About this episode
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Links for the Show:
Fondazione FS Italiane
National Railway Museum
Strada dell’Olio DOP Umbria
Via di Linari
In this episode, Kimberly Holcombe and Tommaso share insights from their friends who recently traveled to Italy during the Christmas holiday. They discuss historical train routes, exciting activities like driving a Ferrari through Tuscany, and adventurous hiking and biking options. Join us in this episode for unique ways to experience Italy beyond the typical tourist paths.
Key Points:
Christmas in Italy:
Venice was less crowded than Rome during the holidays.
Italian locals gather in Rome for Christmas, making it more crowded.
Venice had crowds during specific events like the Santa Claus gondolier parade.
Uber Black in Rome:
Friends used Uber Black successfully in Rome, despite previous reliability concerns with standard Uber.
Uber Black offers larger, luxury vehicles with professional drivers.
Historical Exploration:
Friends regretted not researching the history of Italian landmarks before their trip.
Tommaso suggests spending ample time before the trip researching historical facts so they are better prepared once there.
New Travel Options for 2026:
Historical Train Journeys:
Italy’s historic railways, managed by La Fondazione FS Italiane.
Binari Sensa Tempo (Timeless Tracks): Offers dozens of itineraries across the country.
The National Railway Museum is in Pietrasara, outside Naples.
The Christmas Market Train (Treno de Mercantini di Natale) runs from Sulmona to Roccaraso in Abruzzo.
A day-long excursion from Torino to Canelli offers wine tastings in Piemonte.
The train features Centoporte (100 Doors) carriages from the 1920s to the 1980s.
Sommeliers offer tastings of regional wines like Barolos.
Olive Mill Trains:
Frantoi Aperti (Open Olive Mills) trains run every weekend through mid-November.
Organized by Strada dell’Olio DOP Umbria (The Olive Oil Road).
Visitors can taste fresh extra virgin olive oil and learn about production.
Guided tastings led by professional tasters are available on board.
The route runs fro
