EP23 Ferragosto and 2025 Travel Update

It’s Mid-August in Italy… the beaches are packed, the cities are quiet, and lunch might just last all afternoon.

This week we’re diving into Ferragosto — where it comes from, how Italians celebrate, and why it’s the perfect excuse to slow down and savor summer.

We’ll also share a few updates on the 2025 travel season, including how the Jubilee has unfolded so far and what to know if you’re planning a trip before the end of the year.

Resources:

Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook

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If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at [email protected].

If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at [email protected].

Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

EP22 Hiking the Alps

In today’s episode, we’re heading north, way north, to the Alps for an epic adventure.

And, joining us are two very special guests: our son, Luca Raso, and his girlfriend, Molly Ricker.

They’ve just returned from completing the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc, a 170-kilometer trek that winds through France, Italy and Switzerland.

They will share their highs and lows, relive the stunning views, and provide invaluable tips for anyone dreaming of tackling one of the Alp’s most iconic hikes.

Resources:

Tour du Mont Blanc Refuges Booking | Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook

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If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at [email protected].

If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at [email protected].

Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

EP21 Siena & the Palio

Today, we're taking you to one of our absolute favorite places in Tuscany — Siena, a city steeped in medieval history and tradition.

We’ve been visiting Siena for over 25 years, and somehow, it never loses its magic.

But there’s one event that makes Siena truly come alive — the Palio. It’s wild, passionate, and deeply rooted in tradition.

In this episode, we’ll share why this city is so close to our hearts and explore the soul of Siena through its legendary horse race.

Resources:

Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook

Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own!

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If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at [email protected].

If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at [email protected].

Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

Today’s episode is all about our recent adventure to the island of Sardinia.

I say adventure, because it was definitely not a relaxing vacation!

It was 10 days spent touring the island from north to south and packing in as much fun and culture as possible.

Sardinia has been evolving from an undiscovered island to a luxury coastal hotspot to an authentic cultural and adventure destination - attracting not just sun-seekers, but also foodies, hikers, and history lovers.

Stay tuned to hear all about it!

Resources:

Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook

Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own!

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Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure!

If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at [email protected].

If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at [email protected].

Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

EP19 Update on Our Italian Life

In today’s episode, we talk about our life here in Italy so far.

It’s been 9 months since we made the big leap over the pond, and we thought it was a good time to reflect and provide an update.

Has it been everything we dreamed it would be? Is it even better? What have been some of the challenges?

Press play and find out!

Resources:

Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook

Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own!

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Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure!

If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at [email protected].

If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at [email protected].

Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

Today’s episode is all about Italy’s calcio culture – also known as football or soccer depending on where you are from.

Calcio is the most popular sport in the world and that also holds true in Italy with over 1.4 million registered players and over 14,000 teams.

But Calcio is more than a sport in Italy, it’s almost a religion or a cult depending on who you ask.

In this episode:

Resources:

Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own!

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If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at [email protected].

If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at [email protected].

Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

In today’s episode, we’re heading south to the region of Campania.

While most known for its breathtaking Amalfi Coast, the region is also popular for its charming islands that lie west of the mainland in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

You’ve likely heard of the jet-set island of Capri, but we’re going to focus on the lesser known, but larger, island of Ischia.

We just spent a week exploring this charming authentic island and we can’t wait to share what we learned.

Resources:

Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own!

Subscribe, Review, and Partner:

If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at [email protected].

If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at [email protected].

Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

EP16 All About Milan & Lake Como

In today’s episode, we’ll talk about the metropolitan city of Milan and the beautiful area of Lake Como.

While the two destinations couldn’t be more different, they are often side-by-side in an itinerary for visiting the region of Lombardy.

We’ll discuss everything you need to know to get the most out of these destinations during your trip to Italy.

Resources:

Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook

Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own!

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Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure!

If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at [email protected].

If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at [email protected].

Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

Spring has sprung here in Italy, so today's episode is all about La Primavera!

We’ll discuss what Italy has to offer visitors during these spring months including:

It’s a fun and energizing season and we can’t wait to talk about it!

Resources:

Get Inspired – When to Travel | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook

Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own!

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Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure!

If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at [email protected].

If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at [email protected].

Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

EP14 The Italian Riviera

Today's episode showcases the beautiful coast of the Italian Riviera along the Ligurian Sea.

This coastal area has been one of our favorites in all of Italy since 1997 as it has charming, colorful fishing villages, beautiful beaches with clear-blue water as well as mountain cliffs and parks. It’s the perfect destination for relaxation and sea life, as well as sport and adventure,

We weren’t sure how a March Spring Break on the coast would be, but we had a blast and can’t wait to share our recent adventure with you.

Resources:

What to Pack | Hiking the Cinque Terre | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook

Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own!

Subscribe, Review, and Partner:

Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure!

If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at [email protected].

If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at [email protected].

Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.