When people think of Italy, they picture Tuscany. The cypress trees, the rolling vineyards, the hilltop towns glowing gold in the late afternoon. And they are not wrong to. But central Italy is so much more than its most famous postcard. Umbria sits just over the border, quieter and less polished, with truffles, Sagrantino wine, and a pace of life that feels like a gift. Lazio stretches far beyond Rome, into garden estates and Etruscan ruins and little towns that will make you forget you ever had an agenda. And Le Marche gives you mountains and an Adriatic coastline in the same breath.

In this episode, Anthony and Brian make the case for reversing the way most people travel this region: stay in the countryside, eat what is local, and let Florence be the day trip.

In this episode, Brian and Anthony explore the diverse macro regions of Italy, focusing on the Northeast. They discuss the cultural richness, culinary delights, and travel tips for experiencing Italy beyond the typical tourist destinations. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding local customs, food, and the unique experiences each region offers. They emphasize the value of longer stays to fully immerse in the Italian lifestyle and enjoy the beauty of cities like Venice, Bologna, and Verona.

In this conversation, Anthony Campopiano discusses the unique appeal of Italy's lesser-known regions, particularly Piedmont and the Riviera. He highlights how these areas offer a more authentic experience compared to the heavily touristed Tuscany, emphasizing the quality of food, wine, and the overall atmosphere.

In this episode of the Bella Italy Podcast, hosts Brian and Anthony discuss the philosophy of travel, emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity in travel experiences. They explore Italy’s macro regions, highlighting the diversity of culture, cuisine, and experiences across the country.

Embrace slow Italian travel with Brian and Anthony on the Bella Italy Podcast. Learn how to skip tourist traps, savor regional food traditions like Slow Food and build itineraries that help you connect with locals.

Discover how to escape Italy’s crowded hotspots, slow down, and experience the overlooked 99% of Italy with Brian and Anthony’s real stories and tips.

Go beyond the bucket list and learn how thoughtful trip planning can reduce travel stress while increasing joy, connection, and meaningful moments in Italy.

Kick off Season Five with a conversation that redefines what it means to travel to Italy. Brian and Anthony explore ten reasons not to go, unpack the impact of consumerism and social media, and share why true Italian travel begins with mindset, immersion, and seeking the hidden gems most visitors miss.

Join the Bella Italy podcast as we hear from local expert Eva and our Italy with Bella team as we discuss authentic experiences, trusted guides, and how to go beyond tourist attractions to truly connect with Italy.

In this episode, Brian and Anthony discuss the intricacies of planning a trip to Italy, emphasizing the importance of local partners and the hidden gems of the Lazio region.

In this episode, Brian and Anthony kick off a mini-series within Season 4, “Traveling Well,” starting with a deceptively simple pillar: planning. They unpack why Italy can feel overwhelming (especially for first-timers) and how today’s information overload, viral “must-do” lists, and mass tourism can push travelers into crowded, cookie-cutter experiences.

Using a classic first-trip route (Rome to Tuscany, Bologna, and Venice), they explain what planning really means on the ground: choosing the right neighborhood, booking accommodations early, thinking through city-to-city logistics, and leaving room for authentic moments that don’t show up on social media. From taxi stands that disappear for market day to hill towns with one (yes, one) taxi, they share real stories and practical insights to help you travel with more calm, confidence, and joy.

What does it truly mean to travel well in Italy? In this episode, we share thoughtful lessons gathered from years on the road, from navigating unexpected changes with grace to embracing slower mornings, lingering meals, and meaningful connections. Traveling well is not about checking off landmarks. It is about cultivating presence, flexibility, and joy. Whether you are planning your first Italian journey or returning for something deeper, these insights will help you experience Italy with intention, ease, and heart.

Italy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and this episode is your reminder not to plan your trip based on what “everyone does.” Brian and Anthony kick off a practical series on getting beyond the big-name tourist track, starting with one simple question: what do you actually want to experience in Italy?

They talk through how Italy With Bella helps travelers “peel back the layers” in a free consultation, then walk through a sample northern route, Venice to Padua to Ravenna to Bologna, showing how each stop offers a totally different culture, pace, food, and feel, even when the cities are just a couple hours apart. You’ll hear why contrast matters, how to build in space to settle in and enjoy, and why the most memorable moments often happen just off the main path.

Brian and Anthony explore the intricacies of traveling in Italy, emphasizing the importance of understanding regional differences, managing expectations, and embracing the unique challenges that come with Italian culture.

In this episode of the Bella Italy Podcast, Brian (calling in from Sicily) and Anthony (recording from a tiny “telephone booth” studio in Franklin, Tennessee) get real about one of the most important skills for traveling well in Italy: learning how to pivot. From boat tours canceled by rough seas to surprise weather, crowds, strikes, delayed trains, and even plain old exhaustion, they share why planning matters even when your “perfect plan” doesn’t survive first contact with Italy. You’ll hear practical, street-tested tips like building in flex time, avoiding locked-in tours on arrival day, keeping a Plan B list for each city, and leaning into Italy’s simplest joy when plans change: slow moments, good food, and unexpected discoveries that often become the highlight of the whole trip.

Recorded live in a studio in Franklin, Tennessee, Brian and Anthony take a break from Season 4 itineraries to spotlight the people behind Italy With Bella’s most memorable moments, starting with their first-ever guest: Michela, a Rome-based home cook and host in Trastevere. Together, they unpack what “authentic” really means in a city as big as Rome, why Italy With Bella is selective about partnerships, and how a shared table can turn strangers into friends. Michela shares her journey from Naples to Rome, her philosophy of simple, ingredient-driven cooking, and the magic of creating a Sunday-lunch feeling where phones disappear and human connection takes over, leaving guests with the kind of experience they talk about long after the Colosseum.

Recorded face-to-face in a studio, Brian and Anthony pick up Season 4’s “Traveling Well” journey with a practical itinerary: from Venice and Ravenna into Bologna, then through Parma and Modena for an unforgettable behind-the-scenes day of Parmesan, balsamic, and prosciutto (plus a nod to Italy’s “motor valley” for Ferrari lovers). They share how a local guide can help you get oriented faster, why slowing down creates the moments you’ll remember most, and how to “unpeel the onion” of bucket-list expectations to discover what you actually want from Italy. The episode closes by comparing Cinque Terre vs. Amalfi, with honest insight on crowds, day-tripping, hiking, and choosing the coastal experience that fits your style.

In this episode of the Bella Italy podcast, hosts Brian and Anthony discuss the immersive experiences available in Italy, focusing on the treasures and obstacles travelers may encounter. They introduce guest Sebastian Del Brenna, a jeweler from Cortona, who shares the rich history of Tuscan jewelry and the unique techniques passed down through generations.