203. New Italian Adventures to Try In 2026

Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Links for the Show: Fondazione FS Italiane National Railway Museum Strada dell’Olio DOP Umbria  Via di Linari In this episode, Kimberly Holcombe and Tommaso share insights from their friends who recently traveled to Italy during the Christmas holiday. They discuss historical train routes, exciting activities like driving a Ferrari through Tuscany, and adventurous hiking and biking options. Join us in this episode for unique ways to experience Italy beyond the typical tourist paths. Key Points: Christmas in Italy: Venice was less crowded than Rome during the holidays. Italian locals gather in Rome for Christmas, making it more crowded. Venice had crowds during specific events like the Santa Claus gondolier parade. Uber Black in Rome: Friends used Uber Black successfully in Rome, despite previous reliability concerns with standard Uber. Uber Black offers larger, luxury vehicles with professional drivers. Historical Exploration: Friends regretted not researching the history of Italian landmarks before their trip. Tommaso suggests spending ample time before the trip researching historical facts so they are better prepared once there. New Travel Options for 2026: Historical Train Journeys: Italy’s historic railways, managed by La Fondazione FS Italiane. Binari Sensa Tempo (Timeless Tracks): Offers dozens of itineraries across the country. The National Railway Museum is in Pietrasara, outside Naples. The Christmas Market Train (Treno de Mercantini di Natale) runs from Sulmona to Roccaraso in Abruzzo. A day-long excursion from Torino to Canelli offers wine tastings in Piemonte. The train features Centoporte (100 Doors) carriages from the 1920s to the 1980s. Sommeliers offer tastings of regional wines like Barolos. Olive Mill Trains: Frantoi Aperti (Open Olive Mills) trains run every weekend through mid-November. Organized by Strada dell’Olio DOP Umbria (The Olive Oil Road). Visitors can taste fresh extra virgin olive oil and learn about production. Guided tastings led by professional tasters are available on board. The route runs from Arezzo to other Umbrian towns like Spoleto and Assisi. Promotes mindful travel and reduces carbon emissions. Luxury Driving: Drive a Ferrari through the hills of Tuscany. Prices are around 4,000 euros per day, or 2,000 euros per person for two. Multi-day excursions include high-end hotels. Adventure Hiking: Via Di Linari: An ancient 93-mile trail through medieval monasteries, abbeys, and a national park. The trail snakes through Emilia-Romagna and the Apennine Mountains into Tuscany. Best hiked in spring or fall, taking about nine days to complete. Sections are no more than 12 miles long. The website Camini Emilia Romagna provides detailed itineraries and accommodation options. Monasteri Aperti: Monks open their doors to hikers for hot meals on certain autumn weekends. Biking Expeditions: Flat, scenic rides connecting food capitals like Parma and Bologna to Venice. Explore historic sites like Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sardinia: Features rugged coastlines and routes for all levels. Sicily: Combines history and natural beauty, with cycling through the Valley of the Temples and around Mount Etna. Egadi Islands (Isola Egadi): Offers idyllic cycling vacations. Isola di Levanzo is ideal for mountain bikers. Isola di Favignana has paved roads and gravel paths. Isola Marettimo is for serious mountain bikers, featuring a small idyllic village.

Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠! In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso wish everyone a Buon Natale and a Happy New Year. They share their past Christmas experiences in Italy, highlighting the unique ways Italians celebrate the holiday season. The episode reflects on how these traditions bring people together and how a few of their friends are currently experiencing Italy for Christmas. Key Points: Tomaso’s Holiday Message and Shout-Out: Tomaso extends sympathy to Australian listeners for a recent tragedy. Tomaso also gives a shout-out to participants of the Sydney to Hobart sailing race on Boxing Day. Christmas Eve Traditions: Kimberly and Tommaso share their plans their Christmas Eve dinner with handmade fusilli, bresaola and fresh mozzarella. They pair their meal with a special pesto from Geneva and a bottle of wine by a roaring fire. Listener Reviews and Italian Phrases: Tomaso thanks two listeners, Traveling Zia and Miller Sherry, for their reviews on Apple Podcasts. Kimberly shares various ways to say “that’s very nice” in Italian. Kimberly’s First Christmas in Italy: Kimberly recounts her first Christmas in Italy driving from Milano to Sicilia in a 25-year-old Fiat Cinquecento. She describes how Italians decorate their cities with lights strung across buildings, fostering a sense of connection. She remembers seeing a huge Christmas tree made of hundreds of red poinsettias in Taormina. An Expat Christmas Dinner in Milano: Kimberly organized a Christmas dinner for expat friends and models stuck in Milano for the holidays. Each person made a dish from their home country, creating a diverse and humorous meal. A friendly Italian neighbor invited everyone to his Nonna’s apartment for traditional panettone and pandoro. Christmas in Italy in 2024: Kimberly and Tommaso describe their trip through Italy in December 2024, visiting Rome, Montepulciano, Cortona, Arezzo, Modena, Bergamo, Castelrotto, and Treviso. They experienced outdoor festivals, concerts, flag throwers, and Christmas markets, emphasizing the community spirit. Tomaso notes the non-commercial aspect of Italian Christmas celebrations, focusing on regional specialties. Friends’ Christmas Trip to Italy: Kimberly’s friends from Boston are currently traveling in Venice and Rome for Christmas. They saw hundreds of gondoliers dressed as Santa Claus (Babbo Natale) on the Grand Canal. Murano chandeliers light up Piazza San Marco, a skating rink in Campo San Polo, and artisan craft demonstrations on Murano and Burano. Their friends will also experience Rome’s sights, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the new Metro station that has artifacts like a museum. A Look Ahead: Kimberly and Tommaso thank listeners for their patience with bi-weekly episodes. They promise to return to weekly episodes when they move to Italy, sharing their experiences of living there. They end the episode wishing everyone a New Year filled with love, peace, pasta, tiramisu, and Brunello!

Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠! In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso talk about travel to Italy during the high season. They suggest places to visit and compare their personal recommendations to those generated by AI models like Google Gemini and ChatGPT. Key Points: High Season in Italy: The high season in Italy now runs from Easter through September. The discussion focuses on how crowds impact the travel experience during this period. Navigating Travel Information: Tommaso discusses the prevalence of AI-generated content and the rapid growth of the influencer market. They highlight the need for authentic and reliable information in travel planning. Kimberly and Tommaso’s Top Recommendations for High Season 2026: Lago Molveno: A tranquil mountain lake village, perfect for hiking and biking, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. Portovenere, Liguria: A colorful coastal village south of Cinque Terre, offering boat trips to Palmaria Island and delicious pesto. Cuneo Province, Piemonte: Ideal for a driving trip, known for its truffles, Barolo wine, and charming towns like Alba and Bra. Also features the Santuario di San Magno with spectacular mountain views. AI Recommendations vs. Reality: ChatGPT’s suggestions for high season include popular, often overcrowded, destinations like the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Taormina, and Florence. Google Gemini suggests the Dolomites, Verona, Puglia, Sicily, Ischia, Umbria, and Bologna. Both AI models acknowledge the presence of crowds in their suggestions, but Kimberly and Tomaso emphasize the extent of overcrowding in these popular areas during peak season. AI models currently provide summaries of information, lacking the personal opinions and unique experiences that human experts offer. Many Italian businesses close for Ferragosto, impacting city experiences. Authenticity in Travel Planning: The hosts advocate for authentic, ground-level expertise over generic AI recommendations. Kimberly notes that AI cannot convey the magical, sensory experiences of travel, such as the one-of-a-kind experience of waking up to the scent of Edelweiss flowers in the Italian mountains.

Kimberly Holcombe will introduce you to her long standing love of Italy and the Italian people. She explains how she moved to Milan many years ago to further her fashion photography career, and how those years impacted her life to this day. A few hysterical stories of finding her way pre-internet, and the life changing cappuccino, only enriched her love affair the country and the people, who in her mind, truly know live la dolce vita.

Please Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! In this special 200th episode, Kimberly and Tommaso celebrate a milestone while discussing their upcoming move to Italy. They share insights into Italian holiday traditions and meals, offering a look at how these differ from American celebrations. Key Points: The Podcast’s Journey: Kimberly and Tommaso il Favoloso reflect on 200 episodes of their podcast which they started during COVID.. Their podcast’s goal has always been to share their love of Italy and offer travel insights. Future plans include returning to a weekly episode schedule after their move to Italy. Thanksgiving in America vs. Holidays in Italy: Kimberly describes the traditional American Thanksgiving meal, which has remained largely unchanged for 400 years. Tommaso shares his enjoyment of the Thanksgiving meal. The conversation shifts to Italian holiday meals, highlighting their variety and cultural significance. Visiting Italy during a holiday offers a chance to experience unique traditions and less crowded destinations. Italian Christmas Eve (La Vigilia): Most Europeans celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve with their main meal. The traditional Christmas Eve meal in Italy is seafood, a “lean day” without meat. Italian Christmas Eve dinner begins early with aperitivo, followed by antipasti (no meat), pasta or risotto and fish as the main course. Desserts include panettone, pandoro and torrone. Kimberly recounts loud, lively Christmas Eve dinners in Milan with extended family. Italian Easter (Pasqua): For Easter, Italians eat lamb, not ham. The day starts with Colomba, a dove-shaped, sweeter version of panettone, symbolizing peace and rebirth. Eggs are important, appearing in dishes like torta pasqualina and brodetto pasquale. Artichokes, asparagus, or chicory accompany the lamb. A popular dessert is pastiera napolitana, a creamy, sweet cake from Naples. Other Italian Holidays: Italy celebrates several non-religious holidays, such as Liberation Day and Festa della Repubblica. Religious holidays like Ognissanti on November 1st involves eating Pane de Morti (bread of the dead). New Year’s Eve (Capodanno) is a religious holiday focused on symbolic foods for luck and prosperity. Old school Italians eat 12 grapes at midnight for luck in each month of the year. Epifania (Epiphany) on January 6th, marks the end of the Christmas season and includes a fun tradition with La Befana, a kind witch who brings treats. Celebrations for La Befana include a regatta in Venice and a national festival in Urbania Planning Your Trip: Experiencing Italian holidays offers a chance to enjoy different cultural traditions and foods. Agriturismos or small family-run hotels are ideal for experiencing traditional holiday meals. Join us in this episode as we uncover the true essence of Italian holiday traditions, providing a realistic and enriching perspective on what to expect and enjoy.

Please Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso apologize for the delay in their latest release. They then dive into a discussion about their favorite meals in Italy, looking back at 28 years of travel. Key Points: Kimberly and Tommaso offer a sincere apology for the delayed episode. They recap their previous discussion on favorite cities and regions. The main topic is their favorite meals in Italy, spanning 28 years of travel experiences. Episode Highlight: First Italian Meals in Cervinia Kimberly and Tommaso recount a ski trip from Zermatt, Switzerland, down to Cervinia, Italy. Kimberly describes their incredible hunger after the challenging ski descent. Tommaso recalls his memorable Zuppa Valdostana, a rich beef broth soup with bread and fontina cheese. Kimberly shares her delight in eating polenta with fontina cheese and red wine. They reminisce about a Raclette lunch with Matterhorn views, marking it as a beautiful outdoor dining experience. Meals in Lago di Como and Florence: Kimberly shares a story about visiting friends in Lago di Como, coinciding with their annual Brunello bottling celebration. Tommaso describes enjoying five to seven-year-old Brunello with grilled beef prepared by an international meat dealer. Kimberly celebrates her 40th birthday lunch at Alvalu in Tremezzo, featuring simple tomato pasta, cured meats, and a beautiful fruit tart. They both recall the unique grappa infused with blueberries, made by monks. Rome and Florence Culinary Experiences: Tommaso shares his first carbonara experience in Rome in 2021, describing it as a moment of pure paradise. Tommaso notes the relaxed dining pace in Italy, contrasting it with the faster pace in America. Kimberly describes a simple, attractive enoteca in Rome where they enjoyed another carbonara and a mozzarella di bufala appetizer. Tommaso discusses his anticipation and enjoyment of Bisteca Fiorentina in Florence, splitting it with a friend. Kimberly remembers the bright and loud atmosphere of the Florentine restaurant, a contrast to their preferred dining setting. Southern Italy and Pizza Delights: Kimberly highlights her favorite meals in Puglia, particularly a salad with tuna, mozzarella, and local vegetables, drizzled with Puglian olive oil and served with local bread. Tommaso praises the simplicity and quality of Puglian bread. Tommaso declares his favorite pizza was in Ischia, preferring a heartier style with onions, mushrooms, and prosciutto. Kimberly recounts a standout Napolitano pizza experience in Torino, found in a residential neighborhood across the river. Tommaso reflects on the ongoing challenge of finding the “next best something” in Italian cuisine. Coffee and Truffles in Torino: Kimberly raves about the bicherine, a coffee layered with dark chocolate, espresso, and frothy cream, at Cafe Bicherine in Torino. Tommaso praises a wide noodle pasta with shaved white truffles, enjoyed during truffle season in Torino, paired with a bottle of Barolo. Join Kimberly and Tommaso as they revisit their most cherished Italian meals, sharing anecdotes and insights from decades of culinary adventures. Kimberly and Tommaso share their most memorable meals from 28 years of Italian travels, from ski trips to Roman trattorias. This episode explores Italy’s diverse culinary landscape and the joy of savoring food and culture.

Please Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠! In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso continue their discussion of favorite places in Italy. They add a beloved city to their list and share favorite countryside regions Favorite Cities: Adding Venezia Beyond the Crowds: Kimberly and Tommaso admit Venice can be crowded. They share how to see it in a less crowded way, even during high season. Knowing where to stay and when to visit certain spots helps. A Unique City: Venice is unlike any other city. It feels enchanting, otherworldly. Walking narrow alleyways (calli) transports visitors back centuries. Engineering Marvel: The city’s ingenious foundation system uses wooden pilings. These pilings are now as hard as concrete because they were oxygen-deprived for centuries. Historical Achievements: Tommaso shares Venice’s contributions to Western civilization. Early system of checks and balances in government (675 A.D.). The Arsenal shipyard, the world’s largest industrial complex before the Industrial Revolution (1104 AD). First street lighting ordinance (1128 AD). First state-guaranteed national bank (1157 AD). Invention of the elevator (1160 AD) for the Piazza San Marco bell tower. First government bonds (1171 AD) from forced citizen loans. The bill of exchange for international trade (around 1200 AD). Infused soap, inventing perfume and deodorant (1200s). First brick hearth with a chimney and flue (1227 AD). First child labor laws (1284 AD) for Murano glass production. Returning to Venice: Tommaso is a serious fan, therefore he plans on many returns. Favorite Countryside Regions The Dolomites: Kimberly’s History: She has a long history of hiking trails and staying in refugios. She recalls picnics with friends in alpine meadows. Skiing was a frequent activity. Tommaso’s First Visit: His first visit was last December. He notes the unique, jagged peaks compared to US mountains. Cuisine and Air: The Dolomites offer high-end, creative cuisine and excellent wines. The fresh mountain air is invigorating. Toscana: Val d’Orcia: Picture-Perfect Landscape: This area in southeast Tuscany is idyllic. It resembles a painting or a movie set. It defines what many imagine when they hear “Tuscany.” UNESCO Status: Recognized in 2004, Val d’Orcia is a cultural landscape shaped by humans in harmony with nature. This status ensures its visual preservation. No modern buildings or businesses will alter its appearance. Medieval Villages: The area has authentic villages like Montepulciano, Pienza, and Montalcino. Locals live in these villages so it’s not just a tourist destination. Winding Roads: Narrow, two-lane roads without shoulders connect the villages. This maintains the beauty. Lack of streetlights at night makes driving challenging for non-locals. Wine and Food: Home to famous wines like Brunello and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The cuisine features cured meats, ragu sauces, and pici pasta. Puglia: Distinct Landscape: Puglia stands out geographically. It resembles Greece, Turkey, or even the central Australian desert with its burnt orange soil. Architecture: The stark white Trulli buildings and Masserias contrast with the colorful soil. This creates a unique landscape. Kimberly’s Favorite Cuisine: Puglia’s cuisine is Kimberly’s favorite in Italy. They use many vegetables in dishes. These vegetables grow in the region’s rich soil. Wines and Bread: The region produces diverse, full-bodied wines such as Primitivo and Negroamaro. Tommaso notes that their friend “Breadbasket Bridget,” claims Puglia has the world’s best bread. Growing Popularity: Puglia offers fewer crowds, different cuisine and wines, and unique places to stay. The refreshing sea breeze adds to its appeal. Kimberly and Tommaso plan to discuss their favorite experiences or meals in the next episode.

Please Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠! Kimberly and Tommaso discuss their all-time favorite places in Italy. They reminisce about past travels and discuss their favorite islands, lakes, and cities. Key Points: Favorite Islands: Kimberly loves Capri of the raw beautKimberly’s favorite is Lake Como due to her long-standing history with it and it’s idyllic old villas against the backdrop of the mountains. Tommaso’s first visit to Sardinia was for a sailing regatta and he’s been hooked ever since. Sailing between the northern tip the island and the southern tip of Corsica is the most beautiful geography he’s ever seen Favorite Lakes: Kimberly’s favorite is Lake Como due to her long-standing history with it and it’s idyllic old villas against the backdrop of the mountains. Tommaso prefers Lake Garda, citing its Venetian influence in architecture, grander size, and naturally the sailing. Favorite Cities: Both agree that Rome is addictive due to its architecture, history, and vibrant atmosphere, not to mention the cuisine and friendly locals. Tommaso also loves Bologna for its manageable size, architecture and academic history. Throw in Ragu Bolognese and all is good in the world. Episode Insights: Tommaso appreciates the large size and large vistas on Lake Garda. He describes the stunning drive around the lake and the dramatic weather systems which add to the visual. Kimberly and Tommaso enjoy walking around Rome at night to see the various centuries of architecture lit so dramatically by the exterior lighting. Tommaso loves Bologna for its architecture and its historical influence with academia, science and medicine Kimberly and Tommaso suggest seeing the island of Sardinia by both boat and Vespa, or at least a small car to get a feel for the curvy coastline. Next Episode: Kimberly and Tommaso will continue their list of top 10 favorite places in Italy, including their favorite countryside destinations.

Apologies !