Month: May 2017

Naples is an urban jungle, and you experience that best in the Sanità neighborhood. A walk like this, with joy filling the streets, is why I go to Naples. Notice, as I approach, the lady on the balcony dropping a plastic basket to tip the roving band. The “bella chaos” of Naples awaits those who get out and explore. Don’t be too hung up on the broken stucco, the graffiti, and the rough edges…it’s the patina of a vibrant urban life.

This is Day 23 of my “100 Days in Europe” series. As I travel with Rick Steves’ Europe Tours, research my guidebooks, and make new TV shows, I’m reporting on my experiences in Italy, Portugal, France, Ireland, England, Scotland, Germany, Switzerland, and more. Thanks for joining me here on my blog and via Facebook.

I spend a lot of time with guides, and when someone is born to be a guide, it’s clear: They just can’t stop teaching and marveling at what’s all around. Jump in the taxi with me and Vincenzo (from Mondo Guide) for the tour-guiding finale of our day. I spent an entire day with Vincenzo, and it was non-stop, just like you see here: exhausting, funny, fascinating, and energizing all at the same time. Imagine getting excited about an Aragonese king from 1400, and talking about his relatives like they’re yours. Incredibile.

This is Day 20 of my “100 Days in Europe” series. As I travel with Rick Steves’ Europe Tours, research my guidebooks, and make new TV shows, I’m reporting on my experiences in Italy, Portugal, France, Ireland, England, Scotland, Germany, Switzerland, and more. Thanks for joining me here on my blog and via Facebook.

A sea urchin can be sexy. With it, you put the sea in your mouth. I’m in Naples, updating my guidebook, and my friend Vincenzo is helping me check restaurants. We capped our evening at his favorite, L’Altro Coco Loco. While a little too pretentious for my guidebook, L’Altro Coco Loco offered a delightful look at Naples’ beautiful people and great food. Stay tuned for the end of the video, when Vincenzo tries to dispel some preconceptions jittery Americans have about his hometown.

Vincenzo runs Mondo Tours. They work with me to provide shared minibus tours, making the region much less expensive for thousands of travelers each year with my Rick Steves Italy guidebook.    

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This is Day 19 of my “100 Days in Europe” series. As I travel with Rick Steves’ Europe Tours, research my guidebooks, and make new TV shows, I’m reporting on my experiences in Italy, Portugal, France, Ireland, England, Scotland, Germany, Switzerland, and more. Thanks for joining me here on my blog and via Facebook.