This is our third and final podcast about the beautiful city of Florence and we might have just saved the best til last.

But first, Just to answer a question I have received many times about our arrival in Florence in episode 62 – no I still don’t know why the guy said he was a sniper and what he was actually trying to say – if you don’t know what I’m talking about – then go back and listen to the beginning of Episode 62 and you will understand – still one of the funniest things that happened to us in Florence.

Ok, back to episode 64 where we are taking you to my favourite palace in Florence – the Pitti Place (I know, the name doesn’t do it justice) as well as the beautiful Boboli Gardens which are a green oasis in the middle of the city.  Our guide Carmella showed us the most amazing galleries and living quarters of the palace.

There was a quirky artwork including butterflies and dwarfs plus the most paintings by Raphael any where in the world.  In fact all the Ninja turtles are represented at the Palace.

We learnt so much about the art and artists (obviously as I am still calling them ninja turtles) and the beauty in this palace was stunning.

Come with us as we walk around the 11 acres of the Boboli gardens.  Some of the best views of the city are from the top of the gardens. We are quite intrigued by some of the grottos which look like lumps of plaster thrown against cave walls, but then you realise they are actually animals. Weird but fascinating.

Next we go to a museum and unusual type of art gallery that only the locals seem to know about.  and it was incredible.  It involves rare semi precious stones and it is a technique that is only practiced in Florence. 

Stay listening to the end to hear about the sport – if you can call it that – called Calcio Storico.  We tell you about this game which is a combination of rugby, martial arts, boxing, wrestling, and American football, just to name a few.

It basically seems like a big brawl on the sand field involving 27 players on each side trying to score the most points. It actually dates back centuries and even some Popes played it in the Vatican city. 

It’s a game unique to Florence and it’s only played once a year in the annual tournament in June and involves 4 teams from the four classic neighbourhoods and the locals love it.

Make sure to check out the show notes and pictures from this episode by clicking the link to Episode 64 below

www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/64/florence3

If you know anyone planning a trip to Italy please send them to the www.beachtravelwine.com/italy

You can find all our travel podcasts and blogs or contact us at www.beachtravelwine.com

Have you wondered what is like to travel to the beautiful city of Florence and stand in front of some of the most famous art works in the world?

Well we share what that is like as we visit Michelangelo’s David, see  Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and dozen more famous pieces.  To say we were impressed is a massive understatement.

After visiting all the famous galleries we embark on a fantastic wine and food tour where our very passionate guide shares the secret of the dark side of Florence and takes us on a taste sensation tour of the Florence and  Tuscan region through local authentic restaurants.

We also go to a place to drink wine that is totally unique and can only be found in Florence.  I was so excited.

We tell you where you can find the best panoramic views of the city – and the best time to go there and how we ended up back in front of the Duomo late at night watching a football match between my English premier league team and Firenze football club.

This episode covers it all – food, wine, art, nature, football, history, food and wine – you get the idea.  So please enjoy episode 63 – part two of our Florence series.

You can find the show notes with pictures, maps and tour information and links here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/63/florence2

Oh and don’t forget if you know someone planning a trip to Italy – then please share our Italian series with them by sending them to www.beachtravelwine.com/italy

Find all our other podcasts from around the world here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast

This is our first episode about Florence – and we didn’t think we were going to survive to tell you any of our Florence stories. I know that sounds dramatic, but at the time it was real - and it was all to do with the weirdest google translation from our air bnb host as we were locked in a dark entry way with him outside our apartment. The whole story is in the podcast.

Now, Florence or Firenze as it is known in Italy is definitely one of my favourite cities. It is beautiful. There is so much to see and do, all packed into such small area.

This is the first of a three podcasts about Florence.  We couldn’t fit everything into one or two episodes and do it justice.

In this episode you will come with us as we walk along the Arno River and check the Porte Vecchio – which is the famous old Roman bridge with all the gold and jewellery shops.

Next, without any plan really, we find Piazza Signoria where the replica of Michelangelo’s famous David is as well as the Palacio Vecchio, Neptune’s fountain and heaps other famous sculptures.

But by far the most amazing thing we saw in our first few days was when we turned a corner and there was the Florence Duomo –  the cathedral. Wow.  I know I’ve said that before – many times – but this building is so incredible it just halts you in your tracks. 

Next we visit the central food markets, the leather market stall area, walk around the glamorous shopping area, find San Lorenzo’s Basilica where Donatello’s last works are, and finish at a dingy little bar – that became our local favourite.

Show notes, maps, pictures and links are here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/62/florence1

You can find all our Italian podcasts, photos, blogs and maps here www.beachtravelwine.com/italy

You can contact us and see all our podcasts and blogs at www.beachtravelwine.com

In today’s instalment of our Italian series - We are talking all about the popular and beautiful part of Italy called Cinque Terre, which means 5 lands. 

Cinque Terre is on the Mediterranean Sea and includes the five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.

We stayed in the biggest and most northern village of Monterosso, and we share why you should too.  We visit all the other villages and tell you about each one, what to see and how they are different.

We use the train to explore some of the villages and we also hike between two of them. We are blown away with the views – I mean, we knew they would be incredible, but nothing can prepare you for what you will see, or how tired your legs will be after your hike!

Lastly, we take a ferry ride to see all the villages from the ocean – and wow, what incredible views you have. The ferry is another way to visit each village and takes you to a town south of Cinque Terre called Porto Venere.

Stay listening to the end to find out some of the surprising things about the beaches in Cinque Terre and of course our favourite place to have a wine – or in Lyle’s case – a watermelon slushie.  – now that’s a turn up for the books.  Haha

To see all the pictures, maps, links and show notes for this Episode click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/61/cinqueterre

Remember if you know anyone who has been to Italy or planning a trip – please share our Italian podcast series with them at www.beachtravelwine.com/italy

We have people reaching out telling us how much they enjoy the podcasts because they are bringing back some special memories for them.

We hope you enjoy episode 61 all about Cinque Terre.

Find us at www.beachtravelwine.com

Have you ever wanted to visit the wine region of Tuscany in Italy or be under the Tuscan sun?

Well keep listening as we transport you to the stunning Tuscan hills and believe me it was stunning.

We spent 2 days in a Castle on top of a hill in Tuscany and it was every bit as idyllic as you can imagine.

Listen to hear all about the Castle we stayed in, how we were gobsmacked with our room.  Actually not just our room – everything about this place was spectacular.

We describe the views, the gardens, the vineyards and my favourite the infinity pool.  Wow it was amazing.

We tell you about the wine tour we did which included a tour of the vineyard, the wine cellar with all the barrels under the castle and then to top it off a five course banquet dinner with accompanying wines in the beautiful restaurant at the castle.

Make sure you click on the link to the show notes below to see all the pictures of the castle, the hills, the views and the infinity pool.

www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/60/tuscany

There is also a link to the Castello Vicchiomaggio where we stayed and a map showing exactly where it is located.

And don’t forget if you know someone planning a trip to Italy – then please share our Italian podcasts and blogs with them. At www.beachtravelwine.com/italy

You can see all our podcasts or blogs or contact us at www.beachtravelwine.com

Enjoy Episode 60 all about Tuscany. 

We are continuing our Italian series with this Episode 59 all about the famous and bucket list city in Italy, Como on the beautiful shore of Lake Como.

Hear about our amazing accommodation.  Everything about it was fabulous, the views, the room, the shower, the bed, the breakfast, the staff – it just had one small problem that was an issue for us and we tell you all about it.

Come with us as we wander around the city of Como around the lake and what happened as we lined up to get on the Funicular (remember, I don’t like heights at all). I didn’t know if I should be happy or sad.

We share the most beautiful restaurants on the lake to have lunch – or hire a beach chair and umbrella and have a swim.

Listen as we tell you about how chaotic the ferry system is and how we found a way to enjoy the lake and the most stunning and exquisite place away from all the crowds and you probably haven’t even heard of it.

Next we explore the old city area and piazzas of Como itself and tell you what happened to completely embarrass me while sitting at a lovely restaurant right in front of the huge Cathedral.

Listen to the end to hear about another ferry ride on Lake Como to a small village where we did a live broadcast and the fancy restaurant that we were hoping to have lunch in, but ended up with sandwiches and beer.

Make sure you click the link to see all the pictures – you really won’t want to miss them.  One of my friends who has been following our travels for years said that they are the best and most beautiful he has seen – so check them out. www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/59/como

 And if you know someone planning a trip to Italy, please share our podcast series all about Italy by sharing the link to our Italy page on our website at www.beachtravelwine.com/italy

If you would like to see all our other podcasts, pictures and blog posts then go to our website at www.beachtravelwine.com

In this episode we are taking you on a day trip from Como on Lake Como, to Lugano, Switzerland on Lake Lugano.

We tell you about the crazy, anxiety inducing bus trip to get to Switzerland, plus one of the craziest things we have ever seen on a road. 

Lake Lugano was utterly gorgeous and I share our walk around the lake to the beach area where I made Lyle see if the water was cold.  Lyle is pretty proud of himself as he shares a very interesting fact he found about Lugano.

Next, we go back into Italy and catch a ferry on the narrowest part of Lake Como to Bellagio.  We share why this is everyone’s favourite place on Lake Como and how we managed to snag a great spot for lunch right on the lake, even with all the crowds and we give you a tip as to how you can do this too.

Lastly, we take a ferry ride all the way from Bellagio, zigzagging our way slowly back to Como.  We tell you all about the towns we stop at and of course some of the famous villas we see on the way.

Keep listening to the end to find out which is the fancy hotel, close to Bellagio that the rich and famous stay at, and how much the Russian Oligarch’s villa is on the market for.

Make sure to click on the link below so you can see the pictures and link to the day trip that accompany this episode.  Trust me you will want to see beautiful Lake Lugano and our stunning lunch spot in Bellagio.  www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/58/lugano

And if you know someone planning a trip to Italy please share our podcast series all about Italy by sharing the link to our Italy page on our website at www.beachtravelwine.com/italy

Want to know what other countries and cities we have podcasts and pictures on then check out our website www.beachtravelwine.com

Welcome to episode 57 all about Milan, Italy. 

And I have to say that Milan was a really nice surprise even though we weren’t supposed to be going there.

Unfortunately, we had to change plans due to flooding in Italy and we tell you all about what happened.

With our weekend in Milan, we were determined to get out and explore as much as possible.  Listen to hear why trying to find the Duomo started out as a very frustrating problem and the simple fix that had us in front the stunning cathedral in under 10 minutes.

We also share all about the spectacular Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and the oldest café where we had breakfast. We went early to avoid the crowds and it was a great decision.

Listen as we were surprised and delighted to discover the canals in Milan - complete with gondolas.

We explored the canal area before we found a massive castle.  Come with us as we walk through the castle with its moat, towers and seven metre thick walls, to the extensive gardens and ponds that has its own Arc De Triumph replica – called the Arc of Peace.

Stay listening to the end as we walk around the outside of an ancient arena and eventually find a way to see what was actually inside – we were so surprised. Oh, and also hear about what the arena was used for centuries ago – trust me - you won’t be able to guess.

Hope you enjoy episode 57 all about Milan and don’t forget to click on the link below for the show notes where you can see all the photos of the places we talk about when we visited Milan.

You can find the show notes and pictures for this episode here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/57/milan

or all our Italian podcast episodes here www.beachtravelwine.com/italy

of visit our website here www.beachtravelwine.com

I’M EXCITED TO SHARE THIS EPISODE 56 WITH YOU.  THIS WAS A DAY TRIP WE DID FROM VERONA AND IS ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR ITALIAN TRIP SO FAR.

Today’s episode is all about Italy’s largest lake – Lake Garda and the gorgeous little village of Sirmione.

We tell all about the famous wine they make in this region – which is now our favourite.

Listen as we take you on a fancy boat cruise on the lake past ancient ruins, snow-capped mountains, medieval villages and fancy hotels.

Sirmione is famous for its thermal hot springs and we tell you some of the healing properties of the springs and which hotels and resorts you can visit if you want to enjoy the thermal baths.

We wander the cobblestone streets, past a 15th century castle with its stunning moat to the most famous spot for photos – the kissing point. 

We tell all about the stunning beaches and views and gorgeous restaurants in the village.

Listen to the end where we talk about some unusual shops we saw (well I saw them, Lyle wasn’t too impressed) and where we found the massive lemons that were the size of footballs.

Hope you enjoy being transported to the stunning Lake Garda and Sirmione in Episode 56.

You can see all the show notes and pictures that go with this podcast here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/https://www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/56/lakegarda

or see all our Italian podcasts, show notes and pictures here www.beachtravelwine.com/italy

or visit our website here www.beachtravelwine.com

Ciao and welcome to Episode 55 where we are telling you all about historic river city of Verona. 

Now you might know Verona for a famous Balcony from a Shakespeare play or the Verona Arena which is older than the Colosseum.

We do tell you about those, but first we will give you the grand tour – as we explore all around the old city from Castle Vechio and its famous bridge, across the raging Adige river and up the funicular to Castel San Pietro for the most incredible views of the whole city.  Lyle is blown away with some art all about Dante in the Castel – who knew he was such an art connoisseur?

Of course, we have drinks with a view before finding our way back down the hill to the incredible Duomo.  The artwork in this church is incredible.

Come with us as we wander the famous Piazza Erbe and Piazza Bra and find a fabulous bar where the locals were lining up to get in – luckily we were there early and snagged a great table.

Listen to the end to hear about the live concert inside the Verona arena we bought tickets to and the famous singer we saw (here’s a hint – they call him Italy’s Tom Jones) and what happened after we left the arena.

Enjoy episode 55 all about Verona, Italy.

You can see all the show notes, links and pictures from the episode here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/55/verona

All our Italian podcasts and pictures here www.beachtravelwine.com/italy

or visit our website at www.beachtravelwine.com