Kimberly's Italy - TopPodcast.com

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65. Bologna, Where Italians Go To Eat! Sep 20, 2022

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This beautiful city offers more than just the best cuisine in all of Italy, and surprisingly most Italians admit to this claim! Bologna has 24 miles of porticos within it's city walls, and no other city can boast that. The world's oldest continual university, established in 1088, is yet another fact that make the Bolognese proud. It is also a bit under the tourist radar for some unexplained reason, but I can attest to the fact that after your first visit, you will always return.

64. Two more Jewels in Umbria Sep 13, 2022

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The villages of Orvieto and Todi in southwest Umbria are quite simply, fantastic! Orvieto's crown jewel is the Duomo from 1290, yet two-thirds of it's exterior is so contemporary it's hard to believe it's 732 years old! This hilltop small city should be on your list to visit for the visuals alone, not to mention the underground city carved from the volcanic rock, the cuisine and of course the people. Teh village of Todi has the distinction of being called One of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, and rightfully so. It's a perfectly preserved teeny village that looks as if it stepped right out of the middle ages. It's a wonder to visit, but even more special extraordinary if you stay the night. You will be happy you did.

63. Umbria, the Gift that Keeps On Giving Sep 06, 2022

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Two more completely intoxicating medieval villages in southern Umbria... Montefalco and Spoleto. The citizens and local governments are so proud of their history and heritage, that they make the utmost effort to keep their villages as well preserved, and intact as possible. And we are the lucky recipients of their efforts, since we can walk through these beautiful towns and feel as though we are in the 12th century, yet at the same time, enjoy the modern conveniences of ice cubes in your Aperol Spritz at your late lunch al fresco, in the piazza.... oh la dolce vita!

62. Amazing Assisi, Stunning Spello and Fun-filled Foligno Aug 30, 2022

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These three villages in southern Umbria are so stunning, and so well preserved, you feel like you are thrown back in time to the medieval ages. Yet, you can treat yourselves to the modern comforts of fantastic restaurants, unique accommodations, and shops where you can buy local handmade crafts. A delicious cuisine and rich bodied wine just add to your visit in this lovely region which they call The Green Heart of Italy / Cuore Verde d'italia.

61. Good News.. Fall Travel Season is Almost Here! Aug 23, 2022

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Summer of 2022 in Italy has been intense! The country was inundated with tourists from around the globe, and even though it was chaotic (and HOT), the Italians were grateful for the business after the long Covid lockdown. Everyone in the hospitality industry worked harder than they ever had, yet were still gracious, patient and welcoming. What a testament to the country's fortitude. With the fall season fast approaching, that means cooler temperatures, less tourists and enjoying a meal that you didn't have to reserve 2 months in advance. We are also including an interview with two women who joined us on a small group trip last fall. Listen to what they appreciated about enjoying a fantastic time where they didn't have to do a thing except show up! Andiamo a bel'italia!

August 16th Quick Update Aug 16, 2022

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Just a quick update!

60. Pastry, Panini and Prosecco in Perugia! Aug 09, 2022

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The diverse and amazing things you can do in Perugia.... walk the entirety of a Roman Aqueduct from the 13th century, eat the world famous Perugina Baci (kiss) chocolate, get lost in the maze of the underground “basement” of a Papal Palace from the 1500's and stand in awe in front of the Fontana Maggiore (main fountain) which depicts agricultural life in the medieval ages through sculpted marble panels. The capitol of Umbria does not disappoint! As old as this city is, it has a lively and hip vibe due to the university students from all over the world, who thrive in this bustling and beautiful city.

59. Umbria's Uncrowded Medieval and Magical Villages Aug 02, 2022

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We start in the northern half of Umbria and share with you three villages to visit that should definitely be on your radar. Citta di Castello, Gubbio and the capitol city of Perugia are all so well preserved that you feel like you could be living in the medieval ages. Yet at the same time, you can shop and eat and enjoy an aperitivo hour as if you were in Roma or Milano, just with less tourists, and what's not to love about that?

58. Umbria - Tuscany's less crowded beautiful neighbor Jul 26, 2022

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The region of Umbria may be Italy's 5th smallest region, but it also has the country's 6th lowest population density! That alone should convince you to spend at least a week in it's vast green landscape which boasts olive orchards and vineyards. Pair the savory wine with the famous cured meats from the region, most notably, the prosciutto from the ancient village of Norcia. Umbria is also home to the acclaimed black truffle, and luckily these gems are harvested in both winter and summer. Umbria is a year-round destination for those who appreciate the rural road less traveled, yet one that satisfies your palate at the same time.

57. Southern Puglia's Addictive Allure Jul 19, 2022

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The southern half of Puglia entices you with whitewashed hill top villages, crystal clear water that just begs you to dive in, houses dramatically perched on the edge of limestone cliffs and the ever present sunshine and sea breeze. The capitol city of Lecce, is much more than you would expect, with some of the finest masterpieces of Baroque architecture in Italy. When the sun sets in southern Puglia, everything, including the sandstone walls of these Baroque jewels, glow in an ochre color like you have never seen. Throw all of this on top of a simple and seasonal (yet delicious) cuisine and the bountiful (and also delicious) wine, Puglia is a feast for the senses, all five of them.

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