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
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…