Episode #301: Italian Travel Stories - How Carol Embraced La Dolce Vita

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Get ready to be swept away by stories of adventure, connection, and Italian magic. Exploring the joy of discovering Italy through meaningful travel with a mix of independent travel and small group tours. From savoring homemade lasagna in a Tuscan farmhouse to tasting fresh cheese in Emilia-Romagna and joining lively festivals in the Alps. A celebration of authentic experiences, warm hospitality, and the deep connections that make traveling in Italy truly unforgettable.

Contents

Summary

We hear from Carol Klinger, in this episode, a retiree from the US who has embraced traveling to Italy in a number of ways, including with friends, for language classes and on the Untold Italy Tours – with whom she has enjoyed trips to the Dolomites, Piedmont, Bologna (and surrounds), Southern Tuscany and Puglia (so far). Her experiences range from watching cows adorned with flowers at an alpine festival in the Dolomites to listening to cello music in a family-owned castle. Along the way are shared meals with locals, laughter in small villages, and unforgettable moments that reveal the warmth, culture, and timeless beauty of authentic Italy.

What you'll learn in this episode

How travel styles evolve over time – from fast-paced sightseeing to slow, immersive journeys, discover how meaningful connections and deeper experiences transform the way we explore Italy
Embracing solo travel with confidence – learn how traveling alone can lead to personal growth, independence, and unforgettable friendships made on small-group tours across Italy
Unforgettable local encounters – hear stories of heartfelt connections with Italian hosts, from olive oil producers and chefs to villagers celebrating alpine festivals with flower-adorned cows
Cultural and culinary immersion – explore the richness of regional Italy through authentic food experiences – from truffle lunches in Piedmont and focaccia in Puglia to cello concerts in Tuscan castles
Finding joy and inspiration through Italy’s diversity. Discover how traveling across Italy’s varied landscapes and traditions, from the Dolomites to Turin and beyond, can reignite passion, curiosity, and appreciation for la dolce vita

Timeline Overview

03:21 Discovering Italy through a mix of independent exploring and joining a group tour, creating a balance of freedom, connection, and shared adventure
11:45 Immersive moments in small-town Italy, including intimate village festivals and the joy of uncovering regional food traditions
22:07 Stepping into Italy’s living history, from an unexpected castle encounter to the stories and traditions woven into everyday Tuscan life
26:56 Curated wine and food experiences that lead to memorable encounters — including spontaneous celebrations and even spotting Queen Camilla abroad
34:03 Embracing slow travel, meaningful connections, and the mindset shifts that make traveling in Italy transformative

About our guest – Carol Klinger

Carol Klinger is a passionate traveler from the United States who has embraced her love of Italy in her retirement, immersing herself in the country’s language, culture, and regional diversity. With her husband preferring to stay closer to home, Carol has found joy in traveling independently and with friends, joining small group tours and attending Italian language schools to deepen her connection to la dolce vita.

A familiar face on Untold Italy Tours, Carol has explored an impressive range of regions – from the olive groves of Puglia and the rolling vineyards of Piedmont and Southern Tuscany, to the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites and the culinary heartland of Bologna. Her travels reflect a spirit of curiosity and openness, and her story is a wonderful reminder that it’s never too late to follow your passions and discover the magic of Italy, one region at a time.

Italian places, foods and concepts mentioned

Places

Bologna – fantastic foodie city, a perfect base to visit nearby cities like Parma, Padua and Verona
Laion – village in South Tyrol
Altamura – town lying on the Murge plateau in Puglia, southwest of Bari
La Morra – a small town in the heart of the Barolo wine-growing region in Piedmont
Monte Viso – prominent, pyramid-shaped mountain known for hiking
Lucca – charming hilltop town in Tuscany
Santa Maria di Leuca – a town on the Salento peninsula in Puglia, where the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea meet
Ischia – island near Capri with hot spring beaches
Molise – mountainous region of Italy with a small part on the Adriatic coast below Abruzzo
Val Gardena – a valley in the Dolomites, a great base for exploring in the area
Alta Badia, Cortina – ski resorts in South Tyrol
Bolzano – city in South Tyrol, near the border with Austria and the capital of Alto Adige
Tre Cime – the three peaks of the Dolomites. The three peaks, from east to west, are Cima Piccola (“little peak”), Cima Grande (“big peak”) and Cima Ovest (“western peak”)

Food / Drink

bicerin – hot drink from Turin made of espresso, drinking chocolate, and milk
Focaccia – flat leavened bread found in many regions of Italy and notably cooked in wood fire ovens in Altamura
Truffles shaved onto pasta – a treat in regions like Piedmont, where truffles are locally sourced

Words / Concepts

Massimo Bottura – famous, ingenious chef with a three-Michelin-star restaurant based in Modena, Osteria Francescana
caseificio – a dairy

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Experiences, Podcast episodes

Episode #301: Italian Travel Stories – How Carol Embraced La Dolce Vita