Experience Italy With Friends

When you picture a trip to Italy, chances are you’re thinking about Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany and all the places you want to explore. But what about simply going to the beach?
After a busy summer and fall, we escaped to Porto Venere for a few days by the water and managed to squeeze in one final beach day of the season. It got us thinking about just how different a beach vacation in Italy can be.
In this episode, we’re talking about:
The many different kinds of beaches you’ll find around Italy
Where to go for a true beach vacation, a coastal escape or a little beach time within a bigger Italy trip
How Italians “do” the beach and how beach clubs actually work
When to go and what to expect during and outside peak beach season
Whether you’re dreaming of Sardinia, the Tuscan coast, Puglia, Calabria or simply a few hours by the sea, we’ll help you think about what kind of beach experience fits your next Italian adventure.

Buying and renovating a historic home in Tuscany sounds pretty romantic. And parts of it absolutely have been. But behind the dream are contractors, permits, crooked walls, plumbing surprises, long lead times, countless decisions and a whole lot of patience.
After months of planning and renovation, we’re finally living in our historic palazzo in Montepulciano, and in this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of the entire experience.
We talk about how our idea of the perfect Tuscan home evolved, what we learned about buying and renovating in Italy, the realities of working with historic buildings and local trades, and how the palazzo itself influenced the final design. We also share the unexpected business idea that came out of the experience for Davide.
Whether you’re dreaming of buying a home in Italy, contemplating a renovation of your own, or simply curious about what it really takes to turn the Tuscan dream into reality, this episode is an honest look at the adventure behind the romance.
Because the dream may be romantic... but getting there is definitely a story.

In this episode, we're doing something a little different and sharing some practical Italian for travelers.
You absolutely do not need to speak fluent Italian to have an amazing trip to Italy. But learning a few words and phrases can help you feel more confident, make everyday situations easier, and often lead to warmer and more meaningful interactions along the way.
We talk through:
Why learning a little Italian can enrich your trip
Basic pronunciation tips to help you sound out words with confidence
Essential phrases for cafés, restaurants, shopping, transportation, and pharmaciesHelpful communication and emergency phrases
And some of the cultural nuances that make knowing when to use a phrase just as important as knowing the words themselves
But most importantly, we hope this episode shows that you don't need perfect Italian to connect with people and enjoy your time in Italy. A few words, a smile, and a willingness to make an effort can go a surprisingly long way.
Resources:
Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook
Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own!
Subscribe, Review, and Partner:
Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure!
If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com.
If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com.
Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

Today’s episode is about a topic that may not sound quite as exciting as wandering through Rome or sipping wine in Tuscany… but it’s one that comes up constantly in my conversations with clients: travel insurance.
Do you really need it?
Is the coverage from your credit card enough?
What about the insurance the airline offers when you book?
And if you’re healthy and don’t travel with medical issues… is it worth the cost?
So today, we’re having a practical, honest conversation about travel insurance — what it actually covers, what people often misunderstand, and how to think about risk realistically when planning a trip abroad.
But more than anything, this episode is really about helping travelers make informed decisions so they can protect both their trip and their peace of mind.
Resources:
Travel Insured International | Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook
Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own!
Subscribe, Review, and Partner:
Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure!
If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com.
If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com.
Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

In this episode, we’re finally diving into one of Italy’s most iconic cities - Florence.
While it’s known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to some of the world’s most famous art and architecture, Florence is also something more - a city that can feel deeply personal depending on how you experience it.
We talk through:
What makes Florence feel different from other Italian cities
How to choose the right neighborhood for your stay
What to prioritize (and what you don’t need to do)
How to use Florence as a base for exploring Tuscany
And how to think about your time there, whether you have a day or a week
But most importantly, we explore how to experience Florence beyond the checklist and how to find those “magic moments” that make the city so unforgettable.
If you’re planning a trip, or dreaming about one, this episode will help you see Florence in a whole new way.
Resources:
Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook
Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own!
Subscribe, Review, and Partner:
Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure!
If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com.
If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com.
Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

Planning a trip to Italy can feel exciting… but also overwhelming.
With so much information out there, from social media to well-meaning advice from friends, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to plan the “perfect” trip based on what everyone else says you should do.
Slow travel. Off the beaten path. Authentic experiences.
But what do those really mean, and more importantly, are they right for you?
In this episode, we take a step back from specific destinations and talk about how to think about your trip to Italy. From understanding your travel style and readiness, to breaking down popular travel trends, we share a simple framework to help you design a trip that truly fits you.
Because there’s no one right way to experience Italy ….only the way that’s right for you!
Resources:
Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook
Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own!
Subscribe, Review, and Partner:
Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure!
If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com.
If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com.
Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.
 

In this episode, we’re heading south to a part of Italy that many travelers don’t get to right away, but once you do, it stays with you.
Our journey through Matera and Puglia was full of surprises, from the ancient cave dwellings of Matera to the storybook trulli of Alberobello, and the dramatic cliffs of Polignano a Mare.
It was a trip that felt different. More rugged, more authentic, and in many ways, more unexpected than we imagined.
In this episode, we’re sharing our experience: what we loved, what surprised us, and how to think about including this region in your own itinerary.
Resources:
Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook
Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own!
Subscribe, Review, and Partner:
Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure!
If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com.
If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com.
Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

Cycling is deeply woven into Italian culture, from legendary races like the Giro d’Italia to the quiet countryside roads that wind through vineyards, olive groves, and historic villages.
After watching the iconic Strade Bianche race near Siena, Davide was inspired to explore how cycling became such an important part of life in Italy and why experiencing the country by bike can be so special.
In this episode, we talk about the history of cycling in Italy, the legendary riders and races, the incredible landscapes that make Italy a cyclist’s dream, and how travelers can incorporate biking into their own Italian adventures.
Whether it’s a leisurely e-bike ride through Tuscany or a multi-day cycling tour, exploring Italy on two wheels offers a unique way to see the country up close.
Resources:
Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook
Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own!
Subscribe, Review, and Partner:
Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure!
If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com.
If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com.
Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

Today we’re diving into something found on every table, in every kitchen, and deeply woven into Italian culture.
Italy’s liquid gold: olive oil.
After touring a frantoio in the Chianti region and learning firsthand how olive oil is made, we discovered it’s far more complex, and far more similar to wine, than we ever imagined.
In this episode, we’re joined by Katy Lapini from Frantoio Pruneti to explore the culture of olive oil in Italy: how it’s grown, harvested, produced, tasted, and why it means so much more here than most people realize.
Resources:
Pruneti Italy | Pruneti U.S. | Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook
Use promo code: AMICIVACATIONS when ordering on Pruneti.
Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own!
Subscribe, Review, and Partner:
Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure!
If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com.
If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com.
Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

We’re kicking off Season 3 with a destination that almost everyone dreams about but one that also raises a lot of questions: Venice.
It’s a city built on water, filled with history, elegance, and mystery… and it’s also one of the most visited places in the world. So, is it worth it? And if you go, how do you experience the best of it?
We recently returned from a winter weekend in Venice during the early days of Carnevale, and it felt like the perfect time to share a fresh, real-life perspective.
In this episode, we talk about the magic of Venice, how to decide if it fits your itinerary, where to stay, what to see and do, and how to experience the city in a more meaningful and balanced way.
Resources:
Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook
Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own!
Subscribe, Review, and Partner:
Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure!
If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com.
If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com.
Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.