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
Buon Anno 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:44
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 adventure…
Christmas 2024 Road Trip Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:48
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 vi…
Christmas 2024 Road Trip Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:35
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…
174. Italy's 20 Regions Explained #7 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:05
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…
173. See Verona through a Local’s Eyes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:14
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…
172. Italy's 20 Regions Explained #6 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:40
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…
171. Slow Food Movement, Grazie Italia! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:44
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…
170. Italy News You Need to Know! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:06
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 alongs…
169. Italy's 20 Regions Explained #5 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:15
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-Si…
168. Italians' Common Trait - Generosity! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:04
Welcome to another episode of Kimberley’s Italy, where Kimberly Holcombe and Tommaso guide you through the enchanting landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Italy. In this episode, we share captivating stories…