Untold Italy travel podcast
Ciao friends and fellow travelers. Welcome to our travel podcast Untold Italy where we help you design an Italian journey that actually reflects what you want to experience - not just the standard tourist checklist. Host Katy Clarke brings together local experts, longtime Italy residents, and travelers who have navigated everything from Cinque Terre's hiking trails to Venice's quieter neighborhoods and the ancient sites of Rome. Of course we also head to the lesser known "untold" regions where you discover the soul of Italy.Each episode tackles useful travel questions like: How do you structure your Italy itinerary to include b...
334. Sardinia - Ancient Island, Deep Traditions [From the Vault]
Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, Sardinia captivates with crystalline waters, rugged landscapes, and ancient ruins. In this re-run episode, host Katy Clarke welcomes Sardinian native Angela Corrias to explore the intriguing untold treasures of the island, from its striking landscapes to its unique history and food.
Find the show notes at untolditaly.com/334.
Inspired? Check out Untold Italy's Sardinia Tour details
Want someone who really knows Sardinia to help plan your trip? Our Italy experts love answering your tricky questions and designing trips that take you to the Italy you i...
333. Italy Travel Q&A: Tips for both First-Timers and Frequent Visitors
Planning your dream Italian adventure or tackling tricky travel questions? This episode tackles your questions - from getting around Venice and celebrating Christmas in Sicily, to finding artisans in Florence and crafting the perfect northern Italy itinerary - plus behind-the-scenes insights into Untold Italy itself!
Find the episode show notes at untolditaly.com/333
Want someone who really knows Italy to help plan your trip? Our Italy experts love answering your tricky questions and designing trips that take you to the Italy you imagined - start planning here
Not sure where to s...
Italy Travel Update - Bells Figura and Dress Codes in Italy
Take your shirt off for a jog in Venice, wander through Tropea in your bikini, or hit the Cinque Terre trails in flip flops, and you might get handed a fine instead of a compliment.
In this week's travel update, Katy explains the Italian concept of bella figura and walks through three real dress code rules that catch travelers out, plus why it is worth packing a scarf for any church visit.
Listen to Episode 150: What to Wear in Italy for a deeper dive into this topic
Want someone who really knows Italy to...
332. Countdown to Italy: What to Do and Check Before Your Trip
When Italy is just a few short weeks or months away (exciting!), what are the things you need to do and check to make sure your trip runs smoothly. In this episode we cover train tickets and shedules to attraction tickets and local rules to be aware of so you are ready for your trip of a lifetime.
Find the episode show notes at untolditaly.com/332
Want someone who really knows Italy to help plan your trip? Our Italy experts love answering your tricky questions and designing trips that take you to the Italy you imagined...
331. Traveling to Italy with Kids: From Babies to Teenagers
In Italy, the waiter brings your child's pasta out first, strangers stop to admire your baby at tollbooths, and gelato is a perfectly reasonable parenting tool. In this episode, Katy sits down with Untold Italy team members Olivia and Cassandra, two mothers living and raising kids in Italy, to talk through what family travel there really looks like. From choosing the right stroller for Roman cobblestones to finding accommodation with space for toddlers to run, they cover babies, school-age kids, and teenagers.
Find the episode show notes at untolditaly.com/331
Want Olivia or Cassandra to h...
Italy Travel Update - Siena's Palio - Happening July 2nd
A quick update from Katy on the Palio di Siena, happening in Piazza del Campo this Thursday July 2. The race itself takes ninety seconds. The four days of build up around it are why people come.
Summary: Katy walks through what happens during the four days of the July Palio, including the daily trials, the Corteo Storico procession, the contrada street dinners, and what you need to know about getting a spot in the piazza if you want to be there for the race. She also suggests a smaller-town alternative for travelers who want similar medieval pageantry with f...
330. A Perfect Day in Palermo - Sicily's vibrant capital
Local Silvia Riganese takes us on an inspirational walk though Sicily's capital Palermo. We visit the markets and main sights but also delve deep into local neighborhoods like Ballarò where you can feel the beating pulse of the city. Of course our day ends up on the beach with a beautiful sunset after a coffee, or three!
Find the episode show notes at untolditaly.com/330
Want someone who really knows Italy to help plan your trip? Our Italy experts love answering your tricky questions and designing trips that take you to the Italy you imagined - ...
Italy Travel Update - A mistake even frequent Italy travelers make
A quick update from Katy on the one thing that catches out even experienced travelers heading to Italy: the International Driving Permit.
Summary: If you are driving or renting a car in Italy on a license from outside the EU, Italian law requires you to carry an International Driving Permit alongside your home license. Katy explains what the permit is, why the rental desk and the Carabinieri will ask for it, where to get one, how much it costs, and how long it takes.
Not sure where to start? Get the Untold Italy p...
329. Learning Italian - Easier Than You Think? [From the Vault]
Learning some Italian before your trip can transform your experience in Italy - and it may be easier than you think. Regardless of your age or previous language-learning experience, Italian is considered one of the most accessible languages for English speakers. In this episode, Italian language coach Monica Cazzamani Bona from Su Misura Italy shares practical strategies to help you learn Italian in a way that fits your goals, learning style and schedule.
Find the show notes at untolditaly.com/329.
Want someone who really knows Italy to help plan your trip? Our Italy experts love answering...
328. Walking the Way of St Francis: Central Italy's Inspiring Pilgrimage Trail
Eight hundred years ago, St Francis walked the roads of central Italy with nothing — and today, those same roads are waiting for you to explore.
Katy sits down with Sara Zanni, Bologna-based archaeologist and hiking guide, to explore the Via di Francesco. Thirteen trails through Umbria, Tuscany, and Lazio, all converging on Assisi, through ancient forests, olive groves, and small towns home to art treasures you will never find on a standard itinerary.
Show notes with links and resources here > untolditaly.com/328
Want someone who really knows Italy to help plan your trip? Our Ital...
Italy Travel Update - Short term rentals vs Hotels
A quick update from Katy on short-term rental restrictions in Italy and why she thinks hotels are the smarter choice for most travelers.
Summary: Cities including Florence, Venice, Bologna, Milan and Rome are all introducing their own restrictions on short-term rentals like Airbnb and Vrbo. Florence has gone furthest, banning new tourist lets in its historic centre and expanding that ban. Katy shares her personal take on hotels versus rentals, and explains what to check before you book a short-term property in Italy.
Not sure where to start? Get the Untold...
327. Your Italy Travel Questions: Choosing a base in Tuscany and for the Cinque Terre, hailing taxis and more
Your Italy travel questions answered. In this Q&A episode, Katy covers choosing a base in Tuscany and for the Cinque Terre, getting around the northern lakes, electrical sockets, how not to get ripped off by taxis, and ordering in restaurants. Practical, honest advice and travel inspiration for anyone planning their Italy trip.
Show notes with links and resources here > untolditaly.com/321
Want someone who really knows Italy to help plan your trip? Our Italy experts love answering your tricky questions and designing trips that take you to the Italy you imagined - start planning h...
Italy Travel Update - Heatwave and a national holiday
A quick update from Katy on the heatwave currently hitting Italy and what it means for your trip, plus a note on today's Festa della Repubblica national holiday.
Summary: Italy is under Level 3 red heat alerts across Rome, Florence, Bologna and Turin, with temperatures hitting 35 degrees in late May. Katy shares practical tips for traveling in the heat, from shifting your day to beat the midday sun to the free drinking fountains you will find across most major cities. She also covers today's Republic Day holiday, the free museum day it brings, and why the big sites may...
326. A perfect day in Florence with a Local
Local guide Francesca Ermini maps out a perfect day in Florence, starting early near the Duomo, crossing the Arno into Oltrarno, and ending at Piazzale Michelangelo as the afternoon light drops. From a 13th century church most visitors walk straight past, to craftsmen working behind unmarked doors, to the iris garden that opens for just a few weeks each spring. Florence is a dream and it is worth exploring past the main checklist attractions.
Find the episode show notes at untolditaly.com/326
Want someone who really knows Italy to help plan your trip? Our Italy experts...
Italy Travel Update - Colosseum ticket problems
A quick update from Katy on reports some visitors have been denied entry to the Colosseum recently.
Summary: Some visitors have been denied entry at the Colosseum because their tickets were purchased through operators not on the approved supplier list. Katy explains what is actually happening, which suppliers are safe to book through, and why going inside the Colosseum may not be the right call for every traveler anyway.
Recommended ticket and tour suppliers on the authorized supplier list
Colosseum official site - tickets, large group tours. Note - Site can be difficult...
325. Milan Beyond the Duomo and Last Supper [From the Vault]
Milan is the Italian city people most often skip. It does not look like the Italy most of us grew up dreaming about and that is exactly why it gets left off the itinerary. But it has something few Italian cities can match: a collision of tradition, design and innovation that is genuinely exciting to be inside. In this from the vault episode, Katy is joined by her friend and local guide Inge for a look at her Milan. Beyond the Duomo and the Last Supper to the city locals actually live in.
Find the show notes at u...
Italy Travel Update: Transport Strikes - When they happen and what to do
A quick update from Katy on strikes in Italy. There was a nationwide general strike yesterday, Monday May 18, and another one is coming on May 29.
Summary: Strikes are frequent in Italy but they are almost always announced in advance. Katy covers which train and flight services usually run even during a strike, what to do if your service is canceled, and how to get ahead of future strike dates.
Untold Italy app users receive strike notifications before they travel. You can find the upcoming strike dates on this Italian Ministry of Transport website.
More...
324. Your 2027 Italy Trip Planning Primer
If 2027 is your year for Italy, this episode is where the planning starts. Not with a destination list and not with a Google search but with the questions that many travelers skip. These are the ones that can make a big difference to your trip.
Katy walks you through three big questions to answer before you get into the weeds of your planning. The episode closes with 2-3 things to do this week. Concrete, low-effort, and the kind of start that means you are making decisions ahead of the game rather than under pressure. Andiamo!
🇮🇹 2027 Trip plan...
Italy Travel Update: Jet Fuel Surcharges and EES Entry System delays
A quick update from Katy on two things affecting Italy travelers right now: the jet fuel crisis and the new EES biometric entry system, recorded May 12, 2026.
Summary: Air France-KLM has raised fuel surcharges twice in five weeks however other airlines are quietly adding costs through baggage and seat selection fees. RyanAir and EasyJet have committed to not raise prices this summer. Katy breaks down what this means for your booking and what your rights are under EU law if your flight is canceled.
She also covers the EES rollout, why it has caused missed connections in R...
323. Active Italy: Walking and Cycling Trip Ideas for Curious Travelers
Italy has over 70 pilgrimage routes, thousands of kilometres of cycling paths, that offer a unique way of to see the countryside, and connect with local people. Monica Price joins Katy to open the door to active travel in Italy, from gentle walks in Emilia Romagna to rides through the Dolomites.
Show notes with links and resources here > untolditaly.com/323
Want someone who really knows Italy to help plan your trip? Our Italy experts love answering your tricky questions and designing trips that take you to the Italy you imagined - start planning here
Italy Travel Update: Crowds in Italy - Thoughts on How to Avoid
A quick update from Katy about crowds in Italy. You may have seen huge crowds at popular tourist destinations like Rome, Florence and Cinque Terre last weekend. We have thought on this.
Summary: Last week was a long weekend for May Day in Europe plus in Italy the week coincided with Liberation Day making it a super long weekend so crowds were predictable. Katy shares how to plan around these key moments each year and if you can't avoid them what to do.
PS - The Untold Italy app premium version is on sale until...
322. Venice: Travel Smarter and Make a Difference
Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy with well documented challenges related to tourism. It's also one of the most expensive. What if when you visit, you could cut out some costs and make a positive impact on city in the process. Venetian Marco Capovilla joins us to share a simple, practical change that stretches your travel budget further and helps protect the city at the same time. Small habits, big difference, no compromise on the experience.
Show notes with links and resources here > untolditaly.com/322
Want someone who really knows Italy to h...
Italy Travel Update: Thoughts on Oil Crisis
A quick update from Katy about what we are seeing on the ground in Italy with respect to fuel due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
Summary: Fuel prices have increased in Italy and some short haul and low cost airlines are consolidating flight departures to manage jet fuel supplies. Travel through the Middle East remains severely disrupted. Our sympathies to those of you who have had to delay/cancel trips planned in the coming months.
Otherwise, it is shaping up to be a busy month in Italy this May.
We continue...
321. Your Italy Travel Questions: Tuscany vs Umbria, Milestone Birthday Idea, Concerts and More
Your Italy travel questions answered. In this Q&A episode, Katy covers solo train travel safety, the real differences between Tuscany and Umbria, how to find live music in Italy, choosing a base in Puglia, keeping children engaged in Rome and Florence, and what to do when you change your plans at the last minute. Practical, honest advice for anyone planning their Italy trip.
Show notes with links and resources here > untolditaly.com/321
Want someone who really knows Italy to help plan your trip? Our Italy experts love answering your tricky questions and designing trips that t...
320. Wandering Trastevere: A Favorite Roman Neighborhood [From the Vault]
There is a neighborhood in Rome where locals call themselves Trasteverini before they call themselves Roman. In this episode, Katy sits down with food and travel writer Maria Pasquale, who lived in Trastevere for over a decade, to explore its markets, bars, trattorias and cobblestone streets.
Find the episode show notes at untolditaly.com/320
Want someone who really knows Italy to help plan your trip? Our Italy experts love answering your tricky questions and designing trips that take you to the Italy you imagined - start planning here
Not sure where...
319. The Ritual of the Bar: Coffee Culture in Italy [From the Vault]
The coffee bar in Italy is not just somewhere you get coffee. It is where Italy actually happens. In this episode from the vault we explore the history, the rituals, and the unwritten rules of Italian coffee culture. From espresso to shakerato, the cappuccino rule, how to order like a local, and the best bars in Milan, Florence and Rome. Italy is more than a checklist. And a perfect espresso at the right bar is proof of that.
Find the episode show notes at untolditaly.com/319.
Want someone who really knows Italy to help plan your...
318. Italy in Winter: Milan, the Olympics, and Getting Unstuck
Milan in winter is a different city to the one most people remember. Add two young kids, the Olympics, and a ski trip to the Aosta Valley and you have a lot of moving parts. Startup founder Alex Tryon planned all of it, got stuck, asked for help, and ended up somewhere she never would have found on her own.
Find the episode show notes at untolditaly.com/318.
Want someone who really knows Italy to help plan your trip? Our Italy experts love answering your tricky questions and designing trips that take you to the Italy...
Send us your Italy trip planning questions
Ciao friends! We are doing a Q&A episode, and we want to hear from you. Planning your first trip? Going back and wanting to go deeper? Not sure which region is right for you or how to piece it all together? Send your questions to ciao@untolditaly.com and Katy will answer as many as she can in our upcoming episode. No overthinking it. Just hit send.
Not sure where to start? Get the Untold Italy podcast guide with 315 epsiodes organized by topic.
The premium Untold Italy app has a...
317. The Tuscany You Dreamed Of (and How to Find It)
You have seen Tuscany in the movies. The golden light, the rolling vines, the dinner that seems to last forever. But many travelers arrive and find something is missing. The checklist gets ticked. The magic stays just out of reach.
In this episode, Katy and co-host Liv go behind the scenes of the Tuscany they know and love, sharing the moments that stay with you long after the flight home. From cuddling baby goats to dining in a winemaker's home as the sun goes down over the vines. This is the Tuscany that can change your life, and...
316. Italy Travel Stories: How BJ and Chris Found Their Own Version of Italy
Some people visit Italy. Others let it get under their skin. BJ and Chris Witkus are firmly in the second camp. In this episode they share the trips, the moments and the meals that made Italy their own.
Updated: Untold Italy podcast episode guide - all podcasts organized by topic so you can plan your listening
Not sure where to start? Get the Untold Italy podcast guide with 315 epsiodes organized by topic.
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315. A Perfect Day in Alba with a Local
Alba is a pretty town in northern Italy that visitors from around the world flock to each autumn for prized white truffles. Compact, cobbled and full of history, it is nestled in the Langhe wine region and is a great base for the exploring the area. Join us as we take a walk through this off the beaten path Italian town with our friend Monica who shares her favorite things to do and places to eat. Let us open the door to your Italy.
Join our tour of Piedmont
Read the full episode show notes here > u...
314. A New Way to Experience Italy (And Why It Works)
What if you could see some of Italy's most popular places differently? Enjoy the highlights and secret spots, without the crowds and logistics chaos? Katy talks with Walks of Italy about a new style of trip that gets you deeper into some of Italy's coveted spots in a very clever way.
Trip details: Amalfi Coast and Pompeii overnight from Rome
Not sure where to start? Get the Untold Italy podcast guide with 315 epsiodes organized by topic.
The premium Untold Italy app has ad-free access to our...
313. Your Italy Travel Questions: Rome, Puglia, Luggage Tips and Getting Around Italy
You asked, and we have answers. In this Q and A episode Katy dives into a selection of your Italy travel questions, and as always, they are fantastic. We cover train travel with luggage, the best way to experience the Amalfi Coast, how to plan a second trip to Italy that feels nothing like the first, where to base yourself in Siena and more. Whether you are a first timer trying to figure out the logistics, or a returning traveler ready to go deeper, this episode is for you.
Show notes with links and resources here > untolditaly.com/313
Got Italy Questions? We Want to Hear Them.
Ciao friends! We are doing a Q&A episode, and we want to hear from you. Planning your first trip? Going back and wanting to go deeper? Not sure which region is right for you or how to piece it all together? Send your questions to ciao@untolditaly.com and Katy will answer as many as she can in our upcoming episode. No overthinking it. Just hit send.
Not sure where to start? Get the Untold Italy podcast guide with 315 epsiodes organized by topic.
The premium Untold Italy app has a...
312. Beyond Pizza and Pasta: Regional Italian Cuisine
Italian cuisine is much more than pizza and pasta. In fact there really is no such thing as Italian cuisine. What you will find in Italy are many differenty micro cuisines driven by the landscapes, produce, seasonality and traditions. Join us as we bust some myths about eating in Italy and how to choose the most delicious dishes on your trip.
Download our Untold Italy app and upgrade to premium for food and wine guides for regional Italy
Read the full episode show notes here > untolditaly.com/312
Not sure where to start? G...
311. A Perfect Day in Bologna with a local
Bologna deserves more than a day but if we only had one we would spend it with our friend Giulia - a local who knows the city streets and porticoes inside out. Spend a day in this food focused city at the markets and classic trattorie but our secret is that Bologna will surprise you. Beyond the food experiences is thoughtful, cultured city with Let us open the door to your Italy.
Join our tour of Bologna, Modena and Parma
Read the full episode show notes here > untolditaly.com/311
Not sure where to st...
310. How to Modernize the Classic 10 Day Italy Itinerary
It is high time the classic 10 day Italy itinerary was given a modern makeover and we are going to show you how to do it. Rome, Florence and Venice have been the route visitors have followed for centuries but travel has changed quite a bit since then. Learn how to avoid the crowds and build a little unexpected adventure into your Italy vacation so it is the right trip for you, not what the internet says you should do. Let's open the door to your Italy.
Get help with your Italy itinerary with Italy Trip Planning Services
<...
309. Puglia Before Everyone Else Gets There
Puglia is having a moment but won't be long before big crowds arrive. Join us as we open the door to Puglia as we know and love it - from thousand-year-old olive groves and life-changing burrata to the whitewashed hilltop towns tourists haven't discovered yet.
Discover why this region offers southern Italian warmth without the crowds, which places to prioritize (and which to skip), and the accommodation quirks you need to know before booking.
This is the Puglia that isn't on page one of Google.
Final spots available for May & September 2026 tours: get...
308. Travelers Guide to the Legacy of St Francis of Assisi
You've seen the Sistine Chapel. But have you felt Italy's soul? Join us as we explore Assisi and beyond on the 800th anniversary of St Francis's death. Discover why a merchant's son who walked away from everything is one of the keys to understanding Italy and its culture.
Explore Assisi on our tours of Umbria departing Spring and Fall
Read the full episode show notes here > untolditaly.com/308
Not sure where to start? Get the Untold Italy podcast guide with 315 epsiodes organized by topic.
The premium Untold It...
307. A Perfect Day in Rome with a Local
Let's take a walk around Rome with local food tour guide and one of the most fun people we know - Manuela! This episode is for you if you have ever wondered how a local Roman would spend the day exploring the Eternal City if they were a visiting traveler.
Read the full episode show notes here > untolditaly.com/307
Not sure where to start? Get the Untold Italy podcast guide with 315 epsiodes organized by topic.
The premium Untold Italy app has ad-free access to our complete archive of 300+ ep...
