EP 26 Bar Time, Italian Style! Today, we’re talking about something that’s at the heart of daily life here in Italy: the bar. And no, not the kind of bar you might be thinking of! In Italy, the bar is where life happens. It’s where you start your day with a quick espresso or cappuccino, and where you wind down with friends over a spritz before dinner. We’ll take you from the history of coffee in Venice to the invention of the aperitivo in Turin and Milan… and along the way, we’ll share how these rituals have become the heartbeat of daily life in Italy. It’s one of the many little things in Italy that create la dolce vita! Resources: Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own! Subscribe, Review, and Partner: Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure! If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com. If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com. Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

EP 25 The Amalfi Coast and Beyond! Today we’re taking you to one of our favorite corners of Italy: the Amalfi Coast along with the neighboring treasures of Naples, Sorrento, Capri and beyond. We’ve been visiting this stretch of Campania since 2009, and every visit deepens our love for its sun-drenched cliffs, pastel towns, and islands that have captivated emperors and movie stars alike. I just returned from yet another magical visit, and I’m re-energized to share my passion, insights, and tips for creating your own unforgettable journey. Stay tuned to hear all about it! Resources: Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own! Subscribe, Review, and Partner: Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure! If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com. If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com. Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

EP24 Make the Smart Move to Italy This episode is extra special because it marks one full year since we made the leap and moved to Italy in search of la dolce vita. But what does that really mean? And now, a year later, did we actually find it? Today, we’re reflecting on that journey, and we’re joined by a special guest who helped us turn our dream into a reality - Samantha Wilson from Smart Move Italy. Sam’s going to share her own story, and what she’s learned from helping so many others take the leap and move to Italy. Resources: Sign Up for the Smart Move Italy Bootcamp | A New Life in Italy Membership | Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own! Subscribe, Review, and Partner: Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure! If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com. If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com. Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

EP23 Ferragosto and 2025 Travel Update It’s Mid-August in Italy… the beaches are packed, the cities are quiet, and lunch might just last all afternoon. This week we’re diving into Ferragosto — where it comes from, how Italians celebrate, and why it’s the perfect excuse to slow down and savor summer. We’ll also share a few updates on the 2025 travel season, including how the Jubilee has unfolded so far and what to know if you’re planning a trip before the end of the year. Resources: Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own! Subscribe, Review, and Partner: Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure! If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com. If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com. Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

EP22 Hiking the Alps In today’s episode, we’re heading north, way north, to the Alps for an epic adventure. And, joining us are two very special guests: our son, Luca Raso, and his girlfriend, Molly Ricker. They’ve just returned from completing the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc, a 170-kilometer trek that winds through France, Italy and Switzerland. They will share their highs and lows, relive the stunning views, and provide invaluable tips for anyone dreaming of tackling one of the Alp’s most iconic hikes. Resources: Tour du Mont Blanc Refuges Booking | Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own! Subscribe, Review, and Partner: Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure! If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com. If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com. Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

EP21 Siena & the Palio Today, we're taking you to one of our absolute favorite places in Tuscany — Siena, a city steeped in medieval history and tradition. We’ve been visiting Siena for over 25 years, and somehow, it never loses its magic. But there’s one event that makes Siena truly come alive — the Palio. It’s wild, passionate, and deeply rooted in tradition. In this episode, we’ll share why this city is so close to our hearts and explore the soul of Siena through its legendary horse race. Resources: Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own! Subscribe, Review, and Partner: Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure! If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com. If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com. Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

Today’s episode is all about our recent adventure to the island of Sardinia. I say adventure, because it was definitely not a relaxing vacation! It was 10 days spent touring the island from north to south and packing in as much fun and culture as possible. Sardinia has been evolving from an undiscovered island to a luxury coastal hotspot to an authentic cultural and adventure destination - attracting not just sun-seekers, but also foodies, hikers, and history lovers. Stay tuned to hear all about it! Resources: Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own! Subscribe, Review, and Partner: Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure! If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com. If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com. Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

EP19 Update on Our Italian Life In today’s episode, we talk about our life here in Italy so far. It’s been 9 months since we made the big leap over the pond, and we thought it was a good time to reflect and provide an update. Has it been everything we dreamed it would be? Is it even better? What have been some of the challenges? Press play and find out! Resources: Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own! Subscribe, Review, and Partner: Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure! If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com. If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com. Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

Today’s episode is all about Italy’s calcio culture – also known as football or soccer depending on where you are from. Calcio is the most popular sport in the world and that also holds true in Italy with over 1.4 million registered players and over 14,000 teams. But Calcio is more than a sport in Italy, it’s almost a religion or a cult depending on who you ask. In this episode: we will touch on the origins of this sport, discuss some of Italy’s original players, and we have some guest speakers that share what Calcio means to them and their lives. Resources:Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own! Subscribe, Review, and Partner:Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure! If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com. If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com. Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

In today’s episode, we’re heading south to the region of Campania. While most known for its breathtaking Amalfi Coast, the region is also popular for its charming islands that lie west of the mainland in the Tyrrhenian Sea. You’ve likely heard of the jet-set island of Capri, but we’re going to focus on the lesser known, but larger, island of Ischia. We just spent a week exploring this charming authentic island and we can’t wait to share what we learned. Resources:Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own! Subscribe, Review, and Partner:Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure! If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com. If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com. Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

EP16 All About Milan & Lake Como In today’s episode, we’ll talk about the metropolitan city of Milan and the beautiful area of Lake Como. While the two destinations couldn’t be more different, they are often side-by-side in an itinerary for visiting the region of Lombardy. We’ll discuss everything you need to know to get the most out of these destinations during your trip to Italy. Resources: Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own! Subscribe, Review, and Partner: Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure! If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com. If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com. Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

Spring has sprung here in Italy, so today's episode is all about La Primavera! We’ll discuss what Italy has to offer visitors during these spring months including: The weather and typical spring foods, Important holidays and key events, and Cultural traditions It’s a fun and energizing season and we can’t wait to talk about it! Resources: Get Inspired – When to Travel | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own! Subscribe, Review, and Partner: Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure! If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com. If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com. Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

EP14 The Italian Riviera Today's episode showcases the beautiful coast of the Italian Riviera along the Ligurian Sea. This coastal area has been one of our favorites in all of Italy since 1997 as it has charming, colorful fishing villages, beautiful beaches with clear-blue water as well as mountain cliffs and parks. It’s the perfect destination for relaxation and sea life, as well as sport and adventure, We weren’t sure how a March Spring Break on the coast would be, but we had a blast and can’t wait to share our recent adventure with you. Resources: What to Pack | Hiking the Cinque Terre | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own! Subscribe, Review, and Partner: Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure! If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com. If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com. Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

Today we explore the most eaten Italian food in the world – Pizza! Everyone loves pizza – “that’s amore!” There is so much to learn about pizza, and we talk about: The history and the birthplace of pizza, Pizza toppings and pizza dough, The various styles of Italian pizzas, Italy’s pizza culture, and How it compares to the pizza found in the United States. Resources: Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own! Subscribe, Review, and Partner: Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure! If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com. If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com. Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

EP12 Italy’s Wine Culture (feat. Alfonso Aiello) Today's episode is inspired by the fact that we now live in the heart of wine country. Wine is the foundation and essence of Montepulciano and, quite honestly, it is an integral part of the Italian lifestyle across the country. After all, it’s produced in all 20 regions. Today’s episode is special in that we have our first guest speaker, Alfonso Aiello – an expert and distributor of Italian wines. We’ll talk about everything you need to know to fully experience Italy’s wine culture, including: An overview of Italy’s wines, The ins and outs of wine tastings, How to choose a winery, and Tips to discover your favorite Italian wine. Resources: Wine Folly | A New Life in Italy Podcast |Smart Move Italy | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own! Subscribe, Review, and Partner: Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure! If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com. If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com. Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

EP11 Exploring Castiglion Fiorentino If you’ve been following our story, you’re aware that we’ve been on a journey since last September to find a place to call home and begin our new life here in Italy. This first episode of 2025 is dedicated to our third and final trial location in Tuscany – the beautiful hilltop medieval village of Castiglion Fiorentino. This area of Tuscany was relatively new for us, and it was fun to spend a month exploring this charming village and the neighboring towns of Arezzo and Cortona during the holiday season. Listen to learn why it’s an amazing place to both visit and live! Resources: Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own! Subscribe, Review, and Partner: Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure! If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com. If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com. Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

Our final episode of the year showcases the southeast corner of the region of Tuscany known as the Val d’Orcia. The countryside area is quintessential Tuscany as it is made up of charming medieval hill towns and rolling hills dotted with cypress trees, farmhouses, vineyards and olive groves.  It’s magical! We’ve been in love with this area of Tuscany for over 25 years, so it was clear to us that we had to test out living in the Val d’Orcia as part of our new life in Italy. We spent a month living in Montepulciano and exploring the Val d’Orcia countryside and absolutely loved it.  Listen to learn why we think it’s an amazing place to both visit and live! Resources: Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own! Subscribe, Review, and Partner: Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure! If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com. If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com. Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.  

Before we head into the holiday season, we thought this week’s episode would be a great time to talk about planning your 2025 dream trip to Italy.  Make use of that quality time with family and friends to talk all about it! You may also have heard that the Vatican is hosting a little event called the Jubilee in 2025, so we’ll first discuss how that may impact your plans. And assuming you decide that 2025 is the year for you, we’ll discuss the many ways to go about planning your trip: Plan it entirely by yourself Sign up for an organized tour Enlist the help of travel professionals It’s another episode packed with useful information that we hope inspires you to start planning your dream vacation to this amazing country now. Resources: Vatican Jubilee Website | Why Amici Vacations | Get Inspired | Follow: Instagram • Facebook Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own!   Subscribe, Review, and Partner: Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure! If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com. If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com.   Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.      

EP8 Getting Around Italy This week's episode is inspired by the fact that since we’ve moved to Italy, we’ve been doing a lot of travel all over the country – a true planes, trains, and automobiles life! We answer the most frequently asked questions about how to most efficiently and economically get around the country – both within cities and between cities. It’s an episode packed with useful information and everything you need to know to successfully move you to each beautiful destination throughout your Italian adventure.   Resources: Italian Road Signs | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own!   Subscribe, Review, and Partner: Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure! If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com. If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com.   Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.    

This week's episode showcases the charming Tuscan city of Pistoia. It's an historical city in the northwestern part of the region that we discovered almost exactly a year ago when we began our search for potential cities to live.  It was love at first sight and it quickly made our short list! We've now lived in Pistoia for a month and can't wait to tell you all about our experience.  We'll discuss what Pistoia has to offer both as a place to visit during your travels in Italy as well as a place to call home. Resources: Visit Pistoia Official Tourist Portal | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own! Subscribe, Review, and Partner: Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure! If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com. If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com. Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.