Amongst Romans

It’s hot. Really hot. If you’re travelling to Italy in July or August, you’ll need more than sunscreen and wishful thinking.

In this first episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I’m sharing real-world tips for beating the heat. You’ll learn:

– What to expect from Italy’s summer weather

– How to plan your day around the hottest hours

– Where to find free water, shade and air conditioning

– What to wear to stay cool and blend in

Thi...

Ciao from Italy!

Welcome to Italian Summer Shorts—a special mini-series from Amongst Romans to help you travel smarter, deeper and cooler in Italy this summer.

We've decided to create this special summer edition of the podcast to help you plan your trip to Italy. It's been a hot one, and we're not just talking about the heat. Over the next few weeks, you'll hear about:

– Real-time tips for surviving the heat and travel chaos – Qui...

Did you know that a third of Shakespeare’s plays are set in Italy? In this episode, we explore the real-life Italian cities behind the Bard’s most iconic works. From fair Verona to the canals of Venice, we’ll visit the spots where love, betrayal, and tragedy unfolded—and discover what you can still see today.

• Read the post: Shakespeare's play set in Italy
• Read the post: Travel like 007: James Bond Filming Locations
• Read the ...

Visiting Rome for the first time? While the Vatican Museums are a must-see, there's so much more to explore. In this episode, I’m sharing seven incredible museums that will take you deeper into ancient history, Renaissance art, and hidden treasures beyond the usual tourist stops.

From the world’s first public museum to a Renaissance palace filled with masterpieces, these spots will give you a richer understanding of Rome’s artistic...

Italy has long been romanticized as a place where you can buy a crumbling villa, renovate it effortlessly, and live out your dream life under the Tuscan sun. Movies like Under the Tuscan Sun and La Dolce Villa make it seem as though buying a home in Italy is as simple as signing a contract, hiring a few friendly locals, and watching your new life fall into place. But how close is that to reality?

In this episode, we break down the ...

In this episode, we share an update on our home renovation journey. From the initial plans to the latest progress, we’ll take you through what’s been done, the surprises we’ve encountered along the way and what’s still ahead.

We’ll talk about the renovation process, our experience working with contractors, the challenges of making design decisions, and what we’ve learned so far. Whether you’re planning your own home reno or just lo...

Italy is a wine lover’s paradise, with diverse regions producing everything from bold reds to crisp whites and elegant sparkling wines. In this episode, we take you through Italy’s top wine regions, including Tuscany, Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily and beyond. We'll explore their most famous wines, what makes them unique, and how to best experience them when visiting Italy.

We’ll also share our tips for wine tasting in Italy, visiting vi...

In this episode, we take you on a journey through the must-visit ancient ruins in Campania, Italy. From the world-famous ruins of Pompeii to the lesser-known gems of Stabiae and Oplontis, the Campania region is home to some of the most well-preserved and historically significant archaeological sites in the world.

We discuss why this region has so many ancient ruins and take you through some of our favourite archeological sites, lik...

Italy is known for its vibrant cities and charming villages, but what about the places that have been left behind? In this episode, we dive into the mystery and allure of Italy’s abandoned towns and the ghostly remnants of once-thriving communities frozen in time.

Italy has hundreds of abandoned towns, each with a unique story shaped by natural disasters, economic decline, and changing infrastructure. We’ll explore some of the most...

Discover the magic of visiting Italy in January. In this episode, we’ll explore the unique charm of winter travel in Italy, from snowy mountain adventures in Abruzzo and Sicily to quiet coastal escapes along the Amalfi Coast. 

Get insider tips on what to expect, where to go and how to enjoy Italy’s off-season like a local. Whether you’re drawn to ancient sites like Pompeii, cozy villages, or delicious winter cuisine, this episode w...

In this episode, we’re diving into the glamorous and action-packed world of James Bond. Like many others, 007 just can't seem to stay away from Italy. From the narrow streets of Matera to the shimmering waters of Lake Como, Italy has served as a stunning backdrop for some of Bond’s most iconic moments.

We’ll visit Venice, where Bond’s romantic interludes and high-stakes action unfold against the city’s timeless canals and Lake Co...

Step back in time to one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world. In this episode, we uncover everything you need to know about visiting Pompeii Archaeological Park. From the tragic history of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius to tips on exploring the site like a pro, we’ve got you covered.

Discover must-see highlights like the Forum, the Villa of the Mysteries, and the stunning mosaics that bring ancient Pompeii...

Planning a trip to Italy in 2025? Big changes are coming that could affect your travel plans. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know, from the new ETIAS travel authorization and biometric Entry/Exit System to updated rules for short-term rentals and visitor caps at Pompeii.

We’ll also cover Venice’s increased tourism tax, new flight routes to Italy, and what to expect during the Vatican’s Jubilee Year in Rome. ...

Planning a trip to Italy? Don’t let tourist scams spoil your adventure! In this episode, I dive into the most common scams targeting travellers in Italy—from fake petitions to overpriced taxis—and share practical tips to avoid falling victim to them. You’ll learn how these scams work, what makes them so convincing, and the simple steps you can take to protect yourself.

Plus, I’ll guide you on what to do if you’ve been scammed, incl...

In this episode, we’re diving into the magic of visiting Italy during the off-season months of November and December. While summer crowds are long gone, the country reveals a quieter, more intimate side, perfect for travellers seeking authenticity and charm.

We share practical tips on what to expect and offer tips for packing for Italy’s varied winter weather. You’ll also learn how to make the most of off-season travel: enjoy fewer...

Planning a trip to Italy and wondering what to bring back as the perfect memento? In this episode, we explore the best Italian souvenirs that capture the essence of Italy. From hand-crafted ceramics to luxurious leather goods, iconic Italian fashion, and delectable treats like olive oil and limoncello, discover the treasures that make unforgettable gifts for your loved ones—or a little indulgence for yourself!

I’ll guide you throug...

If you're dreaming of Italy’s rich culinary heritage, this episode is your perfect travel companion! Join me as I sit down with Tina Prestia, a food blogger, pasta expert, and American expat in Bologna. Tina shares her journey into the heart of Italian cuisine and reveals her favourite food experiences in Italy. 

From exploring the iconic dishes of Bologna, the food capital of Italy, to uncovering the rust...

Forget the Rome you think you know. Beyond the tourist-filled piazzas and bustling cafes lies another city - one built on bones, belief and the blood of martyrs. In this episode, we descend into the underground world of early Christian Rome, where death wasn't feared but embraced, and devotion meant risking everything.

Discover the hidden world of the catacombs where early Christians worshipped in secret and the magnificent basilic...

Planning on visiting Lake Como? In this episode, Kasia sits down with Niki, who lives in the stunning Lake Como, to give you all the insider tips you need for an unforgettable visit. From finding the perfect town to stay in to exploring hidden gems and avoiding tourist pitfalls, Niki shares her local knowledge and personal recommendations.

We’ll guide you through the best time to visit, transportation options around the lake, and m...