In this episode, we dive into the world of travel guidebooks and their role in shaping how Italy has been experienced by tourists from the 19th century to today. Far from just offering tips on hotels and restaurants, these guides acted as cultural gatekeepers, influencing how both Italians and foreigners saw the country. From the romanticized Grand Tour to the efficiency-driven Baedeker system, we explore how guidebooks like those of the Touring Club Italiano (TCI) shaped narratives about Italian regions. This episode reflects on how travel is often shaped by the stories we’re told before we even arrive.