Bella Italy

Summary

In this episode, Brian and Anthony reconnect after a six-month hiatus, diving into their recent travels in Italy.

They explore the theme of 'traveling well' and share highlights from their adventures, including visits to less-traveled regions and cultural insights from coastal experiences.

The conversation touches on the challenges of accessing hidden gems in Italy, the allure of Abruzzo, and the discovery of new destinations like lakes. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding local culture and the unique experiences that come from venturing off the beaten path.

In this episode, Brian and Anthony also discuss the importance of balancing relaxation and exploration while traveling in Italy. They explore various destinations, including Lake Garda and the Dolomites, highlighting their unique experiences and attractions. The conversation also touches on lesser-known towns like Matera and Volterra, emphasizing the value of authentic experiences away from tourist hotspots.

They conclude by discussing the unpredictability of travel seasons and the need for careful planning to ensure enjoyable trips.

Takeaways

Hey, guys we're back at it again and this time we’ve got some special content for you.

You may remember last season's episode entitled, "Mystical Matera". If you don’t, then you may wanna go back and take a deep dive into our experience in this magical city.

This time around, however, we are joined by our friend and colleague Leonardo, a resident in the region of Basilicata. A local who knows Matera very well, Leo helps us dig into the context, culture, and cuisine of this UNESCO world heritage city site.

Don’t miss this special episode!

Concluding our fun and quirky little mini-series where we’ve been tackling your TOP questions we routinely receive from clients over here on the ItalyWithBella.com side of the equation. 

Here's some of what we address in this final episode: 

How to prepare for long flights, jet lag, time change What about hotel accommodations, heating and air considerations, using points and miles Being strategic about navigating Italy: size and regions

Continuing our fun and quirky little mini-series where we’re tackling your TOP questions that we routinely receive from clients over on the ItalyWithBella.com side of the coin. 

Here's what we’ll try to address in this second episode: 

What's the weather like? LOADED question!

How can you avoid the crowds, but still see your bucket list attractions?

How to be a tourist but still fit in with the locals?

How to have a "real" Italian experience in a major city?

Vegans /Gluten Allergies/ Don't like certain foods...

Hey guys, we're still travelling, but will be back soon! In the meantime, we've got a fun and quirky little mini-series for you tackling the TOP questions that we receive from new clients over on the ItalyWithBella.com side of the equation.

Here are a few of the questions we try to address in this first episode:

When is the best time to go to Italy? Staying in an Italian Villa is on many of our customers lists. Pros and cons? Car versus train for travel. Safety and do I have to know the language? Budget: How much to budget for food daily.

The Amalfi Coast, located on the southern shores of the Sorrentine Peninsula, is a wildly popular and highly sought after tourist destination.

Amalfi's sister towns of Praiano and Positano are equally impressive... but are they worth all the hype, time, and expense it takes to get there? While there are good reasons they've achieved world renown, these small idyllic towns can get overrun in the heavier tourist seasons. Positano alone can see up to 3,000 tourists per day, which is almost the size of the town's population.

So, what should you do? On today's show, we're going to tell you what to do and not to do, how to avoid the seasonal traps, and get the most out of your next visit.

Don't miss this episode!

Experience the vibrant pulse of Naples!

This episode is definitively NOT your Top Ten, Best of, Buffet-style, "follow the fluorescent umbrella" tour guide approach to this fast and furious city.

Instead it's for those who want to understand what Naples is about, how it contrasts with other bucket list "First" cities in Italy, and how to get the most out of their visit.

On this no frills episodes, we're taking the gloves off to give you an honest look at Italy's jewel of the south.

Escape to the tranquil beauty of Lake Como in this captivating episode!

Join us as we embark on a picturesque journey to the enchanting shores of Lake Como, uncovering the secrets of seamless transportation along the way. Delve into the allure of lakeside towns, opulent villas, and lush gardens that adorn this Italian paradise.

Discover the art of relaxation by the glistening waters with boat trips, leisurely lakeside strolls, and delightful cafes offering a taste of local charm. Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance and rich cultural tapestry of this idyllic destination.

Plus, stay tuned as we unveil other hidden gems among the lakes of northern Italy waiting to be explored. Tune in and let the allure of Lake Como whisk you away on a journey of unforgettable experiences!

Venice is a hallmark in most people's travelogues.

In this episode, we'll explore iconic Venice, from canals to quarters, to culture... and few things in between. Joined once again by Anthony's better half, Denise, we have some lively discussions around do's, don'ts and well "maybes" for your next trip to Italy's lagoon paradise.

Today we're travelling to the region of Liguria and assessing the difference between two villages: the famous Cinque Terre and the lesser known Santa Margherita.

We'll also disclose where to base out of, what to do, and where to go on your coastal adventure.

This episode is a harmonious blend of information and inspiration, transporting you into a vivid tapestry of Florence's artistic allure. We're joined by another special guest this week, who helps us to unravel the art, history, and intrigue of Florence.

From arrival to departure, the enduring appeal (even for veteran travellers), to the must-sees and the many alternative options, no stone is left unturned, no matter how ancient.

Florence is the ultimate masterpiece – where every stroke of history and art intertwines to create a canvas of charm that will linger in your heart long after the episode concludes.

Join us as we debate this city's "one size fits all" appeal and what may be in it for you on your next trip to Italy!

This time around we'll discuss options heading north from Rome through Umbria and into Tuscany. We'll explore their scenic countryside, vineyards, and charming villages.

What's there to do in the scenic landscapes of Italy's interior for:

We'll also take a bit of a refreshing approach to what makes Italy's more bustling cities more enjoyable. Want a hint? It's similar to how the "slow-food" movement makes your meals taste better.

Join us as we slow-down, relax, and take it all in... oh, and did we mention that we have a special guest on today's episode?! Enoy!

You arrive in Rome for a 10+ day adventure. But, what to do? Where to go? Let's explore the charm of starting an Italian journey in Rome.

On this episode, we'll highlight a few landmarks, neighbourhoods, and local experiences. We'll also explore Rome's Hidden Gems.

We'll suggest some lesser-known spots to explore in Rome, and talk about getting in and out of this bustling, world-class city.

Most importantly, we discuss how to balance must-see attractions with off-the-beaten-path discoveries. Don't miss this episode!

Embark on an Italian Adventure with our Season 3 Premiere!

Join us as we kick off a brand-new season of The Bella Italy podcast, where we invite you to immerse yourself in a captivating 10-day (minimum) exploration of Italy.

Get ready to set the tone for an unforgettable adventure as we unveil the concept of our carefully curated 10-day itinerary.

Why 10 days, you ask? The perfect duration (for most people).

We're here to unveil the secrets behind the perfect duration for an Italian escapade, ideal for those with limited time. Discover the unique benefits of a 10-day itinerary and gain insights on how to maximize your experiences within this perfectly crafted trip.

Don't miss out on the chance to make every moment count on this incredible journey through Italy. Tune in to our first episode and let the adventure begin!

What does it to go on really great tours and have great experiences in Italy?

It's just looking at Google reviews for the best reviews, price, and time of day, right? Well, that doesn't actually guarantee a great experience.

Here's what we believe. Whether it's your first time in Italy, or you've been coming here for years, the better your "understand" your vacation context, the more you can enjoy it. After all, that's why so many people come to the Bel Paese... the art, history, and archaeology.

The better your experience, the better your memories!

And, it takes the right kind of local, qualified, and passionate guide to show you around, help you see what the others don't, getting the inside lane.

This will help you acclimate faster, understand more, and get everything out of it that you can. So, you should choose tour guides, tours, and experiences catered to your exact specifications. We're talking about your interests, preferences, hobbies, size of your group etc.

So, what are the insider tips and tricks when it comes to tours and experiences? That's today's episode. Enjoy!

What does it to have really great transportation experiences in Italy? It's just going from Point A to Point B, right? How hard could that be?! Ha.

Well, you'd be surprised. In fact, hiccups with your movement around Italy, not to mention getting in and getting out, are a huge source of frustration for most international travellers. Especially for those unaccustomed to Italy's frequent strikes, bus and train delays, as well as car service price gouging.

Whether you're in Rome, Rimini, or Ragusa, it can be quite a challenge to get around the country stress free, or let's say it like this, making things a little easier on yourself and those whom you might be travelling with.

So, what are the insider tips and tricks when it comes to transportation?

That's today's episode. Enjoy!

What does it take to find a really great hotel, B&B or boutique accommodation in Italy?

Whether you're in Rome, Rimini, or Ragusa, it can be a challenge to have a truly great stay From service to quality, costs to consistency, there are tons of variables that can affect the outcome. So, how do you avoid that tourist trap and find a Hidden Gem?

That's today's episode. Enjoy!

What does it take to find a really great restaurant in Italy?

Whether you're in Rome, Rimini, or Ragusa, it can be a challenge to have a truly great dining experience. From service, to quality, to costs and consistency, there are tons of variables that can affect the outcome. So, how do you avoid the tourist traps and find a Hidden Gem?

That's today's episode. Enjoy!

Anthony and Brian continue their journey through the Deep South of Italy. Part of a mini-series taking an in-depth look at Puglia, Basilicata (especially Matera), and Brian's favorite... La Sicilia! Don't miss these special episodes!

Anthony and Brian continue their journey through the Deep South of Italy. Part of a mini-series taking an in-depth look at Puglia, Basilicata (especially Matera), and Brian's favorite... La Sicilia! Don't miss these special episodes!

Anthony and Brian continue their journey through the Deep South of Italy. Part of a mini-series taking an in-depth look at Puglia, Basilicata (especially Matera), and Brian's favorite... La Sicilia! Don't miss these special episodes!

Anthony and Brian continue their journey through the Deep South of Italy. Part of a mini-series taking an in-depth look at Puglia, Basilicata (especially Matera), and Brian's favorite... La Sicilia! Don't miss these special episodes!

Anthony and Brian continue their journey through the Deep South of Italy. Part of a mini-series taking an in-depth look at Puglia, Basilicata (especially Matera), and Brian's favorite... La Sicilia! Don't miss these special episodes!

Anthony and Brian continue their journey through the Deep South of Italy. Part of a mini-series taking an in-depth look at Puglia, Basilicata, and Brian's favorite... La Sicilia! Don't miss these episodes!

Anthony and Brian continue their journey through the Deep South of Italy. Part of a mini-series taking an in-depth look at Puglia, Basilicata, and Brian's favorite... La Sicilia! Don't miss these episodes!

Kicking off Part Two of Season Two, Anthony and Brian sit back down at the mics to discuss travel in the Deep South. Coming up a series of 5 more in-depth episodes exploring Puglia, Basilicata, and Brian's favorite... La Sicilia! Don't miss these episodes.

The Sorrento Peninsula, or Sorrentine Peninsula, divides the Gulf of Naples (to the north) from the Gulf of Salerno (to the south). For some folks, this is Paradiso! This first episode explores the entire peninsula and it's surroundings at 30,000 feet, before taking a deep dive into its towns, excursions, and offerings in part 2. (Hint: that's this one)

The Sorrento Peninsula, or Sorrentine Peninsula, divides the Gulf of Naples (to the north) from the Gulf of Salerno (to the south). For some folks, this is Paradiso! This first episode explores the entire peninsula and it's surroundings at 30,000 feet, before taking a deep dive into its towns, excursions, and offerings in part 2.

And... welcome back to Season Two of the Bella Italy Podcast. Part Two of this Bella Napoli episode, we dip our proverbial toes in Italy's Deep South. Italy's 3rd largest city is raucous, audacious, and vibrant. And while it may be an acquired taste, Naples definitely rewards the diligent ... and with more than just food!

And... welcome back to Season Two of the Bella Italy Podcast. Part One of this Bella Napoli episode, we dip our proverbial toes in Italy's Deep South. Italy's 3rd largest city is raucous, audacious, and vibrant. And while it may be an acquired taste, Naples definitely rewards the diligent ... and with more than just food!

Bridging the gap between Seasons One and Two, the Bella Italy podcast cordially offers you this stimulating conversation between Anthony and Brian describing not only the differences between the two seasons, but more importantly the differences that exist between the North and South of Italy. 

Enjoy!

Who we are, our experience with Italy, and how we can help you to travel to Italy like a local. Go to italywithbella.com to find out more!