Untold Italy travel podcast
Society & Culture
About
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 both cities and countryside? Which Italian regions will suit your style of travel? What is the reality of traveling Italy by train versus car? You'll hear detailed breakdowns of regional differences, seasonal considerations, and the logistics that make or break a trip. We cover where to base yourself, how to pace your days, which advance bookings matter, and how to eat exceptionally well without guesswork. The premium Untold Italy app gives you ad-free access to our complete archive of 300+ episodes, fully searchable by destination, topic, and travel style - so you can find exactly what you need for the regions you're visiting. Whether you're planning your first visit or your fifth, these conversations will help you move past generic advice and build adventures that fit your interests and needs. Find detailed show notes and trip planning resources at untolditaly.com/podcast For advertising inquiries: ciao@untolditaly.com
Episodes
- Italy Travel Update: Jet Fuel Surcharges and EES Entry System delays
This episode of the Untold Italy travel podcast discusses current travel issues: rising jet fuel surcharges and delays in the EES entry system. Host Katy explains the impact on flights, passenger rights under EU law, and provides tips to a…
- 323. Active Italy: Walking and Cycling Trip Ideas for Curious Travelers
Monica Price joins Katy on the Untold Italy travel podcast to discuss active travel options in Italy, including thousands of kilometers of cycling paths and over 70 pilgrimage routes.
- Italy Travel Update: Crowds in Italy - Thoughts on How to Avoid
This episode offers an update on crowds in Italy, with a focus on how to plan around busy periods and what to do if you can't avoid them, especially given recent long weekends in Europe and around Italy. It discusses crowd management at po…
- 322. Venice: Travel Smarter and Make a Difference
This episode explores how to travel to Venice, Italy, in a way that is both budget-friendly and beneficial for the city. It discusses practical tips for travelers to make a positive impact while visiting.
- Italy Travel Update: Thoughts on Oil Crisis
This episode discusses the impact of the oil crisis on Italy, noting increased fuel prices and flight consolidations. It also mentions travel disruptions in the Middle East and offers sympathies to those affected.
- 321. Your Italy Travel Questions: Tuscany vs Umbria, Milestone Birthday Idea, Concerts and More
This episode addresses listener questions about various aspects of Italian travel, including solo train travel safety, differences between Tuscany and Umbria, finding live music, choosing a base in Puglia, and keeping children engaged in R…
- 320. Wandering Trastevere: A Favorite Roman Neighborhood [From the Vault]
Katy and Maria Pasquale explore Trastevere, a Roman neighborhood. Maria, a food and travel writer, lived in Trastevere for over a decade.
- 319. The Ritual of the Bar: Coffee Culture in Italy [From the Vault]
This episode from Untold Italy explores the history, rituals, and rules of Italian coffee culture, including how to order coffee like a local and popular coffee drinks. It also highlights notable coffee bars in Milan, Florence, and Rome.
- 318. Italy in Winter: Milan, the Olympics, and Getting Unstuck
This episode explores a winter trip to Milan, the Olympics, and a ski trip to the Aosta Valley. It covers the challenges of planning such a trip and an unexpected outcome.
- Send us your Italy trip planning questions
This episode requests listeners to send in their Italy trip planning questions for a Q&A episode. Listeners can submit questions via email, and the host will answer them in an upcoming episode.
- 317. The Tuscany You Dreamed Of (and How to Find It)
Katy and co-host Liv discuss finding the dreamed-of Tuscany, sharing insights into authentic experiences and memorable moments. They cover highlights and hidden corners from the Chianti Hills to the Val D'Orcia, offering inspiration for tr…
- 316. Italy Travel Stories: How BJ and Chris Found Their Own Version of Italy
BJ and Chris Witkus recount their journeys through Italy, sharing experiences that deepened their connection to the country. They discuss various trips, memorable moments, and significant meals that shaped their personal understanding of I…
- 315. A Perfect Day in Alba with a Local
This episode explores Alba, a town in northern Italy. The discussion includes details about its famous white truffles, historical charm, and its location within the Langhe wine region. A local guide shares recommendations for activities an…
- 314. A New Way to Experience Italy (And Why It Works)
This episode explores a new way to experience Italy, focusing on popular and secret locations without the typical crowds and logistical challenges. Katy discusses this new travel style with Walks of Italy.
- 313. Your Italy Travel Questions: Rome, Puglia, Luggage Tips and Getting Around Italy
This episode of the Untold Italy travel podcast answers listener questions about Italian travel, including tips for Rome, Puglia, luggage, and getting around Italy. It offers advice for both first-time and returning travelers.
- Got Italy Questions? We Want to Hear Them.
This episode of the Untold Italy podcast is a Q&A. Listeners are invited to submit questions about planning trips to Italy for an upcoming episode.
- 312. Beyond Pizza and Pasta: Regional Italian Cuisine
This episode of the Untold Italy travel podcast explores the diverse regional cuisines of Italy, emphasizing that Italian food is more than just pizza and pasta. It delves into the micro-cuisines shaped by local landscapes, produce, season…
- 311. A Perfect Day in Bologna with a local
This episode of the Untold Italy travel podcast explores spending a perfect day in Bologna, Italy. It covers the city's food scene, including markets and trattorias, and highlights Bologna's cultural side with a local guide.
- 310. How to Modernize the Classic 10 Day Italy Itinerary
This episode explores how to modernize the traditional 10-day Italy itinerary. It offers advice on avoiding crowds and incorporating unique experiences into trips to popular destinations like Rome, Florence, and Venice.
- 309. Puglia Before Everyone Else Gets There
This episode explores Puglia, highlighting its unique charm, ancient olive groves, burrata, and undiscovered hilltop towns. It provides insights into prioritizing places, accommodation tips, and experiencing southern Italian warmth without…
- 308. Travelers Guide to the Legacy of St Francis of Assisi
This episode of the Untold Italy podcast explores Assisi and the legacy of St Francis on the 800th anniversary of his death. It discusses understanding Italy and its culture through the story of St Francis.
- 307. A Perfect Day in Rome with a Local
This episode explores how a local Roman food tour guide, Manuela, would spend a day in Rome as a visiting traveler. The discussion focuses on a perfect day exploring the Eternal City.
- 306. Italy Ancestry Research Tips and Travel Stories
This episode explores Italian ancestry research tips and travel stories. It features a listener's experience tracing her family's migration from Marche to Ellis Island and how this research has influenced her travels in Italy.
- 305. How to Tour Sicily: Beyond Sightseeing to the Heart of the Island
This episode discusses touring Sicily, focusing on the island's culture, food, wine, and history. It covers various aspects, including locations from Palermo to Mount Etna, and how to connect with the island's people.
- 304. Essential Tips for Your 2026 Trip to Italy
This episode of the Untold Italy travel podcast offers essential tips for planning a 2026 trip to Italy. It covers trip planning steps, timing, and important dates and events.
- 303. The most Christmassy Towns in Italy
This episode explores the most Christmassy towns in Italy, highlighting the sights, sounds, and community spirit during the holiday season. It covers various locations, including Rome and Alpine villages, and offers insights into local tra…
- 302. How Nonna's New York table inspired delicious food adventures in Italy
Andrew Cotto shares how his nonna's New York table influenced his appreciation for Italian food. He discusses his experiences in Tuscany and how these inspired his writing and the creation of Appetito Magazine, which focuses on Italian foo…
- 301. Italian Travel Stories - How Carol Embraced La Dolce Vita
Carol, a traveler, discusses her explorations in Italy, including regions like the Dolomites and Puglia. She shares her favorite moments and reasons for her continued passion for Italian travel.
- 300. How Italy changed me
This episode of the Untold Italy podcast explores how Italy can be a transformative experience for visitors. It highlights the impact of Italy's history, beauty, art, architecture, food, wine, and its people.
- 299. Orvieto: City of Understated Charm
This episode explores Orvieto, a town in Italy's Umbria region. Discussed is Orvieto's culture, food, and wine, as well as its location between Rome and Florence.
- 298. Palazzo Novello: Off the Beaten Path in Lombardy
This episode of the Untold Italy travel podcast explores Palazzo Novello in Montichiari, Lombardy, a location near Lake Garda. The discussion focuses on this Italian destination that is considered off the beaten path.
- 297. How to Travel Italy Your Way: Insights From Our Experts
This episode explores different ways to travel in Italy, comparing independent travel with guided tours. It covers logistics, authentic experiences, and how to create a memorable Italian adventure.
- 296. Sicily in Spring: An Italy Travel Dream For the Ages
This episode of the Untold Italy travel podcast explores the experience of visiting Sicily in the spring. It covers the vibrant landscapes and the energy of the towns during this season.
- 295. Favorite Food Focused Italy Travel Memories that Changed the Way I Travel
This episode of Untold Italy discusses favorite food-focused travel memories primarily in Italy, highlighting how food, company, and settings contribute to memorable travel experiences. It covers various regions, from mozzarella in Naples…
- 294. Journey Across Northern Italy: Lakes, vineyards and truffle country
This episode explores a journey across Northern Italy, from Venice to Torino. It covers lakes, hidden towns, food, wine, and local traditions, highlighting regions that have significantly impacted the Untold Italy team.
- 293. Travel Adventures in Abruzzo: Mountains, Festivals and Timeless Villages
This episode of the Untold Italy travel podcast explores Abruzzo, focusing on its mountains, festivals, and timeless villages. Local expert Cassie Tresl shares insights on the region's rustic towns and food. The discussion highlights Abruz…
- 292. Secrets of the Cinque Terre - Slow Travel Insights with a Local
This episode of the Untold Italy travel podcast explores the Cinque Terre with a local expert. It covers regional traditions, hiking tips, village identities, and the flavors of wine and olive oil in the region.
- 291. 8 Enchanting Italian Towns to Visit in Autumn
This episode explores eight Italian towns that are ideal to visit during autumn. It highlights locations in Umbria, Veneto, Lombardy, Lazio, and Abruzzo, emphasizing the seasonal flavors and landscapes.
- 290. Modena's Black Gold: The Art of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar
This episode explores the centuries-old process behind traditional balsamic vinegar. It covers how to spot authentic balsamic and ways to enjoy it.
- 289. Beyond Cannoli: Sweets to Seek out in Sicily
This episode explores Sicilian sweet treats. It covers what to taste and where to find various sweets in Sicily.
- 288. Italy Travel Trends for 2026 and Beyond
This episode of the Untold Italy travel podcast discusses emerging travel trends for Italy in 2026 and beyond. It covers how Artificial Intelligence and slow travel principles are influencing future trip planning.
- 287. The Perfect Vine: Wine Adventures in Umbria
This episode of Untold Italy discusses wine adventures in Umbria, focusing on the region's wines, traditions, historical towns, and landscapes.
- 286. Unearthing Etruscan Tuscany: City States, Sacred Roads, and Remarkable Women
This episode of the Untold Italy travel podcast explores Etruscan Tuscany with anthropologist Dr. Monique Skidmore. It covers their unique culture, powerful women, and historical sites in Italy.
- 285. VIP Travel Experiences in Italy: Special Access to Iconic Sites
This episode discusses VIP travel experiences in Italy, offering special access to iconic sites. It includes details on tours such as being alone in the Vatican Museums at sunrise or exploring Florence's Duomo after hours.
- 284. From Dream to Reality: A Solo Travel Adventure in the Heart of Italy
Rebel discusses her solo travels in Italy, highlighting her experiences with spontaneous friendships and a traditional flower festival in Umbria. She shares how to find community and adventure in Italy.
- 283. Vespa Sidecars, Rooftop Bars, and Medieval Towns: Katy’s Italy Travel Highlights
Katy Clarke shares highlights from her recent trip to Italy, including experiences in Rome, Naples, Orvieto, and Urbino. The episode covers rooftop bars, a Vespa sidecar adventure, and visits to medieval towns.
- 282. Alpine sips: Spectacular wines from the Dolomites to try on your travels
This episode explores spectacular small batch wines from the Dolomites region of Italy. It covers the wines of the region and where to taste them.
- 281. Favorites: Italian Dining and Eating Etiquette
This episode of the Untold Italy Travel Podcast discusses Italian dining and eating etiquette. It offers essential travel tips for those visiting Italy and features Nesim Bekalti from Full Belly Tours.
- 280. Favorites: Vicenza: Renaissance Beauty near Venice
This episode explores Vicenza, a city in Italy's northern Veneto region. It focuses on the city's Renaissance treasures.
- 279. Favorites: Phrases you need to know before your trip to Italy
This episode of the Untold Italy podcast features Michele Frolla from Intrepid Italian, focusing on essential phrases for a trip to Italy. It offers listeners key Italian vocabulary for their travels.