
Advertise on podcast: Only A Bag - An Italy Travel Podcast
Rating
4.6from
This podcast has
183 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Darcy Melton | Nathaniel MellorExplicit
No
Date created
2021/06/10
Latest episode
2026/04/24
Average duration
40 min.
Release period
4 days
Description
New episodes every Wednesday and Friday! Your guide to Italy travel! Hosts Darcy and Nathaniel—two tourists-turned-locals—offer advice like how to get off the beaten path (like going south), how order coffee like a local (at the bar), and most importantly, where to find authentic Italian food and gelato. Visit Italy with us every week from home or in the car. Whether you’re planning an Italy vacation or looking to move here, Darcy and Nathaniel guide you along the way. Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts and check out our website onlyabag.com for articles! Thanks for listening!
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Headlines: Controversial Lawyer "Bonus," two recent robberies, and could marijuana be legalized in Italy?
2026/04/24
We're continuing this month's headlines episodes today talking about a contentious new bonus for immigration lawyers in Italy, a bank robbery in Naples with possible connections to other high profile robberies, and a jewelry store robbery in Rome. We'll also tell you about a protest by Riccardo Magi, secretary of +Europa, and Radicali Italiani (Italian Radicals), for the legalization and regulation of marijuana in Italy.
Edit: In this episode, we mislabel the political party, Radicali Italiani (Italian Radicals), as an activist group.
As mentioned in this episode, we'll be changing our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast" as well as our podcast cover art next week. Plus we started a Patreon! To learn more about these changes you can listen to our "Fireside Chat episode" and you can check out our Patreon here, patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast!
If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate).
If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts!
If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com.
Thanks for listening!
xDarcy and Nathaniel
Headlines: Deepening Jet Fuel Crisis, Increasing Food Prices, and Upcoming Strikes
2026/04/22
In this episode we're following up on the jet fuel crisis and train travel options. We're also talking about how the jet fuel crisis could be affecting food prices in Italy. And, as always with our headlines episodes, we'll tell you about upcoming strikes that could affect your trip to Italy.
Travel insurance could potentially be helpful in the case of canceled flights or trains, but it's also important to know that Europe has protections in place for flights that are canceled (this means European carriers and flights flying out of Europe). If you'd like to here more about your rights on flights, listen to our episodes "Know Your Airline Rights: Part 1" and "Know Your Airline Rights: Part 2" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
If you're looking for travel insurance, a good place to start is with World Nomads Travel Insurance* and Travelex Insurance Services*, both have several options for insurance and can provide a quick quote.
*These are affiliate links, we do not represent these companies. If you receive a quote or book services through these links, we will receive a small commission from the company at no extra cost to you.
Strike Resources:
A good resource for upcoming and updated strikes is striketracker.app.
Specific information about some of the upcoming strikes can be found using the following links:
Reggio Calabria Trains rfi.it
Milan ATM ATM.it
Easy Jet Notice of Your Rights
ENAC/ENAV guaranteed flights in the case of a strike enac.gov.it
Trenitalia guaranteed trains in the case of a strike trenitalia.com
Italo info for late or cancelled trains italotreno.com
As mentioned in this episode, we'll be changing our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast" as well as our podcast cover art next week. Plus we started a Patreon! To learn more about these changes you can listen to our "Fireside Chat episode" and you can check out our Patreon here, patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast!
If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate).
If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts!
If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com.
Thanks for listening!
xDarcy and Nathaniel
Jet Fuel Shortage: What to Expect and How to Plan For It (Part 2)
2026/04/17
In our last episode, we talked a bit about what the fuel shortage is and why it's happening. In this episode, we're talking about what it could mean for the future and how it could affect your trip to Italy. We'll also give you tips on how to protect yourself from canceled or delayed flights and ways to mitigate the effects of the fuel shortage on your trip.
If you'd like to here more about your rights on flights, listen to our episodes "Know Your Airline Rights: Part 1" and "Know Your Airline Rights: Part 2" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
As mentioned in this episode, we'll be changing our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast" as well as our podcast cover art in about 2 weeks. Plus we started a Patreon! To learn more about these changes you can listen to our "Fireside Chat episode" and you can check out our Patreon here, patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast!
If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate).
If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts!
If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com.
Thanks for listening!
xDarcy and Nathaniel
Jet Fuel Shortage: What it Means For Your Trip (Part 1)
2026/04/15
Today we're talking about the recent jet fuel shortage at some of Italy's biggest airports: Milan Linate, Bologna, Venice, and Treviso. Since some of you might be coming to Italy in the next few weeks/next month or two, we wanted to also offer a little explanation as to why this is happening, what is affected, and where things might go from here (more restrictions or fewer).
As mentioned in this episode, we'll be changing our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast" as well as our podcast cover art in about 2 weeks. Plus we started a Patreon! To learn more about these changes you can listen to our "Fireside Chat episode" and you can check out our Patreon here, patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast!
If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate).
If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts!
If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com.
Thanks for listening!
xDarcy and Nathaniel
Off the Beaten Path: Capua's Ancient Amphitheater
2026/04/10
We're off the beaten path again in this episode and we're talking about the Amphitheatre of Capua. This amphitheater dates back to the first century BCE and was the site of the first gladiator school. We'll tell you about everything from the massive size a classic shape of the amphitheater that was the model for the Coliseum to the civil war that ultimately destroyed a significant part of it.
A lot of the Amphitheatre of Capua still stands and you can visit it today! Check out the Ministry of Culture website, cultura.gov.it, for tickets to the Amphitheater, the Gladiator Museum, Mithraeum, and National Archaeological Museum of Ancient Capua. As of April 2026, when this episode publishes, the Archaeological Museum is temporarily closed for renovations.
Capua and the city of city of Santa Maria Capua Vetere, where the amphitheater and other sites are located, is an easy day-trip from Naples. If you're looking for hotels in Naples, here are our recommendations. These are affiliated links, we are not employed by these businesses, if you use our affiliate links, we will receive a small commission.
Starhotels Terminus: near the station Expedia | Booking
Palazzo Caracciolo Naples: historic center Expedia | Booking
Art Resort Galleria Umberto: Spanish Quarter Expedia | Booking
Pinto Storey Hotel: in Chiaia Expedia | Booking
As mentioned in this episode, we'll be changing our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast" as well as our podcast cover art in about 2 weeks. Plus we started a Patreon! To learn more about these changes you can listen to our "Fireside Chat episode" and you can check out our Patreon here, patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast!
If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate).
If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts!
If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com.
Thanks for listening!
xDarcy and Nathaniel
Off the Beaten Path: Rome's Monte Testaccio
2026/04/08
We're back and we're off the beaten path again! Today we're talking about the ancient landfill-turned-mountain of Monte Testaccio in Rome's Testaccio neighborhood. What awaits you at the top are beautiful views of Rome, the sense of accomplishment that you've scaled a pile of trash, and underfoot—all along the way—you'll see carefully broken pottery, neatly stacked and placed to create paths, walls, and the entirety of the mountain you're standing on.
To book and for more information, you can visit: https://www.turismoroma.it/en/places/monte-dei-cocci
If you're looking to book a hotel in Rome, we recommend the three below for their location and safety. These are affiliate links, and while we don't represent any of the companies listed, we do recieve a small commission which goes towards supporting Only A Bag. We appreciate your support!
Palazzo Cardinal Cesi: Expedia | Booking
Trastevere Roma | UNA Esperienze: Expedia | Booking
Palazzo Montemartini Rome: Expedia | Booking
As mentioned in this episode, we'll be changing our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast" as well as our podcast cover art in about 2 weeks. Plus we started a Patreon! To learn more about these changes you can listen to our "Fireside Chat episode" and you can check out our Patreon here, patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast!
If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate).
If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts!
If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com.
Thanks for listening!
xDarcy and Nathaniel
Siena Revisited: What to Eat and What to See
2026/04/03
In this episode we're continuing our revisit of Siena. We run a little long on talking about what to eat, but if you've listened to this podcast before, then you know that's nothing new! If you're new here, "welcome!" we love food and talk about it a lot. We also talk about some of the major sites to see in Siena and few off the beaten path ones as well.
If you're looking for more info about the sites we mention in this episode, you can check out their official links here:
Duomo di Siena (the Cathedral of Siena) operaduomo.siena.it
Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia
Website: museocivico.comune.siena.it
Tickets: operalaboratori.vivaticket.it
Santa Maria della Scala Museum santamariadellascala.com
Bottini di Siena siena.b-ticket.com -This is a link to the ticket office of the commune di Siena, where you can purchase tickets to the Bottini di Siena as well as the Santa Maria della Scala Museum and civic museums as well as a condo ticket.
Accademia Musicale Chigiana (Academy of Music) chigiana.org
If you're looking for hotels in Siena, you can check out our hotel recommendations below. These are affiliate links and if you book through them we receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.
Villa Elda Boutique Hotel - San Prospero Neighborhood Expedia | Booking
Palazzo Ravizza - Castelvecchio Neighborhood Expedia | Booking
B&B Il Corso - Centro/Historic Center Expedia | Booking
Residenza d'epoca San Martino 29 - Leocorno Neighborhood Expedia | Booking
Hotel Italia - Porta Camollia Expedia | Booking
Borgo Grondaie - near the train station (convenient if you have a car) Expedia | Booking
As mentioned in this episode, we'll be changing our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast" as well as our podcast cover art in about 3 weeks. Plus we started a Patreon! To learn more about these changes you can listen to our "Fireside Chat episode" and you can check out our Patreon here, patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast!
If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate).
If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts!
If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com.
Thanks for listening!
xDarcy and Nathaniel
Siena Revisited: Getting There, Getting Around, Where to Stay
2026/04/01
We last talked about Siena almost 2 years ago, so we thought what better to talk about during this rainy period than a city famously under the Tuscan sun? In this episode, we go over the basics of getting there on trains, buses, or by car, getting around (mostly walking in historic center), and the best neighborhoods to stay in.
If you're looking for hotels in Siena, you can check out our hotel recommendations below. These are affiliate links and if you book through them we receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.
Villa Elda Boutique Hotel - San Prospero Neighborhood Expedia | Booking
Palazzo Ravizza - Castelvecchio Neighborhood Expedia | Booking
B&B Il Corso - Centro/Historic Center Expedia | Booking
Residenza d'epoca San Martino 29 - Leocorno Neighborhood Expedia | Booking
Hotel Italia - Porta Camollia Expedia | Booking
Borgo Grondaie - near the train station (convenient if you have a car) Expedia | Booking
As mentioned in this episode, we'll be changing our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast" as well as our podcast cover art in about 3 weeks. Plus we started a Patreon! To learn more about these changes you can listen to our "Fireside Chat episode" and you can check out our Patreon here, patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast!
If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate).
If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts!
If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com.
Thanks for listening!
xDarcy and Nathaniel
Headlines: Hep A in Naples, Unrelated Explosions in Rome, and new Ownership for Teatro Sannazaro
2026/03/27
Today's episode is a sort of kitchen sink of news. We're talking about some things happening in Italy that may seem worrying from the Hepatitis A outbreak in Naples to two unrelated explosions in Rome. We also have an update on the Teatro Sannazaro after the fire and we'll take a look at rising gas prices.
In happy news, Only a Bag is having a glow-up! We'll be changing our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast" as well as our podcast cover art in about 4 weeks. Plus we started a Patreon! To learn more about these changes you can listen to our "Fireside Chat episode" and you can check out our Patreon here, patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast!
If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down scattered across the website, a listener suggested (thank you!) putting them all in one place, so we have! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate).
If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts!
If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com.
Thanks for listening!
xDarcy and Nathaniel
Headlines: Upcoming Strikes and the Constitutional Referendum Explained
2026/03/25
In this episode we're talking about upcoming strikes at the end of March through April 2026. Listed below are links for more information on strikes from official websites.
We're also talking abut the recent Constitutional Referendum that has been the talk-of-the-town (and country) in the last week. We'll give you a brief explainer on what it was and how it has affected Italy.
In other headline news, we will be changing our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast"! We're doing our best to give you all a heads up so the name and Podcast cover (the little tile that you click find our show) will change in about four weeks.
We also now have a Patreaon! You can join for free or with one of our paid tiers. Check it out at https://www.patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast
To learn more about it and why we've decided to have this glow-up you can listen to our Fireside Chat episode that came out just before this one.
If you'd like more information about strikes at the end of March and in April of 2026, you can click the links below for each striking transport company's official website.
Milan ATM.it
Naples EAVSRL.it
Turin torino.arriva.it
Puglia FSEonline.it
If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down scattered across the website, a listener suggested (thank you!) putting them all in one place, so we have! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts!
If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com.
Thanks for listening!
xDarcy and Nathaniel
Fireside Chat: Name Change, New Patreon, and the Future of the Podcast
2026/03/25
How else to better announce a name change (and minor updates) than an episode dedicated to it?
That's right, a name change! In 4~ weeks, on April 22nd (Earth day, woohoo!) we will officially change our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast". But before we did so, we wanted everyone to have a chance to familiarize themselves with the new name, check out this episode, and even offer their feedback if there's something we missed!
You can check out our Patreon here! https://www.patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast
You also might notice it has the new "Podcast Art"! While this is nearly finalized—there are a few little details we wanted to add—we were too excited not to share it with you all!
As always, thank you all so much for listening and being part of this exciting community!
xDarcy and Nathaniel
PS. And fret not! This is not the episode for today. Today, we're talking about Headlines, so go check out the Headlines episode that published just after this!
Cilento: The Medieval City of Teggiano
2026/03/20
This week we're in the Cilento, on Wednesday we talked about the Certosa di San Lorenzo di Padula, today we're talking about the medieval town of Teggiano.
In this episode, we're talking about everything from Teggiano's origins in the 11th century and the drama filled Conspiracy of the Barons in the 15th century to the city's modern day charm. We'll also tell you about the practicalities of getting there. We're in southern Italy where public transportation is limited, but that means unique experiences are in abundance! Get off the beaten path with us this week as we explore Teggiano.
If you're looking for a guided tour of the city of Teggiano, you can check out our friend Viviana's website Guida Turistica's where she offers guided tours of Teggiano and places all over the Cilento and Campania!
The Princess of Costanza Festival is every year around August. You can check out the website here principessacostanza.com.
If you're looking to book a hotel in Teggiano, we recommend the hotels below
Antichi Feudi Dimora D'Epoca Expedia | Booking
Hotel La Congiura dei Baroni Booking
Casa Rurale Faraone in the valley of Teggiano Booking
These hotel links are affiliate links, and while we don't represent any of the companies listed, we do receive a small commission, which goes towards supporting Only A Bag. We appreciate your support!
If you'd like to support us, but you don't have the time to hunt down all of the affiliate links scattered across the website, a listener suggested (thank you!) putting them all in one place, so we have! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts!
If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com.
Thanks for listening!
xDarcy and Nathaniel
Cilento: Certosa di San Lorenzo di Padula
2026/03/18
NOTE: Our original upload had Nathaniel talking over himself—a cut audio part that never got cut, apparently! As of 13:20GMT we've updated the episode. If around the 9~minute mark you hear Nathaniel talking over himself, you might need to re-download the episode. Sorry for the confusion, everyone!
This week we're headed back to the Cilento to talk about two fairly "hidden" locations that should be on anyone's southern Italian tour: the Certosa di Padula and the town of Teggiano.
The Certosa—or Charterhouse—is a Carthusian monastery boasting beautiful gardens, frescoed ceilings and walls, and some of the most ornate and painstaking cut-marble floors we've ever seen. Plus, it has this absolutely wonderful spiral staircase resembling a conch, and another much more grand sweeping staircase outside. I know what you're thinking, going all the way there for some staircases and gardens? Not at all! The Certosa di Padula is also home to the world's largest cloisters.
But if we're being honest, it's so much more than that. If I had to described it, I'd say it stands as a sort of temple to "what once was". A place of silence, a place of incredible wealth and power, and a place of community. And if you're in the area, it's well worth the visit.
For more information about the Certosa, you can check out their website: https://certosadipadula.org/
And if you're looking for a guided tour, you can check out Guida Turistica's website where she offers guided tours all over the Cilento and Campania—including the Certosa!
If you're looking to book a hotel near the Certosa di San Lorenzo di Padula, we recommend the hotels below
Villa Cosilinum in the medieval town of Padula Expedia | Booking
Grand Hotel Certosa just steps from the Certosa itself Expedia | Booking
Ca' del Conte - Maison de Charme in the valley of Padula Expedia | Booking
These hotel links are affiliate links, and while we don't represent any of the companies listed, we do receive a small commission, which goes towards supporting Only A Bag. We appreciate your support!
If you'd like to support us, but you don't have the time to hunt down all of the affiliate links scattered across the website, a listener suggested (thank you!) putting them all in one place, so we have! Head over to www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts!
If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com.
Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel
Off the Beaten Path: Where Escher Meets Dalí in Castle Form
2026/03/13
We're continuing the theme of "Architectural Madness" in this episode as part of our second installment of our Off the Beaten Path series. Today we're talking about La Scarzuola, a castle-like sculpture garden and architectural complex in Umbria.
If you'd like to visit La Scarzuola, you can make reservations and read more about it at lascarzuola.com.
If you're looking to stay in a small town near La Scarzuola, we recommend these hotels:
Hotel Vannucci in Città della Pieve Expedia | Booking
Ca' de' Principi in Piegaro Expedia | Booking
If you're looking to book a hotel in Orvieto, we recommend these hotels which are all located in the city center:
Hotel Virgilio - Expedia | Booking
Palazzo Piccolomini - Expedia | Booking
Hotel Corso - Expedia | Booking
If you're looking to book a hotel in Perugia, we recommend the hotels below:
Locanda della Posta Boutique Hotel - on the main street of the historic center - Expedia | Booking
Hotel Fortuna - just off the main street in the historic center - Expedia | Booking
Hotel Priori Secret Garden - in the historic center near shops and a local pastry shop - Expedia | Booking
These hotel links are affiliate links, and while we don't represent any of the companies listed, we do receive a small commission, which goes towards supporting Only A Bag. We appreciate your support!
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts!
If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com or on Instagram.
Want to help the podcast? You can check out all of our affiliate links here! If you book through any of them, we receive a small commission, and it helps to keep us going!
You can also donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com to keep the podcast going! As always, thank you all so much for listening.
x Darcy and Nathaniel
Only A Bag
Off the Beaten Path: A Blend of Styles in Emilia-Romagna
2026/03/11
It's our second installment of our Off the Beaten Path series and in this episode we're talking about Architectural Madness. In particular, the Rocchetta Mattei. A fever dream mash-up of Moorish, Italian Art Nouveau, and Medieval styles in a 19th century mountaintop castle between Bologna and Florence.
What started out as a dream and a sanatorium became a life-long project, and then a second life-long project.
As mentioned in the episode, Rocchetta Mattei is reachable from Florence and Bologna, perfect for a day-trip if you've already knocked a lot off the rest of your list.
If you’re looking to book a hotel in Florence, we recommend the three below:
FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli: -well-situated, traditional and luxuriously cozy- Expedia | Booking
Albergo Firenze: -incredible location, 24hr front desk- Expedia | Booking
Hotel La Scaletta Al Ponte Vecchio: -other side of the river, bright, open, with a terrace overlooking the city of Florence- Expedia | Booking
If you're looking to book a hotel in Bologna, we recommend the hotels below:
Hotel Metropolitan -upscale, in the city center - Expedia | Booking
Hotel Panorama - budget option in the city center - Expedia | Booking
Starhotels Excelsior - near the train station - Expedia | Booking
These hotel links are affiliate links, and while we don’t represent any of the companies listed, we do receive a small commission if you book a hotel through any of the links.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts!
If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com or on Instagram.
Want to help the podcast? You can check out all of our affiliate links here! If you book through any of them, we receive a small commission, and it helps to keep us going!
You can also donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com to keep the podcast going! As always, thank you all so much for listening.
x Darcy and Nathaniel
Only A Bag
Podcast reviews
Read Only A Bag - An Italy Travel Podcast podcast reviews
Prof. Livingston 2026/03/07
Authentic, Fresh, informative
I appreciate Darcy & Nathaniel’s podcasts for their fresh, authentic, impromptu yet very informative format. Love the respect they show each other! In...
Pattycaker62 2025/08/20
Very helpful and entertaining!
I’ve been listening to this podcast since we started planning our trip to Rome. We learned a great deal of information that helped us on our trip. I’m...
Yllusc 2025/08/01
Wow
Wow, what a find of a podcast! I thought I was following all the great Italian podcasts, but I'm so glad I found this one.
Keep up the good work.
Task user 2025/07/16
Informative and Relevant
Your content is spot on. I also focus my travels on hidden gems and where less tourists go. Just returned from Cilento and your episode was super help...
beccaohk 2025/07/13
Love it!
Very helpful and informative! Not your typical recommendations and tips. Love it please keep them coming!
Annie Davenport 2025/04/22
Fabulous & Valuable Info!
I’m headed to Italy next month, and am also just fascinated with the country. This podcast covered so many points of confusion for me but also provide...
Traveleurope25 2025/03/13
Excellent Italy podcast
I like traveling and listening to travel podcasts. This podcast is great because they offer deep and unique information about Italian cities and exper...
Jessica S P 2025/03/06
Great Italian travel podcast!
This podcast has been integral to planning my first trip to Italy. And they mean it when they say to message them with questions- I did and they
resp...
Kallie2327 2025/01/26
Very helpful and interesting
I found this podcast before a trip to Rome and I loved all the episodes especially how to order coffee. Now I am thinking about moving to Italy so enj...
CLP-2023 2024/12/13
Very informative
I found this podcast extremely helpful prior to my trip to Florence and Rome. I like that they offer affordable recommendations on where to eat for yo...
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