Since I was thirteen I wanted to travel the world. When I finally set off, five years later, I went with three bags strapped across my back. I went with a fairly flawed idea of how to travel, what was important and what wasn't. Since then I've traveled a number of times, most recently I've been abroad for a year and a half. I've learned how to travel, how to pack, and most importantly, how to enjoy myself. This podcast focuses on how to travel in Italy. It's the country I have the most experience in since I now live here, but most of the information can be used across the world. Enjoy! Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/onlyabag/support

What's the point of living in Italy and having a podcast on traveling in Italy if we're never going to talk about Italian legends? That's right, today we're talking about the [somewhat] famous Sword in the Stone, merely 45 minutes away from Siena. Yes, it's an actual sword in the stone! And yes, we know who put it there! There's also the fairly strong theory that it influenced the story of King Arthur's Excalibur. We're also talking about the nearby Abbey of San Galgano, nearly a shell of the gothic abbey it once was, it sits now a beautiful ruin you can visit. If you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for fellow listeners, you can join our chat on Patreon for free or contact us on onlyabag.com. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

We're coming into fall and thinking about one of the best regions to visit this season, Tuscany. Today we're talking about San Gimignano. While it's certainly no secret, this little town famous for its many medieval towers is a great place to visit in the autumn and off season. We'll tell you how to get there and what there is to see and we'll get into the history. "What's going on with all those towers?" "Can you visit them?" We'll tell you about it in this episode. Below are some helpful links:Getting there from SienaThe easiest way to get to San Gimignano from Siena is by bus. You can look at tickets on the Autolinee Toscana website, but it's easier to buy them in person at the Piazza Gramsci in Siena (the ticket office is underground).Getting there from FlorenceThere are two ways to get to San Gimignano from Florence on public transport. You can can choose to take a train for part of the journey and then switch to a bus or you can take a bus the whole way. To book a the trip that involves a train, go to the Trenitalia website. To book a journey just on the bus go to the Autolinee Toscana website.Links for What to See and DoCivic Museums website with tickets and info for several sites including the Three Grossa and Palazzo Comunale. Official San Gimignano website of the Pro Loco with info on upcoming events, tourist info, a list of local shops, and practical info.Website of the Pro Loco, an official site for San Gimignano where you can find info on upcoming events, what to see, a list of local shops, and practical info. Torre Salvucci - Torre Chigi official site - Torre Nomipesciolini official site - Torre Useppi on Booking.com * Torre Useppi official site *Links with an asterisk are affiliate links. We don't represent these companies, and if you use one of the affiliate links to book your experience, we receive a small commission.If you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for fellow listeners, you can join our chat on Patreon for free or contact us on onlyabag.com. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

On some of our first train journeys in Italy, amid the cacophony of voices and stress not wanting to miss our train, we were so overwhelmed we forgot some of the standard information to look for, like the train number, the carriage number, and how to use the departures board to find our platform. We'll tell you everything you need to know to get to your train with the least amount of stress possible. We'll also talk about some of the most common things that could go wrong and what to do. "I have a big suitcase, where do I put it?," "There's someone in my seat, should I ask them to move?," "There is a train strike, is my train cancelled?" Or, even worse, "I've missed my train; help!". Likewise, you can check out our article on "What to do if you missed your train in Italy".Here are links to guaranteed trains in case of a strike. These are PDF files from each train company's official website. Trenitalia PDFItalo PDFIf you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for fellow listeners, you can join our chat on Patreon for free or contact us on onlyabag.com. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

It's been about two years since we had a dedicated episode on trains in Italy, and given the fact that there have been some minor changes this year (including the fact that Trenitalia will be rolling out their Rome-Munich line next year!) plus some changes the to types of tickets and rolling stock themselves, we thought this week we should give it some attention! We're talking about how and when to book tickets and standard discounts to look out for. "Is it better to book online ahead of time or should I get my ticket at the station? Are trains in Italy usually on-time? What does 'Trenitalia' or 'Italo' even mean?" We'll answer these questions and more in this episode.For those of you who would like to peruse some articles, you can check out our posts on:The difference between Trenitalia and ItaloThe difference between Trenitalia and ItaliaRailIf you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for fellow listeners, you can join our chat on Patreon for free or contact us on onlyabag.com. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

We're continuing our discussion on traveling in the autumn shoulder season. We're talking about what to expect in terms of weather from October beach days to cozy dreary days in the North. We'll also talk about what makes fall in Italy special ,aside from the cooler temperature and perhaps smaller crowds. It's the food and the festivals. This is harvest time, from grapes and olives to chestnuts and truffles. That means it's a time to celebrate and eat!In this episode we talk about doing a search for upcoming festivals wherever and whenever you plan to travel. You may get more results by doing the search in Italian. Below are phrases that you can copy and paste to help with that search. You can use the words "festa" and "sagra" almost interchangeably, both can mean festival. feste e sagre in italia a (month you're visiting)example: sagre in italia a novembre "festivals and feasts in Italy in November"feste e sagre a (place you're visiting) a (month) example: feste e sagre a venezia a novembre"festivals and feasts in Venice in November" If you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for fellow listeners, you can join our chat on Patreon for free or contact us on onlyabag.com. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

This week we're talking about traveling in the shoulder season, specifically in the fall and a bit of winter. In this episode, we're talking about the major differences between "on-season" and "off-season" and the pros and cons of traveling during this period in Italy. We'll answer questions like "Are there fewer tourists and lower prices in the shoulder season?" and "Do things close in the off-season?" If you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for fellow listeners, you can join our chat on Patreon for free or contact us on onlyabag.com. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

Once again, headlines! And once again, it's been a light month (thankfully). We're talking about the new Uffizi restoration project which should make your next trip a lot more comfortable, the effects of the recent heatwaves and droughts, and lastly, a new law aimed at pedestrians that penalizes crossing the street while being on your phone. If you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for fellow listeners, you can join our chat on Patreon for free or contact us on onlyabag.com. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

This week we're talking about headlines! And while it's been a pretty quiet month—most people have fled to the beaches or mountains so there's very little that's happened—there have been some small changes and updates to Rome's ATAC (or urban transportation) tickets, increases in Autolinee Toscana's tickets, and, of course, upcoming strikes. Trains guaranteed in a strike:https://www.trenitalia.com/it/informazioni/treni-garantiti-incasodisciopero.htmlIf you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for fellow listeners, you can join our chat on Patreon for free or contact us on onlyabag.com. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

In the middle of the town of Capri sits the quiet and oftentimes empty Certosa di San Giacomo. Out of the sun, an uninterrupted view of the Faraglioni, and astonishingly empty. In this episode, we talk about a place that should be on the beaten path but has somehow evaded major waves of tourism. Plus, they often hold events or art shows here, so even if you don't really want to walk around another church or chapel, there's still plenty to see! Tickets for the Certosa of San Giacomo:https://museicapri.cultura.gov.it/en/certosa-di-san-giacomo-en/If you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for fellow listeners, you can join our chat on Patreon for free or contact us on onlyabag.com. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

Capri can feel like it has very little "off the beaten path" as it has pretty much defined the path. That said, it's really like anywhere else in Italy; one step off the main road and suddenly you're alone. Or, almost alone. To be fair, the Gardens of Augustus aren't really off the beaten path, but at the same time, we wanted to offer our thoughts on how populated it is, if it's worth the trip, and how long it takes to walk through it. Plus, given the current heatwave, there's clearly a demand for places in the shade, of which it's a classic option. There's also Via Krupp, the winding footpath carved into the side of Capri's stone mountains leading down to the Marina Piccola. It's not always open, but when it is, it's well-worth the walk! Tickets to Gardens of Augustus:https://culturaeturismo.comune.capri.na.it/biglietteria/If you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for fellow listeners, you can join our chat on Patreon for free or contact us on onlyabag.com. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

Picking up where we left off, this episodes delves a little more into the particulars: how much can you drink before you're over the legal limit, do you even have to pay a fine (speeding, driving, etc.) if you're never coming back to Italy, if you can rent an automatic, the relative sizes of vehicles, and damages. Basically, it's a kitchen sink of need-to-know.Italian road signs: https://italyexplained.com/driving-road-signs-italy/If you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for fellow listeners, you can join our chat on Patreon for free or contact us on onlyabag.com. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

If you're thinking about renting a car and tooling around Italy without a care in the world, you should do so! And better than that, this episode will help you to do so! In it, we talk about what documents you'll need, the speed limits (which aren't often posted), the infamous ZTL, and how it is to drive in some cities. If you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for fellow listeners, you can join our chat on Patreon for free or contact us on onlyabag.com. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

Picking up where we left off on Wednesday, Darcy explains the allure of the Dominican Friar's pharmacy near Santa Maria Novella—including perfumes made from ancient recipes that can still be purchased—as Nathaniel offers two museums that might not have made it to the top of your "must see" list: the zoological "La Specola" and the suspended-in-time Palazzo Davanzati. Keep an eye on the weather and stay cool this week! Below are links to the places we talk about in this episode: Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy: called the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica Santa Maria Novella is the oldest continuous pharmacy in Italy - free to visitLa Specola: Science Museum of taxidermy animals, wax figures, and skeletons €10 per person*Palazzo Davanzati: Restored 14th century home stuck in time €8-€12 per person**Prices as of August 2026If you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for fellow listeners, you can join our chat on Patreon for free or contact us on onlyabag.com. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

It's been a few weeks since we've gone off the beaten path, so we thought—given the heat threatening Florence and the ever present crowds—that this would be the perfect week for another.Darcy takes us on a journey through three of Florence's most famous "Last Supper"s and ends with the orphanage-turned-museum at the Hospital of the Innocents. Below are links to the "Last Supper"s we talk about in this episode as well as the to the Hospital of the Innocents. - Oldest Last Supper Fresco in Florence at the Sant Croce Museum - €11 per person* - upcoming free dates in 2026: August 15th, September 14th, 26th, 27th, October 4th, November 8th, December 20th and 26th- Last Supper by Domenico Ghirlandaio at the National Museum of San Marco €11 per person*- Last Supper by Plautilla Nelli at the Opera per Santa Maria Novella €7.50 per person*- If you're looking to see one for less expensive, the following cost €5 per person*Cenacolo di OgnissantiCenacolo di Sant' Apollonia Cenacolo di San Salvi- Hospital of the Innocents (Museo degli Innocenti) €9 per person**Prices as of August 2026If you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for fellow listeners, you can join our chat on Patreon for free or contact us on onlyabag.com. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

In our headlines episodes we typically try to talk about news that will affect your upcoming trip, like in this episode: the Pantheon and Colosseum will be open late to beat the heat, the Lepanto metro stop in Rome will be closed, and some horse-drawn carriages for tourists are being phased out. However this week, we're also taking about three big demonstrations that happened across Italy in July. We want to tell you about them to explain what's happening in Italy lately and some things people are thinking about. TRIGGER WARNING: The first story in this episode talks about police violence and death. If you'd like to skip this story, jump to minute 12:20 in the episode.If you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for fellow listeners, you can join our chat on Patreon for free or contact us on onlyabag.com. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

Today, we're back with headlines! Some are for Europe in general (a new survey is out letting anyone vote on the designs for the new Euro bills, and what Europe's new €3 tax on everything purchased outside of the EU might mean for you), a handful of rail closures—but no major strikes!—and information are where wildfires are in Italy. Links Mentioned:New Euro Survey: https://surveys.ecb.europa.eu/10b/neweuro/Wildfire Map in Europe: https://jasperbernaers.com/europe-wildfire-map/ The Bakery Darcy Mentioned (which is closed all of August): https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d2328022-Reviews-Biscottificio_Innocenti-Rome_Lazio.htmlIf you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for fellow listeners, you can join our chat on Patreon for free or contact us on onlyabag.com. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

In our last episode, we waxed poetically (or rambled) about the magic of Pompeii and how indescribable it feels. In this episode, we're talking about the practicalities of the Archeological Park of Pompeii. We'll explain how to get there, with an insider tip for leaving from Naples*, break down the different types of tickets, and talk about some fun facts and interesting sites within the park. *If you're taking the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii from Naples, our tip is to board the train at the Porta Nolana Station, which is about a 10 minute walk from the central train station, Garibaldi. This station is much more calm, has an elevator (Garibaldi does not for the Circumvesuviana), and you're more likely to get a seat as the Circumvesuviana originates at Porta Nolana. Pompeii Archeological Park Official Site LinksHomepageTicketsPDF Guide to Excavations - Explanations of the different sites in the park Pompeii For All - Accessibility in the park It's unclear if tours are available in ASL, but the Naples chapter of the National Agency for the Deaf, the organization who trains Pompeii guides who natively speak Italian Sign Language (LIS), can be contacted via their email at napoli@ens.it if you have any questions. If you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for fellow listeners, you can join our chat on Patreon for free or contact us on onlyabag.com. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

Pompeii, the city covered in ash that's still being discovered. We spend most of this episode's 40-odd minutes trying to put into words why someone should go. Sure, it's old, but so is a lot of Italy. And while it's well-preserved, again, so is a lot of Italy (and the other remnants of the Roman Empire). It's also hard to imagine how much you might enjoy it until you're there. That's when the film between "now" and "then" gets pulled back and you might realize how special a place it is. And thanks to the comment of a listener, we actually start this episode talking about one of the weirder mysteries surrounding the actual event—the day of eruption. Pompeii Archeological Park Official Site LinksHomepageTicketsPDF Guide to Excavations - Explanations of the different sites in the park Pompeii For All - Accessibility in the park It's unclear if tours are available in ASL, but the Naples chapter of the National Agency for the Deaf, the organization who trains Pompeii guides who natively speak Italian Sign Language (LIS), can be contacted via their email at napoli@ens.it if you have any questions. In this episode, we mention a free Yale course. Darcy mistakenly says "Pompeii Archaeology" instead of "Pompeii Architecture." More specifically the course is on architecture in Pompeii and Roman architecture. Here is the link on Course Site.If you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for fellow listeners, you can join our chat on Patreon for free or contact us on onlyabag.com. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

One of the best things to do in Ravello is to just leisurely walk around and explore or to sit outside at a cafe and people-watch. It's a calm and relaxed little town with great views around the edge and a pretty piazza near the duomo. You can also visit two famous sculpted gardens: Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. Villa Rufolo is in the center of town and costs €8 per person, while Villa Cimbrone is about an 11 minute walk from the center of town and costs €11 per person.*Edit: In this episode, while talking about how you can stay at the Hotel Cimbrone, Nathaniel asked if there was a pool and I said I didn't think so, but there is in fact a pool! If you're a fan of opera, symphonic music, baroque music or jazz, check out the Ravello Music Festival, which happens every year! This year's dates are July 4 through September 5, 2026. If you're staying in Ravello, there are nearby towns for day trips to the beach like Atrani, Minori, and Maiori, all within a 20 to 30 minute drive with good traffic. Atrani can be reached by car, bus, or steep footpath. You can take the Sita Sud bus or hire a car to get to any towns on the Amalfi Coast for a day trip.If you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for fellow listeners, you can join our chat on Patreon for free or contact us on onlyabag.com. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

This week we're talking about the best-known mountaintop town on the Amalfi Coast, Ravello. Situated above the sea with no beach access, this town offers stunning views over the sea, cooler breezes in summertime heat, and a bit of an escape from the crowds in Amalfi and Positano. The only ways to get to Ravello are by bus, car, or footpath from Atrani, the town below on the sea. Sita Sud is the public bus operator on the Amalfi Coast. In this episode we mentioned the restaurant we ate at and really enjoyed, it's called Ristorante Vittoria. The pizza restaurant that looked good, but where we weren't able to get a reservation is called Da Nonno Alfonso. If you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for fellow listeners, you can join our chat on Patreon for free or contact us on onlyabag.com. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

Wrapping up our Need to Know week, we're sort of talking about the kitchen sink in this episode. We're talking about [the importance of] making reservations at a restaurant, using "aperitivo time" as a way to adventurously explore the food scene, the fact that some stores might have different items to what you're expecting or even lacking them (such as pharmacies, for example), using grocery stores as a first-stop for food souvenirs, how to use ATMs, the importance of rest time and making sure that someone else's itinerary is also your own, and finally, the need to bring your passport everywhere. Like I said, it's a packed episode! If you want further tips in traveling in Italy check out the episodes below. Travel Tips You Didn't Know You NeededSpotify Link Tips for Traveling With Someone Else: Part 1Spotify LinkTips for Traveling With Someone Else: Part 2Spotify LinkThe Hidden Stresses of Traveling: Part 1Spotify LinkThe Hidden Stresses of Traveling: Part 2Spotify LinkIf you have any questions about your trip, you can join our chat on Patreon for free or contact us on onlyabag.com. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

As the travel months are ramping up, we thought we'd take the time to quickly run through the "things we wish we knew before we went", or, perhaps more accurately, "the things we wish we had remembered to tell people before they came here". To kick things off, we're talking about some flight pitfalls to be aware of, accommodation tips and scams to be aware of, and choosing the right kind of luggage (even down to the type of plastic used!). EDIT: A big thank-you to one of our listeners, Karen, for an additional piece of information around the check-in bag! On a recent trip of hers, she (and a number of other people on her flight) were made to gate-check their roller carry-on luggage, leaving them with just the personal bag. So Karen recommends that you also bring a change of clothes in your personal bag, just in case your gate-checked luggage is left behind. In this episode we wanted to tell you about some quick essentials, so if you want further tips in traveling in Italy check out the episodes below. Of course, in every episode we give specific tips on the destination we're talking about that week. Travel Tips You Didn't Know You NeededSpotify Link Tips for Traveling With Someone Else: Part 1Spotify LinkTips for Traveling With Someone Else: Part 2Spotify LinkThe Hidden Stresses of Traveling: Part 1Spotify LinkThe Hidden Stresses of Traveling: Part 2Spotify LinkWant to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

Today, we're back talking about the smaller headlines, some you may have already seen, such as Venice potentially raising the entry fee to €50 and the possibility that Rome's airports might suspend their EES (Entry-Exit System). We're filling you in on what that might mean for your trip, as well as upcoming strikes, the Pantheon price increase, and a handful of upcoming concerts and events that you might want to plan your trip around if you didn't already know about them! For information on guaranteed service during a strike, check the link with your train provider. TrenItalia and Italo have a list of guaranteed trains while local services will have guaranteed windows of time that service will run.Autolinee ToscaneAMTS Catania*AMAT Palermo*Italo TrenItalia Trenord* These two sites, for AMTS Catania and AMAT Palermo, are a little harder to understand in terms of guaranteed service times. These links are to news notice boards on their respective websites where information on upcoming service changes should appear within a few days of the change/strike.If you're looking for a cup of coffee that's FairTrade, roasted by a Certified B Corporation, and organic, then we'd say you're looking for Larry's Coffee. A small, family-run coffee roasters in Raleigh, North Carolina dedicated to sustainability and a better planet. If you'd like to check them out, you can use our link: https://larryscoffee.com/onlyabag Purchases through our link to receive two free handcrafted grass-woven coasters from FairTrade artisans in Guatemala!Want to support us? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

Even though the heatwave that's been sweeping through Europe for the past week and a half is actually on its way out of Italy, we thought it would still make sense to talk about it. After all, it's more than likely we'll see another heatwave this year, even if not one quite as severe. Mostly, it's designed to answer some big questions that have popped up (why isn't there AC, what is Europe as a whole and Italy as a small part doing about the heatwave, how will it affect my trip, etc.), as well as try and offer some advice on how to mitigate any hot days on your trip. If you're having a medical emergency call 112 or go to a "pronto soccorso" (emergency room). These, like most other emergency rooms, are found at hospitals. They can be found by typing in "hospital," "emergency room," or "pronto soccorso" in a maps app. Or when taking a taxi or asking for directions in-person, you can say "pronto soccorso." The Italy heatwave hotline is 1500. This is not an emergency line! It provides information on how to stay safe during the heatwave and forecasts from the Ministry of Health's heat wave surveillance system, information on the alert system and more. If you're looking for a cup of coffee that's FairTrade, roasted by a Certified B Corporation, and organic, then we'd say you're looking for Larry's Coffee. A small, family-run coffee roasters in Raleigh, North Carolina dedicated to sustainability and a better planet. If you'd like to check them out, you can use our link: https://larryscoffee.com/onlyabag Purchases through our link to receive two free handcrafted grass-woven coasters from FairTrade artisans in Guatemala!Want to support us? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

From wandering the colorfully tiled streets to shopping for ceramics and going to the beach, in this episode we'll tell you all there is to do in Vietri Sul Mare and how to get there, plus getting around! Vietri Sul Mare is easily reachable by bus and ferry. There is also a train station which is being repaired and not functional as of June 2026, however a bus route is running in its place. Below are links to bus and ferry providers to and from Salerno and the Amalfi Coast. From Salerno by bus: - Vietri Sul Mare is reachable by city bus from Salerno, the city bus is run by Bus Italia you can get tickets in a Tabacchi (tobacco shop) in Salerno. - You can also take Sita Sud bus (which will get you to towns on the Amalfi Coast as well) but this bus tends to be more crowded than the city bus. From the Amalfi Coast by bus:Sita Sud operates the buses from Positano, Amalfi, and other towns along the Amalfi Coast to Vietri Sul Mare.From the Amalfi Coast and Salerno by ferry: To get to Vietri Sul Mare, Travel Mar operates the ferries from Salerno as well as towns on the Amalfi Coast like Positano and Amalfi.For day trips to Raito, Dragonea, and other nearby towns, check out Bus Italia, you can get tickets for this city bus at a local Tabacchi as well. In general, the city buses (run by Bus Italia) that you might use are bus number 1 (written as 001 on Google Maps), 4 (written as 004 on Google Maps), and 9 (likewise written as 009 on Google Maps). These are the main buses that go from Salerno to Vietri, and vice versa. Each of them terminate in a different town, so if you're wanting a bit of adventure, simply stay on board! If you're looking for a cup of coffee that's FairTrade, roasted by a Certified B Corporation, and organic, then we'd say you're looking for Larry's Coffee. A small, family-run coffee roasters in Raleigh, North Carolina dedicated to sustainability and a better planet. If you'd like to check them out, you can use our link: https://larryscoffee.com/onlyabag Purchases through our link to receive two free handcrafted grass-woven coasters from FairTrade artisans in Guatemala!Want to support us? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

There was once a time where you could tell someone going to Italy that they'd have to go to Venice (Murano) for the glass, Florence for the leather, and Vietri sul Mare for the ceramics. Over the years, glass workshops have closed around Venice, quality leather production has shifted away from Florence as it follows cheaper rents, and yet, Vietri sul Mare is still a powerhouse of ceramics factories and workshops. While this episode mainly discusses the feel of the town—one that feels vibrant, but ever so slightly like its heyday is over—we also offer our thoughts as to who might enjoy it the most, and who should stick it into their itinerary if possible. If you're looking for a cup of coffee that's FairTrade, roasted by a Certified B Corporation, and organic, then we'd say you're looking for Larry's Coffee. A small, family-run coffee roasters in Raleigh, North Carolina dedicated to sustainability and a better planet. If you'd like to check them out, you can use our link: https://larryscoffee.com/onlyabag Purchases through our link to receive two free handcrafted grass-woven coasters from FairTrade artisans in Guatemala!Want to support us? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

Now that you know the general vibe of Ischia, it's time to talk about how to get there, and how to get around once you're there. We also talk about things you can do once you get to Ischia (taking a hike to the top of a volcano, for instance) as well as the absolute plethora of thermal baths and pools. So if you're looking for a relaxing way to spend some of your time in Italy, consider visiting one of Ischia's hundreds of thermal baths and soaking in the relaxed atmosphere of the island.Getting to IschiaThe only way to get to Ischia is by sea via ferry or hydrofoil. The companies listed below are the operators of transport from mainland Italy to Ischia. To Ischia from Naples: CaremarAlilauroMedmarTo Ischia from Sorrento:AlilauroGetting Around IschiaIf you're looking to take a public bus around the island, you can see bus timetables for Ischia here:eavsrl.it/orari-autobusShoppingThere are tons of great local shops in the town of Ischia. Here are a few recommendations:Mariarosaria Ferrara - sandal shop where Darcy bought her custom sandalsProject Lab Vintage - tiny and cool vintage clothing storeMyosotis 1955 - ceramics La Ceramica Di Meglio Dei F.Lli Di Meglio & C. Sas - ceramicsThere are lots of great jewelry stores along via Roma which turns into Corso Vittoria Colonna, particularly between via delle Terme and the Santa Maria delle Grazie church.Things to do and SeeHere are links to some of the major sites and tourist destinations we mentioned in this episode.Castello Aragonese (Aragonese Castle) - castelloaragoneseischia.comGiardini La Mortella (Mortella Botanical Garden) - lamortella.orgGiardini Poseidon Terme (Poseidon Garden Thermal Baths) - giardiniposeidonterme.comMonte Epomeo is panoramic hike that we mention in this episode. It is free to visit. You can join our Patreon for free! Want to support us and get a shout out on the podcast? Check out our paid tiers. patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

In this episode we're hopping over to the lesser-known island of Ischia. Ischia is an island renown in Italy for its thermal springs and spas, though "renown" might be a bit strong, seeing as outside of Italy it isn't very well known at all. We'll tell you about the town of Ischia proper and Ischia Porto and a little about our experience visiting for the first time. We found it useful—and fun!—to talk about the "vibe" of Capri and Sorrento as a way of framing the town, so in this episode we're doing a vibe check for Ischia. We'll get into how to get to Ischia and what there is to do on the island in the next episode. However, if you're looking for a ferry to get there, you have a few options. Below are links to ferry companies that can take you to Ischia.To Ischia from Naples CaremarAlilauroMedmarTo Ischia from SorrentoAlilauroYou can join our Patreon for free! Want to support us and get a shout out on the podcast? Check out our paid tiers. patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

We're back and we're still talking about Capri! In this episode, we wanted to discuss the Blue Grotto—one of southern Italy's most famous natural wonders—and whether or not it's worth it. We also wanted to try and answer the classic question of "Should I go to Capri just for the day or spend the night?" Lastly, while Capri can be (and very much is) expensive, we wanted to offer some of our thoughts on where to splurge on Capri and where to watch your wallet. You can join our Patreon for free! Want a shout out on the podcast? Check out our paid tiers. patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

Having recently returned from a trip to Capri, we were once again reminded why it's so popular. Yes, it's touristy, and yes, finding authenticity in Capri can feel like a Herculean effort. But at the end of the day, it's one of the most beautiful places in Italy, not only for its views, but also for its nature and (believe it or not!) tranquility.In this episode we discuss getting there, getting around the island (including getting to Anacapri), and the general vibe of the island. You can join our Patreon for free! Want a shout out on the podcast? Check out our paid tiers. patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

Today we're discussing upcoming strikes in Italy for the month of June (of which there are thankfully few, so your June trip shouldn't see too many hiccups!). We're also talking about new rules and restrictions around electric scooters in Rome, the expansion of the STVR ban in Florence, and the first ever USA to Sardinia direct flight courtesy of Delta. You can join our Patreon for free! Want a shout out on the podcast? Check out our paid tiers. patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

Today we're discussing the new EES (Entry/Exit System) that you will most likely encounter on your trip to Europe this year. Likewise, we're also looking at the court case that recently made it big in the headlines, establishing the fact that Italians (and people in Italy) have no "right" to tap water at a restaurant. Thankfully, we're both no longer as sick as we were, so hopefully this episode is more cohesive sounding! You can join our Patreon for free! Want a shout out on the podcast? Check out our paid tiers. patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

While it can be amazing to stay right smack-dab in the middle of Sorrento, it can also come with unforeseen challenges. Likewise, staying just outside of Sorrento might be a quiet retreat from the hubbub, but it can also mean you don't get the experience you were hoping for. In this episode, we break down the various small towns around Sorrento and neighborhoods in Sorrento to help you figure out the best place to stay. As mentioned in the episode, our "comments" on Spotify have been a little strange. We've been getting notifications for comments, but they don't always appear. So if you've left a comment and we haven't responded, please feel free to leave the comment again or reach out to us directly! You can join our Patreon for free! Want a shout out on the podcast? Check out our paid tiers. patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

We're back! Today we're talking about Sorrento, which we had briefly started talking about two weeks ago. This episode focuses on how to catch the bus, things to keep in mind surrounding using the bus, our experience with using taxis, and, of course, food. While in the past we've normally tried not to give specific recommendations (mainly as we know that food can be highly subjective, and what we might love y'all might not), we do end this episode with a few recommendations for where to eat. As mentioned in the episode, our "comments" on Spotify have been a little strange. We've been getting notifications for comments, but they don't always appear. So if you've left a comment and we haven't responded, please feel free to leave the comment again or reach out to us directly! You can join our Patreon for free! Want a shout out on the podcast? Check out our paid tiers. patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

We are still out of town, but we'll be back next week! Until then, please enjoy one our episodes from the end of last year. "How could we talk about Naples and not about the pastries? After all, this is why you listen to Only A Bag! After a few thousand years of outside rule, one of the few good things (which is a weird way of saying, "Thanks for leaving behind some of your food when you ruled over us with an iron fist.") that came from it is the introduction of pastries. Graffa from the Austrian krapfen, baba from the French (and earlier Polish) baba, and sfogliatella from the nuns of Conci die Marini and then through a pastry chef who purchased the recipe and the rights to sell it (which is far more wholesome!). And, of course, like any other sweet thing over the course of history, someone looked at it and asked the age-old question, "Yes, but can it also be fried?". With that, we introduce you to the wonderful world of Neapolitan pastries!"You can join our Patreon for free! Want a shout out on the podcast? Check out our paid tiers. patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

As mentioned in last week's episodes, we are out of town this week! Instead of leaving you all without an episode, we're going back into the past to bring you an episode from the fall of last year. We hope you enjoy! "Continuing the Naples theme, we delve into dinner time, street food (like the famous pizza portafoglio, or pizza folded into a triangle) and the most famous dish to ever come out of such a storied city: pizza not folded into a triangle. We mentioned a list of the best pizzerias in Italy which can be found here: https://www.50toppizza.it/50-top-pizza-italia-2025/ "You can join our Patreon for free! Want a shout out on the podcast? Check out our paid tiers. patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

Following up from Wednesday's episode, today we're talking about the actual trip planning portion. How is AI used to plan a trip, where does it succeed, and where does it fail. We also offer some alternatives for those of you who are planning a trip and prefer to not rely on AI. You can join our Patreon for free! Want a shout out on the podcast? Check out our paid tiers. patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

Today, we're talking about something we've actually wanted to talk about for a few years. It's something that we knew would inevitably evolve, just as with any other AI application. After hearing and reading stories of AI chatbots and trip planners making up fake destinations, misrepresenting walking areas and how long it takes to get from point A to B, or recommending closed restaurants and hotels, we thought it was finally time to take a dive into discussing planning your trip using AI. But before we are able to even get into the trip planners in particular, we first wanted to layout some of the pitfalls and drawbacks of using AI. While it doesn't have much—or really anything!—to do with Italy, we felt that it was important enough to warrant its own episode. You can join our Patreon for free! Want a shout out on the podcast? Check out our paid tiers. patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

If you're like us, you might have already been here without knowing you were here. And where is here? Parco della Caffarella, or, Caffarella Park. Near the Appian Way, this park sits as a haven for all manner of wildlife, an active pasture for sheep, and a place to relax outside the hubbub of Rome. Links:Caffarella Park (scroll down for information about the electric minicar): https://www.caffarella.it/il-parco/ List of flora: https://www.caffarella.it/il-parco/da-conoscere/la-vegetazione-del-parco-dellappia-antica-e-della-valle-della-caffarella/List of Fauna (including birds): https://www.caffarella.it/il-parco/da-conoscere/la-fauna/Appia Antica Regional Park's Page on Caffarella Park: https://www.parcoappiaantica.it/itinerari/la-valle-della-caffarella/You can join our Patreon for free! Want a shout out on the podcast? Check out our paid tiers. patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

Spring has sprung (and we're a little late) but in that season of renewal (spring and our brand-new name and cover art) we thought we'd look at some little-known parks in Rome that are right in the middle of everything, but hidden. We've often talked about how difficult it can feel to find green space or a place to relax in Rome's historic center. In this episode, we tell you about two gardens near the Trevi Fountain that overlook the crowds: the gardens of the Palazzo Quirinale and Villa Aldobrandini. You can learn more about Palazzo Quirinale and buy tickets here: palazzo.quirinale.itThe Villa Aldobrandini is a free park open from 7:00am to sunset. You can join our Patreon for free! Want a shout out on the podcast? Check out our paid tiers. patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcastFor articles written by us about Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

In this episode we'll talk about how to get to Sorrento and the pros and cons of traveling there by ferry vs. train. We'll also talk about the difference between two trains from Naples to Sorrento which are often confused with each other, the Circumvesuviana train and the Campania Express train. Having just been to Sorrento via ferry and left by train, we've also got a couple of fun anecdotes. We're always here to make the mistakes and find solutions so you don't have to!Taxi rates in Sorrento are standardized, but can be a bit confusing. The most important things to know are:- The initial charge is €6.00 with surcharges for each 50 meters (between €0.30 and €0.15).- Each piece of luggage costs €1.00.- There is an addition €3.00 nighttime charge for rides between 10:00pm and 7:00am. - There is a holiday surcharge of €2.00.- The minimum fare, no matter the distance, is €12.00.- If the taxi is hired to take you outside of Sorrento and drop you off there, therefore returning to Sorrento empty, there is an addition 20% fee. For reference ,hiring a car from a private company (rather than a taxi) to take you to the Naples airport typically costs around €155. As mentioned, we have some articles about getting to Sorrento from Naples on our website, onlyabag.com.Naples to Sorrento.Naples Airport to Sorrento. As mentioned in this episode, we'll be changing our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast" as well as our podcast cover art next week. Plus we started a Patreon! To learn more about these changes you can listen to our "Fireside Chat episode" and you can check out our Patreon here, patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast!If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com. Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

While we've talked about great deal about the Amalfi Coast, we only recently realized on a short trip up to Sorrento that we've never talked about it by itself, despite the fact we've been there so often. Today, we've decided to rectify that! In this episode we talk about the general vibe of Sorrento, our first impressions upon seeing it through the eyes of tourists, and who we think Sorrento is the best fit for in terms of vacations needs (versus Positano or Capri). The restaurant we recommended in this episode is called "L'Angolo Del Gusto Di Astarita Bruno E Ferdinando." It's just past the Ristorante Sant'Antonino, on Via Santa Maria delle Grazie. The gelato shop we mentioned in this episode is called Raki, which has two locations, one on Via S. Cesareo and the other on Sorrento's main street Corso Italia.As mentioned, we have some articles about getting to Sorrento from Naples on our website, onlyabag.com.Naples to Sorrento.Naples Airport to Sorrento. As mentioned in this episode, we'll be changing our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast" as well as our podcast cover art next week. Plus we started a Patreon! To learn more about these changes you can listen to our "Fireside Chat episode" and you can check out our Patreon here, patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast!If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com. Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

We're continuing this month's headlines episodes today talking about a contentious new bonus for immigration lawyers in Italy, a bank robbery in Naples with possible connections to other high profile robberies, and a jewelry store robbery in Rome. We'll also tell you about a protest by Riccardo Magi, secretary of +Europa, and Radicali Italiani (Italian Radicals), for the legalization and regulation of marijuana in Italy. Edit: In this episode, we mislabel the political party, Radicali Italiani (Italian Radicals), as an activist group. As mentioned in this episode, we'll be changing our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast" as well as our podcast cover art next week. Plus we started a Patreon! To learn more about these changes you can listen to our "Fireside Chat episode" and you can check out our Patreon here, patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast!If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com. Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

In this episode we're following up on the jet fuel crisis and train travel options. We're also talking about how the jet fuel crisis could be affecting food prices in Italy. And, as always with our headlines episodes, we'll tell you about upcoming strikes that could affect your trip to Italy. Travel insurance could potentially be helpful in the case of canceled flights or trains, but it's also important to know that Europe has protections in place for flights that are canceled (this means European carriers and flights flying out of Europe). If you'd like to here more about your rights on flights, listen to our episodes "Know Your Airline Rights: Part 1" and "Know Your Airline Rights: Part 2" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you're looking for travel insurance, a good place to start is with World Nomads Travel Insurance* and Travelex Insurance Services*, both have several options for insurance and can provide a quick quote. *These are affiliate links, we do not represent these companies. If you receive a quote or book services through these links, we will receive a small commission from the company at no extra cost to you. Strike Resources:A good resource for upcoming and updated strikes is striketracker.app. Specific information about some of the upcoming strikes can be found using the following links:Reggio Calabria Trains rfi.itMilan ATM ATM.itEasy Jet Notice of Your Rights ENAC/ENAV guaranteed flights in the case of a strike enac.gov.itTrenitalia guaranteed trains in the case of a strike trenitalia.comItalo info for late or cancelled trains italotreno.comAs mentioned in this episode, we'll be changing our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast" as well as our podcast cover art next week. Plus we started a Patreon! To learn more about these changes you can listen to our "Fireside Chat episode" and you can check out our Patreon here, patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast!If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com. Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

In our last episode, we talked a bit about what the fuel shortage is and why it's happening. In this episode, we're talking about what it could mean for the future and how it could affect your trip to Italy. We'll also give you tips on how to protect yourself from canceled or delayed flights and ways to mitigate the effects of the fuel shortage on your trip. If you'd like to here more about your rights on flights, listen to our episodes "Know Your Airline Rights: Part 1" and "Know Your Airline Rights: Part 2" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. As mentioned in this episode, we'll be changing our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast" as well as our podcast cover art in about 2 weeks. Plus we started a Patreon! To learn more about these changes you can listen to our "Fireside Chat episode" and you can check out our Patreon here, patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast!If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com. Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

Today we're talking about the recent jet fuel shortage at some of Italy's biggest airports: Milan Linate, Bologna, Venice, and Treviso. Since some of you might be coming to Italy in the next few weeks/next month or two, we wanted to also offer a little explanation as to why this is happening, what is affected, and where things might go from here (more restrictions or fewer). As mentioned in this episode, we'll be changing our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast" as well as our podcast cover art in about 2 weeks. Plus we started a Patreon! To learn more about these changes you can listen to our "Fireside Chat episode" and you can check out our Patreon here, patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast!If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com. Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

We're off the beaten path again in this episode and we're talking about the Amphitheatre of Capua. This amphitheater dates back to the first century BCE and was the site of the first gladiator school. We'll tell you about everything from the massive size a classic shape of the amphitheater that was the model for the Coliseum to the civil war that ultimately destroyed a significant part of it. A lot of the Amphitheatre of Capua still stands and you can visit it today! Check out the Ministry of Culture website, cultura.gov.it, for tickets to the Amphitheater, the Gladiator Museum, Mithraeum, and National Archaeological Museum of Ancient Capua. As of April 2026, when this episode publishes, the Archaeological Museum is temporarily closed for renovations. Capua and the city of city of Santa Maria Capua Vetere, where the amphitheater and other sites are located, is an easy day-trip from Naples. If you're looking for hotels in Naples, here are our recommendations. These are affiliated links, we are not employed by these businesses, if you use our affiliate links, we will receive a small commission.Starhotels Terminus: near the station Expedia | BookingPalazzo Caracciolo Naples: historic center Expedia | BookingArt Resort Galleria Umberto: Spanish Quarter Expedia | BookingPinto Storey Hotel: in Chiaia Expedia | BookingAs mentioned in this episode, we'll be changing our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast" as well as our podcast cover art in about 2 weeks. Plus we started a Patreon! To learn more about these changes you can listen to our "Fireside Chat episode" and you can check out our Patreon here, patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast!If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com. Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

We're back and we're off the beaten path again! Today we're talking about the ancient landfill-turned-mountain of Monte Testaccio in Rome's Testaccio neighborhood. What awaits you at the top are beautiful views of Rome, the sense of accomplishment that you've scaled a pile of trash, and underfoot—all along the way—you'll see carefully broken pottery, neatly stacked and placed to create paths, walls, and the entirety of the mountain you're standing on. To book and for more information, you can visit: https://www.turismoroma.it/en/places/monte-dei-cocciIf you're looking to book a hotel in Rome, we recommend the three below for their location and safety. These are affiliate links, and while we don't represent any of the companies listed, we do recieve a small commission which goes towards supporting Only A Bag. We appreciate your support! Palazzo Cardinal Cesi: Expedia | BookingTrastevere Roma | UNA Esperienze: Expedia | BookingPalazzo Montemartini Rome: Expedia | Booking As mentioned in this episode, we'll be changing our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast" as well as our podcast cover art in about 2 weeks. Plus we started a Patreon! To learn more about these changes you can listen to our "Fireside Chat episode" and you can check out our Patreon here, patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast!If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com. Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

In this episode we're continuing our revisit of Siena. We run a little long on talking about what to eat, but if you've listened to this podcast before, then you know that's nothing new! If you're new here, "welcome!" we love food and talk about it a lot. We also talk about some of the major sites to see in Siena and few off the beaten path ones as well. If you're looking for more info about the sites we mention in this episode, you can check out their official links here:Duomo di Siena (the Cathedral of Siena) operaduomo.siena.itPalazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia Website: museocivico.comune.siena.itTickets: operalaboratori.vivaticket.itSanta Maria della Scala Museum santamariadellascala.comBottini di Siena siena.b-ticket.com -This is a link to the ticket office of the commune di Siena, where you can purchase tickets to the Bottini di Siena as well as the Santa Maria della Scala Museum and civic museums as well as a condo ticket. Accademia Musicale Chigiana (Academy of Music) chigiana.org If you're looking for hotels in Siena, you can check out our hotel recommendations below. These are affiliate links and if you book through them we receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Villa Elda Boutique Hotel - San Prospero Neighborhood Expedia | Booking Palazzo Ravizza - Castelvecchio Neighborhood Expedia | BookingB&B Il Corso - Centro/Historic Center Expedia | BookingResidenza d'epoca San Martino 29 - Leocorno Neighborhood Expedia | BookingHotel Italia - Porta Camollia Expedia | BookingBorgo Grondaie - near the train station (convenient if you have a car) Expedia | BookingAs mentioned in this episode, we'll be changing our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast" as well as our podcast cover art in about 3 weeks. Plus we started a Patreon! To learn more about these changes you can listen to our "Fireside Chat episode" and you can check out our Patreon here, patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast!If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com. Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

We last talked about Siena almost 2 years ago, so we thought what better to talk about during this rainy period than a city famously under the Tuscan sun? In this episode, we go over the basics of getting there on trains, buses, or by car, getting around (mostly walking in historic center), and the best neighborhoods to stay in. If you're looking for hotels in Siena, you can check out our hotel recommendations below. These are affiliate links and if you book through them we receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Villa Elda Boutique Hotel - San Prospero Neighborhood Expedia | Booking Palazzo Ravizza - Castelvecchio Neighborhood Expedia | BookingB&B Il Corso - Centro/Historic Center Expedia | BookingResidenza d'epoca San Martino 29 - Leocorno Neighborhood Expedia | BookingHotel Italia - Porta Camollia Expedia | BookingBorgo Grondaie - near the train station (convenient if you have a car) Expedia | BookingAs mentioned in this episode, we'll be changing our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast" as well as our podcast cover art in about 3 weeks. Plus we started a Patreon! To learn more about these changes you can listen to our "Fireside Chat episode" and you can check out our Patreon here, patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast!If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com. Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

Today's episode is a sort of kitchen sink of news. We're talking about some things happening in Italy that may seem worrying from the Hepatitis A outbreak in Naples to two unrelated explosions in Rome. We also have an update on the Teatro Sannazaro after the fire and we'll take a look at rising gas prices. In happy news, Only a Bag is having a glow-up! We'll be changing our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast" as well as our podcast cover art in about 4 weeks. Plus we started a Patreon! To learn more about these changes you can listen to our "Fireside Chat episode" and you can check out our Patreon here, patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast!If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down scattered across the website, a listener suggested (thank you!) putting them all in one place, so we have! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com. Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel