147. Tourist Season is in Full Swing!!!

Episode Highlights: Weather Breakthrough: The narrative begins with the joy of a sunny day at Lago di Garda after a series of rainy days, setting a picturesque backdrop for the episode. Critical Insight on AI in Travel: Kimberly and Tommaso delve into the pitfalls of AI-generated travel articles, sharing a critique of an inaccurate piece about Newport, Rhode Island. They emphasize the importance of verifying online travel information to avoid misinformation. Travel Planning Tips: With the high demand for travel to Italy, listeners are advised to plan their trips well in advance. Road Trip to Sirmione: Detailed recounting of our scenic journey, including a ferry ride from Desenzano to Sirmione. Highlights include visiting Castello Scaligero and celebrating Kimberly's birthday at a restaurant renowned for its gin and tonics made with Tassoni tonic water. Culinary Delights: A mouth-watering description of our lunch featuring burrata, tomato salad, and pizza, served by a charming waiter. Historical Exploration: A visit to Grotto di Catullo, the ruins of an ancient Roman villa, with detailed observations of its historical significance and stunning panoramic views. The site’s organization and informative signage enhanced their experience. Village Stroll and Discoveries: Anecdotes about navigating restrooms, walking through village streets, and discovering a villa that resembled a luxury hotel. Despite skipping the long lines to explore Castello Scaligero in-depth, we admired its architectural beauty and restoration efforts. Practical Travel Advice: Tips for visiting architectural sites early to avoid crowds, enjoying local cuisine, and strategically planning ferry rides. Perfect Birthday Celebration: The day culminates with a sense of satisfaction from exploring ruins, a castle, and savoring delicious food and drinks. The episode wraps up with excitement for our next road trip destination. Join Kimberly and Tommaso for an episode filled with travel tips, cultural insights, and personal anecdotes, ensuring you have the best experience in Italy while navigating the potential pitfalls of AI-generated travel information.

Main Theme: Explore the enchanting region of Lake Garda through our immersive travel experiences, historical insights, appreciation of cultural richness, and our personal anecdotes. Episode Highlights: Road Trips Around Lake Garda: Activities include sailing, biking, hiking, and camping. Emphasis on discovering hidden gems and local adventures. Camping at Lake Garda: Thera are a multitude of local campsites. Architectural and Scenic Marvels: Visit to a Romanesque church offering breathtaking views of Lake Garda. In-depth look at the striking architectural features of the church. Journey to Limone Sul Garda: Challenges of finding parking in a popular tourist spot. Observations on the village’s lemon-themed branding and its charm. Admiration of the beautiful waterfront and a humorous encounter with a soccer field near an old convent. Listener Engagement: We encourage listener feedback and participation through reviews and social media interactions. We appreciate audience engagement, fostering a community of Italy enthusiasts. Future Explorations: Teasers about upcoming adventures around Lago di Garda, promising more hidden spots and unique experiences. Conclusion: Join us as we weave through Italy’s picturesque landscapes, sharing stories that capture the heart of Italian culture, history, and everyday wonders. Whether you’re planning your own trip or simply love the idea of Italy, this podcast promises to transport you to the enchanting shores of Lake Garda. Ciao! Ciao!

Welcome to another episode of “Kimberly’s Italy,” where your hosts, Kimberly and Tommaso, take you on a journey through the heart of Italy, exploring its art, culture, cuisine, and the unique challenges travelers face. This episode is packed with insights, stories, and recommendations for anyone looking to experience Italy beyond the surface. Main Themes: Transportation Challenges: Learn about the hurdles travelers encounter, from navigating Rome’s streets to dealing with taxi shortages at airports. Hear a firsthand account of a car accident in Rome and the struggle to find alternative transportation with the complexities of local services. Practical Travel Recommendations: Discover apps like IT Taxi and the benefits of hiring private drivers or using the Leonardo Express train for efficient airport-city commutes. Upcoming Events and Strikes: Get insights into how the planned nationwide taxi strike and the Vatican jubilee in 2025 could impact travel and transportation in Italy. Responsible Tourism: Reflect on the importance of traveling responsibly, considering the environmental and cultural impact of our visits. Learn about the fines for taking sand from Sardinia and the effects of overtourism in cherished locales. Enrolling in STEP: Understand the value of staying informed about potential risks while traveling abroad, especially amidst global unrest. Heartwarming Travel Stories: Be moved by a touching narrative of a client visiting her grandparents’ village in Puglia, showcasing the depth of personal connection that can be found in Italy. What You’ll Learn: How to navigate Italy’s transportation system, including alternatives to traditional taxis and strategies for dealing with strikes and shortages. The importance of responsible tourism and how to minimize your footprint while maximizing your experience. Safety and preparedness strategies for international travelers, ensuring a smooth and informed journey. Episode Highlights: Kimberly and Tommaso share their expertise and passion for Italy, offering listeners a comprehensive guide to making the most of their Italian adventure. Hear real-life stories from clients, including the challenges they faced and the unforgettable moments that made their trips special. Gain valuable insights into planning your trip, from choosing the right transportation to finding those hidden gems that offer a genuine Italian experience. Join us as we delve into the beauty and complexity of traveling in Italy, offering you the tools and knowledge to navigate your journey with confidence and joy. “Kimberly’s Italy” is your passport to a deeper understanding of this magnificent country and its many wonders. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us make each episode even better. Safe travels, and until next time, Arrivederci!

It was Tommaso’s first visit to this history rich city, therefore we hired a private tour guide who made our visit perfetto! No matter how much you research and read about a destination, you will never learn as much as with a (good) guide. The amount of interesting facts and details we were told kept us happily engaged for hours. Verona offers so much visually with its mix of architecture and a significant amount of the frescoed facades from the 16th century are still visible today, hence it’s nickname of The Painted City. Another big lure to Verona is that it is so small you can walk absolutely everywhere, so no need to find a taxi stand! Follow us on Instagram or Facebook Instagram Facebook

The legendary trattoria on the island of Burano was the perfect way to start our second day in Venezia. It’s one of those family run restaurants that you will remember for years to come. Delicious food, engaging and attentive staff and a classic interior which all comes together to create the perfect Venetian culinary treat. Our second legendary stop was at Venice’s most iconic hotel. It just celebrated it’s 200th anniversary as a continuously run hotel, so it’s clearly filled with history and a roster of notable people who have rest their heads in this luxurious palazzo originally built in the 1400’s.  We share all about both of these legendary places so hit the play button and enjoy!  Follow us on Instagram or Facebook Instagram Facebook

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Episode Summary: In this heartfelt episode, we unpack the bittersweet feelings of returning home after an enchanting trip to Italy. We dive into the complexities of “reentry stress” juxtaposed with their deep longing for the Italian way of life. From navigating travel hiccups to cherishing the quiet moments away from the hustle of tourist spots, we share their honest experiences and tips for future travelers. What You’ll Learn: The Realities of Coming Home: We discuss the emotional rollercoaster of returning to routine life in the States after the freedom and beauty of Italy, using the phrase “reentry is a bitch” to capture their sentiments. Staying in Venice: As a duo we reminisces about our unique stay in a charming, renovated apartment in Venice, located in a former glass blowing factory. This experience allowed us to live like locals, away from the crowds, highlighting the importance of sustainable tourism. Local Dining Experiences: Listeners will get a taste of Italy as we recount our dining adventures, from enjoying fresh seafood in Venice to discovering the exquisite white wines of Friuli. Special mention is made of a cozy meal at Sao Paulo in San Polo Sestiere. Challenges of Tourist Destinations: We provide insights into preparing for visits to popular cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, offering advice on how to navigate the overwhelming tourist presence. Embracing Technology: From QR code menus to Vaporetto tickets, learn how technology can enhance the travel experience in Italy, making navigation and exploration smoother for visitors. Discovering Murano and Burano: We share their experiences visiting the islands of Murano and Burano, touching on the vibrant history, colorful houses, and the centuries-old lace-making tradition of Burano. A Nostalgic Attempt to Revisit Cafe Florian: The episode also shares a touching moment of attempting to revisit memories at Cafe Florian in Piazza San Marco, highlighting how COVID restrictions have impacted traditional experiences. Closing Thoughts: “Kimberly’s Italy” goes beyond just sharing travel tales; it’s about connecting with the heart and soul of Italian culture, and embracing the beauty of its local traditions and people. Whether you’re navigating post-travel blues or planning your next Italian getaway, this episode offers a genuine look into the joys and challenges of traveling, and why, despite everything, Italy remains a country that captures the hearts of many. Next Episode Teaser: Stay tuned for our next episode where we’ll dive deeper into our special lunch in Burano, share more hidden gems of Italy, and continue our discussion on sustainable travel. Join us as we continue to explore the richness of Italian culture, one episode at a time. Remember to subscribe or follow “Kimberly’s Italy” on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated on our adventures and insights. Buon viaggio! Follow us on Social Media Instagram Facebook

After 6 days in Venezia, we thought we would share with you how to take in the full beauty and magic of this dramatic city despite the crowds, and it’s not even full tourist season yet!  Getting away from the masses around Piazza San Marco allowed us to see the real Venezia. Everything we took in visually, as we roamed through the web of canals and sidewalks (primarily by ourselves), granted us the time to think about the city’s ingenuity and resilience – not the Instagram influencers we left behind! This strategy involves a lot of walking, yet that’s a good thing since you can enjoy a gondola ride on a quiet canal and have your choice of local osterias, not to mention the “tranquilita”! Follow us on Social Media Instagram Facebook

Everyone as heard of Lake Como, but it’s bigger cousin to the east is a beauty and should probably be added to your list of dream vacations in bel’italia. We will dedicate a few episodes to Garda when we get back to our recording studio, but we share enough here to give you a glimpse into this sweet place. We drove the entire perimeter of the lake and can assure you it’s worth renting a car so can see and experience all that we did. They have public boats as well so you can stop in most villages but it’s a large lake so you will spend more time on the boats, which is obviously not a hardship! Follow us on Social Media Instagram Facebook