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
137. Planning a trip from a TikTok Video??? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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136. Travel News for bel’Italia 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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135. The Classy, Colorful and Tasty City of Parma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:38
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134. Culinary Paradise in Parma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:03
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133. Behind the Wheel of a 1969 Fiat Cinque Cento… What a Day! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:38
Hopefully most of you know what a Fiat Cinque Cento looks like, however if not, they are the smallest cars imaginable, yet they are as cute as can be! Cinque Cento means 500 hundred in Italian, and when referring to a ca…
132. A Visit with the Present Day Leonardo da Vinci! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:07
Tommaso finally gets to visit Nostra Vita in person! A small vineyard owned and nurtured by an incredibly creative family, is a little slice of Tuscan heaven. It is also an experience to treasure since everywhere you loo…
131.  A Sunday night drive in rural Tuscany ... Hilarity ensues! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:34
Our first night in Montepulciano was just going to be dinner at a small local ristorante, however duty called when our friend we were travelling with requested some much needed supplies from a pharmacy / farmacia. The ti…
130. A Broken Wrist Didn’t Ruin Our Umbrian Adventure! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:50
Our back road drive to Todi in Umbria was picture perfect, as was our stay in a renovated small castle. One wrong step off the road did result in a broken wrist for our friend, but she was a trooper and carried on to the…
129.  Discovering the History and Artistic Riches of Assisi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:27
Our day trip to Assisi proved to be more enriching than we all thought it would be. Most people go to see the Basilica of St Francis, but this sweet little city also offers a plethora of history. The Temple of Minerva fr…