155.  All the History, None of the Crowds!

155. All the History, None of the Crowds!

Author: Kimberly Holcombe July 17, 2024 Duration: 29:47
Episode Highlights: Join us ( Kimberly and Tommaso) as we shine a light on the lesser-known gems of Italy—Piacenza and Pistoia. This episode is packed with insightful tips to inspire your next Italian adventure beyond the usual tourist hotspots like Rome and Florence. Introduction to Piacenza and Pistoia: Discover the charm of these lesser-known cities that offer a rich blend of history, culture, and architectural beauty. Learn why venturing beyond the typical destinations can provide a more fulfilling and less exhausting travel experience. Trip Planning Tips: We discuss the common challenges of trip planning in Italy and offer practical strategies for managing tourist crowds. We highlight the benefits of exploring smaller cities to truly appreciate local culture without the overwhelm. Spotlight on Pistoia: Known as a quieter alternative to Florence, Pistoia boasts natural beauty, thermal baths, and unique architecture. Suggestions for staying in Pistoia and taking day trips to Florence or Lucca for a balanced experience. Highlights include the architectural wonders of Piazza del Duomo, the Bishop’s residence, the bell tower, and the baptistery. A nod to Pistoia’s designation as the capital of culture in 2017, enhancing its appeal. Exploring Piacenza: Piacenza offers a peaceful atmosphere, contrasting with the bustling vibe of Milano. Despite fewer hotel options, Piacenza provides lovely accommodations and a welcoming ambiance. Key sites include Piazza San Antonio, Piazza Cavalli with its equestrian statues, and Palazzo Gotico. Delve into the city’s rich history, including notable visits from Leonardo da Vinci. Indulge in Piacenza’s local salumi for an authentic taste of Italian cuisine. Follow us on Social Media Instagram Facebook 

There's a particular magic to Italy that goes far beyond its famous landmarks, a rhythm of life that you only really start to feel once you've lingered in a local piazza or navigated a bustling market. Kimberly's Italy Travel is an invitation into that deeper experience, guided by Kimberly Holcombe, whose own story began with a life-changing move to Milan years ago. That journey didn't just create memories; it reshaped her perspective, and she shares that genuine, lived-in understanding in every episode. You'll hear personal stories from her travels, often punctuated by the kind of comical, real-world lessons that no standard guidebook ever mentions. This podcast serves as a rich audio companion, weaving together passionate discussions about regional cuisine, layers of local history, and the vibrant arts that define Italy's culture. It’s about the sensory details-the taste of a perfectly simple dish, the echo in an ancient alleyway, the warmth of a conversation with a new friend. Listeners gain practical, invaluable travel tips born from direct experience, all while feeling like they're sharing a coffee and a laugh with a knowledgeable guide. Through these conversations and reflections, the aim is to transport you, offering not just a list of destinations, but a feeling for the places and people that make Italy endlessly captivating.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Kimberly's Italy Travel
Podcast Episodes
191.  Ischia, Italy: Discovering This Island Paradise! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:27
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.…
190.  June 2025 Italian Travel Updates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:08
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 mislead…
189.  Treviso's underrated charm a stones throw from Venice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:42
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 Point…
188. Napoli at its CRAZIEST [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:00
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…
187.  Exciting day in the Dolomites and travel tips [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:24
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. Ke…
186.  The village of Castelrotto in the Dolomite mountains [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:21
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…
185.  Italy Travel Tips: Cyber Security & Staying Safe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:19
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 pra…
184. Bergamo’s Citta Bassa, A Northern Italian Treasure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:30
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 relatio…
183. Bergamo’s Best, The Stunning Citta Alta [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:37
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: Dr…
182.  Modena in Emilia-Romagna, Tasty Balsamic to Sexy Ferrari's ! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:16
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…