I’m in Riomaggiore, enjoying a simple lunch of bruschetta and wine at Dau Cila with my local guide, Amy Inman. This fine restaurant follows a “zero-kilometer” ethic, keeping everything — wine, oil, anchovies, basil — very local.
Listen in as Ferdinando gives us a little cooking lesson for pesto. I love visiting my favorite places and seeing the younger generation taking the reins and keeping up high standards.
I’ve come back to Europe every spring since the 1970s — and I love that here we are, in 2019, and the magic still survives.
Join me now for a thoughtful walk through Vernazza after dinner, when it’s quiet and empty. This is the busiest time of year in the Cinque Terre, but after hours it’s all mine. (Many travelers, ironically trying to avoid the crowds, “side-trip” to the Cinque Terre for the day, before heading back to Florence or their cruise ships at dinnertime. To really enjoy this place, get here before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.)
Buona sera from Lucca! I’m at the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro — a beautiful square that’s actually not square at all. This is the “Place of the Amphitheater,” a round piazza that echoes the Roman arena that stood here 2,000 years ago. I’m here with Chiara and Luca, two guides from Bikes and Bites food tours — and we’re discussing the very modern phenomenon of Airbnb.
All over Europe, you can see the impact that Airbnb has had on historic neighborhoods like this one. As an advocate for travelers, I appreciate the value and cultural intimacy that Airbnb provides — but I also acknowledge the reality that Airbnb drives up the cost of living for locals, changing the character of places we’ve long known and loved.
What about you? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the ethics of Airbnb.
Buona sera from Siena. I’m here with Anna Piperato, a Rick Steves Italy guide — and it’s just so good to be here. I love this city and its gorgeous red-brick square, Il Campo.
Join us now as we consider the concept of “campanilismo” — the home-sweet-home spirit of local patriotism that makes the sound of your town’s bell tower the most beautiful sound of all.
While most Italian cities have a church on their main square, Siena’s Il Campo gathers around a symbol of an independent republic — its City Hall.
I’m here with my friend and guide, Anna Piperato, getting inspired by the Sienese commitment to good government. This message from the 1300s seems like it was addressed to us in 2019.