Amongst Romans

Ravenna is a city that will make you fall in love. Once the capital of empires and home to some of the world's most breathtaking Byzantine mosaics, it's also a place that continues to inspire, from Dante Alighieri finishing Paradiso to Lord Byron writing in exile.   In this Amongst Romans special feature, I explore Ravenna's rich artistic and literary heritage while uncovering how the city is shap...

As summer winds down and Italians head back to work and school, something magical happens: the crowds thin, the prices drop, and the weather is still glorious. In this final episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I’m talking about why the end of August and the start of September might be the best time to visit Italy. You’ll hear:  – What changes in the vibe, the prices, and the crowds  – Where to go fo...

Aperitivo isn’t just a drink before dinner. It’s a way of life. In Italy, it’s how people unwind, socialize, and ease into the evening with style. But if you’re visiting, you might be wondering how it works, what to order, and what’s expected. In this episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I break down:  – What aperitivo really is (and what it’s not)  – The difference between aperitivo and apericena  –...

Going to the beach in Italy isn’t just about sand and sun. It’s a cultural ritual. From private lidos to public stretches of coastline, there’s a rhythm, etiquette, and even a bit of strategy to getting it right. In this episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I’ll share:  – How to enjoy beaches in Italy   – The difference between public and private beaches  – When to go for the best experience   – Some...

If you’re travelling in Italy in August, there’s one date you need to know: Ferragosto. It’s part ancient Roman holiday, part Catholic feast day, and today it’s the height of Italy’s summer celebrations. In this episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I’ll explain:  – The history of Ferragosto and how it’s celebrated today  – What to expect across Italy on August 15th  – Other important August dates and...

Planning a trip to Italy in August? You’ve probably heard the rumours: everything closes, everyone leaves, and you’ll be stuck in a ghost town. In this episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I break down what really happens in August. What closes, what stays open, and how to plan around it without stress. We’ll talk about:  – Why do so many Italians take time off in August  – What “chiuso per ferie” re...

Italy’s history isn’t frozen in time. It’s still being uncovered, layer by layer. In this episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I’m sharing some of the most exciting archaeological finds made this year across the country.   From a perfectly preserved Etruscan tomb to a newly revealed Greek gymnasium in Sicily and life-sized Dionysus frescoes in Pompeii, these discoveries are helping us rethink what we...

From carving names into ancient ruins to jumping into fountains, some tourists are giving Italy a bad name—and facing real consequences. In this episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I’m talking about the worst tourist behaviour making headlines this summer—and how to avoid becoming part of the problem. You’ll hear: – Real examples of tourists behaving badly in Italy – Why it’s more than just “harmles...

Strikes in Italy are as common as gelato in summer, but that doesn’t mean your trip has to fall apart. In this episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I break down what you need to know about strikes (scioperi), how to spot them before they happen, and what to do if one affects your plans. You’ll learn: – Why do strikes happen in Italy – How to find out about them in advance – What services still run du...

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 w...

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 survivi...

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 Bo...

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 rich...

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 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 pla...

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...

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...

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 infrastruct...

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 delic...

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...

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...

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 th...

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...

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 mos...

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...