In the premiere episode of Cassandra Lena Santoro and Laura Thayer's podcast, Rediscover Italy, the hosts share how they obtained over 15 years of Italian lifestyle knowledge and why they're ready to share it with you.

Starting back in 2020, Cassandra and Laura realized that now more than ever Italian travel needs a rebirth. This is the time to get back to the basics and remember why we fell in love with this beautiful country. From meeting locals to getting a taste of the local culture and food, they are ready to bring you on a journey to revisit, relive, and rediscover the Italy we have grown to love.

You will also receive a recap of the travel tips, insider knowledge, and local stories that they have in store for you in coming episodes.

This is just the beginning of a turning point in travel, Italian life, and ourselves. And Cassandra and Laura are ready to bring you on that journey!

"Where is the best place to live in Italy?" Or "How can I travel Italy like a local?" These are the kind of questions both hosts have been asked over the past decade of living, working, and traveling throughout the country.

Cassandra is a dual citizen and travel planner who has visited all 20 Regions of Italy. Laura, also a dual citizen is a professional travel writer and guidebook author who is a long-term resident of the Amalfi Coast. Both women have different experiences and stories as to how and why their paths led to this beautiful country.

For those looking for travel tips, you will also find valuable information in this week's show. Including suggestions for exploring Italy as a local, ideas for year-round activities, and festivals from north to south that you do not want to miss! And of course, no radio show about Italy would come without the mention of specialty food and drinks.

In this episode, Cassandra and Laura discuss simple ways to stay connected and immerse yourself in the Italian culture. Whether you are traveling Italy or dreaming from afar there is always a way to connect on a personal and more meaningful level.

The hosts share some of the people, cities and sites that have made them feel one with the country. And how well-known authors Frances Mayes, Ondine Cohane and Nicky Pellegrino; New York City pizzaioli, and even those in the world of music such as Andrea Bocelli and Davide Napoleone have inspired them to embrace the Italian culture in a different way than before.

You do not have to live in the country or be of Italian heritage to be one with Italy. It is only about creating a connection that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Cassandra's Travel Planning Company: https://www.travelitalianstyle.com/

Laura's Amalfi Coast Guidebook: https://www.moon.com/titles/laura-thayer/moon-amalfi-coast/9781640490369/