Amongst Romans
Amongst Romans is a travel podcast and your insider’s guide to experiencing Italy’s enchanting allure. It is hosted by Kasia Chojecki and Alex Colella, Canadian transplants now calling Italy home. The podcast explores Italy’s timeless wonders, vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re dreaming of savouring authentic Italian cuisine, exploring ancient ruins, or wandering through charming cobblestone streets, this podcast is your passport to the unforgettable magic of Italy. Don’t forget to visit our site for show notes, resources and more >>> amongstromans.com/podcast/
Episodes

Thursday Jan 02, 2025
S3 E10: Travel to Italy in 2025: New Rules, Tips and What to Expect
Thursday Jan 02, 2025
Thursday Jan 02, 2025
Planning a trip to Italy in 2025? Big changes are coming that could affect your travel plans. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know, from the new ETIAS travel authorization and biometric Entry/Exit System to updated rules for short-term rentals and visitor caps at Pompeii.
We’ll also cover Venice’s increased tourism tax, new flight routes to Italy, and what to expect during the Vatican’s Jubilee Year in Rome. Plus, learn about Italy’s new “red zones” for public safety and how to navigate them.
Get practical tips for booking ahead, avoiding crowds, and making the most of your Italian adventure. Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, this episode is your essential guide to travelling to Italy in 2025.
Resources:
Rome’s Jubilee 2025: Useful Tips for Planning Your Visit
Information for Venice Access Fee (opens up in April)
ETIAS application site
Pompeii Archeological Park website
Let’s connect!
Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.
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Thursday Dec 12, 2024
S3 E09: Common Tourist Scams in Italy and How to Avoid Them
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Planning a trip to Italy? Don’t let tourist scams spoil your adventure! In this episode, I dive into the most common scams targeting travellers in Italy—from fake petitions to overpriced taxis—and share practical tips to avoid falling victim to them. You’ll learn how these scams work, what makes them so convincing, and the simple steps you can take to protect yourself.
Plus, I’ll guide you on what to do if you’ve been scammed, including filing a report, cancelling compromised cards, and learning from the experience. Whether you’re exploring Rome, Florence or the Amalfi Coast, this episode is packed with valuable advice to ensure your trip is smooth, safe, and stress-free.
Tune in to stay one step ahead and make your Italian adventure unforgettable—for all the right reasons!
Read the post: How to Avoid Tourist Scams in Italy
Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip
Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy
Italy Travel Guide
Find out where to stay in Italy
Discover things to do in Italy
We're on social!
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Thursday Nov 28, 2024
S3 E8: Visiting Italy in the off-season
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
In this episode, we’re diving into the magic of visiting Italy during the off-season months of November and December. While summer crowds are long gone, the country reveals a quieter, more intimate side, perfect for travellers seeking authenticity and charm.
We share practical tips on what to expect and offer tips for packing for Italy’s varied winter weather. You’ll also learn how to make the most of off-season travel: enjoy fewer crowds, reduced costs, and Italy’s incredible seasonal food and traditions. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning to see Italy in a new light, this episode is packed with ideas to inspire your winter getaway.
Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip
Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy
Italy Travel Guide
Find out where to stay in Italy
Discover things to do in Italy
We're on social!
Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest | Flipboard | WhatsApp

Thursday Nov 21, 2024
S3 E7: Best Italian Souvenirs to Bring Home from Italy
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Planning a trip to Italy and wondering what to bring back as the perfect memento? In this episode, we explore the best Italian souvenirs that capture the essence of Italy. From hand-crafted ceramics to luxurious leather goods, iconic Italian fashion, and delectable treats like olive oil and limoncello, discover the treasures that make unforgettable gifts for your loved ones—or a little indulgence for yourself!
I’ll guide you through what to look for, where to find authentic items, and how to avoid tourist traps, so you can shop with confidence. This episode is packed with insider tips to make your souvenir shopping meaningful and memorable.
Tune in and get inspired to bring a piece of Italy home with you! 🇮🇹
Read about the best Italian souvenirs
Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip
Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy
Italy Travel Guide
Find out where to stay in Italy
Discover things to do in Italy
We're on social!
Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest | Flipboard | WhatsApp

Thursday Nov 14, 2024
S3 E6: Culinary Adventures in Italy: Practical Tips and Advice for Foodies
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
If you're dreaming of Italy’s rich culinary heritage, this episode is your perfect travel companion! Join me as I sit down with Tina Prestia, a food blogger, pasta expert, and American expat in Bologna. Tina shares her journey into the heart of Italian cuisine and reveals her favourite food experiences in Italy.
From exploring the iconic dishes of Bologna, the food capital of Italy, to uncovering the rustic flavours and regional dishes, we dive deep into the world of Italian gastronomy.
Tina also gives practical tips for culinary travellers: whether you want to take a pasta-making class, join a local food tour, or explore Italy’s bustling markets, she’s got you covered. Plus, we discuss Italian dining etiquette and insider tips for finding authentic, off-the-beaten-path culinary experiences.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone planning a trip to Italy with a hunger for its rich food culture. Tune in to discover how to make your Italian adventure a feast for the senses!
Connect with Tina:
Get Tina's tips for dining out in Italy
Learn about Ragù Bolognese
Everything you need to know about Venetian cicchetti
Follow Tina on Instagram and Pinterest
Resources:
Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip
Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy
Italy Travel Guide
We're on social!
Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest | Flipboard | WhatsApp

Thursday Oct 31, 2024
S3 E5: Sacred Bones: Death, Devotion and the Hidden Stories of Christian Rome
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Forget the Rome you think you know. Beyond the tourist-filled piazzas and bustling cafes lies another city - one built on bones, belief and the blood of martyrs. In this episode, we descend into the underground world of early Christian Rome, where death wasn't feared but embraced, and devotion meant risking everything.
Discover the hidden world of the catacombs where early Christians worshipped in secret and the magnificent basilicas that tell the stories of martyrs like St. Cecilia. Reimagine iconic landmarks like the Pantheon and Colosseum and the connection they played between the pagan and Christian world. Plus, we’ll introduce you to key figures and their stories, highlighting how their devout faith continues to echo through the city’s architecture and art.
Whether you're a history buff, spiritual seeker, or just love a good story, this episode reveals a Rome that most tourists never see - where every street corner holds a secret, and ancient bones tell tales of extraordinary courage.
Read more > episode notes
Crypts, Bones and Catacombs tour review
Rome’s Jubilee 2025: Useful Tips for Planning Your Visit
Fun & Fascinating Facts About the Colosseum in Rome
10 Fascinating facts about the Pantheon in Rome
Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip
Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy
Italy Travel Guide
We're on social!
Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest | Flipboard | WhatsApp

Thursday Oct 24, 2024
S3 E4: Local's Tips for Visiting Lake Como and Mistakes to Avoid
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Planning on visiting Lake Como? In this episode, Kasia sits down with Niki, who lives in the stunning Lake Como, to give you all the insider tips you need for an unforgettable visit. From finding the perfect town to stay in to exploring hidden gems and avoiding tourist pitfalls, Niki shares her local knowledge and personal recommendations.
We’ll guide you through the best time to visit, transportation options around the lake, and must-see attractions in Lake Como. You’ll also hear Niki’s advice on where to enjoy the best Italian meals, find picturesque viewpoints, and discover lesser-known spots to escape the crowds.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or looking to experience Lake Como like a local, this episode has everything you need to know. Tune in to hear Niki’s secret tips and make your next visit to Lake Como truly memorable!
Check out Niki's Instagram
Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip
Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy
Italy Travel Guide
We're on social!
Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest | Flipboard | WhatsApp

Thursday Oct 17, 2024
S3 E03: Discovering Genoa - Italy’s Most Underrated Gem
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
Are you planning a trip to Italy and wondering if Genoa is worth visiting? In this episode, we explore why Genoa should be at the top of your travel list. Often overshadowed by cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence, Genoa is a treasure trove of history, culture, and culinary delights waiting to be explored.
From its impressive maritime history as a former Mediterranean powerhouse to its stunning architecture, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and delicious Ligurian cuisine, we cover it all. We’ll guide you through the must-see landmarks like the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the charming Porto Antico, and the enchanting carrugi (narrow alleys) that make wandering Genoa’s historical center a unique experience.
Whether you’re curious about what to do in Genoa, how to get around, or looking for recommendations, tune in to discover why Genoa is an incredible base for exploring the Italian Riviera and why it deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.
Read episode notes about Why visit Genoa
Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip
Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy
Italy Travel Guide
We're on social!
Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest | Flipboard | WhatsApp

Thursday Oct 10, 2024
S3 E02: What you need to know about visiting Italy in October:
Thursday Oct 10, 2024
Thursday Oct 10, 2024
Planning a trip to Italy in October? In this episode, we cover everything you need to know about travelling to Italy during this wonderful month! We dive into the best places to visit, from the vineyards of Tuscany to the sunlit coasts of Sicily, and highlight key festivals like the Sagra del Tordo in Montalcino.
We also share what to expect with the weather, tips on what to wear, and the delicious seasonal food to try. Whether you’re looking for cultural events, culinary adventures, or scenic landscapes, October is the perfect time to experience the beauty of Italy.
Read episode notes about Italy in October
More about Parks in Rome
Get ideas for a Road Trip in Sicily
Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy
Italy Travel Guide
We're on social!
Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest | Flipboard | WhatsApp

Thursday Oct 03, 2024
S3 E01: Everything you need to know about buying a home in Italy
Thursday Oct 03, 2024
Thursday Oct 03, 2024
In this episode, we dive deep into our journey of buying a home in Italy as foreigners. From navigating the Italian real estate market to overcoming language barriers and learning how the system works, we share the lessons we learned in the process.
Learn what happened after we made the offer, how we got our keys and our plan for renovations. We provide practical advice to help others avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re dreaming of buying a house in Italy or curious about the experience as a foreigner, this episode is packed with firsthand insights to guide you along the way.
Full post about buying a home in Italy
What you need to know about buying a 1 Euro home
Check out our Italy travel guide
Get tips for planning a trip to Italy
We're on social!
Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest | Flipboard | WhatsApp

Meet your hosts
We’re Kasia and Alex, your hosts of the Amongst Romans Pod.
In 2022, we officially moved to Italy from Canada and now live in the Italian countryside. We know the appeal of Italy and just how many people dream of coming here. We want to share our slice of Italy with you and inspire you to plan your next Italian adventure.
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