Lucca is tops in Tuscany for tourist growth, according to recent statistics. Come here once and you'll see why. But we talk about how to explore the city off the main street and the same tours of the same seven places that every tour takes you on. With Artful Italia Founder Sheri Doyle, we talk about the truly unique adventures that await. We even have a new audio tour, just for art and shopping (and some really good snacks as well). As always we have "Is It Real or AI?" -- news of the day (Party at the Pope's house!) and so much more.

Restauranteur, food writer and self-described "cook" Stefano joins the Italian Life crew to talk about the passions and obsessions of Italians with food. Just what is "Italian" cooking? Butter in Cacio e Pepe?! NO! No? We cover it all. More is it Real or AI, news of the day and so much more.

Special guest, world traveler, writer, musician and more, Alan Gaskill joins the show talking about how to dive into the experiences of Italy when you come here. Talking all things Italy to help get your mind in the right place a truly make memories that last a lifetime. Real or AI is back! News of the day? Nobody wants to come to the US... but are Americans facing backlash abroad? We'll talk about it all and more.

Lucca is like a new pop single, climbing the charts of "must-see" tourist destinations. Every day we see the streams of tourists wandering in and out, while missing the essence of what makes Lucca such a magical, mystical, historic town. Two locals join me talking all things Lucca. We'll give you the inside information about things you'll see if you use our first audio tour. Tips for restaurants, Puccini gossip, walk where Julius Caesar did and of course, we'll argue about gelato. It's impossible not to. Check it out here if you're coming to Lucca or already here: https://italianlife.co/audio-tour/

Listen in and we'll it like it is!

We're back! Season 4. So many new things happening, some we tease and some we dive in. None more interesting than a chance to experience the Olive Harvest in Tuscany this year with us. Meanwhile, we're talking about "God's Influencer," playing "Is it Real or is it AI?" and a new word of the day. Listen in!

The sun is out, rains have mostly moved on and the beaches are opening up! But we've got our eyes on the island of Sardegna! Christina talks about her experience doing a photography shoot in the posh area of Olbio and Costa Smeralda, while Andrew lets us in the research he's done on turning the island into a weekend getaway from Tuscany. Is this his Italian versin of "Going to the Hamptons?" News of the day, "Is it Real or AI?" and so much more. Listen in!

Special Guest Sheri Doyle, founder of Artful Italia, joins Christina and Andrew to talk about what "Made it Italy" really means and how you can experience it first-hand. We check in on the new citizenship laws that make it much harder for "American Diaspora" wanting to live here (we didn't know such a thing existed!?). Wine Windows, Is it Real or AI, who wins? and so much more. Listen in!

The Nasone – ubiquitous water fountains in many cities and towns, so named because they look like a "big nose" — are a source of constant curiosity for tourists, especially when the water just runs out freely as some still do. Where is that water coming from?! In Lucca the locals bring their bottles to fill out and take home. Why so special? We've got your answers and much of what you read online is well, wrong! We've also got tips on a beautiful hike along the historic Acquedotto Nottolini that leaves the La Mura and ends up in the hills, or even in Pisa for those that like to adventure (and walk a long way!). "Is it real or AI?" is back, as is our news of the day and word of the day! Listen in!

We're getting into the height of tourist season, so if the Cinque Terre is a "must-see" (and we get it... it's worth it!)... then you need this ultimate guide! We tell you how to get there, how to experience the beauty, and most importantly how to navigate the big crowds and still have a dream vacation. Appropriately our News of the Day is on Over Tourism in Italy! Riccardo tries to win "Is it Real or is it AI?" and as always, a relevant Word of the Day. Listen in!

It's a crazy time in Rome with the Conclave and the Year of Jubilee. We talk about the movie and it's similarities to the Conclave happening right now. With all of this going on, the tourists are coming earlier and in bigger groups than years past. Planning a trip can help you avoid burnout from crowds, long lines and missing out on the spirit of Italy. We give you three tips that can really help!