We are introduced to Lecce in a classic 1935 Morris Model 8, a city where we will visit the artisans at Cartapesta Riso, and receive culinary tips from Mamma Giulia. Kathy also learns the history of trulli houses and dances the pizzica.
Kathy reveals the vibrant, charming side of Bologna, a city famous for its sumptuous cuisine. It is also home to the oldest university in the western world, and it is the center of Italy's "motor valley", including Lamborghini.
Gran Caffe Gambrinus energizes us for our stay in Naples where we first visit the tailoring masters at Rubinacci. We then learn how to make a proper Neapolitan pizza, visit Mount Vesuvius, make handmade paper, go fishing, and much more.
In Perugia, we meet two women carrying on their family traditions of handmade stained glass and textiles, and we indulge in Baci candy. In Montefalco, Kathy tours the Tenuta Castelbuono winery, and enjoys a cooking lesson.
We begin with a hike to find white truffles before attending the World Truffle Auction. We will also visit Cascina Bruciata vineyard, Lago delle Sorgenti for some deep relaxation, as well as Lake Iseo to witness fine Italian boat making.
There is only one Venice. Join Kathy as she receives rowing lessons from an 8th-generation gondolier and learns how Venice is contending with rising sea levels. We will also meet an impiraressa and visit the ancient Rialto Market.
Kathy McCabe invites you to experience the essence of Rome. Discover the Testaccio Market's incredible food, taste true Roman Cacio e Pepe and gelato, learn the beautiful craft of mosaics, and attend a grand ball at Palazzo Brancaccio.
In Chianti, we celebrate true Chianti at Castello di Ama, and at Busatti in Anghiari, 100-year-old looms craft fine fabrics. We will also hunt wild boar and meet butcher Dario Cecchini in Panzano, and ride with the butteri in Maremma.
Basilicata is timeless and otherworldly, and it is home to Matera, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Celebrated Hollywood Director Francis Ford Coppola also introduces Kathy to Bernalda, his ancestral hometown.
Florence is always evolving. Witness the restoration of the Duomo from a unique perspective and visit the only Last Supper fresco painted by a woman. Also, Kathy joins modern street artist Clet Abraham for an artistic caper, of sorts.