Ep. 43: When to Go To Italy and Where to Go in 2027

Ep. 43: When to Go To Italy and Where to Go in 2027

Author: Danielle Oteri August 20, 2026 Duration: 18:20

Intense, I would say unbearable, summer heat is the new normal in Italy, and it changes how you should be planning a trip. This episode covers when to actually go (spring over fall, with one exception), what to do if summer is your only option, and why “I’m used to heat” doesn’t mean the same thing in Dallas as it does in Rome.

In this episode:

* Why hot summers in Europe can no longer be treated as an anomaly

* Best time to visit for Venice, Florence, Rome: spring (minus Easter week) over the increasingly-booked-out fall

* The seaside strategy for anyone who can only travel in summer — including how to structure a day around the heat

* Why an Italian beach club is a unique cultural experience

* Where to find real sagre and summer festivals

* The single biggest mistake I have to unravel for clients overstuffed itineraries

* Tipping in 2026: what’s expected now for guides, drivers, and restaurant staff — and why even the Germans are tipping.

All podcasts are free, but if you want to hang out with my live, and ask questions, consider becoming a paid subscriber. On August 27th at 8 pm ET, I’ll be doing a Destination Deep Dive on Pompeii, Herculaneum, Baia, and Oplontis. Because even though Pompeii is worthy of a thousand visits, it’s just one piece of the story, and one of these others sites might actually be more appropriate for your trip.



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: 50

Danielle Oteri's Italy
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 17: The Theater of Death in Naples, Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:13
The second part of Episode 17 takes you inside the Ipogeo dei Cristallini, which has only been open to the public since 2022. Italy is full of tombs and catacombs, and while each one holds fascinating stories, I apprecia…
Ep. 17: The Theater of Life in Naples Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:53
Paid subscribers, our April “Ask Me Anything About Italy” meeting will be on April 17th at 8 pm ET. Subscribers will receive the Zoom link the day before. This is your opportunity to ask all your trip planning questions,…
Ep. 16: Quick Travel Insights for Italy in 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:21
I just got back from a quick trip to Italy—11 days, which is about the average stay for most of my clients. In doing so, I had the chance to better walk in your shoes and check and challenge the travel planning advice I…
Ep. 15: Basilicata's Beachside Paradise with Author Helene Stapinski [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:06
This episode features an interview with author and journalist Helene Stapinski about Basilicata. I discuss Helene’s remarkable investigation into a family mystery in her book Murder in Matera, which blends Italian histor…
Ep. 14: The Ultimate Italy Travel FAQ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:06
In this FAQ episode, I address travelers' most common questions about planning a trip to Italy, drawn from a deep dive into Google Analytics. Topics include what to wear, how much Italian you should learn, budgeting for…
Episode 13: Italy's Ancient Spas at Pompeii, Baia, Ischia and Rome [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:20
This episode explores the rich history and luxurious experiences of ancient spas, from the newly discovered private spa in Pompeii to the ancient thermal baths of Baia and the renowned Baths of Caracalla in Rome. I’ll al…
Episode 11: Origin of the Feast of the Seven Fishes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:33
In this festive episode, I delve into the origins and traditions of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a cherished Italian American Christmas Eve celebration. Joined by Patrick O'Boyle from the Italian American Podcast, I ex…
Ep. 9: Five Things To Know Before Planning Your Italy Trip [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:48
When I sat down to update our free guide, Five Essential Things to Know Before Planning Your Italy Trip, I realized it deserved more than a refresh—it needed to become a podcast episode that could be easily shared. With…