Experience Italy With Friends
Experience Italy with Friends is a travel and lifestyle podcast where we will explore our favorite destinations and hidden gems, share key travel tips and cultural insights, and provide real-time updates about our new life in this remarkable country.
Join Italy travel expert, Tanya Raso, and her Italian husband and producer, Davide Raso, on a journey that is sure to inspire you and prepare you to create immersive and authentic experiences of your own in beautiful Italy.
Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode and learn how we can help bring your Italian dream trip to life at www.amicivacations.com.
Listen on:
Meet the hosts!
Tanya Raso is an American travel enthusiast and travel planning expert specializing in designing authentic and immersive experiences across Italy. She has been traveling to Italy for over 25 years with her Italian husband and producer, Davide. Tanya founded Amici Vacations after a career as an accounting and finance executive and enjoys sharing her passion for Italy and travel expertise with clients all over the world.
Davide Raso is a professional music and podcast producer that has built an extensive resume working with musicians, journalists, and sports personalities, such as St. Paul Peterson (Prince), Kevin Bacon (Footloose), Sindbad (comedian), Dave Lee (WCCO Radio), and Jon Krawczynski (Timberwolves). He has also been a Radio Broadcast Engineer for KBEM Jazz 88 where he live-mixed and broadcasted events such as Twin Cities Jazzfest and Taste of Minnesota.
Episodes
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Living abroad means constantly discovering things that make you pause, smile, and sometimes scratch your head — those little cultural quirks that make Italy so wonderfully different.
In this episode, we’re talking about ‘Things That Make You Go Hmmm’ — the funny, surprising, and occasionally confusing things Americans notice in Italy.
From bidets and emergency cords in showers to grocery etiquette, fashion rules, and everything in between, we’ll share what still catches us off guard, what we’ve learned to love, and a few that still make us go... really?!
Whether you’ve visited Italy before or are planning your first trip, this is a fun look at everyday life; the charming, the curious, and the “only in Italy” moments that make living here unforgettable.
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.
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Today, we’re heading to one of the most iconic cities in the world, Rome - The Eternal City.
It’s a must-see for most travelers to Italy, but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t plan it right.
So, in this episode, we’ll help you think through some of the big questions: Should you go? Where should you base yourself? How long should you stay?
And we’ll talk about how to get beyond the crowds and clichés to experience the real city.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Rome always has something new to discover.
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.
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Fall has officially arrived in Italy, and with it comes a whole new kind of magic. The crowds thin out, the air turns crisp, and the food… well, it somehow gets even better.
In today’s episode, we’re diving into the many, many reasons that autumn is such an incredible time to visit Italy, from the harvest festivals and cozy comfort foods to the golden landscapes and peaceful piazzas.
So, grab an espresso, or maybe a glass of vino. and join us as we celebrate la dolce vita in its most colorful season.
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.
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Today, we’re talking about something that’s at the heart of daily life here in Italy: the bar. And no, not the kind of bar you might be thinking of!
In Italy, the bar is where life happens. It’s where you start your day with a quick espresso or cappuccino, and where you wind down with friends over a spritz before dinner.
We’ll take you from the history of coffee in Venice to the invention of the aperitivo in Turin and Milan… and along the way, we’ll share how these rituals have become the heartbeat of daily life in Italy.
It’s one of the many little things in Italy that create la dolce vita!
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.
Saturday Sep 13, 2025
Saturday Sep 13, 2025
Today we’re taking you to one of our favorite corners of Italy: the Amalfi Coast along with the neighboring treasures of Naples, Sorrento, Capri and beyond.
We’ve been visiting this stretch of Campania since 2009, and every visit deepens our love for its sun-drenched cliffs, pastel towns, and islands that have captivated emperors and movie stars alike.
I just returned from yet another magical visit, and I’m re-energized to share my passion, insights, and tips for creating your own unforgettable journey.
Stay tuned to hear all about it!
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.
Friday Aug 29, 2025
Friday Aug 29, 2025
This episode is extra special because it marks one full year since we made the leap and moved to Italy in search of la dolce vita.
But what does that really mean? And now, a year later, did we actually find it?
Today, we’re reflecting on that journey, and we’re joined by a special guest who helped us turn our dream into a reality - Samantha Wilson from Smart Move Italy.
Sam’s going to share her own story, and what she’s learned from helping so many others take the leap and move to Italy.
Resources:
Sign Up for the Smart Move Italy Bootcamp | A New Life in Italy Membership | 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.
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
It’s Mid-August in Italy… the beaches are packed, the cities are quiet, and lunch might just last all afternoon.
This week we’re diving into Ferragosto — where it comes from, how Italians celebrate, and why it’s the perfect excuse to slow down and savor summer.
We’ll also share a few updates on the 2025 travel season, including how the Jubilee has unfolded so far and what to know if you’re planning a trip before the end of the year.
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.
Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
In today’s episode, we’re heading north, way north, to the Alps for an epic adventure.
And, joining us are two very special guests: our son, Luca Raso, and his girlfriend, Molly Ricker.
They’ve just returned from completing the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc, a 170-kilometer trek that winds through France, Italy and Switzerland.
They will share their highs and lows, relive the stunning views, and provide invaluable tips for anyone dreaming of tackling one of the Alp’s most iconic hikes.
Resources:
Tour du Mont Blanc Refuges Booking | 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.
Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
Today, we're taking you to one of our absolute favorite places in Tuscany — Siena, a city steeped in medieval history and tradition.
We’ve been visiting Siena for over 25 years, and somehow, it never loses its magic.
But there’s one event that makes Siena truly come alive — the Palio. It’s wild, passionate, and deeply rooted in tradition.
In this episode, we’ll share why this city is so close to our hearts and explore the soul of Siena through its legendary horse race.
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.
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Today’s episode is all about our recent adventure to the island of Sardinia.
I say adventure, because it was definitely not a relaxing vacation!
It was 10 days spent touring the island from north to south and packing in as much fun and culture as possible.
Sardinia has been evolving from an undiscovered island to a luxury coastal hotspot to an authentic cultural and adventure destination - attracting not just sun-seekers, but also foodies, hikers, and history lovers.
Stay tuned to hear all about it!
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.