The Italy Travel Podcast - An Only A Bag Podcast
New episodes every Wednesday and Friday! Your guide to Italy travel! Hosts Darcy and Nathaniel—two tourists-turned-locals—offer advice like how to get off the beaten path (like going south), how order coffee like a local (at the bar), and most importantly, where to find authentic Italian food and gelato. Visit Italy with us every week from home or in the car. Whether you’re planning an Italy vacation or looking to move here, Darcy and Nathaniel guide you along the way. Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts and check out our website onlyabag.com for articles! Thanks for listening!
Episodes
Pompeii: Getting There, Tickets, and Fun facts
In our last episode, we waxed poetically (or rambled) about the magic of Pompeii and how indescribable it feels. In this episode, we're talking about the practicalities of the Archeological Park of Pompeii. We'll explain how to get there, with an insider tip for leaving from Naples*, break down the different types of tickets, and talk about some fun facts and interesting sites within the p
Pompeii: What It's Like and Why You Should Go
Pompeii, the city covered in ash that's still being discovered. We spend most of this episode's 40-odd minutes trying to put into words why someone should go. Sure, it's old, but so is a lot of Italy. And while it's well-preserved, again, so is a lot of Italy (and the other remnants of the Roman Empire). It's also hard to imagine how much you might enjoy it until you're the
Ravello: What To See/Do and Day Trips
One of the best things to do in Ravello is to just leisurely walk around and explore or to sit outside at a cafe and people-watch. It's a calm and relaxed little town with great views around the edge and a pretty piazza near the duomo. You can also visit two famous sculpted gardens: Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. Villa Rufolo is in the center of town and costs €8 per person, while Villa Cimb
Ravello: Mountaintop Tranquility and How to Get There
This week we're talking about the best-known mountaintop town on the Amalfi Coast, Ravello. Situated above the sea with no beach access, this town offers stunning views over the sea, cooler breezes in summertime heat, and a bit of an escape from the crowds in Amalfi and Positano. The only ways to get to Ravello are by bus, car, or footpath from Atrani, the town below on the sea. Sita Sud is th
Need To Know Before You Go: Restaurant Reservations, ATMs, Itineraries, Passport
Wrapping up our Need to Know week, we're sort of talking about the kitchen sink in this episode. We're talking about [the importance of] making reservations at a restaurant, using "aperitivo time" as a way to adventurously explore the food scene, the fact that some stores might have different items to what you're expecting or even lacking them (such as pharmacies, for example
Need To Know Before You Go: Flight, Accommodation, and Luggage
As the travel months are ramping up, we thought we'd take the time to quickly run through the "things we wish we knew before we went", or, perhaps more accurately, "the things we wish we had remembered to tell people before they came here". To kick things off, we're talking about some flight pitfalls to be aware of, accommodation tips and scams to be aware of, and choos
Headlines: Strikes, Venice Fee, EES Changes, and Summer Happenings
Today, we're back talking about the smaller headlines, some you may have already seen, such as Venice potentially raising the entry fee to €50 and the possibility that Rome's airports might suspend their EES (Entry-Exit System). We're filling you in on what that might mean for your trip, as well as upcoming strikes, the Pantheon price increase, and a handful of upcoming concerts and ev
Headlines: European Heatwave
Even though the heatwave that's been sweeping through Europe for the past week and a half is actually on its way out of Italy, we thought it would still make sense to talk about it. After all, it's more than likely we'll see another heatwave this year, even if not one quite as severe. Mostly, it's designed to answer some big questions that have popped up (why isn't there AC, wh
Vietri Sul Mare: How To Get There and What To Do
From wandering the colorfully tiled streets to shopping for ceramics and going to the beach, in this episode we'll tell you all there is to do in Vietri Sul Mare and how to get there, plus getting around! Vietri Sul Mare is easily reachable by bus and ferry. There is also a train station which is being repaired and not functional as of June 2026, however a bus route is running in its place. Be
Vietri Sul Mare: Ceramic Capital of the South
There was once a time where you could tell someone going to Italy that they'd have to go to Venice (Murano) for the glass, Florence for the leather, and Vietri sul Mare for the ceramics. Over the years, glass workshops have closed around Venice, quality leather production has shifted away from Florence as it follows cheaper rents, and yet, Vietri sul Mare is still a powerhouse of ceramics fact
Ischia: Getting There, Getting Around, What To Do, and Spas
Now that you know the general vibe of Ischia, it's time to talk about how to get there, and how to get around once you're there. We also talk about things you can do once you get to Ischia (taking a hike to the top of a volcano, for instance) as well as the absolute plethora of thermal baths and pools. So if you're looking for a relaxing way to spend some of your time in Italy, conside
Ischia: A Surprising Sense of Peace in the Gulf of Naples
In this episode we're hopping over to the lesser-known island of Ischia. Ischia is an island renown in Italy for its thermal springs and spas, though "renown" might be a bit strong, seeing as outside of Italy it isn't very well known at all. We'll tell you about the town of Ischia proper and Ischia Porto and a little about our experience visiting for the first time. We found
Capri: The Blue Grotto and Boat Tours, Overnight vs. Daytrip, and Knowing Where to Spend
We're back and we're still talking about Capri! In this episode, we wanted to discuss the Blue Grotto—one of southern Italy's most famous natural wonders—and whether or not it's worth it. We also wanted to try and answer the classic question of "Should I go to Capri just for the day or spend the night?" Lastly, while Capri can be (and very much is) expensive, we wanted to
Capri: Getting There, Getting Around, and the Vibes
Having recently returned from a trip to Capri, we were once again reminded why it's so popular. Yes, it's touristy, and yes, finding authenticity in Capri can feel like a Herculean effort. But at the end of the day, it's one of the most beautiful places in Italy, not only for its views, but also for its nature and (believe it or not!) tranquility.In this episode we discuss getting ther
Headlines: Strikes in June, Rome Scooter Rules, and JFK->Sardinia
Today we're discussing upcoming strikes in Italy for the month of June (of which there are thankfully few, so your June trip shouldn't see too many hiccups!). We're also talking about new rules and restrictions around electric scooters in Rome, the expansion of the STVR ban in Florence, and the first ever USA to Sardinia direct flight courtesy of Delta. You can join our Patreon for fre
Headlines: EES in European Airports and Your Right to Tap Water in Italy
Today we're discussing the new EES (Entry/Exit System) that you will most likely encounter on your trip to Europe this year. Likewise, we're also looking at the court case that recently made it big in the headlines, establishing the fact that Italians (and people in Italy) have no "right" to tap water at a restaurant. Thankfully, we're both no longer as sick as we were, so ho
Sorrento: Where to Stay In and Around Sorrento
While it can be amazing to stay right smack-dab in the middle of Sorrento, it can also come with unforeseen challenges. Likewise, staying just outside of Sorrento might be a quiet retreat from the hubbub, but it can also mean you don't get the experience you were hoping for. In this episode, we break down the various small towns around Sorrento and neighborhoods in Sorrento to help you figure
Sorrento: Public Transportation and Restaurant Tips
We're back! Today we're talking about Sorrento, which we had briefly started talking about two weeks ago. This episode focuses on how to catch the bus, things to keep in mind surrounding using the bus, our experience with using taxis, and, of course, food. While in the past we've normally tried not to give specific recommendations (mainly as we know that food can be highly subjective,
(RERUN) Naples Pastries: Baked, Fried, Filled With Ricotta
We are still out of town, but we'll be back next week! Until then, please enjoy one our episodes from the end of last year. "How could we talk about Naples and not about the pastries? After all, this is why you listen to Only A Bag! After a few thousand years of outside rule, one of the few good things (which is a weird way of saying, "Thanks for leaving behind some of your food when
(RERUN) Naples: Dinnertime, Street Food, and Pizza
As mentioned in last week's episodes, we are out of town this week! Instead of leaving you all without an episode, we're going back into the past to bring you an episode from the fall of last year. We hope you enjoy! "Continuing the Naples theme, we delve into dinner time, street food (like the famous pizza portafoglio, or pizza folded into a triangle) and the most famous dish to ever
AI Trip Planning — Part 2: How AI Trip Planning Works (and Doesn't Work)
Following up from Wednesday's episode, today we're talking about the actual trip planning portion. How is AI used to plan a trip, where does it succeed, and where does it fail. We also offer some alternatives for those of you who are planning a trip and prefer to not rely on AI. You can join our Patreon for free! Want a shout out on the podcast? Check out our paid tiers. patreon
AI Trip Planning — Part 1: Understanding AI
Today, we're talking about something we've actually wanted to talk about for a few years. It's something that we knew would inevitably evolve, just as with any other AI application. After hearing and reading stories of AI chatbots and trip planners making up fake destinations, misrepresenting walking areas and how long it takes to get from point A to B, or recommending closed restauran
Off The Beaten Path: An Ecological Wonder and Rome Untouched
If you're like us, you might have already been here without knowing you were here. And where is here? Parco della Caffarella, or, Caffarella Park. Near the Appian Way, this park sits as a haven for all manner of wildlife, an active pasture for sheep, and a place to relax outside the hubbub of Rome. Links:Caffarella Park (scroll down for information about the electric minicar): https://www.caff
Off The Beaten Path: Two Peaceful Gardens in the Middle of Rome
Spring has sprung (and we're a little late) but in that season of renewal (spring and our brand-new name and cover art) we thought we'd look at some little-known parks in Rome that are right in the middle of everything, but hidden. We've often talked about how difficult it can feel to find green space or a place to relax in Rome's historic center. In this episode, we tell you about
Sorrento: Getting There Via Ferry vs. Train
In this episode we'll talk about how to get to Sorrento and the pros and cons of traveling there by ferry vs. train. We'll also talk about the difference between two trains from Naples to Sorrento which are often confused with each other, the Circumvesuviana train and the Campania Express train. Having just been to Sorrento via ferry and left by train, we've also got a couple of fun an
Sorrento: An Introduction to the "Vibe" and our First Impressions
While we've talked about great deal about the Amalfi Coast, we only recently realized on a short trip up to Sorrento that we've never talked about it by itself, despite the fact we've been there so often. Today, we've decided to rectify that! In this episode we talk about the general vibe of Sorrento, our first impressions upon seeing it through the eyes of tourists, and who we thi
Headlines: Controversial Lawyer "Bonus," two recent robberies, and could marijuana be legalized in Italy?
We're continuing this month's headlines episodes today talking about a contentious new bonus for immigration lawyers in Italy, a bank robbery in Naples with possible connections to other high profile robberies, and a jewelry store robbery in Rome. We'll also tell you about a protest by Riccardo Magi, secretary of +Europa, and Radicali Italiani (Italian Radicals), for the legalization a
Headlines: Deepening Jet Fuel Crisis, Increasing Food Prices, and Upcoming Strikes
In this episode we're following up on the jet fuel crisis and train travel options. We're also talking about how the jet fuel crisis could be affecting food prices in Italy. And, as always with our headlines episodes, we'll tell you about upcoming strikes that could affect your trip to Italy. Travel insurance could potentially be helpful in the case of canceled flights or trains, but i
Jet Fuel Shortage: What to Expect and How to Plan For It (Part 2)
In our last episode, we talked a bit about what the fuel shortage is and why it's happening. In this episode, we're talking about what it could mean for the future and how it could affect your trip to Italy. We'll also give you tips on how to protect yourself from canceled or delayed flights and ways to mitigate the effects of the fuel shortage on your trip. If you'd like to here m
Jet Fuel Shortage: What it Means For Your Trip (Part 1)
Today we're talking about the recent jet fuel shortage at some of Italy's biggest airports: Milan Linate, Bologna, Venice, and Treviso. Since some of you might be coming to Italy in the next few weeks/next month or two, we wanted to also offer a little explanation as to why this is happening, what is affected, and where things might go from here (more restrictions or fewer). As mentioned i
Off the Beaten Path: Capua's Ancient Amphitheater
We're off the beaten path again in this episode and we're talking about the Amphitheatre of Capua. This amphitheater dates back to the first century BCE and was the site of the first gladiator school. We'll tell you about everything from the massive size a classic shape of the amphitheater that was the model for the Coliseum to the civil war that ultimately destroyed a significant part
Off the Beaten Path: Rome's Monte Testaccio
We're back and we're off the beaten path again! Today we're talking about the ancient landfill-turned-mountain of Monte Testaccio in Rome's Testaccio neighborhood. What awaits you at the top are beautiful views of Rome, the sense of accomplishment that you've scaled a pile of trash, and underfoot—all along the way—you'll see carefully broken pottery, neatly stacked and plac
Siena Revisited: What to Eat and What to See
In this episode we're continuing our revisit of Siena. We run a little long on talking about what to eat, but if you've listened to this podcast before, then you know that's nothing new! If you're new here, "welcome!" we love food and talk about it a lot. We also talk about some of the major sites to see in Siena and few off the beaten path ones as well. If you're loo
Siena Revisited: Getting There, Getting Around, Where to Stay
We last talked about Siena almost 2 years ago, so we thought what better to talk about during this rainy period than a city famously under the Tuscan sun? In this episode, we go over the basics of getting there on trains, buses, or by car, getting around (mostly walking in historic center), and the best neighborhoods to stay in. If you're looking for hotels in Siena, you can check out our hote
Headlines: Hep A in Naples, Unrelated Explosions in Rome, and new Ownership for Teatro Sannazaro
Today's episode is a sort of kitchen sink of news. We're talking about some things happening in Italy that may seem worrying from the Hepatitis A outbreak in Naples to two unrelated explosions in Rome. We also have an update on the Teatro Sannazaro after the fire and we'll take a look at rising gas prices. In happy news, Only a Bag is having a glow-up! We'll be changing our name to "The Italy Trav
Headlines: Upcoming Strikes and the Constitutional Referendum Explained
In this episode we're talking about upcoming strikes at the end of March through April 2026. Listed below are links for more information on strikes from official websites. We're also talking abut the recent Constitutional Referendum that has been the talk-of-the-town (and country) in the last week. We'll give you a brief explainer on what it was and how it has affected Italy. In other
Fireside Chat: Name Change, New Patreon, and the Future of the Podcast
How else to better announce a name change (and minor updates) than an episode dedicated to it?That's right, a name change! In 4~ weeks, on April 22nd (Earth day, woohoo!) we will officially change our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast". But before we did so, we wanted everyone to have a chance to familiarize themselves with the new name, check out this episode, and even offer their f
Cilento: The Medieval City of Teggiano
This week we're in the Cilento, on Wednesday we talked about the Certosa di San Lorenzo di Padula, today we're talking about the medieval town of Teggiano.In this episode, we're talking about everything from Teggiano's origins in the 11th century and the drama filled Conspiracy of the Barons in the 15th century to the city's modern day charm. We'll also tell you about the p
Cilento: Certosa di San Lorenzo di Padula
NOTE: Our original upload had Nathaniel talking over himself—a cut audio part that never got cut, apparently! As of 13:20GMT we've updated the episode. If around the 9~minute mark you hear Nathaniel talking over himself, you might need to re-download the episode. Sorry for the confusion, everyone!This week we're headed back to the Cilento to talk about two fairly "hidden" locatio
Off the Beaten Path: Where Escher Meets Dalí in Castle Form
We're continuing the theme of "Architectural Madness" in this episode as part of our second installment of our Off the Beaten Path series. Today we're talking about La Scarzuola, a castle-like sculpture garden and architectural complex in Umbria. If you'd like to visit La Scarzuola, you can make reservations and read more about it at lascarzuola.com. If you're looking to
Off the Beaten Path: A Blend of Styles in Emilia-Romagna
It's our second installment of our Off the Beaten Path series and in this episode we're talking about Architectural Madness. In particular, the Rocchetta Mattei. A fever dream mash-up of Moorish, Italian Art Nouveau, and Medieval styles in a 19th century mountaintop castle between Bologna and Florence. What started out as a dream and a sanatorium became a life-long project, and then a seco
Paestum: Getting Around and What to See
Today we're continuing our discussion about Paestum. We're talking about all of the cool things you can visit including three greek temples, a museum, an ancient neighborhood, sacred sites, and a Roman forum. Plus we'll get into the practicalities of getting there and getting tickets. You can find more information on the park and buy tickets on the official Paestum and Velia website. I
Hidden Temples of the South: Paestum
In this episode, Nathaniel gives us the briefest of histories on this ancient site located in the region of Campania in southern Italy. From early tribes like the Enotrians and Greek settlers from Sybaris to the Grand Tour and WWII, Paestum has endured and served many purposes through thousands of years. We'll tell you all you need to know before you go. You can find more information on the pa
Headlines: Re-opened Terrace in Rome, the Gardens of Ninfa, and Ongoing Renovations in Florence and Naples
In this epsiode we talk about some newly opened sights, the Belvedere Antonio Cederna, a public terrace in Rome with a panoramic view of the Colosseum and the Garden if Ninfa, an English-style garden in Cisterna di Latina, a town south of Rome. We also discuss the renovations that will be ongoing at Giotto's Bell Tower in Florence and at the Teatro Sannazaro in the Chiaia neighborhood of Naples. P
Headlines: Strikes, Cancelled Strikes, Global Entry
We're back with headlines and today we're jumping straight into the important bits: strikes in the rest of February and March! Likewise, we also wanted to mention the recent news that the United States has suspended Global entry but only for the United States, not for everywhere. So if you're still planning on purchasing or using Global Entry for Italy, you can do so! *Edit: We realize
The Rise of Access to Travel as it Relates to Overtourism
In this episode we're continuing our conversation about overtourism. Why are there so many tourists? Can we, as tourists, do anything to curb the problems? Why do many locals want more restrictions or bans on short-term vacation rentals? We'll answer those questions and talk about how the problems with over tourism can be solved and who can solve them.In this episode we talked about the Ve
The Four Pillars of Overtourism and Venice as a Case Study
This week we're talking about overtourism. Yes, we've talked about overtourism before, but we wanted to do a bit of a deep dive. Is this just a buzz word thrown around, or does it actually mean something? Is it getting worse, or is it just something news outlets say in order to get clicks? And most importantly, who is at fault, and is it the tourists themselves?So strap in! In today's
Off the Beaten Path: The Alchemist's Door in Rome and The Magic of Turin
As part of our new series, which we'll be doing one week per month, we're talking about an off the beaten path site in Rome and several in Turin. Because this episode publishes on Friday the 13th, we thought we'd talk about something a little otherworldly: alchemy and magic! First we'll tell you the tale of the Alchemist's Door in Rome and where to find it. Then we're talki
Off the Beaten Path: The Pyramid of Cestius in Rome
We're starting a new series called "Off the Beaten Path." This is our first episode of the series and we're talking about the pyramid of Cestius in Rome. If you've been to Rome, you might have seen it and wondered why there's a pyramid in the middle of the city. Well, wonder no longer! We'll also briefly talk about the cemetery for non-Catholics in Rome and where the
Common Scams and Things That Are Not Scams in Italy: Part 2
We're continuing our discussion about common scams you may encounter on your trip to Italy. In this episode we're talking about scams you may encounter on transportation, on buses and in taxis as well as when purchasing tickets. We're also talking about things that may seem likes scams but actually are not. We'll answer questions like "All of the Italians are staring at me. Is
Common Scams in Italy: Part 1
This week we're talking about common scams, crimes, and general funny business to look out for while traveling in Italy. In this episode we're specifically talking about scams you may encounter on the street and at restaurants and cafes. We'll tell you how to spot and avoid them, as well as what to do if one happens to you. To see our episodes on scams in article form, check out Darcy&
Headlines: Banned Scooters, Limited Seating, and Cyclone Harry
Today we're talking about headlines that might affect your trip to Italy. We're talking about things like the one-month ban on Lime scooters in Rome, Florence limiting outdoor seating, the cyclone the recently devastated parts of Sicily and Calabria, and February transportation strikes.*Nathaniel erroneously said that Niscemi was a hilltop town on a cliff, which isn't true. It's on a hill with a s
Headlines: Greenland is Threatened, ICE at Olympics, and the Exchange Rate
This week we're back with headlines. There have been a number of jarring and terrifying headlines recently, so we wanted to look at those and offer a little insight into how Italians might be viewing them. In this episode we address how international news could affect your trip to Italy and for the Americans who listen, we wanted to answer the potential question of "Am I welcome in Italy?".If you
Venice Condensed: Part 2 | Food, Tours, Shopping, and More on Getting Around
This episode is a continuation of our essential need-to-knows about visiting Venice. In this episode we're talking about food, tours, shopping, and more details on getting around, including the cheapest way to experience a boat ride across the Grand Canal.We'll answer questions like "What are cicchetti?," "Should we take a walking tour?," and "How do we know if the
Venice Condensed: Part 1 | Neighborhoods, Islands, and Getting There/Around
We've talked about Carnevale and touched on aspects of visiting Venice, but until now, we didn't have dedicated episodes about the essential need-to-knows of visiting Venice. So this is it! In this episode we talk about the neighborhoods in Venice from our perspective and what area might best suit you. We also talk about neighboring Mestre (a popular and less expensive alternative for stay
The Hidden Stresses of Traveling: Part 2
Subtitle: "Things you might not think are stressful that end up being stressful, or, yes it's stressful but maybe not as bad as you were thinking it was" Part 2Continuing from the previous episode, we're talking about the hidden stresses of traveling and how to manage them. In this episode we're talking about so many things from what to do if you miss your train, to how to pl
The Hidden Stresses of Traveling: Part 1
Subtitle: "Things you might not think are stressful that end up being stressful" Part 1In this episode we're talking about the importance of a working phone in a country that's reliant on it and how stress can creep up around finding restaurants. Because these can be two major stressors on any vacation, we give you all of the options and our advice for how to avoid and manage tha
Tips for Traveling in the Rain
Traveling in the rain can often mean unforeseen hurdles, new difficulties to navigate, and the unfortunate reality that everything you own will get wet. After a recent trip up to Naples, we both realized that we've come to change our minds on some rain gear such as rain jackets, and whether they're actually better than umbrellas. If you'd like to support us, but you don't have the
Tips for Traveling as a Group
As a sort of "spiritual successor" to April 2nd, 2025's "Tips for Traveling With Someone Else", we wanted to sit down and discuss the common pitfalls and tips on how to avoid them when traveling with a group of any type. We talk about deciding what you want to see and eat, getting clear with your budget, and clarifying expectations. If you'd like to support us, but you
Italy in the Headlines: Trevi Fountain Fee, Colosseum Metro Stop, and Strikes
In this episode we're talking about several things that may affect your trip to Italy including January 2025 strikes, the new Trevi Fountain fee, Rome's new line C Metro stop, and (just for fun) Amazon drones. Here is a quick list of upcoming strikes we mention in this episode:- January 9 - airline/airport strike This includes a national ground staff strike from 1-5pm, EasyJet's flight
Italy in the Headlines: UNESCO-Worthy Cuisine?, the Housing Crisis and How it Might Affect You
In this episode we're breaking down some of the headlines and Italian news stories you may have heard about recently. We're talking about food and a hot-button housing issue that affects just about everyone, so that means it's a long episode!In this episode we talk about how Italian cuisine has been added to UNESCO's "Intangible Cultural Heritage" list and the reactions t
Rerun: Part 2 of The Wide World of Italian Christmas Sweets (or, Wintertime Treats)
This episode is a continuation of our last episode, a rerun of our first episode of 2025 "The Wide World of Italian Christmas Sweets (or, Wintertime Treats)." We hadn't planned on coming out any episodes this week, but then we thought better of it, it's the holiday season after all. We hope you're all enjoying the holidays or just chilling out at home! We'll be back next
Rerun: Part 1 of The Wide World of Italian Christmas Sweets (or, Wintertime Treats)
Last week we said that, because we're taking a week-long break for the holidays, we wouldn't be putting out any episodes this week, but then we thought "that's not the holiday spirit!" So, this episode is a rerun of our first episode of 2025, "The Wide World of Italian Christmas Sweets (or, Wintertime Treats)!" In fact, it's the first half of that hour-ish long
The Mystery of Santa's Bones in Bari
WARNING: Sensitive Santa Claus data in this episode. If your kiddos are expecting a visit from Santa this year (and listening), this episode may not be appropriate.Today we're talking about the bones of St. Nicholas! These bones, entombed in Bari, exude a mysterious liquid and, according to legend, have done so for hundreds of years. We'll also talk about some of the other dark history rel
Join a Magical Forest in Southern Italy, or Celebrate with Krampus in the North!
In today’s episode we’re talking about walking trees and holiday demons! First, we’re in a small town in Basilicata called Satriano di Lucania, where trees come to life and process through town as a part of their Carnevale celebration in February. The Walking Forest, or Foresta che Cammina, is a little-known celebration about reestablishing a relationship with the Earth and protecting the climate
Carnavale in Italy Part 2: Allegorical Floats and Improvised Poetry
Carnevale in Italy doesn't always mean elaborate period costumes and papier-mâché masks, sometimes it means massive floats poking fun at political figures as well as confetti, stuffed animals, and candy being thrown into the crowd. As we mentioned in Wednesday's episode, one thing is for sure at a Carnevale celebration, it's a party.Today we're talking about Carnevale celebrations
Carnavale in Italy Part 1: Masquerade Parties and Orange Fights
Carnevale is just around the corner, so let's talk about it! When is it? What is it? Well, that all depends on where you are. In Venice, Carnevale means Venetian masks, costumes, and comedy. Near Turin in Ivrea, it means historical, and very sticky, orange fights (yep, the citrus fruit). Wherever you are, Carnevale means festive food and a party. The official Venice Carnevale website is carnev
Winter in Italy: Off Season, What To Do, and What To Avoid
In this episode we're continuing our discussion about visiting Italy in the winter. Today we're talking about how different cities and regions change during the cold months. What cities go along with business as usual and which turn to ghost towns? Are things closed in the winter? Does it get cold in southern Italy? In this episode we'll tell you all about it, so you can plan your trip
Winter in Italy: Hitting the Slopes and Alpine Winter Markets
It's wintertime in Italy and the most northern bits of Italy know how to make things festive and cozy. In this episode, we're talking about towns in the Italian Alps. These towns are great choices for an Italian winter vacation with skiing, snowshoeing, Christmas markets, mulled wine, and thermal baths. In case you want to look them up on your own, the towns we're talking about specifi
Italy in the Headlines: Weather, Eruptions, and the Olympics
In this episode we're talking about more recent news including a story that has struck people internationally about a family who were living off the grid in Abruzzo. We're also talking about the floods in the Friuli-Venzezia Giulia region which killed two people and forced hundred to evacuate. As well as an upcoming ban on e-scooter rental and new outdoor seating regulations in Florence. L
Italy in the Headlines: Upcoming Strikes, Collapsing Towers, and the Messina Bridge
This week we're talking about Italy in the news. In today's episode we'll talk about the upcoming strikes and how they could affect your trip. We'll also talk about the collapse of Torre dei Conti which tragically killed one person, the new deputy president of Tuscany, a landmark law which defines consent, and the ongoing saga with the bridge over the Straight of Messina. As mentio
Naples Condensed 3: What to See, Do, and Day Trips
Finally, we have come to our conclusion! The end of the Naples miniseries, in which we wrap up the past few episodes into one! Just as in Wednesday's episode, I (Nathaniel) realize I'm also talking pretty quickly in this episode and I still apologize! In the future, we'll try to come back and re-record these for clarity! I hope Darcy's part is still enjoyable! If you'd like to
Naples Condensed 2: Neighborhoods, Street Food, and Pastries
Rolling up the next few episodes into one, this episode delves into the different neighborhoods, street food, and pastries. As a quick note, I (Nathaniel) realize I'm talking pretty quickly in this episode and apologize! Almost all of the Naples episodes were recorded back to back, so I started speaking quicker and less clearly. In the future, we'll try to come back and re-record these for
Naples Condensed: Getting There and Getting Around
Now we've arrived to the beginning of the end of the miniseries on Naples! For those of you who have been following along on this miniseries, you'll have heard most of this information already. This episode, and the next two, are "condensed" and designed to give all of the past 10~ episodes worth of information in 3.They're intended for those of you who don't have much ti
Naples Day Trips: The Ruins and Castles
While Naples is certainly known for its seaside day trips, for those of you who are more interested in a bit of history and delving into the past, the area around Naples has far more than simply Pompeii. From the nearby first Greek city on mainland Italy, Cumae, to the no-longer-ruined palace in Caserta (rivaling that of Versailles), to the tomb of Virgil, this absolute plethora of non-water-centr
Naples Day Trips: The Sea
So, we've sold you on Naples. Now the question is, where else can you go near Naples, and it's a valid question! Despite Naples' hectic, chaotic, caught-in-time feeling, it's surrounded by a gorgeous sea with a handful of islands and coastlines that cool down any summer trip! As we've mentioned in previous episodes, the farther south you go from Naples (until you hit Calabria,
What to Do and See in Naples: Part 2
Still not sure what to do in Naples? No worries, we've got you covered! As we mention in both episodes, Naples has tons to do, it also just suffers from the unfortunate aspect of being under—or simply not—advertised. Below are some of our favorite hotels to stay in while we're in Naples. Each of the links are affiliate links, and if you book your stay through the link, we earn a small perc
Spooky Episode: Naples Catacombs
Happy Halloween to those who celebrate! And to those who don't, happy random Friday in October! In this episode, Darcy takes us into the history of the Napoli Catacombs, as well as a few other spooky and haunted places! If you're curious about taking a walking tour, you can check out the links below! They are affiliate links, so we do make a small commission, which helps us keep the show g
What to Do and See in Naples: Part 1
This might be the biggest question for any tourist to Naples: what can I do there? Well, tons! Unfortunately for Naples, it doesn't quite have anything that draw the imagination quite like Rome's Colosseum, or Florence's Duomo, but it still packed with history, artifacts, Egg Castles, weird automatons, and so much more! Below are some of our favorite hotels to stay in while we're i
Naples Pastries: Baked, Fried, Filled With Ricotta
How could we talk about Naples and not about the pastries? After all, this is why you listen to Only A Bag! After a few thousand years of outside rule, one of the few good things (which is a weird way of saying, "Thanks for leaving behind some of your food when you ruled over us with an iron fist.") that came from it is the introduction of pastries. Graffa from the Austrian krapfen, baba from the
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