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podcast· 1h 09m· Ep 7474. Best New Zealand Ski Fields. Best places to Ski and Snowboard in Queenstown, New Zealand
Have you ever wanted to travel to the spectacularly beautiful South Island of New Zealand, - if not, why not? This is the first episode in our New Zealand podcast series, and I can guarantee if this part of New Zealand wasn’t on your travel list – it will be after this and the next few episodes. Today we are taking you to one the most stunning places in the world. This week join us as we travel to Queenstown and to the main ski resorts that surround this gorgeous city. Now, I know you might not be into skiing or snowboarding yourself, however, we share the best resorts for non-skiers, brand new skiers, intermediate and advanced. We had all the above with us on this trip from one year olds to grandparents and if you don’t want to ski you can to watch the action from the comfort of the heated café areas. There are four main ski areas that we tell you about, Coronet Peak – The Remarkables, Tremble Cone and Cardrona. Some of these areas are better for different levels and we share all thos
podcast· 1h 05m· Ep 7373. Highlights of Italy. 26 cities in eight weeks. We share the top things to do on an Italian adventure. 20 podcast episodes condensed into one show with all the best things to do in Italy.
Get ready for an unforgettable journey through Italy in our latest episode where we condense 20 of our podcast episodes into one epic highlight show. We'll be taking you on an 8-week adventure through the enchanting landscapes, food experiences, tours and history of 26 cities including Venice, Trieste, Milan, Lake Como, Cinque Terre, Florence, Tuscany, Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, and Amalfi. Discover the must-see sights, hidden gems, and exciting activities that made our trip truly unforgettable. We'll spill the beans on our top tour recommendations, share some offbeat and fun experiences, and let you in on the hottest bars we stumbled upon in Florence and Rome. But wait, there's more! We'll even reveal our favorite destinations and even one surprising disappointment that caught us off guard. Stick around until the end for our tips on money, packing smartly, navigating the Italian train system, and uncovering affordable local tours that won't break the bank. So sit back, relax or
podcast· 1h 05m· Ep 7272. Amalfi and Positano. Travel along the Amalfi Coast to visit Positano and Amalfi, Italy.
We start today’s episode driving along the crazy well known Amalfi Coast road to our last location, the city of Amalfi. In this week's episode we are finishing up our 8 day tour from Rome to Amalfi with Intrepid Travel. We were blown away with this city and you will be too when you hear all about it. The town, the beaches, the history and one of our favourite things – the spectacular waterfall hike into the mountains above the city walking through lemon groves, exploring ancient ruins on the side of a crystal clear river and past many waterfalls and then stopped for a cold drink at the most authentic Italian restaurant up in the hills. Our accommodation was a locally owned hotel in the best position in Amalfi – which is one of the things Intrepid Travel pride themselves on and we tell you about the piazza where we were staying, the incredible duomo which dominates the city, the pretty streets full of funky shops and the little hidden places and restaurants we enjoyed – thanks to our lo
podcast· 1h 07m· Ep 7171. Sorrento and Isle of Capri. Travel to Sorrento and visit the Isle of Capri on the Amalfi Coast, Italy.
As promised today we are taking you to one of – if not the most spectacular places in Italy. Sorrento and the Isle of Capri. We are on days 4 and 5 of our small group tour from Rome to Amalfi with Intrepid Travel. We are loving the tour, especially the relaxing nature of this trip – no early starts, no rushing, and time to explore on your own, if you want to. In this episode we will take you walking through the gorgeous streets of Sorrento, through the piazzas and bustling shopping areas full of cafes, bars and restaurants. Next we go to the most atmospheric, beautiful restaurant, dining under the twinkling lights in the lemon trees of a citrus orchard. One of our favourite days in Italy was taking a private boat to the Isle of Capri. Luca our guide arranged this for us – as it was an optional excursion – and it was magical. The sparkling blue water, jumping off the boat to swim in the Mediterranean, the views at the top of the Isle of Capri, and then singing and enjoying our trip all
podcast· 58:44· Ep 7070. Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. Travel to the 2,000 Year old Ancient City of Pompeii and Climb Mount Vesuvius.
Want to know what it is like to walk the ancient time capsule streets of Pompeii and hike the rim of the active volcano Mount Vesuvius? Then this episode is for you. Most people when they think about Pompeii think about an eruption that covered a city centuries ago that you can now visit and see bodies where they actually died. Well, that is all true – but omg visiting Pompeii – the modern and ancient cities and climbing the rim of the volcano involves so much more and we tell you all about it in this episode which is day three of our Rome to Amalfi tour with Intrepid travel. From the sleek, upmarket modern city where we watched the sunset behind Mount Vesuvius from a rooftop bar sipping cocktails, to exploring the time capsule that is ancient Pompeii. We share all the things we were blown away with – the ancient city is exactly as it was 2000 years ago. – can you imagine that? We take you inside their houses with all the decorations and artwork intact and it is as vibrant today as it
podcast· 58:51· Ep 6969. Naples, Italy. Travel from Rome to Naples and explore the Spanish Quarter and highlights of Naples.
As promised this week, we are doing something Intrepid. Actually, this week’s episode is the first part of a 7 day tour we did from Rome to Amalfi with Intrepid Travel. We start today in Rome – visiting the Roman Baths before we meet the other members of our tour and our Italian guide – Luca to get all the info on our tour and have our first dinner together. Next morning, we take the fast train from Rome to Naples. Naples was a real eye opener – and we tell you all about the edgy Spanish Quarter with all its decorations and street art which is everywhere. Then we talk about the most famous Napoli football player of all time who is everywhere you turn in Naples and why the whole city was covered in blue and white decorations – literally! We walk through the streets, visit the stunning veiled Christ statue, and it was incredible. Next we visit the massive 23,000 square metre plaza, walk along the Bay of Naples to the famous castle that is supposedly held up by an egg. Next, we have lunch
podcast· 52:13· Ep 6868. Rome at Night. Travel to Rome, Italy.
Come with us on a moonlight walk around Rome. We start this episode on a walking tour we did starting in the beautiful Piazza Navona with its spectacular three fountains. We tell you what the plaza used to be used for – but not for long as the locals from centuries ago didn’t think it was “manly” enough. Next we wander the streets and pass by the incredible Pantheon with its dome that is the biggest unsupported dome in the world and has 16 imposing columns that are the entrance to the now catholic church. Of course we go to the Trevi Fountain – which by day is special, but at night – just wow. I throw some coins in the fountain, and we tell you about the coin throwing myths and exactly how much money they collect from the fountain each day – and it’s certainly an eye watering amount of money! I also tell you and Lyle (cos he didn’t know) that there is a social media craze that people are doing as an alternative to coin tossing. Next on our night tour of Rome is Piazza Venezia which is
podcast· 44:45· Ep 6767. Highlights of Rome. Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Walk the streets of Rome, Italy and explore all the highlights including the Borghese Gardens.
In today’s episode you will be coming along with us as we share one of our favourite things to do in a new city. We do this everywhere we go – and today’s the day you do it with us. So ,what is it – well we like to walk out our front door and say – “which way – right or left” and then just go and see what we find. We went left and walked along Via Corso – the main road that used to be a horse racing track. Listen as we come across the gigantic piazza Popolo with it’s the three basilicas, an Egyptian obelisk, three fountains and the impressive original city gates. From there we take you up a marble staircase that leads up to the highest point in Rome – the Pincian Hill which has amazing views of the city. Apparently Rome has 1,000 churches and you can see a lot of the domes from this vantage point. Of course, that wasn’t all there was on this hill. Come with us as we wander around the stunning, enormous Borghese gardens – you know I love gardens – You will hear about the lakes with isla
podcast· 1h 01m· Ep 6666. Rome, Italy. Travel to Rome, Italy. Discover the history of Ancient Rome at the Colosseum the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Welcome to ancient Rome. In this episode you will be walking the along the historic streets of the Roman Forum which was the heart and soul of the Roman Empire from 800 BC to 400 AD. You will hear about all the temples, basilicas and emperors of Rome in that time. We take you down the main boulevard of the Forum where the emperors would parade with their spoils of far away victories, which always included gold, plants and many exotic animals that no-one had ever seen before. We tell you all about the most famous leader of all – Caeser – his life and how he died. Palatine Hill overlooks the forum area and this is where the emperors built their palaces. Listen as we take you up the 7 levels of the Imperial ramp with its 35 metre high ceilings to the top of Palatine Hill. We share the views from the top and also the remains of the palaces and their private grounds, including a swimming pool and private arena. Walk with us as we leave the Forum past Titus’s arch and enter one of the most w
podcast· 1h 13m· Ep 6565. Vatican City, Travel to The Vatican, Vatican City, Rome, Italy
I don’t like to admit it, but I knew virtually nothing about the Vatican except it is where the pope lives and it’s the smallest country in the world. I didn’t even know if The Vatican and Vatican City were the same thing, but after our time there, boy did I learn some stuff – and we are going to share that with you today. Firstly, we tell you the best way to see the Vatican museums and St Peters and give you a couple of hints how to miss the crowds. Then we take you through the most spectacular rooms, galleries and courtyards full of history and artwork. But it’s not all painting and sculptures. Come with us as we walk through the 250m long tapestry room where the eyes in the tapestries follow you as you walk along. Next is the map room where there are centuries old maps painted on the walls underneath a gold ceiling. The rotunda room has a gigantic ancient Egyptian purple marble bathtub, which is valued at 2 billion euros! If that isn’t enough marble, then listen as we tell you about
podcast· 59:19· Ep 6464. Florence, Tuscany, Italy. Travel to Florence Italy (Pt 3). Visit the top hidden gems of Florence and find out about Italy's most dangerous sport.
This is our third and final podcast about the beautiful city of Florence and we might have just saved the best til last. But first, Just to answer a question I have received many times about our arrival in Florence in episode 62 – no I still don’t know why the guy said he was a sniper and what he was actually trying to say – if you don’t know what I’m talking about – then go back and listen to the beginning of Episode 62 and you will understand – still one of the funniest things that happened to us in Florence. Ok, back to episode 64 where we are taking you to my favourite palace in Florence – the Pitti Place (I know, the name doesn’t do it justice) as well as the beautiful Boboli Gardens which are a green oasis in the middle of the city. Our guide Carmella showed us the most amazing galleries and living quarters of the palace. There was a quirky artwork including butterflies and dwarfs plus the most paintings by Raphael any where in the world. In fact all the Ninja turtles are represe
podcast· 54:27· Ep 6363. Florence, Italy. Travel to Florence, (Pt 2) visit the Galleria Academia, The Uffizi Gallery, Piazzale Michelangelo and do a Tuscan food and wine tour.
Have you wondered what is like to travel to the beautiful city of Florence and stand in front of some of the most famous art works in the world? Well we share what that is like as we visit Michelangelo’s David, see Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and dozen more famous pieces. To say we were impressed is a massive understatement. After visiting all the famous galleries we embark on a fantastic wine and food tour where our very passionate guide shares the secret of the dark side of Florence and takes us on a taste sensation tour of the Florence and Tuscan region through local authentic restaurants. We also go to a place to drink wine that is totally unique and can only be found in Florence. I was so excited. We tell you where you can find the best panoramic views of the city – and the best time to go there and how we ended up back in front of the Duomo late at night watching a football match between my English premier league team and Firenze football club. This episode covers it all – food,
podcast· 55:13· Ep 6262. Florence. Travel to Florence, Italy. Top things to do in Florence including the Duomo, Porto Vecchio and Piazza Signoria.
This is our first episode about Florence – and we didn’t think we were going to survive to tell you any of our Florence stories. I know that sounds dramatic, but at the time it was real - and it was all to do with the weirdest google translation from our air bnb host as we were locked in a dark entry way with him outside our apartment. The whole story is in the podcast. Now, Florence or Firenze as it is known in Italy is definitely one of my favourite cities. It is beautiful. There is so much to see and do, all packed into such small area. This is the first of a three podcasts about Florence. We couldn’t fit everything into one or two episodes and do it justice. In this episode you will come with us as we walk along the Arno River and check the Porte Vecchio – which is the famous old Roman bridge with all the gold and jewellery shops. Next, without any plan really, we find Piazza Signoria where the replica of Michelangelo’s famous David is as well as the Palacio Vecchio, Neptune’s foun
podcast· 1h 10m· Ep 6161. Cinque Terre, Italy. Travel to all five villages of Cinque Terre, Italy. Top things to do in Cinque Terre, Italy.
In today’s instalment of our Italian series - We are talking all about the popular and beautiful part of Italy called Cinque Terre, which means 5 lands. Cinque Terre is on the Mediterranean Sea and includes the five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. We knew that you could walk between the villages or take the train, but we really didn’t understand how that all worked – so we were determined to find out all the information and share it with you. We stayed in the biggest and most northern village of Monterosso, and we share why you should too. We visit all the other villages and tell you about each one, what to see and how they are different. We use the train to explore some of the villages and we also hike between two of them. We are blown away with the views – I mean, we knew they would be incredible, but nothing can prepare you for what you will see, or how tired your legs will be after your hike! Lastly, we take a ferry ride to see all the village
podcast· 44:35· Ep 6060. Tuscany, Italy. A magical stay at Castello Vicchiomaggio, Greve, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy.
Have you ever wanted to visit the wine region of Tuscany in Italy or be under the Tuscan sun? Well keep listening as we transport you to the stunning Tuscan hills and believe me it was stunning. We spent 2 days in a Castle on top of a hill in Tuscany and it was every bit as idyllic as you can imagine. Listen to hear all about the Castle we stayed in, how we were gobsmacked with our room. Actually not just our room – everything about this place was spectacular. We describe the views, the gardens, the vineyards and my favourite the infinity pool. Wow it was amazing. We tell you about the wine tour we did which included a tour of the vineyard, the wine cellar with all the barrels under the castle and then to top it off a five course banquet dinner with accompanying wines in the beautiful restaurant at the castle. Make sure you click on the link to the show notes below to see all the pictures of the castle, the hills, the views and the infinity pool. www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/60/tusc
podcast· 57:53· Ep 5959. Como, Lake Como, Italy. Exploring all around Como and Lake Como, Italy. Top things to do in Como and Lake Como, Italy
We are continuing our Italian series with this Episode 59 all about the famous and bucket list city in Italy, Como on the beautiful shore of Lake Como. Hear about our amazing accommodation. Everything about it was fabulous, the views, the room, the shower, the bed, the breakfast, the staff – it just had one small problem that was an issue for us and we tell you all about it. Come with us as we wander around the city of Como around the lake and what happened as we lined up to get on the Funicular (remember, I don’t like heights at all). I didn’t know if I should be happy or sad. We share the most beautiful restaurants on the lake to have lunch – or hire a beach chair and umbrella and have a swim. Listen as we tell you about how chaotic the ferry system is and how we found a way to enjoy the lake and the most stunning and exquisite place away from all the crowds and you probably haven’t even heard of it. Next we explore the old city area and piazzas of Como itself and tell you what happe
podcast· 47:19· Ep 5858. Lake Como, Italy to Lake Lugano, Switzerland and Bellagio, Italy.
In this episode we are taking you on a day trip from Como on Lake Como, to Lugano, Switzerland on Lake Lugano. We tell you about the crazy, anxiety inducing bus trip to get to Switzerland, plus one of the craziest things we have ever seen on a road. Lake Lugano was utterly gorgeous and I share our walk around the lake to the beach area where I made Lyle see if the water was cold. Lyle is pretty proud of himself as he shares a very interesting fact he found about Lugano. Next, we go back into Italy and catch a ferry on the narrowest part of Lake Como to Bellagio. We share why this is everyone’s favourite place on Lake Como and how we managed to snag a great spot for lunch right on the lake, even with all the crowds and we give you a tip as to how you can do this too. Lastly, we take a ferry ride all the way from Bellagio, zigzagging our way slowly back to Como. We tell you all about the towns we stop at and of course some of the famous villas we see on the way. Keep listening to the end
podcast· 55:29· Ep 5757. Milan, Italy. Top things to do in a weekend in Milan, Italy.
Welcome to episode 57 all about Milan, Italy. And I have to say that Milan was a really nice surprise even though we weren’t supposed to be going there. Unfortunately, we had to change plans due to flooding in Italy and we tell you all about what happened. With our weekend in Milan, we were determined to get out and explore as much as possible. Listen to hear why trying to find the Duomo started out as a very frustrating problem and the simple fix that had us in front the stunning cathedral in under 10 minutes. We also share all about the spectacular Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and the oldest café where we had breakfast. We went early to avoid the crowds and it was a great decision. Listen as we were surprised and delighted to discover the canals in Milan - complete with gondolas. We explored the canal area before we found a massive castle. Come with us as we walk through the castle with its moat, towers and seven metre thick walls, to the extensive gardens and ponds that has its own Ar
podcast· 37:32· Ep 5656. Lake Garda and Sirmione, Italy. Take a boat tour of Italy's largest lake - Lake Garda- and walk the medieval streets of the stunning village of Sirmione, Italy.
I’M EXCITED TO SHARE THIS EPISODE 56 WITH YOU. THIS WAS A DAY TRIP WE DID FROM VERONA AND IS ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR ITALIAN TRIP SO FAR. Today’s episode is all about Italy’s largest lake – Lake Garda and the gorgeous little village of Sirmione. We tell all about the famous wine they make in this region – which is now our favourite. Listen as we take you on a fancy boat cruise on the lake past ancient ruins, snow-capped mountains, medieval villages and fancy hotels. Sirmione is famous for its thermal hot springs and we tell you some of the healing properties of the springs and which hotels and resorts you can visit if you want to enjoy the thermal baths. We wander the cobblestone streets, past a 15th century castle with its stunning moat to the most famous spot for photos – the kissing point. We tell all about the stunning beaches and views and gorgeous restaurants in the village. Listen to the end where we talk about some unusual shops we saw (well I saw them, Lyle wasn’t too imp
podcast· 54:07· Ep 5555. Verona, Italy. Top things to do in Verona Italy. Visit the Verona Arena, Juliette's balcony, Castelvecchio, Castel San Pietro and ancient plazas.
Ciao and welcome to Episode 55 where we are telling you all about historic river city of Verona. Now you might know Verona for a famous Balcony from a Shakespeare play or the Verona Arena which is older than the Colosseum. We do tell you about those, but first we will give you the grand tour – as we explore all around the old city from Castle Vechio and its famous bridge, across the raging Adige river and up the funicular to Castel San Pietro for the most incredible views of the whole city. Lyle is blown away with some art all about Dante in the Castel – who knew he was such an art connoisseur? Of course, we have drinks with a view before finding our way back down the hill to the incredible Duomo. The artwork in this church is incredible. Come with us as we wander the famous Piazza Erbe and Piazza Bra and find a fabulous bar where the locals were lining up to get in – luckily we were there early and snagged a great table. Listen to the end to hear about the live concert inside the Vero
podcast· 1h 08m· Ep 5454. Trieste, Italy. A very unique city on the Italian Riviera. Visit Trieste's fairytale castle and stunning architecture.
You are in for a real treat in this Episode. We are still in northern Italy, but this episode we are taking you to a city that isn’t as popular as some of the others -and I can’t understand why, and you won’t either after listening to this episode. Trieste is a gorgeous city on the Italian Riviera and it offers so much to visitors. This week we will tell you all about the unique history which is linked to Austria. We take you up to the highest point of the city and then walk back down to the main plaza which is one of the biggest and impressive in Europe. We wander along the marina and find a very nice rooftop bar. Then we take you to Trieste’s jewel of the crown and national treasure the Miramare Castle. Listen as we were totally gobsmacked at the interior and then even more so with the gardens. It was absolutely amazing. Listen to the end as we take you walking along the waterfront and find some cafes and bars on the Italian Riviera and also in this episode we share a lovely review w
podcast· 53:01· Ep 5353. Venice, Italy. Travel to Venice Italy and explore St. Mark's Basilica, The Doge's Palace and hear all about Casanova and the Secret Police.
This week we are back in Venice. Today’s episode is all about the big guns – St Marks Square the incredible St Marks Basilica and the Doges Palace as well as some real surprises. These buildings are absolutely incredible with amazing history, artwork and some fascinating stories. We tell you all about the secret police and their secret mailboxes all over Venice as well as the secret doors and tunnels in the Palace. Lots of secret squirrel business that went on, including how the most famous prisoner held in the palace (Casanova) escaped in the middle of the night. Listen to the end to hear the dreadful thing that happened to the four bronze horses that sit atop of the Basilica in the main square. Oh, and also something else that involves horses – that you won’t believe and will make you go “that’s disgusting” (here’s a hint – blonde hair and ammonia) Enjoy episode 53 all about the fascinating and sometimes gross history of Venice. You can see the show notes and all the pictures here ww
podcast· 52:57· Ep 5252. Venice, Italy. Travel to Venice, Italy. Explore the cobblestone streets. Marvel at St. Mark's square and take a gondola ride through Venice's enchanting canals.
Welcome to Episode 52 and the beginning of a whole series of podcasts all about Italy. For our first episode we are in the magical city of Venice. This was my first trip to Venice and I was so excited to visit. We begin with our water taxi ride across the lagoon into the Grand Canal to our accommodation at the Foscari Palace. We stroll through the cobblestone streets, crossing over many bridges with canals full of gondolas into St Mark's Square. Then we take you on a gondola ride through the canals, under bridges and past many stunning ancient buildings. It was just as incredible as I thought it would be and was one of those pinch me moments that will stay in my memory for ever. Lastly, we share a food and wine tour that we did visiting four very unique wine and cicchetti bars that only the locals know about. Stay listening to the end to hear how much it costs to buy a gondola and our favourite places to enjoy a glass of vino in the beautiful city of Venice. See all the shownotes with
- podcast· 35:40· Ep 51
51. Italy Travel Plans and Our First Year Podcast Milestones.
Hello and welcome to episode 51 of our podcast. In this episode we are having a bit of a show and tell. We have hit some incredible numbers with our podcast and wanted to take the time to share with you and also reflect on our first full 12 months of podcasting. We tell you our downloads stats, the countries that listen in and the most popular and least popular episodes. We also share how our process has changed from our first episode in Paris up to now, as we are planning for our next series which we have coming up. As this episode is published (May 2023) we are off to Italy and will be doing lots of episodes as we go – in our usuall style of fun, informative and of course sharing the best places to enjoy a glass of wine in each city. Listen to the end where we tell you our itinerary and the very exciting reason we changed our plans from going to Milan and are now having a weekend in Bologna (think fast cars). Also listen to find out how you can help us with our travel plans in Italy