PS Italy
30 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago -A podcast dedicated to unique travel destinations throughout Italy. Learn to travel like an Italian not a tourist. We discuss local culture, foods, secret places the touring companies can't or won't take you, and help you discover the real gems of Italian life so you can experience Italy like a local.
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Episodes
The Pros & Cons of Private, Boutique, Group and Luxury Tours
July 19, 2021 21:14 - 32 minutes - 30 MBWhen it comes to Italian travel experiences, there are so many different options available it can be confusing and overwhelming. To help you choose what’s right for you, we discuss the pros and cons of different travel options— private, group, boutique, or luxury travel. Learn the different ways people travel and find the best solution for you. For more information about our boutique summer 2022 tours or to sign up for our free monthly newsletter, visit us at https://www.psitalytours.com/
Music of Emilia-Romagna
June 06, 2021 20:14 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBIn this episode of P.S. Italy, Valerie and Gina interview Paolo Bertoli, a professional musician (Paolo Bertoli Orchestra) and owner of Associazione Music School located in Parma, Italy. We discuss the cultural importance of the accordion and what it means to be a professional musician in Italy. You can follow Paolo Bertoli on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/paolo.bertoli.161 Watch the Paolo Bertoli Orchestra perform https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=OBzhDKvPZtQ Or, visit Paol...
Review of Tucci's "Searching For Italy" Gems of Emilia Romagna
April 25, 2021 16:45 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBStanley Tucci's "Searching for Italy" series on CNN is a delightful viewing experience for all who long for Italian culture and cuisine. In Episode 3: Bologna and the Gems of Emilia Romagna, he travels and eats his way through the region. We were pleasantly surprised when we watched because this episode captures the highlights of our Foodie Tour. We discuss what you should do on any foodie tour of Italy and why. Italian foods are the best in the world and Emilia-Romagna is the best of Ital...
Finding Love in Italy
March 05, 2021 16:34 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBIn this episode, Valerie shares her funny and inspiring story about finding true love in Italy. After a chance business meeting, Val's life would change forever. Her story reminds us of the importance of following your heart. We hope this episode will inspire you to "buy the ticket". Stop dreaming about Italy and start planning your next trip with P.S. Italy Tours. P.S. Italy Tours offers small group boutique tour experiences. Join us on one of our fall 2021 or summer 2022 tours and experi...
Cinque Terre: Italy's Fabulous Five
February 15, 2021 01:13 - 37 minutes - 34 MBThe Cinque Terre, located in the northwest corner of Italy, is candy for the eyes. These five colorful and historic coastal villages are postcard-perfect - each town offering a unique experience. Learn the four most common ways to visit the towns (hiking, train, boat, or car) and what you can expect at each village. Rio Maggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monte Rosso are extraordinary and a must-see if your touring northern Italy. For more information on our Fall 2021 and Summer 2...
The City of Love: Verona
February 01, 2021 21:04 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBVerona is known as the city of love. It is the home of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will fall in love with the pink marble streets, the Arena di Verona (opera house) and the beautiful cafes and shops. Join us as we explore the history and attractions of this charming northern Italian city located on the Adige River in Veneto. For more information about P.S. Italy visit https://www.psitalytours.com/ or join our community on Facebook @PSitalyTours
A Backpack, Passport, and Disposable Clothing
January 24, 2021 16:19 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MBYour first trip to Europe is exciting and sometimes a little scary - especially when you are older. In this episode, Valerie interviews Gina about "buying the ticket" for her first Italian adventure -- at the age of 40. With only a backpack and a lifelong desire to see Italy - Gina steps outside her comfort zone and begins genuinely living. For more information about our boutique, small group tours - where you don't have to worry about a thing! --- check out https://www.psitalytours.com/
Yule in Italy
January 12, 2021 02:05 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBYule is a long standing and ancient tradition celebrating the Winter Solstice. It is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world. We discuss the history of Yule in Italy and the customs surrounding this time of year. We hope you enjoy learning about this most unusual custom and the related traditions - still celebrated in different regions of Italy. Signup for our monthly newsletter on https://www.psitalytours.com/
Red Underwear & Other Italian New Year's Eve Traditions
December 29, 2020 02:13 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBNew Year's Eve in Italy is uniquely celebrated. We discuss common (and not so common) NYE traditions, customs, and superstitions including the importance of wearing red underwear, how to banish bad luck, why eating the right foods can bring you prosperity and who to avoid January 1st! For more fun Italian traditions and customs signup for our free newsletter at www.psitalytours.com
Italian Christmas Traditions
December 22, 2020 15:10 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBChristmas traditions in Italy are different than what many might think. In this episode we discuss midnight mass at the Vatican, the Italian Christmas witch, Christmas markets, bagpipers, and different customs between northern and southern Italia. Looking for a great Christmas gift for a loved one or yourself? Join us for one of our boutique fall 2021 tours. Due to COVID-19 all deposits are 100% fully refundable. Spa Week September 23-October 1, 2021 Foodie Tour September 30-Octobter 8, 20...
Why Emilia-Romagna, Italy and P.S. Italy 2021 Tours?
August 02, 2020 17:54 - 45 minutes - 41.8 MBOn our final podcast of Season 1 we discuss Emilia-Romagna, Italy -- where to go and what to see in this beautiful region of northern Italy. Val and Gina discuss P.S. Italy's 2021 tours -- what to expect, what we offer, and why you might want to join us Summer 2021. Italy has so much offer. Consider spending time in the "foodie capital of the world" and tour with us. Six tours in 2021 - Writers Workshop, Spa Week, Foodie Tour, Vineyard Wine Tour, Cooking Emilia-Romagna, and Live Like a Me...
Live Like a Medici: Explore Florence with PS Italy
July 26, 2020 20:58 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBThe Medici family ruled the city of Florence throughout the Renaissance. A complicated family - both loved and hated. In this podcast, we discuss our Live Like a Medici 2021 Tour. Learn about the family as we follow the life and legacy of the Medici family in and around Florence. Itinerary: https://psitalyretreats.com/live-like-a-medici/ P.S. Italy Retreats is owned and operated by Gina Marcello, Ph.D. and Valerie Manfredini. Gina is a university professor with a passion for all things It...
Vineyard Wine Tour in Northern Italy: Overview of July 16-24, 2021
July 19, 2020 23:54 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MBEnjoy the very best of the Italian countryside as we hop from vineyard to sightseeing. This week is full of fun. Highlights include: Lake Garda, Modena, Ferrari, Fellino and Piacenza vineyard tours. Vineyard Wine Tour Itinerary: https://psitalyretreats.com/vineyard-wine-tour/ P.S. Italy Retreats is owned and operated by Gina Marcello, Ph.D. and Valerie Manfredini. Gina is a university professor with a passion for all things Italian. Valerie is an experienced tour operator and Italian resid...
Foodie Tour in Emilia-Romagna, Italy with P.S. Italy Retreats
July 13, 2020 17:58 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MBEmilia-Romagna, Italy is known as the foodie capital of the world. Join us July 23-July 31st, 2021 for a delicious week of food tasting and tours. Stop dreaming about Italy and start planning! Highlights of our Foodie Week include: Bologna's mortadella factory, Prosciutto di Parma factory tour, Carrara Mountain Tour and lardo di Colonnata food tasting, Felino salami tour and Parmesan-reggiano cheese factory tour. We explore northern Italy and learn to live like the locals. A time to relax an...
Cooking Lessons in Emilia-Romagna: P.S. Italy Summer 2021 Tour
July 05, 2020 16:10 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBLearn to cook and live like a local in Emilia-Romagna, Italy! We discuss our summer 2021 Cooking Tour July 30- August 7, 2021. Each lesson will inspire and delight as we tour the region. Highlights include farm-to-table pizza and crostata (a local dessert), risotto, torta frita, gelato, local tortelli, bronzino and tiramisu. Full itinerary: https://psitalyretreats.com/classic-culinary-cooking/
Foodie Tour of Emilia-Romagna with P.S. Italy Retreats
June 29, 2020 00:39 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MBItaly is known for its delicious cheeses and meats. This week we discuss our July 23-31, 2021 foodie tour. We highlight Parmesan-Reggiano cheese, Prosciutto di Parma ham, Felino Salami, Lardo di Colonnata, and Mortadella while discussing the different cities we will visit and experiences you can expect with our small group custom tours. Full itinerary: https://psitalyretreats.com/foodie-tour/ follow us on Facebook @PSitalyRetreats for our live Italian conversation Tuesdays at 3 pm EST Learn...
Spa Week in Northern Italy with P.S. Italy Retreats Summer 2021
June 23, 2020 02:19 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MBItalian spas date back to ancient Rome, when natural thermal springs were the center of socialization. On this episode, we discuss P.S. Italy Retreats Spa Week tour (July 9-17, 2021). There's really no better way to experience Italy -- spa hopping and shopping. Relax, unwind, enjoy Italian culture and learn how to live like an Italian! Itinerary available at www.PSitalyRetreats.com/italian-spa-week
Write in the Mountains of Northern Italy: Summer 2021 Workshop & Tour
June 18, 2020 18:14 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBBe inspired and write in the mountains of Emilia-Romanga, Italy. Join us Summer 2021. Spend time with like minded writers, enjoy the beauty of the Italian countryside, and take time for self-care. An interview with P.S. Italy's resident writing instructor Anne Dennish. On this episode we discuss our writing workshops and tours. Take time to slow-down, reconnect, and return home inspired! www.PSitalyRetreats.com @PSitalyretreats on Facebook
We're Back! What's Next for P.S. Italy? Overview of Summer 2021 Tours
June 10, 2020 02:18 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MBIt's been three months since our last podcast. We're thrilled to return and announce our summer 2021 tours. Take a listen to what's next for P.S. Italy Retreats. Learn to travel like a local not a tourist. Meet your hosts and join us on Facebook @PSitalyRetreats for LIVE Italian conversation every Tuesday at 3 pm EST
Coronavirus in northern Italy: Insights from an Italian resident
March 15, 2020 15:34 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBInformation about the impact of the coronavirus in Italy is alarming. In this podcast, Italian resident Valerie Manfredini provides information about what is happening in the small village of Bedonia (northern Italy, Parma Province). We discuss Italy's healthcare system, day-to-day life in the small villages, and the impact of the virus on local residents from Milan to Parma.
Spas: Grotta Giusti Thermal Cave and Montecatini
March 09, 2020 12:28 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MBHarmony, balance, and relaxation. Join us as we discuss Grotta Giusti Thermal Cave & Montecatini Thermal Spa located in Tuscany. We discuss the history and unique features of each. From thermal caves to "holy water" you, too, can travel like an Italian not a tourist. contact us at [email protected] www.psitalyretreats.com
Interview with author Anne Dennish - August 2020 Writing Workshop for Women faculty
March 02, 2020 01:41 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MBP.S. Italy interviews author Anne Dennish. We discuss Anne's journey as a writer, August's 2020 Writing Workshop for Women in Emilia-Romagna, and the challenges and joys of writing and publishing. For more information email us at [email protected] or visit us at www.psitalyretreats.com
What small Italian villages offer tourists: An interview with Al Dukes
February 24, 2020 02:23 - 29 minutes - 27 MBTourists traveling to Italy tend not to think about visiting the small villages. While big cities are exciting, the small villages offer a truly unique experience. Al Dukes, WFAN NYC sports talk radio producer, shares why he prefers Italy's small villages rather than the overcrowded tourist spots.
Seaside Villages of Portofino and Santa Margherita
February 16, 2020 22:13 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBJoin us as we explore Portofino and Santa Margherita. Two beautiful Italian fishing villages and holiday resorts. Portofino, famous for its extraordinary harbor and historical association with celebrity visitors, is a short boat ride or drive to Santa Margherita. Located on the Italian Riviera, these two resorts provide ample opportunity to explore, eat, and relax.
The Castle of Vigoleno and Il Casello Vineyard Tour
February 09, 2020 22:50 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBThere are thousands of hamlets throughout Italy. Learn about one of the Italian Touring Club's top 100 - Vigoleno. A beautiful hamlet located in Piacenza (Emilia-Romagna) where a handful of people still live. This full day tour also includes a visit to a family run vineyard. At Il Casello Vineyard you will learn about the art of making wine and have ample opportunity to enjoy. It's a relaxing day full of marvel and deliciousness.
Porcini Mushroom Hunting and Bedonia Trout Festival
February 03, 2020 01:40 - 32 minutes - 29.3 MBLearn about Porcini mushroom hunting (believe it or not you need a permit to go hunting) and the Bedonia (Parma region) Trout Festival. These are two fun local Emilia-Romagna events where you can really experience Italian culture, enjoy local foods, and explore Italy like a local.
Majestic Carrara Mountains and Beaches
January 26, 2020 16:51 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBThe majestic Carrara mountain mines are a must see. This one-day tour introduces you to the marble mountains of Michelangelo's David, tasty lardo di Colonnata, and provides time to explore the beautiful Italian Riviera beach towns of Forte de Marma, Marina di Carrara and Viareggio beach.
Food Tours: Parmesan-Reggiano Cheese & Prosciutto Di Parma
January 19, 2020 21:53 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MBThe art of making parmesan-reggiano cheese and prosciutto di parma is awe-inspiring. The pride, care, and attention to detail is second to none. The process for making these delightful foods is thousands of years old. It's no wonder these two exports are so loved by foodies around the world.
Daily life in the beautiful villages of Italy
January 12, 2020 15:54 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBBefore you plan your next Italian adventure learn about life in the small villages of Italy - like Bedonia (Emilia-Romagna). It might just be the vacation you need to rejuvenate, reconnect to yourself, and experience the best of the Italian lifestyle.
Welcome to P.S. Italy: Life & Culture in a Small Italian Town
January 12, 2020 05:21 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBCo-hosts Gina Marcello, Ph.D. and Valerie Raffetto discuss life in the small Italian village of Bedonia (Parma) exploring differences with social media use, family time and growing up in Italy.