Episode Description
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In this episode, Kimberly Holcombe and Tommaso share insights from their friends who recently traveled to Italy during the Christmas holiday. They discuss historical train routes, exciting activities like driving a Ferrari through Tuscany, and adventurous hiking and biking options. Join us in this episode for unique ways to experience Italy beyond the typical tourist paths.
Key Points:
Christmas in Italy:
- Venice was less crowded than Rome during the holidays.
- Italian locals gather in Rome for Christmas, making it more crowded.
- Venice had crowds during specific events like the Santa Claus gondolier parade.
Uber Black in Rome:
- Friends used Uber Black successfully in Rome, despite previous reliability concerns with standard Uber.
- Uber Black offers larger, luxury vehicles with professional drivers.
Historical Exploration:
- Friends regretted not researching the history of Italian landmarks before their trip.
- Tommaso suggests spending ample time before the trip researching historical facts so they are better prepared once there.
New Travel Options for 2026:
Historical Train Journeys:
- Italy’s historic railways, managed by La Fondazione FS Italiane.
- Binari Sensa Tempo (Timeless Tracks): Offers dozens of itineraries across the country.
- The National Railway Museum is in Pietrasara, outside Naples.
- The Christmas Market Train (Treno de Mercantini di Natale) runs from Sulmona to Roccaraso in Abruzzo.
- A day-long excursion from Torino to Canelli offers wine tastings in Piemonte.
- The train features Centoporte (100 Doors) carriages from the 1920s to the 1980s.
- Sommeliers offer tastings of regional wines like Barolos.
Olive Mill Trains:
- Frantoi Aperti (Open Olive Mills) trains run every weekend through mid-November.
- Organized by Strada dell’Olio DOP Umbria (The Olive Oil Road).
- Visitors can taste fresh extra virgin olive oil and learn about production.
- Guided tastings led by professional tasters are available on board.
- The route runs from Arezzo to other Umbrian towns like Spoleto and Assisi.
- Promotes mindful travel and reduces carbon emissions.
Luxury Driving:
- Drive a Ferrari through the hills of Tuscany.
- Prices are around 4,000 euros per day, or 2,000 euros per person for two.
- Multi-day excursions include high-end hotels.
Adventure Hiking:
- Via Di Linari: An ancient 93-mile trail through medieval monasteries, abbeys, and a national park.
- The trail snakes through Emilia-Romagna and the Apennine Mountains into Tuscany.
- Best hiked in spring or fall, taking about nine days to complete.
- Sections are no more than 12 miles long.
- The website Camini Emilia Romagna provides detailed itineraries and accommodation options.
- Monasteri Aperti: Monks open their doors to hikers for hot meals on certain autumn weekends.
Biking Expeditions:
- Flat, scenic rides connecting food capitals like Parma and Bologna to Venice.
- Explore historic sites like Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Sardinia: Features rugged coastlines and routes for all levels.
- Sicily: Combines history and natural beauty, with cycling through the Valley of the Temples and around Mount Etna.
- Egadi Islands (Isola Egadi): Offers idyllic cycling vacations.
- Isola di Levanzo is ideal for mountain bikers.
- Isola di Favignana has paved roads and gravel paths.
- Isola Marettimo is for serious mountain bikers, featuring a small idyllic village.