You’ll want to visit Positano because it’s spectacularly beautiful, but there are many unusual things to do in Positano that you should add to your bucket list. I’ve been in love Positano for decades, this gorgeous Amalfi coast hill town that spills down to the sea with a blast of Mediterranean colors. I love the…
Weekend Trips
A Look at Italian Saffron & its Harvest – Podcast Episode 30
Italian saffron cultivation is prolific in a number of areas in Italy like the Abruzzi and Sardegna, and now it’s expanded into Sicily, San Gimignano and Città della Pieve, Umbria. We visit Città della Pieve each year to experience the magic of the harvest process. Città della Pieve is famous as the birthplace of Perugino,…
Hidden Towns and Perched Villages in Liguria – Podcast Episode 29
Best Ways to Explore Liguria Explore the dozens upon dozens of hidden towns and perched villages in the coastal region of Liguria in northern Italy, along with its rich history, cuisine, natural beauty and breathtaking views. Liguria is one of Italy‘s well known but in many ways overlooked regions, other than a few classical tourist…
Best Boutique Hotel in Capri – Villa Brunella – Podcast Episode 28
If you’re planning to visit the exquisite island of Capri then the Villa Brunella is where you have to stay! The Villa Brunella is the best boutique hotel in Capri because it embodies everything you could want in a fantastic accommodation location: 20 huge rooms each one different from the next, a private swimming pool,…
Rome Opera House – Teatro dell’Opera di Roma – Podcast Episode 27
The Rome Opera House is fast becoming the cultural pride of the City of Rome, thanks to prudent management under Managing Director Carlo Fuortes, ex-director of Rome’s Parco della Musica. This coupled with innovative programs aimed at bringing opera to wider audiences (Opera Camion), and to younger audiences (Fabbrica Young Artists Program, and Rush to…
Flavors of the Liguria Region – the Best Food and Wine – Podcast Episode 26
Where is Liguria? Right up at the top of Italy along the coast as the Mediterranean curves left along the Ligurian Sea you’ll find the Liguria region and its best food and wine. It’s an arch of land above the Ligurian Sea made up of of four different provinces: Imperia, Savona, Genoa, La Spezia. Along…
Molise Region Food & Wine Guide: 5 foods you have to try! – Podcast Episode 25
The Molise region, although very small, has a culinary heritage all its own and there are five foods you absolutely must try. In Podcast Episode 25, Molise Food & Wine Guide, Lori DeSanctis from Molise Cuisine was back with me to give me a roundup of the very best food and wine in the Molise…
Not-to-be-missed hidden gems of Alghero, Sardinia – Podcast Episode 16
If you visit Alghero on the northwest coast of the island of Sardinia you can count on amazing hidden gems: archaeological remains dating back 6,000 years, gorgeous beaches, delectable food you’ve thus far never encountered, markets, handicrafts, festivals and more. In today’s episode James Martin from Wandering Italy shares his insider secrets into this spectacular…
Molise, Italy’s Magical Secret Region – Podcast Episode 15
The Molise region is Italy’s Secret Region and still often overlooked, probably because of its size – it’s the second smallest Italian region. It’s also the youngest region and it was only in 1970 that it became separate from the Abruzzo region. Molise is made up of two provinces: Campobasso and Isernia. Below is a…
Eating Your Way through Sicily – Podcast Episode 14
Sicily is a haven of art and architecture, millennia old monuments and incredible history and food, and Eating Your Way through Sicily is a divine way to enjoy this amazing island. Think gelato, delicious stuffed fried rice balls known as arancini and luscious cannoli. Not to mention incredible seafood throughout the island plus fabulous wines….
A chat with the 6th generation owner of the oldest Modica chocolate company in Sicily – Podcast Episode 13
In today’s podcast episode I chatted with Pierpaolo Ruta, the sixth generation owner of the oldest Modica chocolate company in Sicily, L’Antica Dolceria Bonajuto. We chatted about the history of chocolate in general and what exactly constitutes Modica chocolate. He shared all kinds of fascinating details about his family history and their philosophy on making…
Farm to Table homestyle pig butchering in northern Tuscany – Podcast Episode 11
Today James Martin shared another story about a Farm to Table homestyle pig butchering in Northern Tuscany with his friend Armando. We chatted about how Armando and a few other men took apart the pig and made all kinds of pork delicacies over the span of one morning in his mother’s garage. We chatted about Armando,…