Ep. 33: The Art of Looking: Designing an Italy Trip Around Beauty, and Simplicity

Ep. 33: The Art of Looking: Designing an Italy Trip Around Beauty, and Simplicity

Author: Danielle Oteri February 1, 2026 Duration: 31:10

In this episode, I share why I don’t pack my days in Italy too tightly, and unpack what I mean when I advise clients to leave time for walking and wandering.

This episode is dedicated to Morton Kaish, who taught me how to “walk like an artist” in Italy and how even passively taking in great art and architecture can change you for the better.

You will also hear a conversation with illustrator Jenny Kroik. We talk about why places that don’t photograph well often end up being the ones that stay with you, and how sketching can help you process complex, layered moments that don’t fit neatly into “good day/bad day.”

Finally, I walk through what is planned for Jenny’s Art Retreat in May at Borgo La Pietraia, including Chef Mario’s deceptively simple food, daily gentle art prompts, visits to the Paestum temples, a buffalo farm, Amalfi’s historic paper mill, and the turquoise waters of Cilento.

I share these details as inspiration for planning your own self‑guided trip to Italy: choosing a single home base, slowing the pace of your days, leaving room for serendipity, and designing an itinerary around the kind of beauty you want to experience.

Links

* Retreat details and booking: Jenny’s Art Retreat at Borgo La Pietraia (May 17–24)

* Jenny Kroik’s Arthur Avenue illustrations for The New Yorker

* Jenny’s website and her Substack newsletter



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.danielleoteri.com/subscribe

There’s a certain magic to traveling in Italy that goes beyond checking sights off a list-it’s in the texture of daily life, a shared meal, or a story passed down through generations. Tante Belle Cose captures that feeling. Hosted by Danielle Oteri, founder of Feast Travel, this podcast feels like a series of deep, rewarding conversations with a friend who truly knows the place. You’ll hear immersive narratives that transport you to a sun-drenched piazza or a quiet vineyard, alongside genuinely practical advice for navigating the nuances of Italian culture, food, and history. The episodes are thoughtfully crafted; some serve as a guide to planning your journey, while others simply pull you into the rich tapestry of Italian life, planting seeds for future adventures. Danielle’s expertise as a guide and storyteller makes each listen both an escape and a toolkit. Tuning into this podcast is more than just research-it’s an invitation to appreciate the many beautiful details, the *tante belle cose*, that make Italy so captivating. For those who dive deeper, there’s also access to a dedicated travel community moderated by Danielle, offering continued connection and insight beyond the audio.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 44

Danielle Oteri's Italy
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 39: Location, Location, Salvation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:08
There’s a hotel in Naples that’s perfect for the night before a flight. In fact, all the United pilots and flight attendants stay there. The hotel is pretty standard and part of a chain, but the building itself is the on…
Ep. 38: How to Plan Multigenerational Travel to Italy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:25
Are you thinking about a trip to Italy and need help getting started or refining your plan? Book a one-hour consultation, my specialty, and let me help you ensure it’s the best trip possible.Among my favorite trips to pl…
Ep. 37: The Secret of Florence's Dome [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:42
Every day, every single tour guide in Florence tells thousands of tourists a story that is not true. It’s the story of the construction of the dome, a feat of engineering so ingenious that even today, architects and engi…
Ep. 36: The Loss of the Picturesque [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:36
If you enjoyed this essay episode, you can subscribe for more at danielleoteri.com. If you’re planning a trip to Italy and would like some expert guidance, book a trip consultation at danielleoteri-italy.com. Lastly, you…
Ep. 35: The Mozzarella Highway [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:54
If you enjoyed this essay episode, you can subscribe for more at danielleoteri.com. If you're planning a trip to Italy and would like some expert guidance, book a consultation at danielleoteri-italy.com. And if neither o…
Ep. 34: Paradise for Normal People [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:24
In this episode, I speak with writer Susan van Allen about Ischia, the island very close to Capri that I like to call paradise for normal people. The last time I was there, Susan introduced me to her favorite place to st…
Ep. 32: Venice Is Not a Day Trip [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:34
Happy New Year, and welcome back to Danielle Oteri’s Italy—we’re starting 2026 in Venice, the Italian city everyone rushes through, with no idea of how much they’re missing. This episode is your invitation to slow down,…
A Beautiful Lesson from the Tomb of the Diver [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:02
I want to wish you happy holidays and express my profound gratitude for reading, listening, and supporting this podcast and newsletter. I hope you enjoy this two-minute video reflection on the passing of the seasons, ins…
Ep. 30: Travel Agents, Advisors, and Influencers Explained [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:33
In this episode, I explain the differences between travel agents, advisors, and influencers…because I know first-hand how confusing this world can be!You’ll hear industry insider stories, plus the simple method I give pe…