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If you're dreaming of traveling to Italy but don't know where to start, find inspiration in a couple who started their travel to Europe slowly and carefully. Learn about dipping your toes into Italy travel – across different regions and growing in confidence with each trip, recently falling in love with the magic of the Dolomites with its stunning scenery, delicious food and local charm.
Summary
In this episode of Untold Italy, host Katy Clarke talks to BJ and Chris Witkus from the US to explore the magic of the Dolomites and how confidence grows with each trip to Italy as you begin discovering new regions beyond the classics. From unforgettable hikes and charming Alpine huts to lively local festivals and delicious mountain cuisine, you’ll hear practical tips, cultural insights and inspiring stories that capture why the Dolomites are such a special and rewarding place to explore.
What you'll learn in this episode
- Learn how traveling in Italy becomes more rewarding with each trip. Confidence grows as you explore more of Italy, moving from first visits to deeper, slower experiences that prioritise meaningful connections, local culture and spending more time in one region rather than rushing between many destinations
- BJ and Chris fell in love with the Dolomites, a unique region of Italy, whilst on an Untold Italy tour. They talk about what makes the Dolomites stand out, from the dramatic Alpine landscapes and charming mountain towns like Ortisei and Bolzano to the fascinating blend of Italian and German-influenced culture that shapes the food, language and traditions of the area
- South Tyrol offers outdoor adventures for every type of traveller. You can explore the Dolomites through scenic hikes, cable cars, e-bikes and hut-to-hut walking routes, along with practical advice on planning mountain activities and adapting when weather conditions change
- You can find local traditions, festivals and unforgettable food. There are many cultural experiences that make the region special, from village festivals and community traditions to hearty Alpine cuisine featuring dishes like venison, dumplings and local specialties enjoyed in mountain huts and traditional restaurants
- Get some practical tips for planning a Dolomites trip – useful advice on navigating the region, including transportation options, the role of guides, seasonal considerations, spa and wellness experiences, and must-see natural highlights such as Lago di Braies and Lago di Carezza
Timeline Overview
- 06:11 Reflecting on the deep emotional pull of Italy and what it represents beyond just a place to visit
- 09:26 Returning to the Dolomites – a long-awaited return to the Dolomites and the joy of experiencing the mountains again in person
- 19:50 South Tyrol's unique cuisine and culture – a look at the distinct food and traditions of this Northern Italian region and how it differs from other regions
- 22:42 Immersive travel and building confidence – how BJ and Chris have learned to slow down, stay in fewer places, using tours as a stepping stone to gain the confidence to return and travel independently
- 36:22 Contentment, balance & Italy’s deeper impact, with Italy as more than a destination – offering perspective, balance, and a reminder to prioritize contentment over constant striving
About our guest – BJ and Chris Witkus
Chris Witkus and BJ Witkus, a couple from Pennsylvania, USA, met during a neighborhood snowball battle when BJ was in 8th grade. Although they lived near each other, Chris was two grades ahead and they attended different schools, so their paths hadn’t really crossed until that day. They spent time together that summer, but BJ’s family moved a few towns away soon after. Years later, when BJ was in 11th grade and he was a freshman in college, BJ stopped at a local market to get milk and he happened to be working behind the counter. Not long after, he called BJ and they began dating. They finished college, married soon after, and raised two wonderful daughters who are now college graduates. Their oldest is now engaged and wedding planning is in full swing.
They share many of the same interests and especially enjoy traveling now that they are empty nesters, along with hiking (Chris more than BJ), kayaking, and visiting vineyards and wineries. They recently celebrated 31 years of marriage and look forward to many more years together, filled with travel and shared experiences.
They recently joined the Untold Italy small group tour to the Dolomites, where they enjoyed breathtaking views, hiking, local festivals, distinct regional food and some unexpected September snow! The Dolomites left such a strong impression that they’re planning to return, stay in Ortisei, and try new activities like cycling and spa visits. Joining a group tour gave them the confidence to explore Italy independently. They’re now planning trips to Puglia and hope to see even more of Italy, appreciating its diversity and slower, more immersive travel style.
Italian places, foods and concepts mentioned
Places
- Tuscany – central Italian region famous for rolling hills, wine, and rural traditions
- Florence – Renaissance city in Tuscany, loved by one of the guests
- Cinque Terre – coastal region in Liguria, Italy, famous for colorful cliffside villages
- Dolomites – dramatic mountain range in northern Italy known for jagged peaks and outdoor activities
- Ortisei – mountain town in the Dolomites, known for stunning alpine views, hiking, and cable cars
- Bolzano – city in South Tyrol, northern Italy, gateway to the Dolomites, has German and Italian influences
- Merano – alpine town in South Tyrol known for its spa culture and thermal baths
- Merano Terme – thermal bath complex housing multiple pools, inside and out
- Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm – a Dolomite plateau and the largest high-altitude Alpine meadow in Europe. Located in Italy’s South Tyrol province in the Dolomites mountain range, it is a major tourist attraction, notably for skiing and hiking
- Seceda – famous mountain in the Dolomites with panoramic ridgeline walks
- Santa Cristina – village in Val Gardena, Dolomites, close to hiking trails
- Val di Funes – picturesque valley in the Dolomites, known for scenic alpine churches
- Lago di Braies – iconic alpine lake in the Dolomites, known for its turquoise water and boat rentals
- Lago di Carezza – small alpine lake near Bolzano, famous for its vivid colors and mountain reflections
- Hocheppan Castle – medieval castle ruins near Bolzano, offers scenic views and rustic dining experiences
- Untervegir – restaurant in the Tyrol area, noted for its seasonal pumpkin ravioli and local cuisine
- Puglia – southern Italian region, known for whitewashed towns, olive groves, and coastal scenery
- Matera – southern Italian city in Basilicata, famed for its ancient cave dwellings and dramatic landscapes
- Sicily – Italy’s largest island, renowned for its diverse culture, cuisine, and landscapes
- Innsbruck – city in Austria, visited by the guests as part of a broader European trip
Food / Drink
- honesty stalls – in South Tyrol, while out walking, you can find stands selling honey and cider, unmanned, run on an honor system
- refugio (mountain huts) – traditional alpine huts with local cuisine and cooking classes
- Negroni – a classic Italian cocktail made with gin, vermouth, and Campari
- Negroni sbagliato – a variation of the Negroni made with sparkling wine instead of gin
- canederli/knödel – the bread dumplings of South Tyrol, often served in broths or with hearty sauces
- strudel – a layered pastry dessert filled with fruit, common in the Dolomites due to Austrian influence
- rabbit stew – a northern Italian specialty made with rabbit, often slow-cooked in a savory broth
- pumpkin ravioli – a seasonal pasta dish filled with pumpkin, highlighted as a special meal in the mountains
- cider – apple cider available at roadside stands during walks in the Tyrol area
- chestnuts – roasted over an open fire in Ortisei, echoing classic winter scenes
- tagliere – platter of cured meats and cheeses, perfect with wine while enjoying mountain views
Words / Concepts
- Searching for Italy – actor, writer, and food personality Stanley Tucci featured one of the chefs, Franz, from the Untold Italy Dolomites tour, in his show
- Giada De Laurentiis – celebrity chef and TV personality; featured the Dolomites region and its local people on her shows
Related content on Untold Italy
Podcasts
- Ep 301 – Episode #301: Italian Travel Stories – How Carol Embraced La Dolce Vita
- Ep 284 – From Dream to Reality – A Solo Adventure in the Heart of Italy
- Ep 277 – Favorite Beaches of Puglia – Adriatic and Ionian Coasts
- Ep 252 – Let’s go skiing in Italy – The Dolomites, Alps, and Beyond
- Ep 242 – Tastes of Tuscany in Fall
- Ep 176 – A week in Tuscany with Untold Italy
- Ep 153 – Christmas markets in Northern Italy’s South Tyrol region
- Ep 139 – Secret Towns Under the Tuscan Sun
- Ep 128 – How to spend 5 days – in South Tyrol and the Dolomites
- Ep 089 – Harvest in Tuscany
- Ep 085 – Hiking the Dolomites
- Ep 080 – Picturesque towns of Puglia
- Ep 064 – Stunning South Tyrol and the Dolomites
Articles
- Best things to do in the Dolomites
- Best towns in the Dolomites
- Where to stay in the Dolomites
- Tuscany Travel Guide
- The Best Towns in Tuscany to visit and explore
- Where to stay in Tuscany
- Puglia Travel Guide
- 11 Perfect Puglia Towns to Discover
- Puglia food guide
- Italy for Return Travelers: 12 New Places to Explore
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