PS Italy

In this episode of P.S. Italy, Valerie and Gina interview Paolo Bertoli, a professional musician (Paolo Bertoli Orchestra) and owner of Associazione Music School located in Parma, Italy. We discuss the cultural importance of the accordion and what it means to be a professional musician in Italy. You can follow Paolo Bertoli on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/paolo.bertoli.161 Watch the Paolo Bertoli Orchestra perform https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=OBzhDKvPZtQ Or, visit Paolo's website to learn more http://www.orchestraballoliscio.com/ For more information about P.S. Italy Tours https://www.psitalytours.com/

Stanley Tucci's "Searching for Italy" series on CNN is a delightful viewing experience for all who long for Italian culture and cuisine. In Episode 3: Bologna and the Gems of Emilia Romagna, he travels and eats his way through the region. We were pleasantly surprised when we watched because this episode captures the highlights of our Foodie Tour. We discuss what you should do on any foodie tour of Italy and why. Italian foods are the best in the world and Emilia-Romagna is the best of Italy. Listen and escape with us. For more information about our Fall 2021 and Summer 2022 Foodie Tour: https://www.psitalytours.com/foodie-tour-fall-2021

The Cinque Terre, located in the northwest corner of Italy, is candy for the eyes. These five colorful and historic coastal villages are postcard-perfect - each town offering a unique experience. Learn the four most common ways to visit the towns (hiking, train, boat, or car) and what you can expect at each village. Rio Maggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monte Rosso are extraordinary and a must-see if your touring northern Italy. For more information on our Fall 2021 and Summer 2022 tours, visit us at https://www.psitalytours.com/ P.S. Italy Tours offers affordable small group boutique tours where you will feel like you’re part of the family! Learn to travel like a local, not tourist. Fall 2021 Boutique Tours: Spa Week, Foodie Tour & Vineyard Wine Tour Summer 2022 Boutique Tours: Opera Week, Spa Week, Foodie Tour, Vineyard Wine Tour, Classic Italian Cooking, and Live Like A Medici

Verona is known as the city of love. It is the home of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will fall in love with the pink marble streets, the Arena di Verona (opera house) and the beautiful cafes and shops. Join us as we explore the history and attractions of this charming northern Italian city located on the Adige River in Veneto. For more information about P.S. Italy visit https://www.psitalytours.com/ or join our community on Facebook @PSitalyTours

Your first trip to Europe is exciting and sometimes a little scary - especially when you are older. In this episode, Valerie interviews Gina about "buying the ticket" for her first Italian adventure -- at the age of 40. With only a backpack and a lifelong desire to see Italy - Gina steps outside her comfort zone and begins genuinely living. For more information about our boutique, small group tours - where you don't have to worry about a thing! --- check out https://www.psitalytours.com/

Yule is a long standing and ancient tradition celebrating the Winter Solstice. It is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world. We discuss the history of Yule in Italy and the customs surrounding this time of year. We hope you enjoy learning about this most unusual custom and the related traditions - still celebrated in different regions of Italy. Signup for our monthly newsletter on https://www.psitalytours.com/

New Year's Eve in Italy is uniquely celebrated. We discuss common (and not so common) NYE traditions, customs, and superstitions including the importance of wearing red underwear, how to banish bad luck, why eating the right foods can bring you prosperity and who to avoid January 1st! For more fun Italian traditions and customs signup for our free newsletter at www.psitalytours.com

Christmas traditions in Italy are different than what many might think. In this episode we discuss midnight mass at the Vatican, the Italian Christmas witch, Christmas markets, bagpipers, and different customs between northern and southern Italia. Looking for a great Christmas gift for a loved one or yourself? Join us for one of our boutique fall 2021 tours. Due to COVID-19 all deposits are 100% fully refundable. Spa Week September 23-October 1, 2021 Foodie Tour September 30-Octobter 8, 2021 Vineyard Wine Tour October 7-15, 2021 https://www.psitalytours.com/

The Medici family ruled the city of Florence throughout the Renaissance. A complicated family - both loved and hated. In this podcast, we discuss our Live Like a Medici 2021 Tour. Learn about the family as we follow the life and legacy of the Medici family in and around Florence. Itinerary: https://psitalyretreats.com/live-like-a-medici/ P.S. Italy Retreats is owned and operated by Gina Marcello, Ph.D. and Valerie Manfredini. Gina is a university professor with a passion for all things Italian. Valerie is an experienced tour operator and Italian resident. This partnership provides you with a once in a life time opportunity to feel as if you are visiting family in Italy. Our tours are reasonably priced and provide our guests with the very best of authentic Italy.

Enjoy the very best of the Italian countryside as we hop from vineyard to sightseeing. This week is full of fun. Highlights include: Lake Garda, Modena, Ferrari, Fellino and Piacenza vineyard tours. Vineyard Wine Tour Itinerary: https://psitalyretreats.com/vineyard-wine-tour/ P.S. Italy Retreats is owned and operated by Gina Marcello, Ph.D. and Valerie Manfredini. Gina is a university professor with a passion for all things Italian. Valerie is an experienced tour operator and Italian resident. This partnership provides you with a once in a life time opportunity to feel as if you are visiting family in Italy. Our tours are reasonably priced and provide our guests with the very best of authentic Italy.

Emilia-Romagna, Italy is known as the foodie capital of the world. Join us July 23-July 31st, 2021 for a delicious week of food tasting and tours. Stop dreaming about Italy and start planning! Highlights of our Foodie Week include: Bologna's mortadella factory, Prosciutto di Parma factory tour, Carrara Mountain Tour and lardo di Colonnata food tasting, Felino salami tour and Parmesan-reggiano cheese factory tour. We explore northern Italy and learn to live like the locals. A time to relax and experience the very best of northern Italy. For the full itinerary: https://psitalyretreats.com/foodie-tour P.S. Italy Retreats is owned and operated by Gina Marcello, Ph.D. and Valerie Manfredini. Gina is a university professor with a passion for all things Italian. Valerie is an experienced tour operator and Italian resident. This partnership provides you with a once in a life time opportunity to feel as if you are visiting family in Italy. Our tours are reasonably priced and provide our guests with the very best of authentic Italy.

Learn to cook and live like a local in Emilia-Romagna, Italy! We discuss our summer 2021 Cooking Tour July 30- August 7, 2021. Each lesson will inspire and delight as we tour the region. Highlights include farm-to-table pizza and crostata (a local dessert), risotto, torta frita, gelato, local tortelli, bronzino and tiramisu. Full itinerary: https://psitalyretreats.com/classic-culinary-cooking/

Italy is known for its delicious cheeses and meats. This week we discuss our July 23-31, 2021 foodie tour. We highlight Parmesan-Reggiano cheese, Prosciutto di Parma ham, Felino Salami, Lardo di Colonnata, and Mortadella while discussing the different cities we will visit and experiences you can expect with our small group custom tours. Full itinerary: https://psitalyretreats.com/foodie-tour/ follow us on Facebook @PSitalyRetreats for our live Italian conversation Tuesdays at 3 pm EST Learn to travel like a local not a tourist!

Italian spas date back to ancient Rome, when natural thermal springs were the center of socialization. On this episode, we discuss P.S. Italy Retreats Spa Week tour (July 9-17, 2021). There's really no better way to experience Italy -- spa hopping and shopping. Relax, unwind, enjoy Italian culture and learn how to live like an Italian! Itinerary available at www.PSitalyRetreats.com/italian-spa-week

Be inspired and write in the mountains of Emilia-Romanga, Italy. Join us Summer 2021. Spend time with like minded writers, enjoy the beauty of the Italian countryside, and take time for self-care. An interview with P.S. Italy's resident writing instructor Anne Dennish. On this episode we discuss our writing workshops and tours. Take time to slow-down, reconnect, and return home inspired! www.PSitalyRetreats.com @PSitalyretreats on Facebook

It's been three months since our last podcast. We're thrilled to return and announce our summer 2021 tours. Take a listen to what's next for P.S. Italy Retreats. Learn to travel like a local not a tourist. Meet your hosts and join us on Facebook @PSitalyRetreats for LIVE Italian conversation every Tuesday at 3 pm EST

Information about the impact of the coronavirus in Italy is alarming. In this podcast, Italian resident Valerie Manfredini provides information about what is happening in the small village of Bedonia (northern Italy, Parma Province). We discuss Italy's healthcare system, day-to-day life in the small villages, and the impact of the virus on local residents from Milan to Parma.

Harmony, balance, and relaxation. Join us as we discuss Grotta Giusti Thermal Cave & Montecatini Thermal Spa located in Tuscany. We discuss the history and unique features of each. From thermal caves to "holy water" you, too, can travel like an Italian not a tourist. contact us at psitalyretreats@gmail.com www.psitalyretreats.com

P.S. Italy interviews author Anne Dennish. We discuss Anne's journey as a writer, August's 2020 Writing Workshop for Women in Emilia-Romagna, and the challenges and joys of writing and publishing. For more information email us at psitalyretreats@gmail.com or visit us at www.psitalyretreats.com

Tourists traveling to Italy tend not to think about visiting the small villages. While big cities are exciting, the small villages offer a truly unique experience. Al Dukes, WFAN NYC sports talk radio producer, shares why he prefers Italy's small villages rather than the overcrowded tourist spots.

Join us as we explore Portofino and Santa Margherita. Two beautiful Italian fishing villages and holiday resorts. Portofino, famous for its extraordinary harbor and historical association with celebrity visitors, is a short boat ride or drive to Santa Margherita. Located on the Italian Riviera, these two resorts provide ample opportunity to explore, eat, and relax.

There are thousands of hamlets throughout Italy. Learn about one of the Italian Touring Club's top 100 - Vigoleno. A beautiful hamlet located in Piacenza (Emilia-Romagna) where a handful of people still live. This full day tour also includes a visit to a family run vineyard. At Il Casello Vineyard you will learn about the art of making wine and have ample opportunity to enjoy. It's a relaxing day full of marvel and deliciousness.

Learn about Porcini mushroom hunting (believe it or not you need a permit to go hunting) and the Bedonia (Parma region) Trout Festival. These are two fun local Emilia-Romagna events where you can really experience Italian culture, enjoy local foods, and explore Italy like a local.

The majestic Carrara mountain mines are a must see. This one-day tour introduces you to the marble mountains of Michelangelo's David, tasty lardo di Colonnata, and provides time to explore the beautiful Italian Riviera beach towns of Forte de Marma, Marina di Carrara and Viareggio beach.

The art of making parmesan-reggiano cheese and prosciutto di parma is awe-inspiring. The pride, care, and attention to detail is second to none. The process for making these delightful foods is thousands of years old. It's no wonder these two exports are so loved by foodies around the world.

Before you plan your next Italian adventure learn about life in the small villages of Italy - like Bedonia (Emilia-Romagna). It might just be the vacation you need to rejuvenate, reconnect to yourself, and experience the best of the Italian lifestyle.

Co-hosts Gina Marcello, Ph.D. and Valerie Raffetto discuss life in the small Italian village of Bedonia (Parma) exploring differences with social media use, family time and growing up in Italy.