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‘Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy’ Makes For a (Mostly) Charming Tour: TV Review

An otherwise charming, luxurious trip through Italy's best food gets off to a strange start.

By Caroline Framke

Caroline Framke

Chief TV Critic

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“ Stanley Tucci : Searching For Italy” opens with the actor striding down a bustling Naples street in a perfectly tailored summer suit, dodging Italians on Vespas and scanning the sidewalks for his next delicious meal. It’s exactly the picturesque scenario you might expect and want from a travel series hosted by Tucci, an extraordinarily charming presence who knows and loves Italian food, judging by his demonstrated knowledge on the show and excellent 2012 cookbook, a compendium of beloved Italian classics simply titled “The Tucci Cookbook.” And yet, the first words Tucci speaks on his new CNN travel show are words of reassurance to explain the fact that this episode was filmed during the summer of 2020, mere months after COVID-19 devastated Italy beyond measure.

“It’s hard to believe that just a few months ago the first wave of COVID-19 had emptied the streets of Naples, and Italy was in lockdown,” Tucci’s opening voiceover muses. “Thankfully, I’ve arrived during a brief moment of normality: restaurants are open and masks are not required outside. We’ll be sticking to the local rules.” And with that, Tucci moves right along to sing the city’s praises with only a few masked encounters and occasional elbow bumps to remind the audience of the fraught time period in which he’s visiting.

Launching “Searching For Italy” with this episode is an extremely confusing choice, and not just because we now know that this apparent “moment of normality” didn’t last. Four of the show’s six episodes were filmed in the fall of 2019, months before the pandemic hit. Only two episodes — this premiere in Naples and a future chapter in Bologna — were filmed in 2020. Not every series has to air in the order it was filmed to make sense, but in this exceptional case, treating an enormous event such as a pandemic like an inconvenient asterisk does a disservice to both the show and the country it covers. It also feels like a missed opportunity from a narrative perspective. “Searching For Italy” spends much of its time detailing the country’s rich restaurant culture and how important gathering to eat is for Italian families overall. If Tucci and company were determined to go back to Italy in 2020, months after they wrapped shooting their initial episodes, why not seize the moment to speak more specifically to how the pandemic disrupted those traditions and examine how the country had to adjust? That might have meant finding a different Italy than the show was originally searching for, but it at least could have justified the visit.

This bizarre initial decision is made even more frustrating by the fact that the series is otherwise very smart and endearing. The second episode to air, for example, will see Tucci exploring Rome, a city too often dismissed as mere tourist bait. But Tucci makes an effort to seek out its less obvious spots and meals, including four signature Roman pasta dishes and a fascinating detour into the inventive ways Italian chefs have transformed offal, or all the organs and bits of gristly meat that poorer Italians learned to work into delicacies. In one particularly good segment, Tucci visits a Jewish chef who grew up in a ghettoized section of Rome and only narrowly escaped the Nazis as a child. Now, she runs a restaurant specializing in artichoke hearts, an ingredient long left to the city’s poorer Jewish community. When she gives Tucci her own version of a fried artichoke, its leaves miraculously splayed in the shape of a shining sun, his face lights up as he declares it the best artichoke heart he’s ever had.

In a later episode, Tucci returns to Tuscany, the city his family once called home and which quickly changed the trajectory of his own life. Tucci’s comfort in Italy and palpable love for its culture is genuinely infectious — not just for those he meets and charms along the way, but for this viewer, too. And in the all important test of how voraciously a travel show host actually eats the food on offer, Tucci passes with flying colors, happily engulfing every bite with vigor.

Without being able to travel to Italy anytime soon, it’s a sincere pleasure to spend some time there vicariously through a host as game and genial as Tucci. Should he ever decide to expand his tour of the country and actually unravel its thorny new reality instead of glossing over it, it would probably make for even more fascinating, revealing television. But in the meantime, he invites us to join him for some good conversation over thick twirls of pasta, bright panzanellas, lavish cuts of meat and glimmering glasses of wine — an offer that’s ultimately just too good to refuse.

“ Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy ” premieres Sunday, Feb. 14 at 9 pm on CNN.

• Production: Executive producers: Adam Hawkins, Eve Kay, Stanley Tucci, Amy Entelis and Lyle Gamm.
• Cast: Stanley Tucci

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Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

Stanley Tucci travels across Italy to discover the secrets and delights of the country's regional cuisines. Stanley Tucci travels across Italy to discover the secrets and delights of the country's regional cuisines. Stanley Tucci travels across Italy to discover the secrets and delights of the country's regional cuisines.

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Husband and wife, Anthony and Denise Campopiano are Italian dual-citizens, both having roots in the province of Caserta in the Campania region of Italy. They currently reside in Nashville, Tennessee near their three adult sons Gian, Dante, and Derek, their daughter-in-love Laura, and their three grandsons Nolan, Julian, and Roman.

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Marissa grew up in an Italian-American household in Johnston, Rhode Island. She was raised in a community that celebrated their Italian heritage, from weekly Sunday pasta dinners at her grandmother’s house to using animated hand gestures to communicate.

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Italy captured her heart on her initial visit in 2017, and she joined the Italy With Bella team in 2024 hoping to share her passion with others. When she is not traveling with her husband or creating itineraries, Laura likes to stay active through running, rowing, weight training, and soccer.

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DREAM OF ITALY: TRAVEL, TRANSFORM AND THRIVE to air on PBS12 on June 8th at 7 p.m. along with a chance to win a dream trip for two to Italy

Program guests Including Sting & Trudie Styler, Francis Ford Coppola and Frances Mayes Join Host Kathy McCabe to Explore the Transformative Power of Italy

Denver (June 7, 2021) – Denver, CO – Dream of Italy will return to PBS12 on Tuesday, June 8 with the special Dream of Italy: Travel, Transform and Thrive along with the chance to win an easy-level bike tour for two to Southern Italy, from Tourissimo. Hosted by Kathy McCabe, the special showcases the transformative power and magnificent beauty of Italy with guests Sting & Trudie Styler, Francis Ford Coppola, Under the Tuscan Sun author Frances Mayes, best-selling financial author David Bach, retiree Sally Carrocino and interior designer Arlene Antoinette Gibbs. Italian-American actor Joe Mantegna joins McCabe as the co-host for the pledge breaks which will help raise funds for public television.

McCabe explores the 11 essential elements of the Italian lifestyle – the land, food, family, art & culture, beauty, pace of life, passion, movement, community, celebrations, and sense of home through the stories of how Italy has changed the lives of each of her guests, all who are full or part-time expats living in Italy.

Combining the star power of the guests with the nearly indescribable magnetism and enchantment of Italy, the special teaches the audience to live better, the Italian way. From the deep social connections to the healthy lifestyle of the Mediterranean diet, the Italian lifestyle is the perfect antidote to this past year.

“I know that just one trip to Italy can be completely life-changing because that’s what happened to me,” said McCabe. “Traveling to Italy can change how you live at home, how you see the world and even what you do for a living – look at me! Dream of Italy: Travel, Transform and Thrive is both a ticket to Italy and permission to make positive changes in our lives. While we meet people from all walks of life, including celebrities, you do not need to be wealthy or famous to live your own Dream of Italy .”

McCabe serves as the host and executive producer of the special Dream of Italy: Travel, Transform and Thrive. The special is distributed by American Public Television and is underwritten by DeCecco, Monteverdi Tuscany, VIETRI, ItalyAncestry.com and Seeds From Italy. The special will repeat on PBS12 on Saturday, June 12 at 5:30 a.m.

Enter to win an easy level bike tour for two of southern Italy from our friends at Tourissimo. You will spend 8 days and 7 nights in magical Puglia, a stunning region that stretches along the heel of Italy and in neighboring Basilicata. The region is filled with stone-walled farms and vineyards and giant olive trees and produces some of Italy’s best food and wine and olive oil! You will also ride into neighboring Basilicata home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera, an ancient cave city. This tour with accommodations is worth more than $8000. Visit PBS12.org/TriptoItaly  and you might be living the dream cycling through Italy in October 2022! Airfare is not included in this prize.

“ Dream of Italy is the perfect solution for our curious, adventurous audience who not only dream of travel and faraway places, but can now think about visiting” said Shari Bernson, Director of Development. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to offer this Trip to Italy giveaway! We hope you’ll register to win! Grazie!”

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Stanley tucci going back to italy after nat geo signs up former cnn host.

'Tucci — The Heart of Italy,' was announced by Nat Geo one year after CNN canceled his travel food series 'Searching for Italy.'

By Alex Weprin

Alex Weprin

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Exactly one year after CNN canceled his popular travel food series Stanley Tucci : Searching for Italy , the actor will hit the Autostrade once more, this time for National Geographic.

The Disney-owned nonfiction content company has ordered a new 10-part docuseries called Tucci — The Heart of Italy . The series bears a striking similarity to his late CNN series, following Tucci “as he unlocks the distinct flavors that define each region and discovers the rich versatility of Italy through those he meets along the journey.”

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“National Geographic is all about adventure and exploration, and I am honored to take viewers once again to explore Italy through the lens of food,” said Tucci in a statement. “In Italy’s many distinct regions there is always something new to discover and I’m more than excited to begin the process in partnership with BBC Studios.”  

Searching for Italy was one of CNN’s most successful original series, garnering two straight Primetime Emmy Awards. It was canceled as part of a larger pullback at the CNN Originals unit under then-CEO Chris Licht. Licht, of course, would be ousted himself six months later.

A source close to Tucci noted at the time that the actor could seek to shop the series — or a similar series — elsewhere.

Searching for Italy was the first travel food show on CNN since the death of Parts Unknown host Anthony Bourdain in 2018.

“What he did is open the doors to all of us who were interested in food, and travel, to explore in our own ways,” Tucci told THR ahead of that show’s debut in 2021. “He was, and still is, and always will be, a hero of mine. He was an extraordinary writer, a nice person, and a great explorer of the human condition through food.”

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7 Best New Travel Shows You Can Stream Right Now

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Most avid travelers experienced a decline in their favorite hobby last year. But exciting adventures, new cuisine, and beautiful landscapes are still accessible to us all via our favorite travel shows. Explore the world from the comfort of your couch with these travel shows you can stream right now.

1. Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy

Hulu, cnn on demand.

Take a guided tour of Italy with host Stanley Tucci as he travels from Naples to Rome, sampling cuisine and learning about Italian history and culture along the way. The Devil Wears Prada and Hunger Games actor takes on a new role as host, telling personal stories as he is joined by his wife and friends. Inspired by his own Italian heritage, Tucci is so passionate about his journey through the country and the food that he’s tasting, viewers will feel like they’re on the Amalfi Coast themselves. Season one is currently airing on CNN and available on Hulu . A second season has already been planned for 2022.

2. Down To Earth With Zac Efron

While Zac Efron’s adventure show may not be the ultimate in high-brow entertainment, the High School Musical star’s charisma and enthusiasm make Down to Earth an incredibly fun watch. The actor, joined by wellness guru Darin Olien, travels the globe, attempting to learn about sustainability and the environment. He also samples local cuisines and shamelessly indulges in the local tourist activities. All of season one is available now on Netflix, and filming for a second season has already begun.

3. Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted

Watch Gordon Ramsay travel the world, learning old-world methods of cooking from locals, in his new food-based travel show on Disney + . In Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted , viewers experience the chef abandoning his reputation as a loud, hyper-critical judge. Instead, he spends his time learning new techniques and trying new food, incredibly excited to be there and impressed by every meal he tries. Each episode features a new location and new group of welcoming locals excited to share the history of their food. There are two seasons available already, with season three set to air in mid-2021.

4. Our Planet

Narrated by David Attenborough, Netflix’s Our Planet offers an in-depth exploration of the world’s habitats, focusing on the effects of climate change and global warming. While the thesis of the documentary is science-based, the creators’ clear passion for nature shines through. The visuals are absolutely breathtaking, and the show itself is self-reflective and inspirational. With footage from 50 countries, episodes cover jungles, deserts, forests, and virtually every landscape imaginable, virtually guaranteeing a deep dive into any viewer’s favorite destination.

5. Taste The Nation With Padma Lakshmi

Explore the United States with Food Network personality Padma Lakshmi as she seeks to understand the connection between U.S. food and U.S. culture. Every episode features a different American city, where Lakshmi meets with immigrants from around the world, seeking to understand how the diversity of the country’s chefs has shaped what we define as American cuisine. This one-season series is a moving, emotional exploration of culture, heritage, and identity, available for streaming on Hulu .

6. Long Way Up

Reunited for their third joint travel adventure show, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman go on an ambitious motorcycle ride in Apple TV’s Long Way Up . Starting in Ushuaia, a city at the tip of South America, the two friends ride for more than 100 days and 13,000 miles, crossing borders and country lines, making their way into Argentina, Chile, and Peru, all the way up to Central America and Mexico. Fans of Long Way Round and Long Way Down will love this third installment, all of which is available for streaming.

7. Street Food

For another food-based travel show, try Netflix’s Street Food , and its two available seasons, Street Food: Asia and Street Food: Latin America . Each episode takes place in a different city, with interviews of three to four street food chefs and their featured dishes. This show takes a deep dive not only into the cuisine, but primarily into the people who make it, emphasizing the journey of the individual cooks. The featured dishes are often region-specific and emblematic of the conditions and circumstances of both the city and the chef. The show focuses on the vendors’ backstories, teaching viewers about local poverty, history, culture, and identity.

These are just a starting point; there are a lot more shows out there worth a look. All you have to do is go on a surf vacation from the comfort of your couch.

Editor’s Note: Can’t get enough virtual travel? Jordan Palmer has more on Beeyonder , the new travel company created so anyone can travel the world.

Greg Robertson has worked as an editor and writer for some of the top newspapers and websites in the country, leading him to live all across the country. He now calls Las Vegas home, but has journeyed from the sunshine of California and the rain in Seattle, to the humidity of Arkansas and the snow of Minnesota. His travels have taken him to Puerto Vallarta, Costa Rica, Spain, and the Dominican Republic, but he's happiest at home with his wife, two daughters, and dog.

Danielle Oteri

Danielle Oteri is a respected Italy travel expert. Previous clients have praised her attention to detail, personalized approach, Italian culture and cuisine expertise, and passion for making history come to life.

Danielle attended graduate school in Italy and worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for over a decade. Her writing has been published by BBC Travel , Condè Nast Traveler, Giadzy , Gothamist ,  The Paris Review , and the UK Independent . Danielle also writes a Substack newsletter about Italy called  Tante Belle Cose.

Danielle is available for one-on-one travel consultations via Zoom. She splits her time between New York and the Cilento where her Italian relatives can host you as well at Borgo La Pietraia.

Our small team team works collaboratively to design bespoke itineraries that deliver experiences not available on the mass tourism market. We believe the greatest luxury in Italy is authenticity, and we specialize in experiences.

Arianna Scariati is the mastermind in Italy who makes dreams a reality and acts as the guardian angel behind the scenes of each one of our bespoke itineraries.

Jennifer Federico works between New York and Italy, with her careful, attentive eye overlooking our itineraries.

We have an outstanding network of guides in every region of Italy who are not just experts in their field, but wonderful people who will share with you the soul of Italy. 

Our Clients

Our clients seek a meaningful experience in Italy, not a checklist one, filled with interactions with food, wine, history, and culture.

They are intentional and thoughtful and want to immerse themselves in Italian culture while having a fun and relaxing vacation. They want a mix of famous sites paired with more authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences that aren't available in the mass tourism market. 

Our clients include budget travelers and those who regularly travel at the 5-star level. 

Have questions? Get in touch.

[email protected]

917-881-3918

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Volunteer and work in Italy - low cost travel abroad - Workaway

Here at Workaway you will find 500+ hosts and organisations for volunteer work in Italy. Low cost travel without having to pay expensive agency fees.

  Italy

Travel to regions in Italy

Pescara, L'Aquila

• Aosta Valley   (15)

Bari, Taranto, Foggia, Lecce, Barletta, Brindisi

Reggio di Calabria, Catanzaro, Crotone, Vibo Valentia

Naples, Salerno, Caserta, Benevento

• Emilia–Romagna   (223)
• Friuli–Venezia Giulia   (51)

Rome, Civitavecchia

• Lombardy   (334)
• Piedmont   (305)
• Sardinia   (136)

Palermo, Catania, Messina, Siracusa, Ragusa, Marsala

• Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol   (105)
• Tuscany   (500+)

Verona, Venice, Treviso

Last minute volunteer opportunities

Here you will find 86 last minute opportunities for volunteering in Italy from Hosts that have indicated that they require help immediately.

Latest from our community in Italy

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Feedback from Workaway members

There are 13160 reviews for 500+ Hosts and organizations in Italy. 500+ Hosts in Italy were rated at least 4.9/5!

Stefano was an amazing host, the day to day was exactly as described in the profile and the place is even more beautiful in real life! I stayed 2 week...

read more...

by Pol , 9 Apr 2024

(English below) Siamo giunti alla fine del nostro soggiorno di un anno a Pisa e abbiamo solo parole di gratitudine per Francesca e Gabriele. Siamo mo...

by Erica & Franco , 9 Apr 2024

We spent 2 amazing weeks last August with Stefano and Eleonora in Valchiusella, Italy. Their home is near the small village of Rueglio, located north ...

by Tamara & Márió , 9 Apr 2024

I had a nice 7 days with the monks and devotees of the Goloka Ecofarm. Pontinvrea is a quaint, quiet mountain village with two direct daily bus runs t...

by Joseph , 8 Apr 2024

Mark was our first Workaway and we couldn't have imagined a better first experience. We stayed for 1 week in his very nice apartment located just abo...

by Louise & Batiste , 8 Apr 2024

Registering as a Host

Registering as a host with workaway.info is completely free of charge.

Workaway.info has been set up to promote and encourage exchange and learning. Hosts on Workaway should be interested in cultural exchange and sharing experiences. They should be able to provide a welcoming friendly environment for visitors as well as offering accommodation and food.

Workaway benefits

Popular Hosts and organizations in Italy

Family (500+), individual (145), farmstay (128), sustainable project (41), community (34), house sitting (17), animal welfare (16).

From the restaurants in Rome to the majestic Mediterranean Islands - it's no wonder Italy is visited by nearly 75 million people every year. But here's the secret: beyond the tourist hotspots lies a very different Italy waiting to be discovered.

From the olive groves of Tuscan farms to the crystal clear coastline of Sardinia, if you’re ready to unveil a more meaningful connection with this Mediterranean gem - listen up!

Why just be a tourist when you can become a part of Italy's story? Volunteering in Italy isn't just an opportunity to taste La Dolce Vita – it's a chance to make a difference in a way you'll never forget.

Reasons to Volunteer in Italy

You will never be hungry Volunteering is one of the best ways to help travel through your tastebuds and there’s no arguing Italy offers some of the best food in the entire world. Tuscany is a foodie haven in particular, famed for its hearty meats, world renowned olive oil and delicious bread and cheese.

Northern Italy is known for its rich dishes such as creamy risottos and hearty stews whereas central Italy is home to classics like pasta and rustic soups. Southern Italy is more influenced by Mediterranean flavours as well as the beloved pizza, pasta and fresh seafood. You’re guaranteed to leave with a full heart and a full stomach.

Head Off The Beaten Track There are parts of Italy seriously struggling with mass tourism. For example the chain of charming little villages known as Cinque Terre is home to fewer than 4,000 locals. Yet in 2022 as many as 3 million people visited here. Venice is also struggling with a dwindling local population as over tourism threatens its World Heritage Status.

Whether you’re travelling Europe on a budget , or simply want to escape the crowds, volunteering in Italy is one of the best ways to head off the beaten track and avoid contributing to this problem. Instead enjoy an authentic, slower paced side of the country. You’ll be rewarded with a deeper connection to the local culture and a unique adventure unlike anyone else's.

Language Learning If you plan on travelling the world as a language teacher , Workaway is one of the best ways to do it. Volunteering in Italy guarantees total immersion which will have you learning Italian in record breaking time, while sharing your language skills with the communities that need it most.

Island life While Italy’s boot-shaped mainland has no shortage of incredible destinations, there are over 400 islands within the country’s borders ready to be explored! The islands are famous for their black sand beaches and dramatic landscapes carved by volcanic activity.

While Capri and Panarea are renowned as holiday destinations for the rich and famous, there are others that offer more rustic charm well worth visiting from Sicily and Sardinia which are the largest in the entire Mediterranean, to the tiny pastel-painted paradise of Procida that’s only two square miles.

Regional Highlights of Italy

Whether you want to ski in The Dolomites, or sip your way around Tuscany’s vineyards, you could say Italy offers all kinds of adventure. The country is divided into 20 administrative regions, including 5 autonomous regions which are Sicily, Sardinia, Aosta Valley, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol.

Autonomous regions simply mean they have slightly more control over local laws and how funds are spent in comparison to the other regions. This is to preserve these region’s unique cultural and linguistic differences.

You can filter your host results by each region to help plan your volunteering adventure in Italy:

Nestled between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, Abruzzo offers something for all kinds of travellers. Hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those looking to escape the crowds will appreciate Gran Sasso National Park, where hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching are popular. Additionally, wine lovers can appreciate local Montepulciano wines, and history buffs can explore the region's charming mediaeval towns, such as L'Aquila. Best of all we have over 50 hosts in the region waiting for you!

Aosta Valley

From mediaeval castles to Mont Blanc and Matterhorn, there is SO much to love about Aosta Valley. The region is a haven for winter sport enthusiasts as well as foodies (you cannot leave without trying the famous fondue!) The majority of hosts here are in search of volunteers passionate about English practice so if you’re a language teacher with an adventurous spirit, this is the region for you.

For those in search of more tranquillity than adrenaline, the "heel" of Italy, Apulia offers the perfect mix of coastline, culture and culinary delights. Enjoy the unique architecture in Alberobello, the Baroque beauty of Lecce, and some of Italy's most delicious pasta dishes. With 162 hosts in this region alone, it could not be easier to live like a local in Apulia.

Basilicata offers a quieter, more authentic Italian experience, perfect for volunteers who crave a crowd free trip to immerse themselves in local culture. History fans can unearth the beauty of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage city with ancient cave dwellings while nature enthusiasts may prefer the tranquillity of the Pollino National Park. As the largest national park in Italy, it’s also one of the largest in Europe.

If you’re big on sand and sea, Calabria will be your sort of vibe. Better yet, it is the country’s least visited region with many locals nicknaming it “the wild Italy '' due to its untouched landscapes and lack of tourists. You can expect some of Italy's most beautiful beaches along the 800km of coastline.This also means you’ll find it's the perfect destination for volunteers interested in marine conservation or even surfing . Calabria is home to some of the best surf spots in Italy especially in Capo Rizzuto or Tropea!

Campania is steeped in history and home to iconic sites such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Naples. Dream of sailing or boating with Workaway? This region is where you can find the Amalfi Coast, a paradise with snorkelers and home to the island of Capri. Then indulge in the region’s famous Neapolitan pizza, fresh seafood, and limoncello before adventuring to the cliffside villages like Positano and Ravello.

Emilia–Romagna

While any region in Italy will do wonders for your waistline, the Emilia–Romagna region in particular is a foodie paradise. If you crave authentic Italian cuisine, this region is known for Parmigiano-Reggiano, Balsamic vinegar, and delicious pasta. As a tip, homestays in this region are the best way to not only eat authentic Italian food, but learn how to cook it too! To work off those carbs, explore the beautiful art in Bologna and the seaside charm of Rimini. This region offers experiences for all backgrounds - fortunately we have over 200 hosts here to show you around!

Friuli–Venezia Giulia

Wine fans and outdoor enthusiasts - this is your region! Sample world-class white wines in Friuli. Sail and windsurf on the Adriatic, explore Grotta Gigante (the world's largest tourist cave) as well as the beauty of the Julian Alps. If you’re travelling as a couple , this is a particularly romantic region - popular for its picturesque towns and charming vibes.

Lazio is home to Rome, the capital of Italy and a wealth of iconic landmarks including the Colosseum, the Vatican City, and the Roman Forum. Or switch the city for a slower pace of life in the charming towns and villages like Tivoli, go hiking in the Apennine Mountains, or explore the Alban Hills and Castelli Romani. Best of all, who needs a tour guide when you have over 260 hosts in the Lazio region alone!

Thanks to Liguria's stunning Mediterranean coastline, it is one of the more touristy regions. It’s where you’ll find the colourful villages of Cinque Terre hugging the coastline as well as some of the best fresh seafood, pesto sauce and authentic Italian dishes. Whether you want an adventurous escape filled with sailing, diving and windsurfing or a relaxing retreat enjoying the quaint fishing villages, Liguria is home to 162 Workaway hosts ready to show you around.

Fashionistas flock to Milan, for its high-end shopping, iconic street style and world famous fashion weeks. However there is so much more to this region! It features stunning lakes, including Lake Como and Lake Maggiore which means picturesque landscapes and outdoor activities like boating and hiking won’t be hard to find. It’s also one of the most popular regions in Italy, but you can skip the crowds (and tourist prices!) by living like a local instead. With over 330 hosts in the region alone, it could not be easier to head off the beaten track and discover what the guidebooks don’t tell you.

From exploring the Frasassi Caves to paragliding in the Sibillini Mountains, you’ll find adventure easily in Marche. Alternatively unwind with the regional wines like Verdicchio or indulge in the delicious local dishes such as porchetta (roast pork) and Vincisgrassi (a type of lasagna.) The region also boasts over 100 hosts offering all kinds of volunteer experiences from hostels to homeschooling.

Molise is the perfect region for those who want to head off the beaten track as it’s one of the least visited regions in Italy. For example, more than 3.6 million tourists visited Tuscany last year, but only 20,000 went to Molise in comparison. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and unhurried pace of life in the historic towns of Isernia, Campobasso and Termoli.

Picturesque Piedmont is textbook “Italian” - rolling hills are dotted with vineyards, pristine lakes are surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the capital city of Turin looks straight out of a fairytale. It is also a haven for foodie fans as you’ll find white truffle (and its annual festival) as well as walnuts, chestnuts, hazelnuts and homemade cheeses in abundance. We have over 300 hosts in Piedmont many of who are seeking support in organic farming, permaculture and off grid living.

From demanding hikes to incredible surf spots, it’s no wonder Sardinia is a super popular region of Italy. The majority of visitors flock to the island’s mesmerising beaches, particularly along Costa Smeralda (which happens to also be the most expensive area on the island). But there is so much more to enjoy! Art fans will love the mural town of Orgosolo covered in colourful street art, hikers should head for Gola di Gorropu (often nicknamed Italy’s Grand Canyon) and beach lovers will adore Cala Brandinchi a beach lined with cool pine forest on one side, turquoise waters on the other. Best of all, with over 120 hosts on the island, it couldn’t be easier to experience real Sardinia from a local’s perspective.

As the largest island in the Mediterranean, it's no surprise there is so much to see and do in Sicily. Originally dominated by the Greeks, the island was passed on to the Romans and then the European powers during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. This means nowadays, Sicily is a treasure trove of history, with ancient Greek temples in Agrigento, Roman mosaics in Villa Romana del Casale, and the historic cities of Palermo and Syracuse.

The island is known for landmarks like The Valley of Temples and Mount Etna as well as its heavenly sandy beaches, delicious wine and incredible cuisine like arancini, cannoli, and seafood specialties. You could spend months here and never be bored so it's a good job we have over 400 hosts dotted all over the island!

Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol

This mountainous northern region offers thrilling winter sports as well as tranquil hiking trails. It’s also home to the Dolomites - an epic mountain range with 18 peaks that rise above 3,000metres high! You’ll notice a blend of Italian and Austrian influences, evident in the architecture, culture, and cuisine. This also makes it a great region for volunteer language teachers as many locals are also native German speakers. This means there is a demand for German, Italian and English teachers.

Some would say it’s the picturesque vineyards and enchanting cities like Florence, Siena, and Pisa, that make Tuscany Italy’s second most popular region. Others would argue it’s the food that entices the crowds. The region is renowned for its simple yet flavorful cuisine, featuring dishes like ribollita (a hearty vegetable and bread soup), pappa al pomodoro (tomato and bread soup), and bistecca alla fiorentina (a thick T-bone steak).

But there are still some hidden gems to be discovered like the paradise beaches of Elba (the largest island of the Tuscan archipelago), the hot springs of Bagni San Filippo and the World Heritage Site of Val D’Orcia. Did we mention we have over 500 hosts in Tuscany ? From house sitting to community projects you’ll have no problem finding your perfect project!

Often nicknamed the "Green Heart of Italy" , Umbria is known for its emerald hills and vineyards as far as the eye can see. If you crave a peaceful escape, this is the region for you. As you may guess agriculture is a massive industry here, with the region renowned for tobacco, vineyards and olive oil. This makes it the perfect place for foodies and farm volunteers alike.

From wine tasting to wakeboarding, you’ll then have no shortage of ways to spend your free time. If you choose to stay with one of our 120+ hosts in Umbria , don’t forget to visit Assisi, with its Basilica of St. Francis, a significant pilgrimage site and Italy’s fourth largest lake, Trasimeno as well as the peaceful villages of Spello and Trevi.

Saving the busiest region until last, Veneto stretches from the beautiful beaches of the Adriatic Sea to the snow-capped summits of the Dolomites. It is home to Venice, the "City of Canals" which is the region’s capital and one of the most visited destinations in the entire country. You can’t visit Veneto without a trip to Italy’s largest lake - Lake Garda - with charming towns such as Lazise, Torri del Benaco, and Malcesine dotted around its shores. If you’re feeling romantic, head to Verona - where the story of Romeo and Juliet takes place. As a bonus, it’s also the birthplace of prosecco and tiramisu - do you need any more reasons to visit!?

Volunteering in Italy

Now you’re clued up on Italy’s regions, let’s plan your volunteering adventure. Why have yet another beach holiday when you can be part of an unforgettable cultural exchange? Switch sitting on an overpriced gondola in Venice for a tractor in Tuscany. Instead of the crazy crowds of Cinque Terre, surround yourself with the stunning countryside of Umbria. By joining Workaway , you’ll discover the real Italy is so much more than Rome and Ravioli!

As the world’s leading community for volunteering and cultural exchange, Workaway is the perfect platform to connect with locals in Italy. Whether you are a solo backpacker trying to find a travel buddy , recently retired or setting off on a grown up gap year – we can help you find your perfect host. Best of all, you can join as a solo traveller, as a couple, or even as a family! In exchange for a few hours of work each day, your host will usually provide free accommodation and meals. Mamma Mia indeed!

How to Find the Perfect Host in Italy

As well as searching by region, use your skills and interests as keywords in the search box to find your dream host in Italy. Whether you’re enticed by the beaches of Sardinia, dream of sailing the Amalfi Coast or hiking your way through the Dolomites – your perfect host is literally a few clicks away.

Best of all, when you join Workaway you are not limited to one project or region. For a small membership fee you have access to over 50,000 volunteer opportunities across 170 countries. After Italy, why not head over the border? To the north, the Alps separate Italy from France , Switzerland , Austria , and Slovenia - best of all we have hosts in each of these countries too!

Making a Difference in Italy

Although we’ve mentioned a few opportunities in the regions above, here is a brief overview of the type of volunteering projects that are particularly popular in Italy:

What’s more rewarding than indulging in Italy’s incredible cuisine? Learning how to grow it! From olives in Puglia to the famous oranges and lemons of Sicily, San Marzano tomatoes to Veneto’s vineyards - there are so many ways you can learn about the farming processes behind your favourite foods in Italy.

DIY/Restoration

Handy with a hammer? Perfect! From maintaining traditional trulli in Puglia to restoring a 16th century farmhouse in Tuscany - there are so many restoration and DIY projects that need your help. Renovation and repair skills are some of the best skills you can learn before your next Workaway as there is always a demand for volunteers within these areas. From fence painting to furniture upcycling, plumbing to plastering - there are so many ways you can lend a hand and help protect Italy’s heritage one beautiful building at a time.

Social Impact

Social impact volunteer work is all about creating positive change in communities and empowering those in need. From working with children and youth NGOs to education and women's empowerment projects, there are endless opportunities to give back to the world (although, it is vital we all learn how to give back the right way! ) These projects are not only rewarding but also allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture, and make meaningful connections with locals .

Language Teacher

As mentioned, there are 5 autonomous regions in Italy with the goal of preserving each region’s unique cultural and linguistic differences. While volunteering anywhere in Italy will help you learn the language fast , these regions are particularly special if you want to further your language learning or teaching experience. Each region speaks Italian but a large percentage of its population also speak another language. For example:

• Friuli-Venezia Giulia – While the official language is Italian, Friulian is spoken almost everywhere. You may also hear the Venetian language, the Triestine dialect, and some Slovenian dialects spoken in parts of this region.
• Sardinia – The official language is Italian, with Sardu spoken by almost everyone. However, you may also pick up other dialects such as Algherese, Gallurese, and Sassarese.
• Sicily – Expect Sicilian to be spoken by almost everyone.
• Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol – The official languages are both Italian and German. However a small percentage of the population can also speak one (or more) of three dialects: Ladin, Mòcheno and Cimbrian.
• Val d’Aosta – The official languages are Italian and French (known as Aostan French), with nearly 60% of the population also speaking a regional dialect: Valdotain.

You may have guessed by now but Italy is a dream destination for foodies . Whether you’re an aspiring chef, dream of a career in nutrition or simply want to learn more about farm to table, it’s an excellent location to volunteer as your skills and knowledge of authentic Italian cuisine could help boost your CV .

Not Forgetting…

From bee keeping to boating, marketing to music - there are SO many types of volunteering and ways to get involved with Workaway. While we pride ourselves on being a cultural exchange, Workaway is also a great way to boost your CV , learn a new language and make friends all over the world . With over three thousand hosts in Italy alone, there are so many ways you can share your time and make a difference while enjoying this epic destination.

Hopefully you now agree that Italy is as irresistible as gelato on a hot Summer day. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the bustling streets of Rome, there’s a place and project to suit all kinds of people.

Combine the Mediterranean sun, the incredible cuisine and warm Italian hospitality with a sprinkling of parmesan and you have the perfect recipe for a truly special volunteering experience. We promise it will be *chef’s kiss*

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Celebrating Italy in the Off Season

By CNT Editors

The delights of Italy are universal: clinking Negronis in Rome , spinning a Riva through Venice ’s Grand Canal, island-hopping off the shores of Sicily , all interlaced with hefty doses of wine, mozzarella, and art. It’s this limitless allure that has travelers from all over the world descend on the boot with near insatiable fervency, and often all at the same time—at least that’s how it can feel when trying to claim an inch of the Amalfi’s rocky beachfront in July. But in arriving en masse, travelers risk muting the very thing they come to enjoy: the essence of the place, as conjured by the lifestyle that Italians pull off with aplomb.

As such, we are stealing a page out of the playbook of one of our favorite Italian tastemakers, stylist and writer Gianluca Longo, and declaring the off season the new season . These months, usually between September and April, are when the locals reclaim the corners of their country, and move more easily in their daily rhythms. In other words, it is when the most local version of Italy comes alive.

This isn’t just about skipping the crowds. Crucially, it is knowing that the Amalfi coast has extensive hiking trails and vineyards that harvest in autumn, and that Taormina, Sicily’s clogged-all-August resort town, is simply magic at Christmas, and that Lake Como’s foliage in November rivals that of New England’s. Seasonal destinations don’t just go poof! and disappear when the temperatures drop, but are dimensional, with year-round appeal, and the locals will tell you as much. So, we contacted top tastemakers in many of Italy’s most heavily touristed areas to tell us what they love most about their hometowns in less-visited times of the year. And if you need any more convincing, we gathered our top specialists—who know how to connect travelers to a place better than anyone—to share their own tips for pulling it off. Read on to start planning your trip to Italy in the off season. —Erin Florio and Maddalena Fossati

Restaurateur Francesco Panella’s Guide to Eating Your Way Through Rome in Fall

"I like places that are not famous. I'm used to gourmet restaurants, but places like Cesare al Pellegrino —a small 25-seater in Piazza Farnese—reassure me. I often stop at Roscioli's . If they're full, I eat on a stool. That’s how close we are; we've known each other since we were kids. I arrive and ask, ‘Me dai da mangià (Can you give me something to eat)’?" Read more here .

Florence Comes Alive in Fall, According to Italy Segreta Founder Marina Cacciapuoti

"I love weekend walks outside the city center when the air is cold, and you feel the literal and metaphorical warmth of a countryside restaurant upon entering it. The winter light is clearer, starker, and crisper. Maybe we appreciate it more just because the days are shorter and the weather colder, but the sunsets really do turn the sky the brightest pink. On some days, the visibility is so great that the Ponte Vecchio—seen from the Ponte della Trinita—looks like a painting with the hills extending infinitely behind it." Read more here .

How Artist Alessandro Florio Spends Winters in Taormina, Sicily

"Our climate is great year-round, and getting to enjoy the weather without the crowds is a perk. One captivating place is Casa Cuseni, an early 20th-century villa built by Robert Kitson, an English painter who moved to Sicily for love. It’s now a house museum with a delightful bed & breakfast, a wonderful place where some of the most important 20th-century intellectuals and artists stayed, such as Dalì and the futurist Giacomo Balla." Read more here .

Why Portofino Is Best in September, According to Filmmaker Francesco Carrozini

"When I stroll through the square, I can take my time chatting with the vendors. In August they are too busy for that. A favorite spot is Bar Jolly, where I’ll chat with the owner, Mauro, for hours. This place is wonderful—it channels 1950s Riviera with old-school stripes and wood lacquered tables. In August, there is so much glitz that passes through Portofino but in September that’s all gone and the place starts to feel timeless again." Read more here .

The Romance of Como in the Colder Months, According to Hotelier Valentina De Santis

"At this time of year, you either get crisp days when you can almost reach out and touch the opposite shore or romantic mornings when what we call la bruma—a kind of winter mist—rises off the water and everything is hazy and indistinct. You also get the most incredible sunrises and sunsets, and I love to go for long walks with family and friends in the chestnut woods. We always come home with bagfuls of chestnuts. Then begins the fun of roasting them." Read more here .

How Style Editor Gianluca Longo Spends Fall in Puglia

“For me, off-season travel is all about being able to actually connect with locals. One October, I was swimming in Porto Badisco, one of my favorite coves. I noticed these two older women with perfect hair on the shore with their foldable chairs. They were digging into a lasagne. I couldn’t resist chatting to them with the sneaky hope they would offer me a bite. And they did! Plus they had cold beers! We were there alone, just the three of us, chatting together for half the day.” Read more here .

Springtime in Venice Is Unbeatable, According to Author Alberto Toso Fei

“You can take a lesson in Venetian-style rowing along the city's smaller canals. If it's open, go to the island Lazzaretto Nuovo to see where preventive quarantine was developed in the 15th century. Or visit a few historic artisan workshops. Venice has very long traditions of glassmaking, goldsmithing, beadwork, textiles, mosaics, and boat building. In short, one can get into a different mood and tune into the city and its rhythm by finding ways to talk to those who live there.” Read more here .

Le Sirenuse's Aldo Sersale's Winter Guide to the Amalfi Coast

"Many small towns and villages celebrate their patron saints or local products with events that attract both residents and visitors curious to experience the Amalfi Coast like a local. For example, for the Sagra della Zeppola, a festival on Positano's Spiaggia Grande beach in late December, locals prepare the typical frittelle (deep-fried dough), pasta e fagioli, broccoli and sausage paninis, and pizza." Read more here .

How to Do Italy in the Off Season, According to Travel Specialists

“It’s a little bit of a local secret that fall proper is the best season in the Dolomites . Not only is there the changing of the seasons and the colors, but also a sensation of quiet that the locals find very welcome after what was likely a busy summer and early fall. They are keen to promote this time to visitors—over the years, I’ve been told by owners and general managers of hotels that this really is the best time to be here, you’re sharing the paths with fewer people and the air quality is amazing."

Lead editors: Erin Florio, Maddalena Fossati, Arati Menon, Sarah Allard

Editors: Sarah James, Sara Magro

Adaptation: Jaclyn DeGiorgio

Visuals: Andrea Edelman, Sophie Knight, Pallavi Kumar

Lead social media: Mercedes Bleth

Supporting social media: Lucy Bruton, Kayla Brock

Audience development: Abigail Malbon, Amber Port

Production: Erika Owen

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Learn Travel Italian Blog

Learn italian free advanced italian language blogs, cultural notes, and italian recipes.

Travel Italy: Italian Hosts and their Guests

  Follow   Caterina and read about Italian hosts and their guests  in  Italy in   the  Conversational Italian for Travelers series of books! The   Conversational Italian for Travelers  textbook begins each chapter with a dialogue from a story about the character Caterina, an American girl who travels to Italy to visit her relatives. As the story continues from one chapter to the next, we learn Italian, and about Italy, in an engaging way through Caterina’s experiences.

Italian Hosts and their Guests 

Italian hosts are found throughout Italy, as a multitude of tourists from all countries of the world visit the bustling cities,  ancient mountain towns and stunning seaside resorts that Italy is known for.  And, Italian hospitality is well-known to those who visit Italy.  Italian hosts  in family restaurants or shops even invite guests in with the exclamation, “Benvenuti!” “Welcome all!”

In our story, Caterina is a guest at the house of her Italian cousin Pietro and his wife Francesca.  She counts herself lucky to have family to visit in Italy, and her visit is in turn celebrated by her Italian hosts.  A warm, “welcome-home” dinner is planned upon her arrival and she is able to relax and visit with her cousins, grandmother and nephew on the first night of her Italian vacation.

Feel free to listen in on Caterina and her relatives on the day of her arrival to her cousin Pietro’s house with our FREE audio dialogue from “Chapter 7 – A Family Reunion” on  www.LearnTravelItalian.com .

The Cultural Note below, adapted from the    textbook found on Amazon.com, Conversational Italian for Travelers,  gives some general guidelines about the Italian one needs to know to talk about celebrations in Italy and address Italian hosts and their guests. —Kathryn Occhipinti

Italian Cultural Note:   Italian Hosts and their Guests

Several Italian words are commonly used to refer to hosts and their guests that sound very much like their English counterparts.  But, beware!  Despite similar pronunciation, the meaning of these words in Italian is often different from the English definition.  Here are short but important explanations to clarify these issues.

Let’s start with an Italian word we already know: l’hostess.  In Chapter 1 of our Conversational Italian for Travelers textbook , we learned that this word means stewardess and that a man working the same job is referred to as lo steward.

The word l’hostess does not have any other meaning in Italian, other than stewardess.  So, other Italian words must be substituted for the English word hostess (a woman who has invited others to a gathering or party or to stay in her home).

L’ospite can be used to refer to the hostess of a party in Italy.  However, l’ospite is also commonly used to refer to the guest!

Several common phrases can be used to clarify the situation…

For a hostess or host who has invited people into their home, the titles “la padrona di casa” or “il padrone di casa” are used.

For a party given outside the home, you can use the phrase, “la persona che invita” to refer to both a female or male host.   It should be noted here that, although persona is a feminine word in Italian, it refers to all human beings, male and female; the plural would be le persone, of course!

To refer to an organizer/coordinator of an event or party, use, “ l’organizzatore/l’organizzatrice della festa.”

Below is a table that summarizes these points:

Here are some phrases to that refer to the type of celebration you may be invited to while in Italy by your Italian friends. If you stay in Italy long enough, you are sure to run into a street fair or parade on a feast day, or a wedding or other holiday celebration.  “ Buon divertimento!”   “ Have a good time!”

—Adapted from Conversational Italian for Travelers , “Vocabulary—Hosts and their Guests,” by Kathryn Occhipinti

Kathryn Occhipinti, MD, is the author of the Conversational Italian for Travelers   series of books and a teacher of  Italian for travelers to Italy in the Peoria and Chicago area. “Everything you need to know to enjoy your visit to Italy!”

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More information on and photographs of Italy can be found on Facebook Stella Lucente Italian   and Pinterest Stella Lucente Italian . Facebook Stella Lucente Italian Pinterest Stella Lucente Italian

Visit   learntravelitalian.com/download.html  to purchase/download  Conversational Italian for Travelers  and find more interesting facts and helpful hints about getting around Italy!   Learn how to buy train tickets online, how to make international and local telephone calls, and how to decipher Italian coffee names and restaurant menus, all while gaining the basic understanding of Italian that you will need to know to communicate easily and effectively while in Italy. —From the staff at Stella Lucente, LLC

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