Please Follow us on: Instagram Facebook Kimberly and Tommaso share their adventures on the island of Ischia, from a comical car rental experience to a serene beach day. They address weather concerns for travelers and offer tips for visiting historical sites. Weather Concerns and Travel Advice: Kimberly and Tommaso respond to a review criticizing their warnings about extreme weather in Europe. They cite publications like Euro News, The Guardian, and the BBC who also address the issue and...
Jul 23, 2025•34 min
Please Follow us on: Instagram Facebook Kimberly and Tommaso share their experiences on the island of Ischia, near Napoli, Italy. They discuss Ischia’s geography, history, cuisine, beaches and the island’s appeal. Key Points: Initial Impressions of Ischia: Kimberly revisits Ischia after 30 years since her last visit, noting its idyllic scenery and vibrant colors. Tommaso recalls having the best pizza of his life upon arrival. Ischia is relatively small, about 46 square kilometers, yet offe...
Jul 08, 2025•26 min
Please Follow us on: Instagram Facebook Core Points of this episode: Be sure to thoroughly research online travel information; verify details before making plans, as social media posts and other sources can be misleading. Be aware of potential tourist scams, like fake petitions, and exercise caution when approached by strangers requesting signatures or donations. Respect art and cultural sites by refraining from disruptive behavior such as taking selfies or not paying attention to what is par...
Jun 24, 2025•31 min
In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso share their experiences in Treviso, Italy, offering travel tips and historical insights. They explore Treviso’s charm, cuisine, and proximity to other Italian destinations. Key Points: Treviso: An Unheralded Italian Gem: Treviso is near Venice, offering similar canals and architecture but with fewer tourists. Despite attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors, it remains less crowded than Venice. Treviso’s blend of canals, medieval palaces and colorful fac...
Jun 11, 2025•27 min
In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso share travel tips and tales from Naples / Napoli and its surrounding islands. They recount Tommaso’s first chaotic yet enlightening experiences in Napoli. Key Points: • Train Travel Tips : Finding your train number on digital displays on the train doors. • Business Class : A worthwhile upgrade for comfortable travel from Verona to Naples. • Taxi Travel : Use the designated taxi stand to avoid scams. Naples Experiences: • Chaotic Driving : First impressions o...
May 28, 2025•30 min
In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso share stories from their trip to the Dolomites, including a visit to Sterzing’s Christmas market, a somewhat harrowing yet comical drive, and a hotel that doubled as a hair salon. Key Points: Road trip: The hosts recount driving to the village of Sterzing near the Austrian border. Architectural and Cultural Highlights: Sterzing’s Charm: Noting the shift in architecture with a Germanic, Austrian feel. Christmas Market: Highlighting the non-commercial, authent...
May 14, 2025•33 min
Please remember to follow us on Social Media! Grazie Mille! Instagram Facebook In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso recount their visit to the Italian Dolomites, specifically the village of Castelrotto, during the quiet period before Christmas. They detail the unique architecture, culinary experiences, and a memorable hike to Chiesa San Valentino. Key Points: Introduction to Castelrotto: A picturesque mountain village with colorful buildings and unique architecture reflecting Austro-Hungarian i...
Apr 29, 2025•23 min
Remember to follow us on Social Media! Grazie Mille! Instagram Facebook In this episode, Tommaso discusses how to manage cyber and personal security risks while traveling, particularly in tourist hotspots. He shares practical tips to protect against scams and pickpockets, ensuring a safer travel experience. Key Points: Cybersecurity Risks: Travelers are prime targets for cybercriminals due to their reliance on public Wi-Fi and charging stations. Skimming devices and compromised Wi-Fi routers are...
Apr 27, 2025•23 min
Kimberly and Tommaso share their experiences in Città Bassa, the lower city of Bergamo. They highlight the area’s unique piazzas, shopping streets, and cultural landmarks. They also touch on Bergamo’s sister city relationship with Greenville, South Carolina. Key Points: Introduction to Città Bassa: Unlike Città Alta, Città Bassa is the working part of the city, with wide, tree-lined streets. The Funicular Ride: Quick and easy access from Città Alta, offering views of the city and landscape. Piaz...
Apr 02, 2025•29 min
In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso share their travel experiences in Bergamo, Italy, focusing on Città Alta. They recount funny driving challenges and highlight the area’s rich history and architecture. Key Points: Driving Adventures in Città Alta: Kimberly and Tommaso describe their memorable drive up to Città Alta. Automatic car was helpful on the steep inclines and narrow streets. They joke about capturing these experiences on video for YouTube. Exploring Piazza Vecchio and Piazza Duomo: T...
Mar 26, 2025•29 min
Follow us on Social Media Instagram Facebook In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso recount their visit to Modena in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. They describe the city’s attractions, from balsamic vinegar to Ferrari. They also discuss travel safety tips and the upcoming changes to the podcast schedule. Key Points: Podcast Schedule Update: Beginning the first Wednesday of April, the podcast will switch to two episodes per month for a few months. This change is due to scheduling constraints. Travel Safe...
Mar 19, 2025•31 min
In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso explore Arezzo, a Tuscan village offering a blend of history and culture. They share insights on its art, architecture, and the stories behind its famous figures. Key Points: Discovering Arezzo: Arezzo is southeast of Florence, accessible by a one-hour drive or a 36-minute direct train. The city is walkable and rich with historical architecture influenced by the Medici family. Piazza Grande stands out with its trapezoidal shape and diverse facades from vario...
Mar 12, 2025•27 min
Arrival in Montepulciano : Kimberly and Tommaso’s journey to Montepulciano began with a typical and comical Tuscan drive. Navigating steep, rain-soaked, ancient stone streets tested their driving skills. The parking garage’s tight turns and slippery surfaces added to the challenge, but they eventually prevailed! Historical Context of Montepulciano : The discussion shifts from the founding of Montepulciano in the Etruscan era to Roman rule and the medieval period. Understanding this timeline prov...
Mar 05, 2025•24 min
Apologies!
Feb 26, 2025•33 sec
Kimberly shares crucial travel updates for Italy, including the delayed EU entry-exit system, changes at Pompeii to manage crowds, the opening of Florence’s Vasari Corridor, and new regulations for Airbnb rentals. This episode provides essential information for anyone planning a trip to Italy, ensuring a smoother and more informed travel experience. Tommaso is under the weather, so this is a shorter episode focused on delivering need-to-know updates. In This Episode: 01:08 EU Border Management I...
Feb 19, 2025•9 min
In this episode of Kimberly’s Italy, Tommaso and I explore the unique charm and benefits of traveling off-season to lesser-known destinations like Cortona in the Tuscany Region of Italy. We dive into the rich experiences and vibrant cultural events that made our visit memorable. Highlights from Our Visit: Cultural Events: We were captivated by an enchanting evening in Cortona, filled with drummers, trumpet players, and flag throwers adorned in historical costumes. The atmosphere was truly magica...
Feb 12, 2025•28 min
In this episode, we take you on a journey to the medieval village of Cortona, Italy, where we experienced a delightful and unexpected Christmas celebration in December. Join Kimberly Holcombe and Tommaso il favoloso as they delve into the rich tapestry of Cortona’s history and charm. Highlights of the Episode: Cortona’s Ancient Roots: Discover the fascinating history of Cortona, a village with a legacy spanning approximately 3,000 years. Learn about its significance as one of Italy’s oldest cont...
Feb 05, 2025•20 min
In this episode of our podcast, Kimberly and Tommaso offer insights that contrast with the often-misleading online travel information. They also share a few history-rich experiences in Rome, which eventually lead to the Tour di Negroni. Key Points: The Myth of the Perfect Itinerary: Many travelers aim to visit multiple attractions in a single day, overlooking travel logistics. We share our personal travel experiences and suggestions, but we are also honest about a few of the drawbacks of mass to...
Jan 29, 2025•22 min
In this episode, join us as we dive into our recent adventure in Rome. From ancient pathways to culinary delights, we explored the city with curiosity and appreciation for its rich history and vibrant culture. Highlights from Our Rome Trip: The Pantheon Experience : Visiting the Pantheon was a remarkable highlight. Now requiring an entrance fee to manage crowds, the process was smooth with pre-purchased tickets and audio guides providing insightful historical narratives. We appreciated the seren...
Jan 22, 2025•32 min
Hello listeners, Welcome back to another episode of Kimberly’s Italy! We’re so glad you’re joining us again. Before diving into today’s content, we want to explain a recent delay in releasing episodes. Unfortunately, we experienced a minor car accident shortly after returning from our trip to Italy, which led to some health issues. Thankfully, we are on the mend and eager to share our adventures with you. Highlights from This Episode: Gratitude and Language Lesson: We received a wonderful review...
Jan 15, 2025•27 min
Jan 08, 2025•57 sec
In this special New Year’s Eve episode of “Kimberly’s Italy,” Kimberly and Tommaso are broadcasting from the picturesque setting of Lake Garda. Sipping on a 2019 Brunello wine, they recount their recent Italian adventures, providing insights and recommendations for fellow travelers. Episode Highlights: Travel Reflections: The hosts detail their journey through various Italian locations including Tuscany, Abruzzo, Modena, Bergamo, and the Dolomites. Transportation Tales: A comparison of train tra...
Jan 01, 2025•15 min
In this episode, join hosts Kimberly and Tommaso as they recount their captivating journey through Italy, highlighting both cultural encounters and humorous adventures. Bergamo’s Città Alta: The episode begins with a vivid recollection of a memorable experience in Bergamo’s historic upper city. While Kimberly explored the local churches, Tommaso recorded a violinist performing Vivaldi outside the Duomo, which left a lasting impression. Starting in Rome: The hosts embarked on their month-long tri...
Dec 17, 2024•11 min
In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso share their recent adventures across Italy, detailing a captivating journey from the bustling streets of Rome to the serene landscapes of Tuscany. Their four-day Roman escapade was filled with the vibrant life of local cafes, a private tour of the Colosseum, and a culinary exploration of diverse restaurants. They also discovered a newfound appreciation for the Negroni cocktail, trying different versions at Roman cocktail bars. The second stop on their road t...
Dec 10, 2024•18 min
In this episode of their podcast series, Kimberly Holcombe and co-host Tommaso take listeners on a journey through the captivating regions of Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia. The hosts provide insights into each region’s unique characteristics, cultural heritage, and travel recommendations. Calabria: Hidden Beauty and Complex Identity Calabria, often overlooked, is highlighted for its natural beauty and affordability. The hosts discuss its complex identity, influenced by mafia history and persona...
Dec 04, 2024•28 min
In this enriching episode of “Kimberly’s Italy,” hosts Kimberly Holcombe and Tommaso dive into the heart of Italian culture, focusing on the vibrant city of Verona. Joining them is special guest Valeria Biasi, a Verona native and co-founder of Verona Tours. Key Highlights: Personalized Tours in Verona: The episode emphasizes the benefits of small walking tours, which allow for meaningful interactions and a deep dive into local culture. Listeners are introduced to a variety of tours in Verona, in...
Nov 27, 2024•31 min
In this episode of “Kimberly’s Italy,” co-hosts Kimberly Holcombe and Tommaso Il Favoloso take listeners on a journey through the lesser-known yet captivating regions of Puglia, Basilicata, and Campania, uncovering their unique cultural and geographical features. Puglia: Geography and Features: Nestled between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, Puglia is known for its unique terra rosa soil, abundant olive trees, and renowned wines such as Primitivo and Negroamaro. Cuisine and Climate: The region boa...
Nov 20, 2024•33 min
In this episode of “Kimberly’s Italy,” we delve into the global significance of the Slow Food Movement started in Italy decades ago. Joining Kimberly is Tiffany Nurrenbern, an advocate for sustainable food practices, she shares her expertise from her work with Slow Food USA and Zero Food Print. Key Topics Discussed: Origins of the Slow Food Movement Founded in Rome in 1986 as a counter-movement to fast food culture. Emphasizes the importance of savoring food and respecting the growing process. T...
Nov 13, 2024•37 min
Welcome to another insightful episode of Kimberly’s Italy, where we aim to enhance your travel experiences by alleviating trip planning anxiety and increasing your excitement for exploring Italy. I’m Kimberly, and alongside my co-host Tommaso, we share the latest updates and essential travel information to make your journey memorable. Listener Reviews and Engagement We’ve received wonderful feedback from listeners like Vicki and Ron, who appreciate the valuable insights we provide on both popula...
Oct 29, 2024•26 min
Italy’s rich cultural tapestry and varied landscapes, highlighting lesser-known regions that promise unique travel experiences. Key Highlights:Bel’Italia Train Journey: A travel adventure on the revived Italian trans-Siberian railway, taking it’s guests through enchanting villages and high-altitude landscapes far from the typical tourist routes. Abruzzo Exploration: Discover the region’s diverse geography, from its mountainous terrain and national parks to sandy beaches along the Adriatic Sea. H...
Oct 22, 2024•24 min
