211. Tuscan Spring Roadtrip: Beyond Expectations

211. Tuscan Spring Roadtrip: Beyond Expectations

Author: Kimberly Holcombe April 29, 2026 Duration: 39:12
In this episode, Tommaso and Kimberly share their road trip from Rome to Lago di Garda. They talk about unexpected turns, unique culinary experiences, and the unparalleled beauty of Tuscany in spring. Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! If you enjoy our podcast please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, Grazie Mille! Key Points: Driving in Italy: Kimberly explains why they chose to pick up their rental car at Termini train station in Rome. They discuss the benefits of driving on secondary and tertiary roads, including Google Maps’ “punto panoramico” feature. Tommaso and Kimberly advise listeners to build in extra time for auto grills during holidays. Culinary Adventures: Kimberly shares details of a lunch with their friend Paolo, a private chef, including a twist on cannoli. They explain how to enjoy the aperitivo lifestyle in Italy, from simple snacks to elaborate preparations. Discovering Hidden Gems: They visit Montefollonico, a tiny hilltop village Tommaso describes as “almost too perfect.” Kimberly highlights the remarkable façade of the Duomo in Montefollonico They explore Castiglione del Lago in Umbria, a village they had never visited before. Reflections: Tommaso and Kimberly emphasize the unique beauty of Tuscany in spring, noting the vibrant green landscapes. They encourage listeners to consider early spring for travel to Tuscany to avoid crowds. They discuss how road tripping allows for spontaneous stops and discoveries.

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
192. Ischia, Italy: Survive the Drive, Discover Paradise [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:13
Please Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook Kimberly and Tommaso share their adventures on the island of Ischia, from a comical car rental experience to a serene beach day. They address weather concerns for traveler…
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…