Italy, renowned for its stunning monuments, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage, faces an ongoing challenge in maintaining and restoring its treasures. The Eternal City of Rome is at the heart of this challenge, with its iconic landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon drawing millions of visitors each year. However, the upkeep of these monuments comes with a monumental cost, leading to innovative solutions that blend tradition with modernity: patronage and corporate sponsorship. Listen to learn all the details PLUS how YOU can become a Patron of the Vatican Museums and gain exclusive private access to the Sistine Chapel and other magnificent works of art and monuments.

Italy's Procida Island is a destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring its enchanting neighborhoods, savoring fresh seafood, or enjoying a boat tour around the island, Procida promises an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit today and discover why this charming island was honored as Italy's Capital of Culture in 2022. Head to the show notes for all the details on Procida – it's your definitive guide to the island!

A very special interview with Riccardo, a nine-year-old Italian boy who shared what kids really want to do when they travel to Italy. If you’re making a family trip to Italy this summer, Riccardo’s insights will help you create an exciting and memorable itinerary for your children. Head to the show notes for lots of links and photos!

Don't miss my chat with Andrea Fassi! Listen in to learn the rich & flavorful history of Fassi Gelateria, Italy's oldest gelateria dating back to 1880, located in the heart of Rome, & run by 5th generation Andrea Fassi. Andrea shares the insider story of his family's historic gelateria, plus the direction he's taking to incorporate some new ideas of his own into Fassi Gelateria. Andrea wants to maintain his family's traditional and multigenerational gelato recipes that Romans (and tourists alike!) have come to love and embrace as the best Gelato and Rome.

Looking for something new and fresh to up your summer pasta game? Michele Di Pietro and I've got you covered with some tasty easy-to-make summer pasta recipes. Twists on classics...and some new ones to tantalize your guests. For example, have you ever made lemon pesto? Learn this recipe and lots more in today's fun pasta chat!

Mount Etna wines: the dynamic & exciting world of volcanic viticulture, where some of the most intriguing and unique wines in the world are made! Have a listen to learn all about this active volcano wine producing region, and what makes these wines so exquisite...

The captivating story of Zeneba Bowers and Matt Walker, classical musicians turned travel enthusiasts. Originally from the United States, this dynamic duo traded their established careers for a new life in Italy, specifically in the quaint town of Soriano nel Cimino near Viterbo. Their journey is not only inspiring but also packed with practical insights for anyone dreaming of a similar adventure. Zeneba and Matt have authored four guidebooks covering Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Italy’s Alpine lakes, and even Ireland. Their books are beloved for steering travelers away from tourist traps and towards immersive experiences in less frequented locales. They emphasize the importance of exploring small towns to truly grasp the essence of a place. Listen in for all the details!

There's a new Food Tour company you don't want to miss in Rome: Eatalian. Today Hannah - co-owner and founder -  and I dug deep into the details of the fun and unique Eatalian food tours, brand new this month in Rome.

Their Dolce Vita food tour in Rome's Via Veneto area is a tour like none other and one you won't want to miss. They have a Heart of Rome tour and a Trastevere tour, each with an Eatalian unique twist. The Eatalian golf cart tour will be coming soon, with a focus on wine tastings throughout the Eternal City. Eatalian has set up gift cards in case you'd like to gift one of these tours to a friend or family member who's traveling to Italy. These tours are capped at no more than 10 people per tour and are all conducted by outstanding licensed guides. Have a listen as Hannah and I chat today all about brand new Eatalian and its backstory!

The Marche region of Italy is a hidden gem that deserves more attention from travelers seeking authentic Italian experiences. The website Wonderful Marche is on a mission to share the beauty and charm of this unspoiled region and our chat today is all about this fabulous region. Often overlooked in favor of Italy's more famous coastlines, the Adriatic coast, home to the Marche region, offers stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences. 
The name "Marche" is unique in that it is the only Italian region name in the plural form, reflecting its historical division into several smaller regions, known as marches.
 Join us today as we dig into the details of the Marche region and its undiscovered treasures.

Join me and Amber Guinness in our delightful chat about the essence of the Tyrrhenian Sea through her new book, Italian Coastal. Travel from the Tuscan coast through Lazio, Campania, and northern Sicily, discovering the rich flavors and stories that shape her food philosophy. There are sixty simple yet delicious recipes inspired by coastal Italy. It’s a blend of recipe book, travelogue, and memoir, filled with stunning photography, that’ll bring the magic of the Mediterranean to your table, and in our chat, we delve into some enchanting stories about Italy's coast that you won't want to miss!