Kimberly and Tommaso share their experiences in Città Bassa, the lower city of Bergamo. They highlight the area’s unique piazzas, shopping streets, and cultural landmarks. They also touch on Bergamo’s sister city relationship with Greenville, South Carolina.

Key Points:

Piazza Pontida:

Borgo Palazzo Neighborhood:

Culinary Experience at Caprizza Bergamo:

Via Pignolo:

Venetian Walls and Viale della Mura:

Bergamo and Greenville, South Carolina: Sister Cities

• Primary Goal: To promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.

Commonalities Between Bergamo and Greenville:

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In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso share their travel

experiences in Bergamo, Italy, focusing on Città Alta. They recount funny

driving challenges and highlight the area’s rich history and architecture.

Key Points:

Driving Adventures in Città Alta:

Exploring Piazza Vecchio and Piazza Duomo:

Aperitivo Experience:

Meeting Luisa and Bebo:

Visiting Roca di Bergamo:

Next Week’s Episode:

Kimberly and Tommaso will discuss Città Basso, the lower city of Bergamo, in the next episode.

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In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso recount their visit to

Modena, Italy. They describe the city’s attractions, from balsamic vinegar to

Ferrari. They also discuss travel safety tips and the upcoming changes to the

podcast schedule.

Key Points:

Podcast Schedule Update:

Travel Safety Advice:

Modena’s Centro Storico:

UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

Famous Modenese Figures:

Giuseppe Giusti Balsamic Vinegar:

Ferrari Museum:

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In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso explore Arezzo, a Tuscan village offering a blend of history and culture. They share insights on its art, architecture, and the stories behind its famous figures.

Key Points:

Discovering Arezzo:

Navigating Arezzo:

Arezzo’s Famous Figures:

Memorable Experiences:

Unexpected Encounters:

Architectural and Artistic Highlights:

Final Thoughts:

Arrival in Montepulciano:

Kimberly and Tommaso’s journey to Montepulciano began with a typical and comical Tuscan drive. Navigating steep, rain-soaked, ancient stone streets tested their driving skills. The parking garage’s tight turns and slippery surfaces added to the challenge, but they eventually prevailed!

Historical Context of Montepulciano:

The discussion shifts from the founding of Montepulciano in the Etruscan era to Roman rule and the medieval period. Understanding this timeline provides context for appreciating the village’s architecture and cultural significance, enriching the travel experience. The historical overview prepares listeners to appreciate Italy’s layered past.

Culinary Delights and Local Encounters:

Kimberly and Tommaso recount their lunch in Montepulciano at a family-run restaurant, highlighting the delicious handmade pici pasta and the warm hospitality of the owners. Their dinner was even better which they shared with a local friend. Both meals on day one encapsulates the charm of Tuscan cuisine and the welcoming nature of small local establishments.

Experiencing Montepulciano Off-Season:

Traveling in December allowed them to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience. They stayed in a regal hotel which they had entirely to themselves, exemplifying the benefits of off-season travel. They could explore the village at a relaxed pace and connect with locals.

Organic Wineries and Val d’Orcia:

A road trip with a sommelier friend introduced them to organic wineries in the Val d’Orcia region. This experience highlighted the dedication of local vintners to sustainable practices and the unique qualities of Tuscan wines. During the winery visit, Kimberly’s aversion to meat created a funny moment, reinforcing the importance of honesty and cultural sensitivity.

Cherished Friendships and Cultural Exchange:

Kimberly and Tommaso value their long-standing friendships with Italians, including one of the daughters from Nostra Vita Winery whom they met up with at a local pasticceria. Deep conversation about art and their creative nature over a cappuccino was the perfect way to start the day. The friends they met with in Montepulciano underscores the importance of cultural connections and deepens their appreciation for Italian culture.

Link to artist Carlotta Parisi's website is: here

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italy travel, tuscany, montepulciano, etruscan history, medieval villages, italian road trip, off-season travel, italian food, peachy pasta, wine tasting, val d’orcia, organic winery, italian culture, driving in italy,

Apologies!

Kimberly shares crucial travel updates for Italy, including the delayed EU entry-exit system, changes at Pompeii to manage crowds, the opening of Florence’s Vasari Corridor, and new regulations for Airbnb rentals. This episode provides essential information for anyone planning a trip to Italy, ensuring a smoother and more informed travel experience. Tommaso is under the weather, so this is a shorter episode focused on delivering need-to-know updates.

01:08 EU Border Management Initiatives

04:13 Crowd Control at Pompeii

06:08 The Vasari Corridor Opens in Florence

08:00 Changes in Airbnb Regulations

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In this episode of Kimberly’s Italy, Tommaso and I explore the unique charm and benefits of traveling off-season to lesser-known destinations like Cortona in the Tuscany Region of Italy. We dive into the rich experiences and vibrant cultural events that made our visit memorable.

Highlights from Our Visit:

Cultural Events:

Exploration and Sightseeing:

Local Insights:.

• Reflecting on our own driving experiences, we noted the impressive skill of local drivers, and how they so expertly maneuver their cars on those steep Medieval stone streets.

Dining and Socializing:

• Meeting fellow Americans at dinner was a highlight, acknowledging that we all appreciated the off season travel while sharing hysterical driving mishaps.

This episode provides insights into the benefits of off-season travel, offering listeners a taste of Cortona’s cultural richness and scenic beauty. Join us as we share our experiences and recommendations for a truly enchanting Italian adventure.

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In this episode, we take you on a journey to the medieval village of Cortona, Italy, where we experienced a delightful and unexpected Christmas celebration in December. Join Kimberly Holcombe and Tommaso il favoloso as they delve into the rich tapestry of Cortona’s history and charm.

Highlights of the Episode:

Cortona’s Ancient Roots:

The Journey to Cortona:

• Our drive through the narrow entrances and ancient city walls was an adventure in itself. Navigating tight spaces and construction blocks tested our driving skills but also provided moments of humor and relief.

Stunning Views and Local Culture:

A Heartwarming Surprise:

Dinner at the Osteria:

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In this episode of our podcast, Kimberly and Tommaso offer insights that contrast with the often-misleading online travel information. They also share a few history-rich experiences in Rome, which eventually lead to the Tour di Negroni.

Key Points:

The Myth of the Perfect Itinerary:

Episode Highlight: “Tour di Negroni”

The History of the Negroni

• We delve into the history of the Negroni, which was invented in 1919 by Count Camillo Negroni while he was in Florence.

Memorable Stops and Culinary Breaks

We take a brief hiatus from our Tour di Negroni while spending 10 days in the Dolomites and Copenhagen for Christmas.

Reflections and Future Plans

Join us in this episode as we uncover the true essence of traveling through Italy, providing a realistic and enriching perspective on what to expect and enjoy.

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