history, culminating in Luciano Pavarotti's concert in 1990 at Verona's open-air arena, is incomparable. The city is small enough to get to know, and large enough to suck you in to it's history and architectural lure of century after century of impressive design. You will not regret a visit to such a rare and captivating place. https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

Once you are in bel' Italia, you can live La Dolce Vita. However, occasionally you are one of the unlucky ones whose flight gets cancelled at the last minute, with no legit explanation. You planned everything for this trip, except that. We offer some suggestions of how to reduce your risk and prepare for this annoying aspect of air travel, which is sadly becoming all too common. A few friends and clients shared their FLIGHTMARE stories with us this past weekend, so we decided to dedicate an episode to it and try to soothe the potential pain with a few preemptive tactics. https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

We want to bring the flavors of the Amalfi Coast into your kitchen with this simple recipe, one that we made while enjoying a Hugo Spritz for the first time! It was also Tommaso's first time eating Pasta al Limone, and I can attest that he is now a fan! So, if you are craving a virtual escape to the Amalfi Coast, this episode is a must-listen! Immerse yourself in all things lemon, scialatielle pasta and the happy reward from making this recipe. Trust us, your taste buds will not be disappointed. https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

Our previous episode on our friend Jane's first trip to bel'italia broke our download record, which shows us that people like to remember their own first trip, and the rest are anxiously looking forward to theirs! In this short episode, we share another client's first trip from earlier this month. This family dove in head-first (rented a car), ate everything in sight, fell hard for the red wine, swam everywhere they could, climbed every church dome and hiked all of Cinque Terre in the heat. Will they return, si! Get in touch, lets talk about a magical trip! https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

Do you remember your first trip to Italy? Our good friend Jane just came back from her very first trip to bel'italia and we couldn't wait to share her perceptions on all of it! We find it so interesting to hear what someone thinks of the differences in culture, mannerisms, cuisine and in Jane's case, the driving as well! Experiencing the differences between countries is what traveling is all about. Italy just happens to have such an abundance of everything special, and that makes your first visit so intoxicating. After you listen to this episode, you will realize Jane is now a fan of all things Italian like the rest of you! Get in touch, lets talk about a magical trip! https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

In this episode, we want to share with you both the good, and the not so good aspects of traveling in Italy in the height of the summer season. Due to a few factors out of our control (climate change, revenge tourism, etc..) there is only so much you can do to combat the extremes of June, July and August in bel’italia. However, we have some suggestions to make it as enjoyable as possible, and what to look out for when planning your own trip. There is a lot of misinformation online these days unfortunately, but we are your biggest advocates, and we offer some advice to avoid the pitfalls of social media influencers, and the general BS that is out there! Link to The Tik Tok Idiot https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/amalfi-coast-tiktok-travel-influencer-b2374788.html Get in touch, lets talk about a magical trip! https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

In this episode, we explore the enchanting region of Tuscany. From the bustling tourist season to the importance of patience, Kimberly and Tommaso emphasize the need for understanding and kindness towards the hardworking Italians in the travel industry. We also delve into the diverse landscapes of Tuscany, from the picturesque Chianti region to the stunning coastline and islands. With discussions on planning, personal relationships, and the delectable cuisine and wines of Tuscany, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the beauty and charm of this beloved Italian region. Ciao! Get in touch, lets talk about a magical trip! https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

For those of you who can only visit Lago di Como at the height of the tourist season, which is basically all summer long, we will share tips with you of how to avoid the crowds. There are several lesser-known villages that are worthy of a walk about and small enough that you can enjoy lunch with the locals. You can also hike from village to village on the medieval foot paths that line the lake, providing views that will stop you in your tracks. Even choosing which ferry to take, can help you dodge the most crowded boats. The allure of the lake is best seen by boat, so knowing from where and when to take a boat, will make your stay in Lago di Como as special as you hoped for, even in late July. [00:03:44] Avoiding crowds in Lake Como. [00:06:33] Exploring Italy by foot. [00:09:44] The mayhem at the dock. [00:12:07] Slower ferries and sunset restrictions. [00:15:14] Historic areas and hidden gems. [00:22:26] Unbelievable cemetery sculptures. [00:24:39] Complicated boat schedules [00:29:19] Don't miss the last boat. [00:31:39] Embracing sleepy villages in Lake Como https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

Straight from the source of several clients of mine in Italy, “insider intel” from all over the country. The summer season is in full swing, but they have all figured out how to avoid the mid-day crowds and have thoroughly enjoyed (understatement) the cuisine, the history and the hospitality of “every single Italian”! It's been a joy to receive their texts and photos and very detailed emails which I genuinely appreciate. And while I may never meet my clients in person, we have developed a kinship while planning their trip, all due to the fact we share the common bond of a love for bel'italia! Get in touch, lets talk about a magical trip! https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

In this quick update from Kimberley's Italy, Tomasso talks about why he had to delay the mini-episode on Sunday. He says he spent a lot of time researching the cybersecurity risks of traveling and was shocked by the numbers of attempts to hack phones. Tomasso emphasizes that it's not a question of if but when someone will try to hack you while traveling and emphasizes the need to be prepared. He promises to provide a comprehensive episode on cybersecurity and connectivity while abroad, uploaded on Friday, giving listeners information on the risks involved and practical solutions.

To save money and keep your phone secure while traveling in Italy, Tommaso recommends preparing your phone before you leave. Tommaso outlines the importance of updating your operating system and apps, as well as turning off background processes to avoid overpaying for bandwidth. Additionally, he advises getting your children's phones locked down to prevent potential security risks. The episode offers helpful tips for travelers looking to stay connected without breaking the bank.

Tomasso takes the reigns in this episode to introduce connecting and cyber hygiene while traveling in Italy. In the next two episodes he will also provide helpful tips on how to avoid unexpected costs and issues, such as getting your phone ready for travel and deciding whether to use a SIM card or your mobile provider's travel data services. By following Tommaso's best practices, travelers can minimize their risk of being hacked or encountering unpleasant surprises on their trip. Ciao! Ciao!

It's June 14th, 2023 and Florence is very crowded today. It's actually quite crowded almost every day of the entire tourist season, yet people love this gorgeous city so much, they continue to flock to it regardless of what people like me say! Therefore, we are sharing a few alternative ideas of how you can still become a Florentine groupie / lover / fanatic of this intoxicating Tuscan city. First thing you can do is change your sleeping habits while on vacation! Get up really early, or stay up very late, and take Florence in with minimal people blocking your view of all the beauty this city has to offer. You will thank us for this suggestion after you have done just that! Get in touch, lets talk about a magical trip! https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

We are not sure that other podcasts celebrate their 100th episode, but we are! We are so grateful to all our listeners from 132 countries around the globe, that we decided to celebrate you! We have compiled a few clips that summarizes our friendly and funny vibe, which is both enlightening and helpful. And apparently, we have started a new trend of Wednesday Date Nights with Kimberly's Italy! So make a pasta, have a glass of vino and enjoy a few of our "greatest hits". Essentially, we are delighted to carry on and share our love of all things Italian for another couple of hundred episodes! Grazie mille amici! Kimberly and Tommaso I am Kimberly Holcombe and I am a travel planner and lover of all things Italian. I lived in Italy for six years as a fashion photographer, and fell head over heels for the people and the culture. I plan private trips to anywhere in Italy for individuals, couples, families and small groups of friends. Get in touch, lets talk about a magical trip! https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

So what if Piemonte (Piedmont) isn't on the Greatest Hits list? That alone makes it worthy of being added to your itinerary! The average global tourist goes to Venice, Florence and Rome, and while they may love it, they have no idea that the capital city of Piemonte (Torino) can rival the competition with it's rich history, architecture and cuisine. And we haven't even mentioned the vino! Piemonte is the wine lover's secret soft spot. The Nebbiolo grapes that give birth to Barolo, rivals the Brunellos and the Vino Nobiles, yet don't just take our word for it, go taste it on your own. Piemonte is a diverse region that offers a northern cuisine, bold wines, a rich history, and once you throw in the beauty of the Alps, it's really hard to beat! I am Kimberly Holcombe and I am a travel planner and lover of all things Italian. I lived in Italy for six years as a fashion photographer, and fell head over heels for the people and the culture. I plan private trips to anywhere in Italy for individuals, couples, families and small groups of friends. Get in touch, lets talk about a magical trip! https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

The locals in Torino start their day with a medley of espresso, chocolate and whipped cream which is called Bicerin. Perhaps this why the Torinese are so happy! Or maybe it's because their region of Piemonte is home to the White Truffle, which allows them to end their day with truffles shaved over their hand made pasta called Tajarin. Who wouldn't want to live in Torino? The Torinese have had a long history with chocolate (close to 500 years) and used to mix it into their meat dishes and even pasta (!). Their obsession with chocolate eventually led to the invention of Nutella, which became a staple for breakfast amongst children in Italy. Tajarin is another regional favorite – a handmade and hand cut pasta made with an abundant amount of egg yolks. It looks slightly different, but it tastes divine when a butter and sage sauce is folded in and truffles are ever so delicately shaved on top. Again, who wouldn't want to live in Torino? I am Kimberly Holcombe and I am a travel planner and lover of all things Italian. I lived in Italy for six years as a fashion photographer, and fell head over heels for the people and the culture. I plan private trips to anywhere in Italy for individuals, couples, families and small groups of friends. Get in touch, lets talk about a magical trip! https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

The capital city of the Piemonte region offers so much culturally, architecturally, and agriculturally (think wine and cuisine) and perhaps the best thing it offers, is definitely less crowds than Venice, Florence and Rome. Torino benefited from a rich history of regal residents over the centuries that bestowed the city with a multitude of palaces, 14 of which are under Unesco status. Palazzo Reale and Venaria Reale are higlighted in this episode. There is also the legendary story of Gianni Agnelli and the Fiat Automobile company whose Torino factory has produced these iconic cars since 1899. Gianni Agnelli, the debonair and very well tanned grandson took over in the 1960's and brought yet more attention to his beloved birthplace of Torino. Tourists from around the world do indeed visit Torino, but not to the extent the other “Greatest Hits” cities, and that alone should make you want to visit . Venaria Reale Palace https://lavenaria.it/en Palazzo Reale Palace https://museireali.beniculturali.it I am Kimberly Holcombe and I am a travel planner and lover of all things Italian. I lived in Italy for six years as a fashion photographer, and fell head over heels for the people and the culture. I plan private trips to anywhere in Italy for individuals, couples, families and small groups of friends. Get in touch, lets talk about a magical trip! https://www.kimberlysitaly.com Instagram Facebook

Our intention is not to to alarm you, but instead to help you understand what is on the horizon with AI (aka, Artificial Intelligence) when it comes to dealing with your travel to bel'Italia. It's all happening quite fast in every realm of life, but large travel conglomerates like Expedia Group and Booking Holdings are incorporating AI to make your travel planning that much more difficult, frustrating, and most importantly, more expensive. These two behemoth corporations, basically own almost every single online travel company, thereby eliminating competition. Do not believe their hype that AI will make their services more “personalized”.... and to you our friends, that is the sole purpose for this episode... Link to the article in the Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2023/05/hotel-booking-sites-junk-fees-travel/673898/

Imagine this...since 1659, ten horses and ten riders race bareback around the perimeter of the Piazza del Campo, three times at breakneck speed, on a narrow track packed with clay. The horses are blessed beforehand, and somehow 30,000 people fit into the piazza to cheer on their team representing their contrada (neighborhood). This is Siena's most treasured event, so much so, that they do it twice each summer, on July 2nd and August 16th. Horse racing in Siena started in 1232, and clearly the popularity has not waned. It's a sight to see with the locals colorful costumes representing each contrada, and those fearless horses and riders – it all makes for a very memorable visit to Siena. Museum Santa Maria Della Scalla https://www.santamariadellascala.com Link to watercolorist Geremia Cerri's Show in Siena https://www.facebook.com/events/949146343169810/?ref=newsfeed Ciao, Ciao!!

Most people love Siena for many reasons, but I fell in love, at first sight, with Piazza del Campo. I can still visualize every single detail that lured me in on my first visit many years ago. For any artist, or art history buff, just standing in the main piazza, being physically surrounded by the color siena, while in the city of Siena, is like a dream realized! There is clearly more to Siena than it's main piazza, but I promise you, that colorful circle of stone and brick will not disappoint. The Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, Siena's Duomo, is one of a kind. Tommaso is a fan, and he hasn't even seen it in person yet. The flooring which is comprised of mosaic panels has been called the most beautiful floor ever made. Most of it is covered to prevent further wear from the millions of feet that have traipsed over these teeny pieces of marble, yet they are uncovered twice a year, so a travel tip is to plan your visit around that!

Spring is a refreshing time of year basically everywhere, but there is something extra special about spring in Italy. It may be partly due to the abundance of wildflowers and wisteria, but also the vivid colors that come to life in the beautiful landscapes that cover the entire country. Early spring usually has less tourists in the countryside, but the weather can be a bit cool and damp, or warm and dry! We can not rely on the old standard of when the rainy season is anymore, so just go with the flow and enjoy the spring no matter what it brings – you will still be in Italy after all! Tommaso also shares some current travel news regarding what's being implemented this spring in some parts of Italy. It's always wise to know as much as you can before you arrive, hence Travel Tips are always a good thing!

2 years, 92 episodes, 3,036 minutes, 127 countries, and countless reasons why Kimberly's Italy Podcast will keep sharing our love of all things Italian! We have not suffered “Pod Fade” due to the enthusiastic feedback we get from our listeners around the globe. We decided we should celebrate this 2 year milestone with ravioli which Tommaso made from scratch, and as importantly, we invited Kitten Club 2 members to join us. It was a culinary feast enjoyed by all, and what's better than talking about our awesome Italian vacation while dining on spinach and ricotta stuffed ravioli and drinking Aperol Spritzs??? Link to Page on our website: https://www.kimberlysitaly.com/ricotta-and-spinach-ravioli/ Follow us on social media: Instagram Facebook

We share the story of our friend Edie's connection to the world famous Harry's Bar in Venice. We invited her to our recording studio and thought it only right to drink a Bellini while recording, since this refreshing drink was invented by Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of Harry's Bar. This understated, but world renowned bar, welcomes you as if you were part of it's rich history. It is truly one of a kind, and the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage feels the same since they declared it a National Landmark in 2001. It's nice to have friends with such connections, but if you listen to the entire episode, you will hear how Kimberly and Edie are connected as well in America's history. Small world stories indeed!

From a morning ferry to the port of Napoli, then into taxi driven by a Napolitano with no regard for red stoplights or speed limits, into the chaos of the Central Train Station, dropping off our luggage hoping to see it again, and finally into the streets of old Napoli with the goal of feasting on pizza in it's birthplace, all of which we did on the last day of the festival Tutti Santi. Did I mention there were about 9 million people on the streets with us? It was mayhem in all it's glory. It was Napoli at it's best! We didn't have enough time to wait in line at Pizzeria Antica da Michele (the alleged birthplace of pizza), but we somehow managed to find a table for 7 outside in a perfectly Napolitano atmosphere. Yes, we ate pizza, drank Aperol Spritz and sat next to a Banksy. It was a perfect day!

This island deserved the honor of being named the Italian Capitol of Culture in 2022. They could have added Hospitality, Generosity, Kindness and Happiness to the title in my opinion! We had the most perfect stay with the striking views from our terraces, the colorful palette of the island's architecture and the sound of fishing boats leaving the harbor at first light. The friendly locals and the seafood cuisine were yet even more perks to an island that I want to describe as, perfectly idyllic. Even during a very busy travel season, you can still escape the crowds here if you know where to do just that. You can also walk the entire island, stopping at each little inlet for a swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Procida's big sister of Ischia is a short boat ride away, yet another bonus this teeny island has to offer.

Arriving to the village of Amalfi by boat, allows you to see the majestic beauty of the entire Amalfi Coastline. Once we arrived to our sweet accommodations, a glass of wine on the terrazza was just what we needed to confirm that this is indeed one of the most stunning landscapes on the planet. As one should do, we ate pizza under lemon trees, sipped on limoncello like you've never had before (unless you have already been to Amalfi) and swam in the sea, in late October no less. Then onto Pompeii with a uniquely charming and friendly driver, where we were completely absorbed in a 2 hour tour of Pompeii, by yet another friendly and insightful tour guide. The Amalfi Coast offers so much, you just need to know where, when and how to savor it.

The most intoxicating part about Capri for me, is the geography. The jagged coastline and grottos formed by the sea and time, make for a stunning landscape. Yet, in addition there is tropical flora, cactus, azure water and the bluest of skies, which all makes for a captivating visual treat. In this episode we talk about 2 of the 7 main hiking trails on the island, and why they are such a treasure, for both the history and a feast for the eyes. Capri has inspired poet, painters and writers for hundreds of years, so perhaps you should join crowd, but preferably not at the height of the season.

If you can only visit Capri during the high season, you can still find quiet places to stay and stroll the piazzetta at night, when the day trippers are long gone. However, if you can go the end of October, do so! We were the only tourists in the restaurants, shared the beach at Marina Piccola with five Italians, and had the Arco Naturale hiking path to ourselves. The tropical foliage and the island's dramatic cliffs combine to make it one of the most visually stunning places on earth. It was Capri at it's finest, and my favorite visit yet.

We have received multiple requests for another pasta recipe, which we promised to do over a year ago! To make it up to you, we are sharing Sugo di Roma, a very tasty tomato based sauce from a friend of a friend in Rome, via Milano. This happens to be (one of) Tommaso's favorite sauces, due to the distinct taste that results from the yummy combination of ingredients that simmer on the stove top for hours. It is a definite commitment to make according to our instructions, but you can make an afternoon out of it... listen to music, drink some wine and invite some friends over to share this labor of love. Buon Apetito!!! Links: New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/19/world/europe/milan-italy-duomo-cathedral.html Sugo de Roma Recipe https://www.kimberlysitaly.com/sugo-di-roma/

This episode details the last few days of our time in Milano during our three week trip to Copenhagen and Italy over the holidays. We were thrilled to see the exhibition in Milano that highlighted the history of the patronage of the arts in Italy, from the Renaissance to 20th century. We also went back to the “scene of the crime” where Tommaso ordered a second cappuccino at the most iconic of all coffee bars in the city, Camparino. Milano holds a special place in my heart and I was so very happy to be back there with my fellow art and history lover, Tommaso.

Who would have known that that one event in a grand hotel in Milan, changed the way the world listened to music, and remote recording in general. Tommaso and I were lucky enough to see the room where this took place in 1902, and then we recorded our own podcast episode in another room, in the same hotel in 2023! The first remote recording of music is just one of the many historic events that took place in The Grand Hotel et de Milan. Opera stars, divas, actors, writers (Ernest), and eccentric artists all had one thing in common, a love for the Grand Hotel et de Milan.

January 1st was filled with our favorite things... cappuccino, gawking at Italian architecture, a second cappuccino, multiple church visits for Kimberly, pizza and Peroni with the locals at a tiny, yet perfect place, fulfilling our bookstore obsession, a late afternoon gelato treat, etc... The unique and charming city of Lucca delivered for us on our short, but sweet visit. It's history is apparent in all the buildings and narrow streets that wind through this walled city. We feel very fortunate to have started the new year in this Tuscan gem.

We arrived in Lucca in time for the tastiest last lunch of the year! Being that it was Tommaso's first time in Lucca, we fit in a lot. We walked a little over a mile and a half of the wall after lunch, took in every inch of Piazza Napoleone, same goes for Piazza San Michele, and just about every little random street we came upon. Lucca is the perfect place to never worry about getting lost, since you will always hit the wall, and find your way back. A bottle of champagne to ring in the new year, gifted to us by our gracious hosts, and one last late night walk in this idyllic village, was the perfect end to 2022.

Can you ever tire of hearing about the Italian cuisine in Bologna? We share the tasty details of our last few meals in the birthplace of ragu, and the very interesting story of a certain Pope who invented the Gregorian calendar from his beautiful palazzo in Bologna. This small city begs you to stroll it's many little streets, and loose your way, which just leads to unexpected treats like the Pope's palazzo. On top of the addicting cuisine and the towering architecture (pun intended), the Bolognese people are as friendly and generous as they come. Go to Bologna and meet some of them, and have ragu wherever they suggest!

We just returned from several days in this intoxicating capitol of the Emilia-Romagna region. There is so much to keep you intrigued – between the university's stunning Library and Anatomical Theatre, the interior of Basilica San Petronio, the endless porticos, salumerias, etc... you have to force yourself to stop for lunch. And then you can't wait for dinner to compare the ragu from one family recipe to the next! Bologna is a visual and culinary treat, which should not be missed. Give yourselves several days here and ask Tommaso for ragu comparisons!

We share a bit more of our time on Lake Como in the festive time frame of post-Christmas and pre-New Years Eve. We took several boat rides up the lake in the warm and sunny weather, enjoyed a few Aperol Spritzs outside and eventually took a train to Bologna. This was Tommaso’s most anticipated visit since he was finally in the birthplace of Ragu!!! It did not disappoint! Bologna has more than just Ragu, and we will tell you all that we experienced over the next few episodes.

We spent 6 festive days in Copenhagen experiencing Danish Hyyge before heading to Italy. It was filled with Christmas traditions that the Danes have passed down over the years, and naturally a lot of bread, cheese and beer was consumed by all! We arrived in Lake Como the day after Buon Natale to find the village of Cernobbio in full holiday mode with the entire village covered in lights. Listen to the end of the episode where we recorded “Happy New Year” in the multiple languages that our friends speak. F6EoJLX6DYNDTtE0QpmE

We are off to Europe soon for the holidays, but we want to share a few interesting things currently happening in Italy and in the new year as well, which is reason alone to think about a trip to Italy in 2023! We will return with a new episode on December 28th that we will record from the idyllic village of Cernobbio on Lake Como, which is lit for Christmas like no other place on the lake!

Perhaps the 3 best hours in Rome ever! Take a ride on a vintage Vespa behind a local Roman and learn about the history of everything you drive by, drive on, stand on. Rome is full of history as you know, but what better way to learn more of it, than from a local, on the back of a cool scooter. “When in Rome” as they say... Hear more about our fabulous history filled excursion, that is definitely not your average group tour.

No matter how many times you visit Rome, you can always experience something new, even though it's very, very old! In this episode we describe why you should climb the 196 steps to the top of the Vittoriano building in Piazza Venezia, not solely for the view, but also to stand under the bronze sculpture of Vittorio Emmanule on horseback and think about what we told you fit in the belly of the horse. We also share why you might want to visit Villa Farnesina for a Raphael fix, and why everyone should walk on the bridge called Ponte Fabricio, while you think about the fact that it's been there for 2084 years!