Planning a trip to Italy in August? You’ve probably heard the rumours: everything closes, everyone leaves, and you’ll be stuck in a ghost town.

In this episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I break down what really happens in August. What closes, what stays open, and how to plan around it without stress.

We’ll talk about:

– Why do so many Italians take time off in August – What “chiuso per ferie” really means – How closures vary by region and town size – Tips for finding food, shopping, and transport

Whether you’re coming for the beach, the cities, or the quiet countryside, this episode will help you feel prepared—and avoid surprises.

Resources:

• Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip
• Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy
• Italy Travel Guide
• Find out where to stay in Italy
• Discover things to do in Italy

Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.

Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.

Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.

Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!

Italy’s history isn’t frozen in time. It’s still being uncovered, layer by layer. In this episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I’m sharing some of the most exciting archaeological finds made this year across the country.

From a perfectly preserved Etruscan tomb to a newly revealed Greek gymnasium in Sicily and life-sized Dionysus frescoes in Pompeii, these discoveries are helping us rethink what we know about ancient Italy.

You’ll also learn:

– Why the Iron Age matters

– How Greek and Etruscan cultures shaped Roman life

– Why these finds should still excite you—even if you can't visit them in person

Whether you’re already in Italy or just planning your dream trip, this episode will give you a deeper sense of what’s beneath your feet—and why it still matters today.

Resources:

• Read: Ancient ruins and sites in Italy
• Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip
• Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy
• Italy Travel Guide
• Find out where to stay in Italy
• Discover things to do in Italy

Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.

Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.

Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.

Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!

From carving names into ancient ruins to jumping into fountains, some tourists are giving Italy a bad name—and facing real consequences.

In this episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I’m talking about the worst tourist behaviour making headlines this summer—and how to avoid becoming part of the problem.

You’ll hear: – Real examples of tourists behaving badly in Italy – Why it’s more than just “harmless fun” – How to show respect for Italy’s culture, people, and past – Easy ways to be a more thoughtful traveller

If you care about travelling well—and making a good impression—this one’s for you.

Resources:

• Read the CNN post about tourists misbehaving
• Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip
• Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy
• Italy Travel Guide
• Find out where to stay in Italy
• Discover things to do in Italy

Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.

Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.

Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.

Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!

Strikes in Italy are as common as gelato in summer, but that doesn’t mean your trip has to fall apart.

In this episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I break down what you need to know about strikes (scioperi), how to spot them before they happen, and what to do if one affects your plans.

You’ll learn: – Why do strikes happen in Italy – How to find out about them in advance – What services still run during a strike – How to stay calm and adjust your plans like a pro

Whether it’s your first time in Italy or your fifth, this episode will help you stay flexible, informed and one step ahead.

Resources:

- Italian Ministry of Transportation strike schedule

- Tranitalia guaranteed train service during a strike info

- Strikes in Italy post

• Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip
• Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy
• Italy Travel Guide
• Find out where to stay in Italy
• Discover things to do in Italy

Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.

Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.

Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.

Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!

Subscribe to Amongst Romans for more practical tips and cultural insights all summer long.

It’s hot. Really hot. If you’re travelling to Italy in July or August, you’ll need more than sunscreen and wishful thinking.

In this first episode of Italian Summer Shorts, I’m sharing real-world tips for beating the heat. You’ll learn:

– What to expect from Italy’s summer weather

– How to plan your day around the hottest hours

– Where to find free water, shade and air conditioning

– What to wear to stay cool and blend in

This quick episode will help you avoid heat exhaustion and make the most of your summer trip, without melting in the process.

Subscribe to Amongst Romans for a new summer short every week.

• Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip
• Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy
• Italy Travel Guide
• Find out where to stay in Italy
• Discover things to do in Italy

Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.

Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.

Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.

Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!

Ciao from Italy!

Welcome to Italian Summer Shorts—a special mini-series from Amongst Romans to help you travel smarter, deeper and cooler in Italy this summer.

We've decided to create this special summer edition of the podcast to help you plan your trip to Italy. It's been a hot one, and we're not just talking about the heat. Over the next few weeks, you'll hear about:

– Real-time tips for surviving the heat and travel chaos – Quick cultural insights and stories from across Italy – News, discoveries, and things locals are actually talking about

Episodes are 15–20 minutes max, perfect for listening while you’re packing, commuting, or sitting under a shady umbrella somewhere in Italy.

Whether you're already in Italy or dreaming about your next trip, these shorts will keep you inspired, informed and travel-ready all summer long.

🎧 Subscribe, download, and join me for a new episode every week—only on Amongst Romans.

• Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip
• Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy
• Italy Travel Guide
• Find out where to stay in Italy
• Discover things to do in Italy

Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.

Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.

Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.

Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!

Did you know that a third of Shakespeare’s plays are set in Italy? In this episode, we explore the real-life Italian cities behind the Bard’s most iconic works. From fair Verona to the canals of Venice, we’ll visit the spots where love, betrayal, and tragedy unfolded—and discover what you can still see today.

• Read the post: Shakespeare's play set in Italy
• Read the post: Travel like 007: James Bond Filming Locations
• Read the post: Truly, Madly Venice: Guide to Italy's Water City
• Read the post: Unlocking the Secrets of Florence
• Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip
• Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy
• Italy Travel Guide
• Find out where to stay in Italy
• Discover things to do in Italy

Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.

Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.

Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.

Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!

Visiting Rome for the first time? While the Vatican Museums are a must-see, there's so much more to explore. In this episode, I’m sharing seven incredible museums that will take you deeper into ancient history, Renaissance art, and hidden treasures beyond the usual tourist stops.

From the world’s first public museum to a Renaissance palace filled with masterpieces, these spots will give you a richer understanding of Rome’s artistic and cultural legacy. Whether you love sculpture, frescoes, or grand aristocratic palaces, there’s something here for you.

• Best museums in Rome
• Visiting Capitoline Museums in Rome
• Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip
• Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy
• Italy Travel Guide
• Find out where to stay in Italy
• Discover things to do in Italy

Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.

Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.

Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.

Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!