Today, as our season finale, we’re talking about our favorite topic, FOOD! But not just what’s on the plate.

Italian cuisine is deeply tied to history, family, and daily life. It’s a way of connecting, expressing love, and passing traditions from one generation to the next. So much so that Italian cuisine was recently recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

In this episode, we go inside Italian food culture: why it’s so different, why it tastes better, and why it matters so much here.

We’re joined by American chef Matthew Cook, who moved to Italy over a decade ago and now teaches Italian cuisine and wine in Florence, while hosting hands-on cooking experiences in Lucca. He shares a thoughtful, grounded perspective on what truly makes Italian food Italian.

If you love Italy, travel, and understanding a place through its food, this episode is for you.

Resources:

Chef Matthew Cook | Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook

Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own!

Subscribe, Review, and Partner:

Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure!

If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com.

If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com.

Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

Today we’re diving into something exciting happening here in Italy — the 2026 Winter Olympics. And this is not your typical Olympics.

Milano and Cortina are sharing hosting duties. The events will take place across the Alps and the Dolomites, and the Olympic torch will travel through all 20 Italian regions.

It’s a huge moment for Italy!

Resources:

Olympic Torch Relay | Olympic Tickets | Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook

Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own!

Subscribe, Review, and Partner:

Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure!

If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com.

If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com.

Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.

Today, we’re excited to take you somewhere elegant, delicious, a little mysterious… a region that’s been part of our story since the very beginning of our relationship.

We’re calling this episode ‘Rediscovering Piemonte’ because even though our recent trip to Torino inspired it, our history with this region goes way back. And every time we return, we find something new to fall in love with.

From the grand boulevards of Torino to the foggy Barolo hills and the peaceful northern lakes, Piemonte is one of Italy’s most underrated gems and we’re excited to share why it deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Resources:

Get Inspired | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Follow: Instagram • Facebook

Join our FB Group “Experience Italy with Friends,” where you can ask questions and share experiences of your own!

Subscribe, Review, and Partner:

Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please rate and leave a review to support our adventure!

If you’re looking for expert advice or assistance in creating your own immersive and authentic experience in Italy, visit us at www.amicivacations.com or send us an email at info@amicivacations.com.

If you're interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast, contact us at info@amicivacations.com.

Published and produced by Avalanche Sound Productions.