Beach Travel Wine Podcast

As promised this week, we are doing something Intrepid. Actually, this week’s episode is the first part of a 7 day tour we did from Rome to Amalfi with Intrepid Travel. We start today in Rome – visiting the Roman Baths before we meet the other members of our tour and our Italian guide – Luca to get all the info on our tour and have our first dinner together. Next morning, we take the fast train from Rome to Naples. Naples was a real eye opener – and we tell you all about the edgy Spanish Quarter with all its decorations and street art which is everywhere.  Then we talk about the most famous Napoli football player of all time who is everywhere you turn in Naples and why the whole city was covered in blue and white decorations – literally! We walk through the streets, visit the stunning veiled Christ statue, and it was incredible.  Next we visit the massive 23,000 square metre plaza, walk along the Bay of Naples to the famous castle that is supposedly held up by an egg. Next, we have lunch and eat the famous Neapolitan pizza. We tell you about the unique toilet paper for sale around the old city area and we finish in a gorgeous little outdoor bar right in the heart of the Spanish quarter. Lastly, we take you to the metro station, so far underground I thought we would never reach the bottom before we board another train on our way to our next destination – that is for next week’s episode. If you would like to see all the photos from this episode, and the interactive map with all the places we mention on it then go to the episode description on the player you are now listening on and click on the link to Episode 69. So, for now please enjoy Episode 69 all about Rome to Naples. To see the show notes, photos and interactive map with this episode click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/69/naples To see all our other Italian podcasts click here www.beachtravelwine.com/italy or visit our website at www.beachtravelwine.com

Come with us on a moonlight walk around Rome.  We start this episode on a walking tour we did starting in the beautiful Piazza Navona with its spectacular three fountains. We tell you what the plaza used to be used for – but not for long as the locals from centuries ago didn’t think it was “manly” enough. Next we wander the streets and pass by the incredible Pantheon with its dome that is the biggest unsupported dome in the world and has 16 imposing columns that are the entrance to the now catholic church. Of course we go to the Trevi Fountain – which by day is special, but at night – just wow.  I throw some coins in the fountain, and we tell you about the coin throwing myths and exactly how much money they collect from the fountain each day – and it’s certainly an eye watering amount of money! I also tell you and Lyle (cos he didn’t know) that there is a social media craze that people are doing as an alternative to coin tossing. Next on our night tour of Rome is Piazza Venezia which is a huge chaotic roundabout surrounded by historical buildings.  One of the major ones is an unpopular enormous building that the locals don’t like and have given it a couple of nicknames – Mussolini’s typewriter is one and the other is the wedding cake. You’ll have to click on the link in this episode description in the player you are listening on now to see the pictures in the show notes and see what you think.  Of course, it’s a short walk from the piazza to the Colosseum past Trajan’s column and the Roman forum which are all lit up and are just glowing in the night.  Wandering around the colosseum at night time is a memory that you will never forget. We take you to some other special night time spots including the Spanish Steps and Piazza Spagna and tell you all about the Italian fashion parade that you see walking the streets every night.  Boy those Italians have some nice outfits! Lastly, you will come with us to our favourite little hidden bar right in the heart of Rome – The Highlander.  It has so much atmosphere – something happening every night and you can watch any sport that is on live TV and they have some of the friendliest bar staff you will ever meet.  And it would be fabulous if you could give us a follow or subscribe on the player you are listening on right now.  It means you won’t miss an upcoming episode and really helps the podcast get discovered by more people.  So thank you for that. You can find the show notes, pictures, links and interactive map to this episode here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/68/rome You can find all our Italian episodes at https://www.beachtravelwine.com/italy Visit our website at www.beachtravelwine.com Please enjoy episode 68 all about Rome at night.

In today’s episode you will be coming along with us as we share one of our favourite things to do in a new city. We do this everywhere we go – and today’s the day you do it with us. So ,what is it – well we like to walk out our front door and say – “which way – right or left” and then just go and see what we find. We went left and walked along Via Corso – the main road that used to be a horse racing track. Listen as we come across the gigantic piazza Popolo with it’s the three basilicas, an Egyptian obelisk, three fountains and the impressive original city gates. From there we take you up a marble staircase that leads up to the highest point in Rome – the Pincian Hill which has amazing views of the city.  Apparently Rome has 1,000 churches and you can see a lot of the domes from this vantage point. Of course, that wasn’t all there was on this hill. Come with us as we wander around the stunning, enormous Borghese gardens – you know I love gardens – You will hear about the lakes with islands in the middle that you can row around to see the temples. Hear about all the galleries with more stunning centuries old art and then Lyle tells you about the original water clock – yep water clock. From there we will take you down the most stunning street in Rome – just like a movie set – Via Vittoria Veneto all the way down to the famous fountain – no not the Trevi Fountain yet, but a fountain designed by Bernini of Tritan spurting a jet of water into the air through a shell  and being held up by four dolphins in Piazza Barberini. Next on our journey was another amazing Piazza – Quirinale which is the official residence of the President of the Italian Republic. Of course, our day wouldn't be complete if we didn’t visit the Trevi Fountain – and it was as beautiful as you can imagine. 26 metres high and 49 metres wide. Stay listening to the end to hear about the last place we went on our walking loop around Rome – which in involves Spain, France and Tom Cruise. Make sure you subscribe or follow us on the podcast player you are listening on now so you are first to know when our next Italian episode is published. You can find the show notes with all the pictures, links and interactive map here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/67/rome The rest of our Italian podcasts are here www.beachtravelwine.com/italy or find everything else at www.beachtravelwine.com Please enjoy episode 67.

Welcome to ancient Rome. In this episode you will be walking the along the historic streets of the Roman Forum which was the heart and soul of the Roman Empire from 800 BC to 400 AD. You will hear about all the temples, basilicas and emperors of Rome in that time. We take you down the main boulevard of the Forum where the emperors would parade with their spoils of far away victories, which always included gold, plants and many exotic animals that no-one had ever seen before. We tell you all about the most famous leader of all – Caeser – his life and how he died. Palatine Hill overlooks the forum area and this is where the emperors built their palaces. Listen as we take you up the 7 levels of the Imperial ramp with its 35 metre high ceilings to the top of Palatine Hill. We share the views from the top and also the remains of the palaces and their private grounds, including a swimming pool and private arena. Walk with us as we leave the Forum past Titus’s arch and enter one of the most well-known historic buildings in the world – the Colosseum. We were able to visit the arena floor which is where all the action happened and get a great insight into the tunnels, cells and trapdoors (spoiler alert - there were 88 of them). Listen as we transport you to those ancient times when the Colosseum was at capacity with 50,000 screaming spectators enjoying the “entertainment” of the day. You will want to stay listening to the end to find out exactly what that entertainment was – you might not call it entertainment and also what the crowds had barbecued for lunch.  And no, it wasn’t another shrimp on the barbie. Don’t forget if you want to see all the pictures and find the link to the tour we did in this episode then click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/66/rome If you know anyone planning trip to Italy then please share our Italy podcasts with them at www.beachtravelwine.com/italy Please enjoy episode 66 all about Ancient Rome.  Find us at www.beachtravelwine.com

I don’t like to admit it, but I knew virtually nothing about the Vatican except it is where the pope lives and it’s the smallest country in the world. I didn’t even know if The Vatican and Vatican City were the same thing, but after our time there, boy did I learn some stuff – and we are going to share that with you today. Firstly, we tell you the best way to see the Vatican museums and St Peters and give you a couple of hints how to miss the crowds.  Then we take you through the most spectacular rooms, galleries and courtyards full of history and artwork.  But it’s not all painting and sculptures. Come with us as we walk through the 250m long tapestry room where the eyes in the tapestries follow you as you walk along. Next is the map room where there are centuries old maps painted on the walls underneath a gold ceiling.  The rotunda room has a gigantic ancient Egyptian purple marble bathtub, which is valued at 2 billion euros! If that isn’t enough marble, then listen as we tell you about the marble zoo – yep I said marble zoo – where the animals actually look like they have fur – because of the colours inside of the marble – they were beautiful. Of course, we take you inside the Sistine Chapel to hear about the famous Michelangelo paintings, plus we give you some funny stories of how all that came to be – you won’t believe it. Then if that isn’t enough stunning art and history, we walk through the massive St Peters square with the incredible colonnades and then we share the opulence of the inside of the basilica – just think domes, gold, stunning, mind blowing and you might get close to what it is like. Listen to the end to hear about which pope is embalmed in a glass coffin that you can see while in the basilica. I know you will want to see all the pictures that accompany this episode – so click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/65/vatican There is a lot to take in in this episode – but we know you will be blown away – so please enjoy Episode 65. Oh, by the way if you know anyone planning a trip to Italy then please share our Italian series with them at www.beachtravelwine.com/italy You find all our other podcasts at www.beachtravelwine.com If you are looking for a travel blog to inspire and help you plan your holiday then this is one of my go to's click here www.totraveltoo.com

This is our third and final podcast about the beautiful city of Florence and we might have just saved the best til last. But first, Just to answer a question I have received many times about our arrival in Florence in episode 62 – no I still don’t know why the guy said he was a sniper and what he was actually trying to say – if you don’t know what I’m talking about – then go back and listen to the beginning of Episode 62 and you will understand – still one of the funniest things that happened to us in Florence. Ok, back to episode 64 where we are taking you to my favourite palace in Florence – the Pitti Place (I know, the name doesn’t do it justice) as well as the beautiful Boboli Gardens which are a green oasis in the middle of the city.  Our guide Carmella showed us the most amazing galleries and living quarters of the palace. There was a quirky artwork including butterflies and dwarfs plus the most paintings by Raphael any where in the world.  In fact all the Ninja turtles are represented at the Palace. We learnt so much about the art and artists (obviously as I am still calling them ninja turtles) and the beauty in this palace was stunning. Come with us as we walk around the 11 acres of the Boboli gardens.  Some of the best views of the city are from the top of the gardens. We are quite intrigued by some of the grottos which look like lumps of plaster thrown against cave walls, but then you realise they are actually animals. Weird but fascinating. Next we go to a museum and unusual type of art gallery that only the locals seem to know about.  and it was incredible.  It involves rare semi precious stones and it is a technique that is only practiced in Florence.  Stay listening to the end to hear about the sport – if you can call it that – called Calcio Storico.  We tell you about this game which is a combination of rugby, martial arts, boxing, wrestling, and American football, just to name a few. It basically seems like a big brawl on the sand field involving 27 players on each side trying to score the most points. It actually dates back centuries and even some Popes played it in the Vatican city.  It’s a game unique to Florence and it’s only played once a year in the annual tournament in June and involves 4 teams from the four classic neighbourhoods and the locals love it. Make sure to check out the show notes and pictures from this episode by clicking the link to Episode 64 below www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/64/florence3 If you know anyone planning a trip to Italy please send them to the www.beachtravelwine.com/italy You can find all our travel podcasts and blogs or contact us at www.beachtravelwine.com

Have you wondered what is like to travel to the beautiful city of Florence and stand in front of some of the most famous art works in the world? Well we share what that is like as we visit Michelangelo’s David, see  Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and dozen more famous pieces.  To say we were impressed is a massive understatement. After visiting all the famous galleries we embark on a fantastic wine and food tour where our very passionate guide shares the secret of the dark side of Florence and takes us on a taste sensation tour of the Florence and  Tuscan region through local authentic restaurants. We also go to a place to drink wine that is totally unique and can only be found in Florence.  I was so excited. We tell you where you can find the best panoramic views of the city – and the best time to go there and how we ended up back in front of the Duomo late at night watching a football match between my English premier league team and Firenze football club. This episode covers it all – food, wine, art, nature, football, history, food and wine – you get the idea.  So please enjoy episode 63 – part two of our Florence series. You can find the show notes with pictures, maps and tour information and links here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/63/florence2 Oh and don’t forget if you know someone planning a trip to Italy – then please share our Italian series with them by sending them to www.beachtravelwine.com/italy Find all our other podcasts from around the world here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast

This is our first episode about Florence – and we didn’t think we were going to survive to tell you any of our Florence stories. I know that sounds dramatic, but at the time it was real - and it was all to do with the weirdest google translation from our air bnb host as we were locked in a dark entry way with him outside our apartment. The whole story is in the podcast. Now, Florence or Firenze as it is known in Italy is definitely one of my favourite cities. It is beautiful. There is so much to see and do, all packed into such small area. This is the first of a three podcasts about Florence.  We couldn’t fit everything into one or two episodes and do it justice. In this episode you will come with us as we walk along the Arno River and check the Porte Vecchio – which is the famous old Roman bridge with all the gold and jewellery shops. Next, without any plan really, we find Piazza Signoria where the replica of Michelangelo’s famous David is as well as the Palacio Vecchio, Neptune’s fountain and heaps other famous sculptures. But by far the most amazing thing we saw in our first few days was when we turned a corner and there was the Florence Duomo –  the cathedral. Wow.  I know I’ve said that before – many times – but this building is so incredible it just halts you in your tracks.  Next we visit the central food markets, the leather market stall area, walk around the glamorous shopping area, find San Lorenzo’s Basilica where Donatello’s last works are, and finish at a dingy little bar – that became our local favourite. Show notes, maps, pictures and links are here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/62/florence1 You can find all our Italian podcasts, photos, blogs and maps here www.beachtravelwine.com/italy You can contact us and see all our podcasts and blogs at www.beachtravelwine.com

In today’s instalment of our Italian series - We are talking all about the popular and beautiful part of Italy called Cinque Terre, which means 5 lands.  Cinque Terre is on the Mediterranean Sea and includes the five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. We knew that you could walk between the villages or take the train, but we really didn’t understand how that all worked – so we were determined to find out all the information and share it with you. We stayed in the biggest and most northern village of Monterosso, and we share why you should too.  We visit all the other villages and tell you about each one, what to see and how they are different. We use the train to explore some of the villages and we also hike between two of them. We are blown away with the views – I mean, we knew they would be incredible, but nothing can prepare you for what you will see, or how tired your legs will be after your hike! Lastly, we take a ferry ride to see all the villages from the ocean – and wow, what incredible views you have. The ferry is another way to visit each village and takes you to a town south of Cinque Terre called Porto Venere. Stay listening to the end to find out some of the surprising things about the beaches in Cinque Terre and of course our favourite place to have a wine – or in Lyle’s case – a watermelon slushie.  – now that’s a turn up for the books.  Haha To see all the pictures, maps, links and show notes for this Episode click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/61/cinqueterre Remember if you know anyone who has been to Italy or planning a trip – please share our Italian podcast series with them at www.beachtravelwine.com/italy We have people reaching out telling us how much they enjoy the podcasts because they are bringing back some special memories for them. We hope you enjoy episode 61 all about Cinque Terre. Find us at www.beachtravelwine.com

Have you ever wanted to visit the wine region of Tuscany in Italy or be under the Tuscan sun? Well keep listening as we transport you to the stunning Tuscan hills and believe me it was stunning. We spent 2 days in a Castle on top of a hill in Tuscany and it was every bit as idyllic as you can imagine. Listen to hear all about the Castle we stayed in, how we were gobsmacked with our room.  Actually not just our room – everything about this place was spectacular. We describe the views, the gardens, the vineyards and my favourite the infinity pool.  Wow it was amazing. We tell you about the wine tour we did which included a tour of the vineyard, the wine cellar with all the barrels under the castle and then to top it off a five course banquet dinner with accompanying wines in the beautiful restaurant at the castle. Make sure you click on the link to the show notes below to see all the pictures of the castle, the hills, the views and the infinity pool. www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/60/tuscany There is also a link to the Castello Vicchiomaggio where we stayed and a map showing exactly where it is located. And don’t forget if you know someone planning a trip to Italy – then please share our Italian podcasts and blogs with them. At www.beachtravelwine.com/italy You can see all our podcasts or blogs or contact us at www.beachtravelwine.com Enjoy Episode 60 all about Tuscany.