Ciao Bella

All roads lead to Rome, or start from here in the case of Walks, Italy's leader in small group tours. In this episode of Ciao Bella, Erica sits down with Stephen Oddo, co-founder and CEO of Walks, a tourism empire that marries modern “digitourism” with classic small group tours. Steven talks about entrepreneurship, the Walks philosophy, and how his company is collaborating with local communities in Rome and around the world to fight the effects of overtourism. 

3 Essential Walks Tours

Pristine Sistine Premium Colosseum with Roman Forum and Palatine Rome in a Day  For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella 

INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

TWITTER  @moscerina

 

From Italy to America and back again, for Cristina Mariani May, co-CEO of Banfi, the wine business is 100% Italian and American. With a 100 year-old grasp on importing Italian goods to America, Banfi has also been producing one of the top Brunellos for nearlly five decades. In this episode, Erica heads to Castello Banfi near Montalcino to talk family business and Tuscan heritage with Cristina.

  For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella 

INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

TWITTER  @moscerina

 

 

Growing up in a historic five-star hotel on the shores of Lake Como, Jan Bucher is no stranger to the complexities and curiosities of luxury hospitality. As general manager of Bellagio’s Villa Serbelloni, Jan has accepted the four-generations-old torch that is running one of Como’s, and accordingly, the world’s, grandest hotels. Join Erica and Jan for a conversation on Clooney, culture and Como.

  For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella 

INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

TWITTER  @moscerina

 

Sara Maestrelli shares the journey from creation to design of Violino d'Oro, her family's new hotel in Venice. Hosts Erica Firpo  talks with Sara Maestrelli about the intricate process of transforming historical buildings into modern hospitality spaces while preserving their heritage.Tune in to discover the secrets behind the lady in the palazzo and the art of creating a home away from home in the heart of Venice.

  For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella 

INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

TWITTER  @moscerina

 

News Flash: Italy has finally greenlit the Digital Nomad Visa! Your dreams of living in Italy are about to become reality. In this short episode, Thea Duncan, Italy relocation expert, joins Erica to break down what the new digital nomad visa is and what it means to you.   For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella 

INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

TWITTER  @moscerina

 

Murder, mayhem and Sicily, that's author Jo Piazza's stranger than fiction reality which inspired her to write her latest book "The Sicilian Inheritance".  In this episode, Jo joins Erica to talk hill towns a 100-year-old family tale, and the best things in being Italian American.   JoPiazza.com #TheSiclianInheritance   For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella 

INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

TWITTER  @moscerina

 

In an industry where the brightest stars fall the fastest, Campari has been a constant. A landmark of culture and pioneer of innovation, the brand’s trademark location in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II embodies its legacy of quality, family, and, above all, italianità. Erica sits down with Tommaso Cecca, head mixologist of Camparino in Galleria, for a conversation on Campari’s unmatched history, its role in aperitivo culture, and the recent opening of its underground speakeasy, Sala Gaspare. 

For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella 

INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

TWITTER  @moscerina

 

 

Panettone passion, it's a thing. And chef Roy Shvartzapel elevates this passion into a mission to liberate panettone from its Christmas confinement. From his Southern California panettone production ThisisfromRoy, chef Roy is transforming panettone into a perennial pleasure.  Grab a slice as Erica joins Roy to hear his panettone story and how he is making the Italian Christmas cake a year-round vibe. #It’sNotAboutThePanettone    For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella 

INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

TWITTER  @moscerina

 

Palazzo Strozzi is an amazing Renaissance monument, and since the 2006 opening as Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi, it's an destination for blockbuster exhibits with a lean towards contemporary art. In this episode, Erica talks with General Director Arturo Galansino about Palazzo Strozzi, the importance of today's art in Florence, and the mesmerising Fallen Angels show by Anselm Kiefer.   For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella 

INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

TWITTER  @moscerina

 

Davide Bollati, the visionary behind Davines, shares the inspiring journey of transforming haircare to a sustainabiliity pioneer. With a passion for both beauty and environmental consciousness, Davide has redefined industry standards, pioneering eco-friendly practices and natural ingredients. Through his leadership, Davines has become synonymous with innovation, ethics, and social responsibility. Join Erica at Davines headquarters in Parma, Italk with Davide about Davines's remarkable story.     For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella 

INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

TWITTER  @moscerina