Special feature: Beyond the Mosaics: Discovering the Soul of Ravenna

Ravenna is a city that will make you fall in love. Once the capital of empires and home to some of the world's most breathtaking Byzantine mosaics, it's also a place that continues to inspire, from Dante Alighieri finishing Paradiso to Lord Byron writing in exile.   In this Amongst Romans special feature, I explore Ravenna's rich artistic and literary heritage while uncovering how the city is shaping the future of travel through the Ravenna Footprints initiative. From mosaic-covered churches to quiet cycling paths and creative workshops, this episode reveals how Ravenna blends history, culture and sustainability in a way that few destinations manage to do.   If you love Italy's quieter corners, meaningful travel and stories that go beyond the usual tourist trail, this episode will make you see Ravenna and cultural travel in a whole new light.   Resources: Full Ravenna blog post Ravenna Footprints initiative Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy Italy Travel Guide Find out where to stay in Italy Discover things to do in Italy   Disclaimer: This trip was supported by the Ravenna tourism board as part of the Footprints Project. All opinions are my own. Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.  Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.  Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.   Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!

As summer winds down and Italians head back to work and school, something magical happens: the crowds thin, the prices drop, and the weather is still glorious. In this final episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I’m talking about why the end of August and the start of September might be the best time to visit Italy. You’ll hear:  – What changes in the vibe, the prices, and the crowds  – Where to go for a more relaxed experience  – What’s still open and summery, even as vacation season ends  – Why this in-between moment is perfect for cultural travellers If you’ve ever wondered when to visit Italy without the peak season chaos, this episode is your answer. Resources: Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy Italy Travel Guide Find out where to stay in Italy Discover things to do in Italy   Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.  Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.  Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.   Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!  

Aperitivo isn’t just a drink before dinner. It’s a way of life. In Italy, it’s how people unwind, socialize, and ease into the evening with style. But if you’re visiting, you might be wondering how it works, what to order, and what’s expected. In this episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I break down:  – What aperitivo really is (and what it’s not)  – The difference between aperitivo and apericena  – What to drink and what’s usually served  – How it varies across Italy  – Tips for doing aperitivo like a local, not a tourist Whether you’re sipping a spritz in a piazza or discovering something regional and new, this episode will help you enjoy one of Italy’s best summer rituals. Listen now, and don’t forget the olives.   Resources: Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy Italy Travel Guide Find out where to stay in Italy Discover things to do in Italy   Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.  Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.  Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.   Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!    

Going to the beach in Italy isn’t just about sand and sun. It’s a cultural ritual. From private lidos to public stretches of coastline, there’s a rhythm, etiquette, and even a bit of strategy to getting it right. In this episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I’ll share:  – How to enjoy beaches in Italy   – The difference between public and private beaches  – When to go for the best experience   – Some of my favourite spots across the country for a perfect beach day Whether you’re dreaming of a sandy stretch in Sicily, a hidden cove in Liguria, or a quick seaside escape from Rome, this episode will help you enjoy Italian beach time like a local.   Resources: Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy Italy Travel Guide Find out where to stay in Italy Discover things to do in Italy   Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.  Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.  Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.   Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!

If you’re travelling in Italy in August, there’s one date you need to know: Ferragosto. It’s part ancient Roman holiday, part Catholic feast day, and today it’s the height of Italy’s summer celebrations. In this episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I’ll explain:  – The history of Ferragosto and how it’s celebrated today  – What to expect across Italy on August 15th  – Other important August dates and events to know about  – Tips for making the most of this hot (and busy) time of year From fireworks over the coast to quiet city streets, Ferragosto is a unique window into Italian culture and a date that can shape your travel plans.   Resources: Read more about Ferragosto Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy Italy Travel Guide Find out where to stay in Italy Discover things to do in Italy   Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.  Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.  Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.   Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!  

Planning a trip to Italy in August? You’ve probably heard the rumours: everything closes, everyone leaves, and you’ll be stuck in a ghost town. In this episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I break down what really happens in August. What closes, what stays open, and how to plan around it without stress. We’ll talk about:  – Why do so many Italians take time off in August  – What “chiuso per ferie” really means  – How closures vary by region and town size  – Tips for finding food, shopping, and transport Whether you’re coming for the beach, the cities, or the quiet countryside, this episode will help you feel prepared—and avoid surprises.   Resources: Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy Italy Travel Guide Find out where to stay in Italy Discover things to do in Italy   Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.  Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.  Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.   Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!

Italy’s history isn’t frozen in time. It’s still being uncovered, layer by layer. In this episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I’m sharing some of the most exciting archaeological finds made this year across the country.   From a perfectly preserved Etruscan tomb to a newly revealed Greek gymnasium in Sicily and life-sized Dionysus frescoes in Pompeii, these discoveries are helping us rethink what we know about ancient Italy. You’ll also learn: – Why the Iron Age matters – How Greek and Etruscan cultures shaped Roman life – Why these finds should still excite you—even if you can't visit them in person   Whether you’re already in Italy or just planning your dream trip, this episode will give you a deeper sense of what’s beneath your feet—and why it still matters today.   Resources: Read: Ancient ruins and sites in Italy Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy Italy Travel Guide Find out where to stay in Italy Discover things to do in Italy   Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.  Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.  Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.   Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!

From carving names into ancient ruins to jumping into fountains, some tourists are giving Italy a bad name—and facing real consequences. In this episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I’m talking about the worst tourist behaviour making headlines this summer—and how to avoid becoming part of the problem. You’ll hear: – Real examples of tourists behaving badly in Italy – Why it’s more than just “harmless fun” – How to show respect for Italy’s culture, people, and past – Easy ways to be a more thoughtful traveller If you care about travelling well—and making a good impression—this one’s for you. Resources: Read the CNN post about tourists misbehaving  Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy Italy Travel Guide Find out where to stay in Italy Discover things to do in Italy   Let’s connect! Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.  Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.  Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.   Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!

Strikes in Italy are as common as gelato in summer, but that doesn’t mean your trip has to fall apart. In this episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I break down what you need to know about strikes (scioperi), how to spot them before they happen, and what to do if one affects your plans. You’ll learn: – Why do strikes happen in Italy – How to find out about them in advance – What services still run during a strike – How to stay calm and adjust your plans like a pro Whether it’s your first time in Italy or your fifth, this episode will help you stay flexible, informed and one step ahead. Resources: - Italian Ministry of Transportation strike schedule - Tranitalia guaranteed train service during a strike info  - Strikes in Italy post    Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy Italy Travel Guide Find out where to stay in Italy Discover things to do in Italy   Let’s connect! Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.  Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.  Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.   Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!   Subscribe to Amongst Romans for more practical tips and cultural insights all summer long.

It’s hot. Really hot. If you’re travelling to Italy in July or August, you’ll need more than sunscreen and wishful thinking.   In this first episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I’m sharing real-world tips for beating the heat. You’ll learn:   – What to expect from Italy’s summer weather – How to plan your day around the hottest hours – Where to find free water, shade and air conditioning – What to wear to stay cool and blend in   This quick episode will help you avoid heat exhaustion and make the most of your summer trip, without melting in the process.   Subscribe to Amongst Romans for a new summer short every week.   Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy Italy Travel Guide Find out where to stay in Italy Discover things to do in Italy   Let’s connect! Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.  Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.  Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.   Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!