180. Montepulciano a special village in Tuscany.

180. Montepulciano a special village in Tuscany.

Author: Kimberly Holcombe March 5, 2025 Duration: 24:05
Arrival in Montepulciano: Kimberly and Tommaso’s journey to Montepulciano began with a typical and comical Tuscan drive. Navigating steep, rain-soaked, ancient stone streets tested their driving skills. The parking garage’s tight turns and slippery surfaces added to the challenge, but they eventually prevailed! Historical Context of Montepulciano: The discussion shifts from the founding of Montepulciano in the Etruscan era to Roman rule and the medieval period. Understanding this timeline provides context for appreciating the village’s architecture and cultural significance, enriching the travel experience. The historical overview prepares listeners to appreciate Italy’s layered past. Culinary Delights and Local Encounters: Kimberly and Tommaso recount their lunch in Montepulciano at a family-run restaurant, highlighting the delicious handmade pici pasta and the warm hospitality of the owners. Their dinner was even better which they shared with a local friend. Both meals on day one encapsulates the charm of Tuscan cuisine and the welcoming nature of small local establishments. Experiencing Montepulciano Off-Season: Traveling in December allowed them to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience. They stayed in a regal hotel which they had entirely to themselves, exemplifying the benefits of off-season travel. They could explore the village at a relaxed pace and connect with locals. Organic Wineries and Val d’Orcia: A road trip with a sommelier friend introduced them to organic wineries in the Val d’Orcia region. This experience highlighted the dedication of local vintners to sustainable practices and the unique qualities of Tuscan wines. During the winery visit, Kimberly’s aversion to meat created a funny moment, reinforcing the importance of honesty and cultural sensitivity. Cherished Friendships and Cultural Exchange: Kimberly and Tommaso value their long-standing friendships with Italians, including one of the daughters from Nostra Vita Winery whom they met up with at a local pasticceria. Deep conversation about art and their creative nature over a cappuccino was the perfect way to start the day. The friends they met with in Montepulciano underscores the importance of cultural connections and deepens their appreciation for Italian culture. Link to artist Carlotta Parisi's website is: here Follow us on Social Media Instagram Facebook  italy travel, tuscany, montepulciano, etruscan history, medieval villages, italian road trip, off-season travel, italian food, peachy pasta, wine tasting, val d’orcia, organic winery, italian culture, driving in italy,

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
191.  Ischia, Italy: Discovering This Island Paradise! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:27
Please Follow us on: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook Kimberly and Tommaso share their experiences on the island of Ischia, near Napoli, Italy. They discuss Ischia’s geography, history, cuisine, beaches and the island’s appeal.…
190.  June 2025 Italian Travel Updates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:08
Please Follow us on: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook Core Points of this episode: Be sure to thoroughly research online travel information; verify details before making plans, as social media posts and other sources can be mislead…
189.  Treviso's underrated charm a stones throw from Venice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:42
In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso share their experiences in Treviso, Italy, offering travel tips and historical insights. They explore Treviso’s charm, cuisine, and proximity to other Italian destinations. Key Point…
188. Napoli at its CRAZIEST [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:00
In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso share travel tips and tales from Naples / Napoli and its surrounding islands. They recount Tommaso’s first chaotic yet enlightening experiences in Napoli. Key Points: • Train Travel…
187.  Exciting day in the Dolomites and travel tips [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:24
In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso share stories from their trip to the Dolomites, including a visit to Sterzing’s Christmas market, a somewhat harrowing yet comical drive, and a hotel that doubled as a hair salon. Ke…
186.  The village of Castelrotto in the Dolomite mountains [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:21
Please remember to follow us on Social Media! Grazie Mille! Instagram Facebook In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso recount their visit to the Italian Dolomites, specifically the village of Castelrotto, during the quiet…
185.  Italy Travel Tips: Cyber Security & Staying Safe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:19
Remember to follow us on Social Media! Grazie Mille! Instagram Facebook In this episode, Tommaso discusses how to manage cyber and personal security risks while traveling, particularly in tourist hotspots. He shares pra…
184. Bergamo’s Citta Bassa, A Northern Italian Treasure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:30
Kimberly and Tommaso share their experiences in Città Bassa, the lower city of Bergamo. They highlight the area’s unique piazzas, shopping streets, and cultural landmarks. They also touch on Bergamo’s sister city relatio…
183. Bergamo’s Best, The Stunning Citta Alta [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:37
In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso share their travel experiences in Bergamo, Italy, focusing on Città Alta. They recount funny driving challenges and highlight the area’s rich history and architecture. Key Points: Dr…
182.  Modena in Emilia-Romagna, Tasty Balsamic to Sexy Ferrari's ! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:16
Follow us on Social Media Instagram Facebook In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso recount their visit to Modena in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. They describe the city’s attractions, from balsamic vinegar to Ferrari. They also…