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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.

Gina Marcello


    • Jul 19, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 33m AVG DURATION
    • 30 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from PS Italy

    The Pros & Cons of Private, Boutique, Group and Luxury Tours

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2021 32:48


    When 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2021 31:08


    In 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 Paolo's website to learn more http://www.orchestraballoliscio.com/ For more information about P.S. Italy Tours https://www.psitalytours.com/

    Review of Tucci's "Searching For Italy" Gems of Emilia Romagna

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2021 32:03


    Stanley 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 Italy. Listen and escape with us. For more information about our Fall 2021 and Summer 2022 Foodie Tour: https://www.psitalytours.com/foodie-tour-fall-2021

    Finding Love in Italy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2021 33:16


    In 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 experience the beauty and passions of authentic Italy. Learn more https://www.psitalytours.com/Fall 2021Spa Week (September 23-October 1) Foodie Tour (September 30-October 8)Vineyard Wine Tour (October 7-October 15)Summer 2022 Spa Week (July 20-August 5 & September 1-9)Foodie Tour (August 4-August 12)Vineyard Wine Tour (August 18-August 26)Classic Italian Cooking (Lessons and Tour – August 11-August 19) Live Like a Medici in Florence (August 25-September 2)

    Cinque Terre: Italy's Fabulous Five

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2021 37:07


    The 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 2022 tours, visit us at https://www.psitalytours.com/ P.S. Italy Tours offers affordable small group boutique tours where you will feel like you’re part of the family! Learn to travel like a local, not tourist. Fall 2021 Boutique Tours: Spa Week, Foodie Tour & Vineyard Wine Tour Summer 2022 Boutique Tours: Opera Week, Spa Week, Foodie Tour, Vineyard Wine Tour, Classic Italian Cooking, and Live Like A Medici

    The City of Love: Verona

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2021 39:46


    Verona 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2021 39:56


    Your 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2021 31:15


    Yule 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2020 34:32


    New 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2020 31:05


    Christmas 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, 2021 Vineyard Wine Tour October 7-15, 2021 https://www.psitalytours.com/

    Why Emilia-Romagna, Italy and P.S. Italy 2021 Tours?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2020 45:40


    On 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 Medici. Space is limited to 20 per week.Itinerary and Tours: https://www.psitalytours.com/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 resident. This partnership provides you with a once in a life time opportunity to feel as if you are visiting family in Italy. Our tours are reasonably priced and provide our guests with the very best of authentic Italy.

    Live Like a Medici: Explore Florence with PS Italy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2020 32:20


    The 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 Italian. Valerie is an experienced tour operator and Italian resident. This partnership provides you with a once in a life time opportunity to feel as if you are visiting family in Italy. Our tours are reasonably priced and provide our guests with the very best of authentic Italy.

    Vineyard Wine Tour in Northern Italy: Overview of July 16-24, 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2020 39:14


    Enjoy 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 resident. This partnership provides you with a once in a life time opportunity to feel as if you are visiting family in Italy. Our tours are reasonably priced and provide our guests with the very best of authentic Italy.

    Foodie Tour in Emilia-Romagna, Italy with P.S. Italy Retreats

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2020 36:45


    Emilia-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 and experience the very best of northern Italy. For the full itinerary: https://psitalyretreats.com/foodie-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 resident. This partnership provides you with a once in a life time opportunity to feel as if you are visiting family in Italy. Our tours are reasonably priced and provide our guests with the very best of authentic Italy.

    Cooking Lessons in Emilia-Romagna: P.S. Italy Summer 2021 Tour

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2020 29:41


    Learn 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2020 36:32


    Italy 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 to travel like a local not a tourist!

    Spa Week in Northern Italy with P.S. Italy Retreats Summer 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2020 32:24


    Italian 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2020 33:00


    Be 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2020 34:15


    It'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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2020 33:45


    Information 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2020 34:16


    Harmony, 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 psitalyretreats@gmail.com www.psitalyretreats.com

    Interview with author Anne Dennish - August 2020 Writing Workshop for Women faculty

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2020 34:21


    P.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 psitalyretreats@gmail.com or visit us at www.psitalyretreats.com

    What small Italian villages offer tourists: An interview with Al Dukes

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2020 29:28


    Tourists 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2020 27:36


    Join 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2020 30:03


    There 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2020 32:01


    Learn 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2020 28:56


    The 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2020 46:08


    The 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2020 29:47


    Before 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2020 29:37


    Co-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.

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