April 15, 2026

210. 48 Hours in Rome

30 minutes

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In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso celebrate five years and 210 episodes of their podcast. They reflect on their journey and share a two-day adventure in Rome, exploring hidden gems and unique experiences off the usual tourist path.

Key Points:

Five Years of Kimberly’s Italy:

Kimberly and Tommaso mark the fifth anniversary of their first episode, launched on April 13, 2021.

They recall starting the podcast during COVID, with Tommaso convincing Kimberly to overcome her initial hesitations about her voice.

The most rewarding aspect has been connecting with listeners globally, who share their appreciation for the episodes.

Important Travel Updates: The EES Situation

Kimberly shares recent experiences with the EU’s Entry-Exit System (EES), noting it is slow and chaotic at most airports.

She advises adding 45 minutes to an hour to estimated arrival times and avoiding connections in Schengen countries less than two hours apart.

Tommaso recounts an incident at Linate Airport where 100 passengers missed their flight due to EES delays.

Navigating Rome Off the Map:

Kimberly and Tommaso spend 48 hours exploring Rome beyond major landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican, and Trevi Fountain.

They emphasize discovering the city’s authentic character by exploring smaller, less-traveled streets.

Monti: A Local Roman Neighborhood:

They stay in Monti, a less-touristy neighborhood northeast of the Colosseum, describing it as steep, narrow, and lived-in.

Kimberly considers Monti more authentic than Trastevere, which has become overly crowded.

Hidden Artistic and Historical Treasures:

Kimberly visits the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli, home to Michelangelo’s Moses sculpture, noting its magnificence and free entry.

They stumble upon a workshop where a craftsman restores antique frames, engaging in a dying art form.

They discover a building covered in sgraffito, a Renaissance wall decoration technique.

A Birthday in Rome:

For Kimberly’s birthday, the itinerary includes exploring churches and meandering through the city.

They encounter large crowds near the Pantheon due to Easter week, reminding listeners to consider the Easter holiday when planning spring trips.

They visit San Louis des Français, admiring its intricate gold leaf and design.

The “Flowers” Exhibit at Chiostro del Bramante:

Kimberly and Tommaso visit an exhibition spanning centuries of art, from Renaissance to AI, all centered around flowers and the role they play in ecology.

The exhibit includes immersive installations, film, painting, sculpture, and photography, with a notable display of bees building honeycomb on a mold of Emperor Hadrian’s face.

The Apple Store at Palazzo Marignoli:

They visit the Apple Store in Palazzo Marignoli, a beautifully renovated 1870s palace.

The store features restored 1900s ceiling paintings and an original ballroom used for concerts, blending history with modern design.

An interior courtyard with camphor trees pays tribute to a historic monastery, making the store a highlight of their trip.

A Memorable Birthday Dinner:

Based on a recommendation from their hotel bartender, they dine at a local osteria.

Tommaso mentions Kimberly’s birthday to the owner, leading to an abundance of extra dishes.

The evening concludes with a surprise birthday dessert and the entire restaurant singing “Happy Birthday.”

Join Kimberly and Tommaso in this episode as they share realistic travel advice and authentic experiences from their Roman adventure, celebrating five years of podcasting, and making new memories.

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By Kimberly Holcombe

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