179. Cortona all the way to the top!!

179. Cortona all the way to the top!!

Author: Kimberly Holcombe February 12, 2025 Duration: 27:47
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 magical and offered a glimpse into the town’s vibrant traditions. The remarkable flag-throwing performance by local teenagers and 20-year-olds showed their dedication to a tradition that dates back to Medieval times. Exploration and Sightseeing: Our mid-December visit allowed Kimberly to explore the Accademia Etrusca Museum basically by herself due to the lack of other tourists. She admired its stunning architecture and diverse collections from the Etruscan era and on. We enjoyed breathtaking views from the Duomo and undertook a challenging uphill walk through the village’s unique stone structures. Historic churches, such as San Cristoforo, and the climb to the Fortezza di Girifalco rewarded us with stunning panoramic views. Local Insights:. Reflecting on our own driving experiences, we noted the impressive skill of local drivers, and how they so expertly maneuver their cars on those steep Medieval stone streets. Dining and Socializing: Meeting fellow Americans at dinner was a highlight, acknowledging that we all appreciated the off season travel while sharing hysterical driving mishaps. This episode provides insights into the benefits of off-season travel, offering listeners a taste of Cortona’s cultural richness and scenic beauty. Join us as we share our experiences and recommendations for a truly enchanting Italian adventure. 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
210. 48 Hours in Rome [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:52
Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! If you enjoy our podcast please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, Grazie Mille! In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso c…
209. 36 Hours in Venice!! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:55
In this episode, Tommaso and Kimberly share their recent 36-hour trip to Venice. They talk about what to do in Venice when you have no agenda and want to see the real Venice. Tommaso and Kimberly also discuss their amazi…
208. Surprising Differences of Daily Life in Italy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:20
Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! If you enjoy our podcast please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, Grazie Mille! In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso m…
207.  Spring Travel Update [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:32
Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso share their recent experiences moving to Italy, including challenging administrative tasks a…
206. One month in to our new life in Italy! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:16
Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso share their experiences after living in Italy for almost a month. They discuss the daily adjustm…
205. Immigrating to Italy: Our First 2 Weeks! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:19
Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso talk about their first two weeks in their new home in Italy. They share the joys and challenges…
204. Tips for your first trip to Italy and/or a refresh! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:04
Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso share essential tips for a smooth first trip to Italy. They offer advice on everything from arrival…
203. New Italian Adventures to Try  In 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:50
Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Links for the Show: Fondazione FS Italiane National Railway Museum Strada dell’Olio DOP Umbria Via di Linari In this episode, Kimberly Holcomb…
202.   Why Italian Christmas is Unlike Any Other [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:53
Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠! In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso wish everyone a Buon Natale and a Happy New Year. They share their past Christmas experiences in Italy, high…
201. Italian Destinations AI Won’t Tell You About [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:08
Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠! In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso talk about travel to Italy during the high season. They suggest places to visit and compare their personal recom…