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
146. Diving deep into Verona with a guide (and a Jeep!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:10
It was Tommaso’s first visit to this history rich city, therefore we hired a private tour guide who made our visit perfetto! No matter how much you research and read about a destination, you will never learn as much as w…
145. Two Venetian Legends in One Day [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:24
The legendary trattoria on the island of Burano was the perfect way to start our second day in Venezia. It’s one of those family run restaurants that you will remember for years to come. Delicious food, engaging and atte…
144. Our Happy and Upbeat Take on Day 2 in Venice! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:46
Episode Summary: In this heartfelt episode, we unpack the bittersweet feelings of returning home after an enchanting trip to Italy. We dive into the complexities of “reentry stress” juxtaposed with their deep longing for…
143.  Just Back from Venice…What You Need to Know! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:11
After 6 days in Venezia, we thought we would share with you how to take in the full beauty and magic of this dramatic city despite the crowds, and it’s not even full tourist season yet! Getting away from the masses aroun…
142. Introducing Lago di Garda! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:22
Everyone as heard of Lake Como, but it’s bigger cousin to the east is a beauty and should probably be added to your list of dream vacations in bel’italia. We will dedicate a few episodes to Garda when we get back to our…
141. Back in Italy! via Copenhagen and Palma! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:32
We recorded this episode upon our arrival in Lake Garda after a busy week of planes, trains and automobiles….well, to be honest we took a metro instead of a train! We share a few travel tips on Apple Air Tags, what to do…
140. : The City of Genova: Pesto, Palaces and Blue Jeans! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:44
The busy and vibrant port city of Genova is steeped in Maritime history, yet also lays claim to being the birthplace of both Christopher Columbus and the modern-day architect Renzo Piano. Our journey through Genova would…
139. Be the Visitor Italians Will Appreciate (or Admire & Respect!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:55
We decided to share with our listeners the suggestions Kimberly gives her clients while traveling in Italy. Whether it’s your first time or your 10th visit to this amazing country, common courtesies go a long way, and ma…