La Chiusa, Tuscany

The region of Tuscany named Chianti boosts soft, rolling green hills, chestnut forests, vineyards and olive groves set amongst welcoming Cypress trees. It is here we find Km Zero Tours, a boutique tour company specializing in slow travel. All their tours are aimed at making meaningful connections and memories with the cultural heritage of their Tuscan region. They thoughtfully choose locations, farmers and artisans rooted in the ancient flavors and passions of tradition to visit with their guests.   In this episode, I talk with Arianna Cini of Km Zero Tours about why and how they have joined the slow travel movement. To begin, their company name symbolizes a “zero kilometers” relationship between travelers and the farmers and artisans of their region. It embodies their philosophy of genuine stories, and the enriching impact of uncompromised, sustainable and honest travel. The heart of travel is human connection and we discuss how they accomplish that for each and every guest, including children. What You’ll Learn  Hear Arianna’s story: born into the travel industry What is the km zero movement and concept throughout Italy? Gaining a more authentic experience through slow travel with Km Zero Tours Choosing to “discover the real world”; connecting with small communities The countryside that is willing and eager to share their homes, cuisine and stories Historical location - crossroads to Rome - beautiful unspoiled countryside minutes from the cities A quintessential tour with Km Zero Tours: wines, cheeses, grains and various changing landscapes Touring with the next generation, activities and experiences designed to stay with them as they grow The process of moving away from mass tourism and adjusting travel for slow, sustainable methods Why is purposeful travel choices more important than ever? How Km Zero Tours embodies a famous Maya Angelou quote Contact Info and Recommended Resources   Km Zero Tours with Alessio and Arianna Cini Website: kmzerotours.com  Phone: +39 349 35 29 601 Email: [email protected]  Contact: kmzerotours.com/contact-us   Location: Via Luciana 18, San Casciano, in Val di Pesa 50026 Facebook Instagram  Twitter  Pinterest  Tripadvisor  Azzurro Dream Travel Website: azzurrodreamtravel.com Contact Courtney: azzurrodreamtravel.com/contact-us Facebook Instagram Pinterest Youtube   Locali: Permission to be human, granted!

Tuscany is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. It is here one finds Florence, home of some of the most renowned and iconic examples of Italian art, architecture and culture: Michelangelo's David, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Brunelleschi’s Duomo, the Laurentian Library, and so much more. The rich history of Tuscany and her towns is a feast for one's heart and imagination. Originally a Roman city, Florence rose in prominence and wealth during medieval times. During the years between the 14th and 16th centuries, Florence became a city of great influence, and Tuscany the home of one of Italy’s most famous noble families, the Medici family.     With so much to experience in the condensed city of Florence, getting out to see more of Tuscany may be neglected. But it should not be. A way to see the stunning landscape, charming small towns, and breathe the soul-cleansing fresh air ought to be on every itinerary. Enter experiencing Italy from the seat of a bike. In this episode, I talk with Elena Boscherini of Bike Florence & Tuscany, who takes people to do just that. Regardless of cycling skill level, visitors can join their authentically Tuscan cycling tours. Conducted at a slow and relaxed pace, it is ideal for everyone from the avid cyclist to entire families. From the saddle of a bicycle, you are immersed in the environment, with plenty of time to soak in the colors, the beauty, and the Italian spirit that thrives under the Tuscan sun.  What You’ll Learn  Elena’s definition of slow travel Why Tuscany is known for cycling Ease of access to Bike Florence & Tuscany Tours: including organic food and wine, photo opportunities, historical tours; all skill and age levels A visual of the scenery you’ll take in on your ride Their fleet of bicycles Experiences and tour accommodations for families and those uncertain about cycling the entire time How mass tourism and Covid has changed Tuscany tourism Future Tuscany tourism plan to spread artwork into smaller towns and villages Contact Info and Recommended Resources   CNN Travel: Italy has a new way to combat overtourism   Bike Florence & Tuscany with Piero Didona and Elena Boscherini Website: bikeinflorence.com  Phone: +39 3409666540 Email: [email protected]  Facebook Youtube  Instagram Azzurro Dream Travel Website: azzurrodreamtravel.com Contact Courtney: azzurrodreamtravel.com/contact-us Facebook Instagram Pinterest Youtube   Locali: Permission to be human, granted!

Mount Etna has been in the news lately as she’s been erupting. As Europe’s highest active volcano, Mount Etna brings a lot of attention to the Island of Sicily. But Sicily is the home to more than Mount Etna and exists as almost a contradiction in landscapes. The island is both rocky and mountainous but also green and hilly. She sits on sparkling blue water coastlines and holds extremely fertile soil. Sicily’s history is even more diverse, being controlled, inhibited and invaded by multiple great civilizations. Travel writer Anthony Bourdain once remarked that Sicily has belonged to everyone but its own people. This extremely varied history brings diverse ethnic vibrancy to Sicily’s culture. It has created warmth, authenticity, richness, pride, and humility that are uniquely Sicilian. Committed to preserving this continuing history is a not-for-profit project currently working in the quiet and remote hilltop town of Mussomeli. Danny McCubbin of Good For Good worked with this program to purchase one of the town’s abandoned homes for 1 euro (approximately $1.20) for the express purpose of launching a Community Kitchen. Danny works with recovery programs along with working with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver for over 17 years. He holds a firm belief that food can, and does, transform lives. What You’ll Learn  Food for positive change Fighting addiction with love, purpose and skills teaching The 1 euro house project The Community Kitchen concept; how it’s different; partnering with food charities and reducing food waste Smashing crowdfunding goals for the community kitchen Training young chefs; providing a path for empowering youth Social enterprise for revitalizing communities Supporting small business for sustainable travel Vision for the Community Kitchen; passing along the passion for community-minded work and livelihoods Embarking on the right journey at the right time Inspiring others to live their authentic and joy-filled life Contact Info and Recommended Resources   Good For Good with Danny McCubbin Website: goodforgood.com  Youtube Facebook Twitter Azzurro Dream Travel Website: azzurrodreamtravel.com Contact Courtney: azzurrodreamtravel.com/contact-us Facebook Instagram Pinterest Youtube   Locali: Permission to be human, granted!

It is in the small town of Polinago in Emilia-Romagna that we find Cherry House Bed & Breakfast. The owners, Winnifred and David left Australia to make Winnifred’s dream of living in Italy a permanent reality. From Cherry House, guests experience the perfect blend of the nearly tourist-free Italian countryside with its gastronomic treasures and mountains as well as the lively piazzas and Renaissance architecture of the cities nearby.

Green rolling hills, fresh, fragrant mountain air, abundant sparkling waterfalls and clear streams, fields of colorful wildflowers… Welcome to Piedmont within the Val Pellice area at the base of the Alps in Northern Italy. Located just east of the French border is Borgata Malpertus (a centuries old tiny, working hamlet). Featured on House Hunters International, it was renovated and is hosted by famed Renovating Italy renovators and bloggers, Lisa and Salvatore (Sam) Chiodo.

In the village of Vasto in the region of Abruzzo, we find Italia Sweet Italia, an authentic cultural, culinary and walking experience tour company. Italia Sweet Italia offers fully escorted, off-the-beaten path tours of one of Italy’s most culturally rich and visually stunning regions. 

Maintaining the authenticity of serene landscapes and medieval hilltop villages, Sabina and the village of Toffia offer gorgeous sweeping views, and yet remain unspoiled by mass tourism. It is here you will find Convivio Rome Italian Cooking Holidays. A small, local business, specializing in Italian cooking classes and culinary activities, Convivio Rome is committed to environmentally sustainable and socially responsible culinary tourism.

Set just outside the gates of Montefollonico, positioned on an ancient road in a medieval village, is a 12th century olive oil mill. Nestled among fruit trees, flowers and vineyards, the land is home to Relais La Chiusa Boutique Inn & Restaurant. With 18 incredible rooms and an unforgettable garden to table restaurant, this Tuscany gem will have you living history like a local. 

Welcome to the Introductory Episode of Locali. In this episode you'll learn a bit of Courtney’s love story; the beauty of Italy; what “slow travel” means; and the purpose of Azzurro Dream Travel.