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10 TV Shows About Italy To Watch Before Your Trip

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I don’t know about your home country but in the UK, every minor celebrity seems to have their own travel TV shows about Italy. Inevitably, at least one episode features this B-list personality strolling down cobbled streets in a straw hat slurping pasta and sipping chianti. And who could blame them?!

There aren’t just lots of travel shows about Italy focusing on food or culture either. Some of the best Italian shows on Netflix, for example, are dramas set amongst the crowds of Florence or vineyards outside Venice.

If you’re visiting Italy soon, you will no doubt want to seek out as many awesome films and shows about Italy as you can!

Check out these blog posts for recommendations of movies set in Venice , Rome , Sicily , and the rest of Italy .

But if you are specifically looking for a mix of travel shows and TV shows set in Italy, you’re in the right place! Here are some of the best options. There’s a slight UK bias but you should be able to source most of these recommendations wherever you are.

List of TV Shows About Italy: Travel Shows and More

1. travel man: 48 hours in….

English | 11 Seasons (so far) | 30-60m | Watch on Channel 4

• Season 2, Episode 6: Venice with Jo Brand
• Season 3, Episode 4:  Naples with Jack Dee
• Season 3, Episode 5:  Florence with Rebel Wilson
• Season 5, Episode 1:  Rome with Matt Lucas
• Season 7, Episode 4:  Milan with Morgana Robinson

Let’s start with not just one of the best Italy travel shows, but one of my favourite travel shows of all time. Presented by Richard Ayoade since 2015 with Joe Lycett taking over in 2021,  Travel Man  usually focuses on easy weekend city break destinations from the UK.

The presenter goes on a weekend break with a famous guest, usually a comedian/comic actor, and they have a lovely time.

So far, the show has covered many major Italian cities with direct flights from the UK. They still have Palermo, Catania, Turin, Verona, Genoa, Palermo, Bari, and Bologna plus some others yet to cover so we don’t have to rule out more Italian content in the future!

All episodes are free to watch on Channel 4  in the UK and some of the series are on  Netflix  for international audiences.

2. From Scratch 

English, Italian | 8 Episodes | 60m | Watch on Netflix  

Although it didn’t get the love it deserved when first released at the end of 2022, this limited series is one of the best Italian shows on Netflix . 

From Scratch  is a show based on the memoir by Tembi Locke (also incredible). She’s an American who studies abroad for a year in Florence where she meets her future husband, who is a chef from Sicily . However, once they return to the US to live together, illness and family tensions seek to tear them apart.

I must warn you that the last few episodes are unbelievably sad (you’ll be ugly crying throughout). But it displays incredible scenery from both Tuscany and Sicily as well as lots of Italian cooking!

3. Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

English, Italian | 2 Seasons (so far) | 60m | Watch on BBC iPlayer

Hands down,  this  is one of the most popular Italian TV shows if not  the  most popular Italy travel show of all time.

Tucci, who speaks Italian and has Italian heritage on both sides of his family, is on a quest to explore all 20 regions in Italy. He’s deep diving into the dishes, flavours, wines, and heart of everywhere from Bolzano to Basilicata.

So far, he’s covered: Campania, Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardia, Tuscany, Sicily, Veneto, Piedmont, Calabria, Sardinia, Puglia, and Liguria. Unfortunately, CNN cancelled the show after two seasons in 2022 but Tucci has promised to continue without them. Watch this space!

4. The White Lotus

English | 2 Seasons (so far) | 60m | Watch on Amazon Prime

The White Lotus  was a HUGE hit when HBO released season one in 2021. It’s a drama set in a hotel of the same name in Maui where one of the characters ends up dead. Since it’s an anthology show, season two was transplanted to another White Lotus hotel with an almost entirely new cast in Taormina , Sicily . 

It’s absolutely one of the most popular TV shows set in Italy in recent years. And the best part is, you don’t really need to watch the first season to understand this one! Although you really should, they’re both incredible television shows.

Season two will make you want to stay in a five-star hotel, until you look at the room rates, of course. Luckily, there are tons of gorgeous agriturismos and villas in Sicily you can book instead.

5. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

English | 12 Seasons | 60m | Watch on Amazon Prime

• Season 2, Episode 6:  Sicily
• Season 8, Episode 10:  Rome
• Season 10, Episode 8:  Southern Italy

Anthony Bourdain was the master of food and travel TV shows. I always end up watching at least one episode from one of his shows before travelling anywhere, because he seems to have travelled  everywhere .

You can’t help but learn something you didn’t expect from Anthony Bourdain. In his landmark series Parts Unknown he shows Italy, and all of the places he travels to, in a different light than 99.9% of travel TV series in Italy.

It’s a real shame he didn’t shoot more episodes in Italy but it’s understandable that he didn’t since this country is well-traversed terrain. The show is called Parts Unknown , after all!

Anthony Bourdain has two other travel food shows,  No Reservations  and  The Layover , with episodes set in Italy. These shows and Parts Unknown  often appear on Netflix, so watch out for them the next time you are searching for Netflix Italian TV shows.

6. Somebody Feed Phil (+ I’ll Have What Phil’s Having)

English | 6 Seasons/Limited Series | 45-60m | Watch on Netflix | Watch on Amazon Prime

• Season 2, Episode 1:  Venice
• ( Season 1, Episode 2:  Italy)

The Anti-Bourdain (in a good way!), Phil Rosenthal is an affable presenter who will inspire you to eat all of the things and travel to all of the places. While making lighthearted ‘my wife’ jokes, feeding the crew, and making his loved ones back in the US jealous of his treats, of course.

Somebody Feed Phil is one of the best TV shows in Venice I’ve ever watched. During my trip to Venice in April 2023, I visited almost all the places suggested during his episode! As a Netflix Original, it’s one of the top Italian TV shows on Netflix too.

If you weren’t aware,  Somebody Feed Phil  started out as a PBS show called  I’ll Have What Phil’s Having . You used to be able to watch every episode for free on YouTube but sadly, it’s been taken down.

I’m still mentioning it as the Italy episode was perfect and you can still access it through Amazon Prime in some countries.

7. Francesco’s Italy: Top to Toe

English, Italian | 4 Episodes | 60m | Watch Free on YouTube

One of the more random entries on this list, I literally searched ‘Italy’ in BBC iPlayer before my trip to Rome in June 2018 and found this travel show from 2006. Francesco da Mosto is a Venetian architect who drives his Alpha Romeo Spider across Italy, from the north to the south. 

This TV show is super helpful if you’re planning a trip but you’re not sure  where to go in Italy . It covers the entire country!

Just some of the things I learned about from watching this Italy TV programme were more about the Fiat car, the British Aristocracy’s history in Tuscany, and the poverty of Sicily. British actress Dame Maggie Smith even makes an appearance!

Even though it’s no longer on BBC iPlayer, you can play all four episodes for free on YouTube.

8. The Trip to Italy

English | 6 Episodes | 30m | Watch on Amazon Prime

I still don’t understand the  The Trip… format. There have been four seasons so far (2010’s  The Trip  set in the Lake District, 2014’s  The Trip to Italy , 2017’s  The Trip to Spain  and 2020’s  The Trip to Greece ). 

But then these series are re-released as films? Plus, the premise is that comedic British actors Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan visit restaurants in these places to ‘review’ them for a newspaper column, which is fake.

They even play fictionalised versions of themselves featuring kids they don’t have in real life. Is this what  Made in Chelsea  is like?!

Regardless, it’s still a fun TV series set in Italy. They follow in the footsteps of the British romantic poets and visit lots of places from Capri to Piedmont .

Although you can watch it through Amazon Prime , this is another show that often hits Netflix .

Read next: 27 Best Movies About Greece (& Ancient Greece): A Big Fat List

9. Everybody Loves Raymond

English | 9 Seasons | 30m | Watch on Channel 4

• Season 5, Episodes 1&2: Italy

Yes, I’m including the two episodes of the US sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond  that were set in Italy on this list! It’s my list, I can do what I like.

Coincidentally, Phil Rosenthal of  Somebody Feeds Phil  was the creator of  Everybody Loves Raymond  so it all ties together. Ray Romano plays Ray Barone, a family man with three kids living in Long Island, NY with his parents living across the street.

I remember watching  Everybody Loves Raymond  on Channel 4 every morning before school. I used to look forward to the Italy episodes in Rome at the start of season five as they would always make me dream of visiting Italy one day.

In the UK, you can watch every episode for free on Channel 4 but I’m sure you can stream them in other places worldwide.

10. Master of None

English, Italian | 3 Seasons | 30m | Watch on Netflix

• Season 2, Episode 1: The Thief
• Season 2, Episode 2:  Le Nozze

Raise your hand, who wants to take a break from your life to be a pasta-making apprentice for three months? Oh, and you also get to live in the gorgeous city of Modena, Italy ? Me too, my friend. Me too…

Master of None  is mostly set in New York but the first two episodes of season two are in Italy. There are homages to Italian neorealist film  The Bicycle Thief  and it’s so wanderlust-inducing that it has to be one of the top Italian Netflix shows.

Other TV Shows About Italy: A Taste of Italy  (2021),  Alex Polizzi’s Secret Italy (2014),  Alex Polizzi’s Italian Islands  (2016),  We Are Who We Are  (2020),  Luna Nera  (2020),  My Brilliant Friend ,  Hotel Portofino  (2022)

TV Shows About Italy: That’s a Wrap!

Have you watched any of these TV shows set in Italy? Do you have any more recommendations for TV shows about Italy? Let me know in the comments below! 

22 Amazing Films set in Italy to Inspire you to Visit

Hey! I wrote this. And I'm the human (and hair) behind Almost Ginger. I live for visiting filming locations, attending top film festivals and binge-watching travel inspiring films. I'm here to inspire you to do the same! Get in touch by leaving a comment or contacting me directly: [email protected] .

3 thoughts on “ 10 TV Shows About Italy To Watch Before Your Trip ”

Pingback: Best Travel Shows Italy — I Live Italy

“Somebody Feed Phil” on Netflix is an amazing show if food is also important during the trip. The show contains 22 cities on different continents, and Venice and Modena (Italy) was also beautifully represented. Apparently a new season is also coming. Philip Rosenthal is the creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond”.

Hey Coenraad! Yes, I LOVE Somebody Feed Phil!! I wrote this guide back in the spring of 2018 so I hadn’t heard of him then…

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Best Italian TV series on Netflix & Amazon Prime to watch now!

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: September 20, 2022

Discover the best Italian series on Netflix and Amazon Prime for 2022 and beyond

Are you looking for the best Italian shows on Netflix and Amazon Prime? I have you covered! In this article, you will find binge-worthy Italian TV series on Netflix to watch now.

Whether you are looking for some travel inspiration for Italy , have an interest in Italian culture or trying to learn Italian these Netflix Italian series will fit the bill!

In this article, you will find the best Italian TV shows on Netflix with information included about where in Italy they were filmed (the perfect inspiration for your next visit to this beautiful country)

Get ready for these ultimate binge-worthy Italian Netflix and Amazon Prime series!

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Roman Empire

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The Young Montalbano

Looking for other tv series or films to watch on netflix or amazon prime, italian shows on netflix and amazon prime to watch today.

Although not in Italian this epic series follows the turbulent, violent reigns of Commodus, Julius Caesar and Caligula.

This series is a mix of documentary and historical drama and is based on the historical events of the Roman Empire.

Each season tells a different story – Season One is about Emperor Commodus, season two Julius Caesar and season three is about Emperor Caligula.

Genre – Historical interest/Documentary

Seasons – 3 (15 episodes in total)

• Season One – Commodus: Reign of Blood consists of 6 episodes.
• Season Two – Julius Ceasar: Master of Rome consists of 5 episodes
• Season Three – Caligula: The Mad Emperor consists of 4 episodes.

Starring – Sean Bean narrates season 1 with Steve West taking over in seasons 2/3.

Where in Italy – Set in Ancient Rome

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In this Italian TV show a battle ensues between the Vatican, corrupt politicians and organised crime following an argument over land in a seaside town near Rome.

Three main characters dominate the series – Aureliano Adami and Alberto Anacleti are both gang members but from different groups while Gabriele Marchilli is the son of a local cop.

The series is based on the 2015 film Suburra which was inspired by the novel written by Giancarlo De Cataldo and Carlo Bonini (also called Suberra) and was the first Netflix Italian language original series.

There are a total of 24 episodes over 3 seasons.

Genre – Action/Crime

Seasons – 3 (2017/2019/2020)

Starring – Alessandro Borghi, Giacomo Ferrara, Filippo Nigro

Where in Italy – Rome

Set in 17th-century Italy this fantasy drama follows a teenager (Ade) who learns about her destiny among a family of witches.

Anyone showing signs of witchcraft is persecuted by a group called the Benandanti. Ade falls in love with the son of the leader of the Benandanti and must hide her emerging powers.

This series has received a mixed bag of reviews – check it out and judge for yourself!

Genre – Drama/fantasy

Seasons – 1 season with 6 episodes. Season 2 is expected sometime in 2021 – watch this space!

Starring – Antonia Fotaras, Giorgio Belli, Gloria Carovana

Where in Italy – 17th century Italy

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Follow the lives of 4 citizens who through their courage, sense of civic duty and ultimate sacrifice helped to transform Italian society.

Genre – Crime TV / Italian Drama Series

Seasons – 1 season (4 episodes)

• Episode 1 – Walking Tall
• Episode 2 – Justice on my father’s death
• Episode 3 – Standing for my land
• Episode 4 – A Brave Choice

Starring – Giorgio Tirabassi,Marco Bocci,Cristiana Capotondi

Where in Italy – Palermo, Salento and Sicily

Drama involving an investigation following a crime that could involve all of the main characters.

With many twists and turns this drama series is a good choice for fans of murder mysteries and crime thrillers.

Genre – Drama

Seasons – 1 season in 8 parts

Starring – Vittoria Puccini, Francesco Scianna, Camilla Filippi

Where in Italy – Set in Mantova

A veteran detective and rookie team up to investigate a string of murders across Rome.

The series has received overwhelmingly positive reviews.

Genre – Crime TV drama

Seasons – 2 – 2018/20 (24 episodes)

Starring – Claudio Amendola, Miguel Gobbo Diaz

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In this Italian TV show two teen girls from a wealthy part of Rome end up living double lives after becoming involved in the city’s underworld.

Genre – Teen TV show

Seasons – 3

Starring – Bernadetta Porcaroli

Follow Juventus on and off the pitch in this Italian TV show as they attempt to win the Italian and Champions Leagues in Europe.

Genre – Sports Documentary

Seasons – 2

Starring – Juventus football team!

Where in Italy – Turin

A woman who returns to her home town after 17 years disappears mysteriously one night leaving her children to her family legacy.

Genre – Supernatural/Horror

Seasons – 1

Starring – Valeria Bilello,Luca Lionello,Federico Russo

Where in Italy – In the South Tyrol of northern Italy on the border with Austria and Switzerland.

Detective Montalbano

Based on the novels of famous Italian crime writer Andrea Camilleri the series follow the life of Italian Detective Salvo Montalbano as he deals with murder, corruption and more in his work on the island of Sicily.

Genre – Drama/Suspense

S easons – 15 (37 episodes)

Starring – Luca Zingaretti, Peppino Mazzotta, Angelo Russo 

Where in Italy – Sicily

The prequel to the Detective Montalbano series set in the beautiful Sicilian (fictional) town of Vigata.

Set in the early 1990s we meet the young Montalbano at the beginning of his career.

Genre – Suspense

Seasons – 2 (12 episodes)

Starring – Michele Riondino, Alessio Vassallo

Where in Italy – Vigata, Sicily

If you are looking for more travel inspiration or language learning opportunities you may enjoy these articles:

• Best Danish TV series on Netflix and Amazon Prime
• Best French TV series on Netflix and Amazon Prime
• Best French movies to watch on Netflix and Amazon Prime
• Best Australian TV series on Netflix
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• Binge-worthy German TV series on Netflix
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• 15 best Scandinavian & Nordic Noir Netflix series you can’t miss
• Best travel documentaries on Netflix to inspire your travels
• Italian movies not to miss on Netflix
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If you enjoy travel reading you may like to check out my best books set in (or about) Italy too!

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Season 1 – Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

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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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The Best Travel Shows to Stream Right Now

Enjoy the thrill of the chase in paris, a stanley tucci tour of italy, and a puppet’s-eye view of global cuisine with these streaming tv shows..

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In “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy,” the actor lives the dream by exploring the best of Italy’s food and wine.

Courtesy of CNN

While we wait for borders to open , these fuel-your-wanderlust shows will take you off the couch to Italy, England, Norway, France, and Peru (by magic shopping cart). Can you tell we’re excited about Michelle Obama’s fantastical new global food show, Waffles and Mochi ? It debuts next week on Netflix. Until then, explore the world from home by streaming any of these 26 travel shows and TV shows set in foreign countries.

Waffles and Mochi

Watch it : Netflix

A Sesame Street –style kids’ TV show for the budding chef, Waffles and Mochi follows the eponymous puppets—one a sweet little monster with waffles for ears, the other a sentient pink rice ball—around the world as they seek out fresh global ingredients and learn about healthy eating and cooking.

This show will appeal to adults as much as to toddlers. To start: Michelle Obama costars (this is part of the Obamas’ production deal with Netflix) as a grocery store owner who teaches Waffles and Mochi about the wide world beyond the Land of Frozen Food. Off on fabulous journeys they go—to Japan, Peru, Italy, where they have friendly encounters with famous chefs like Samin Nosrat and José Andrés, as well as special guests Rashida Jones, Queer Eye ’s Tan France, Zach Galifianakis, Sia, Common, and more (technically, Mandy Moore). Start streaming it on Netflix March 16. —Laura Dannen Redman

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

Watch it : CNN

Actor Stanley Tucci kept spirits afloat with his cocktail and cooking demos on Instagram during lockdown. When travel restrictions lifted in Europe last year, Tucci traveled to Italy—where he has deep roots—to film this six-episode series exploring food and culture through Italy’s people, cities, and regions: Sicily, Tuscany, Milan, Bologna, Rome, and Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

For those desperately missing Italy, Tucci is the perfect knowledgeable yet curious tour guide, introducing his friends—winemakers, chefs, and authors—who he pokes a little fun at, and taking you on tours, such as around Florence’s Renaissance-era wine windows, aka “little doors of paradise.”

If the show leaves you craving more, buy his two Italian cookbooks— The Tucci Table: Cooking with Family and Friends and The Tucci Cookbook— and preorder his memoir, Taste: My Life Through Food . The series has been renewed for season two. — Annie Fitzsimmons

Who is Lupin? He’s a gentleman thief, a master of disguise, a sort of French superhero at the heart of Maurice Leblanc’s short stories, “Arsène Lupin, Gentleman Burglar.” These early 20th-century Sherlockian tales inspire the new Netflix show, Lupin , starring Omar Sy ( The Intouchables ) as a Senegalese immigrant in today’s Paris who follows Arsène’s escapades as a road map for revenge.

In the pilot episode Sy’s Arsène struts through the Louvre disguised as a janitor, plotting a jewelry heist like a cohort of Danny Ocean. Lupin is also full of lust-worthy shots of the city: a room with a view of Sacré-Cœur; the Eiffel Tower from every angle; the Jardin du Luxembourg in the rain; a bustling café. A heist thriller is only as good as its setting, and Lupin —and Paris—deliver. —L.D.R.

“Outlander” stars Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish take you on a spirited journey through Scotland.

Courtesy of Starz

Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham

Watch it : Starz

If the popular period drama Outlander didn’t already have you craving a trip to Scotland, this travel show starring Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser in Outlander ) and Graham McTavish ( Outlander’s Dougal Mackenzie) will seal the deal. Even if you’re not an Outlander devotee, this Scottish duo, who are constantly making jabs at each other and themselves, are ideal guides for this literal campervan road trip through Scotland. Their banter is on point (you can tell they’re good pals IRL), and they transport viewers into the heart and soul of the country without taking themselves too seriously.

Each episode focuses on a different aspect of Scottish culture and history. For the food and drink episode, Heughan and McTavish visit one of Scotland’s oldest whisky distilleries and introduce viewers to Scottish seafood. For the sports episode, they try their hand at archaic Highland Games (aka throwing a massive hammer) and playing golf on Scotland’s most hallowed turf. And for the song and dance episode, viewers learn more about bagpipes and traditional Scottish dancing—Heughan and McTavish are game guinea pigs while also offering insights and knowledge into the theme at hand.

I’m not always big on traditional “travel shows,” but I absolutely love this one and am ready to book my first trip to Scotland ASAP after watching. — Michelle Baran

Watch it : Apple TV

West London’s Richmond upon Thames, with its distinctly British cobblestone shopping alleys, parks, and lively pubs, is the backdrop to the story of very American Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis.

Lasso is an American football coach hired to reboot a Premier League British football team, AFC Richmond. An eternal optimist, Ted is someone you wish you knew—warm and funny, with leadership skills that win over nearly everyone he meets in this fish-out-of-water story.

The Apple TV show isn’t really about sports, though there are plenty of soaring, heart-pumping soccer—football!—scenes. There are love triangles and mishaps, a delightful cast of characters, and the realization that you can do the impossible if you just “Believe,” Ted’s motto. The show has already been renewed for two more seasons. —A.F.

The head of government rides her bike to work: two clues this series isn’t set in the United States. In Copenhagen, everyone rides a bike. Maybe “Danish political drama” doesn’t sound compelling but this is, with a standout cast of well-developed characters. It follows the path of politician Birgitte Nyborg and how demands of her rise to power clash with her family life. Concerns about media news coverage are among the issues making this drama universal. The show, with an 8.5 IMDb rating, originally aired 2010–2013; Netflix plans a fourth season for 2022. — Pat Tompkins

If you’re one of the few who haven’t seen Bridgerton yet (apparently, it’s Netflix’s most successful series ever ), and you miss the U.K., it’s time to settle into Shonda Rhimes’s soapy, steamy Regency-era drama that reimagines the time as one when equality reigns: Black and white people coexist as equals, and the Queen is Black.

It centers on the romance between debutante Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, reluctant Duke of Hastings. Scenic British locations include the Bridgerton family home, Ranger’s House in Greenwich, London; promenades in Bath’s green parks and Royal Crescent; and parties at Wilton House in Salisbury as the Duke’s country mansion. — A.F.

“Killing Eve” sets the codependent cop-and-killer chase in glamorous sites around Europe.

Courtesy of BBC

Killing Eve

Watch it : YouTube TV

When Eve, a British intelligence investigator, becomes obsessed by an assassin-for-hire, Villanelle, their cat-and-mouse chase leads the characters through Tuscany, Paris, London, and Romania. The glamorous destinations make this a bingeable spy thriller for travel lovers who crave dark humor, cliffhangers, and dreamy settings. —Ciera Velarde

Four Weddings and a Funeral

Watch it : Hulu

This 10-episode series from Mindy Kaling is nothing like the movie it takes its name from, except that there are four weddings and one funeral. London has never looked more magical as friends in their thirties fall in love, break up, and get married across rooftop parties in Trafalgar Square, conversations at the National Gallery and inside dreamy Notting Hill houses, and walks in Kew Gardens.

Like its cast, but unlike so many romantic comedies, it also showcases the diversity of the city through Indian family culture in Hounslow and the multicultural Southall Market. It’s completely addictive, and you might replay the final 10 minutes of the series (a wedding, of course!) over and over again. — A.F.

Un Village Francais/A French Village

Watch it : Amazon Prime

Over seven seasons, this series captures what German occupation of a fictional village, Villeneuve, meant for its inhabitants from 1940 to 1945. Instead of battles, we get the war’s impact on civilian life, an impact that affects everyone. It could have been a soap opera, but it’s not, thanks to complex characters and intriguing stories.

Among those in the first episode are Spanish refugees, a Jewish family, and the town doctor, all coping with the sudden upheaval of life in Occupied France. Travel to a different place and time in these 80+ episodes. — P.T.

Home for Christmas

The first Norwegian series from Netflix, Home for Christmas was filmed in Oslo and the small mining town of Røros, known for its colorful wooden buildings from the 1700s. We see the town and countryside dressed for the holidays, with snow, twinkle lights, and cider at Christmas markets aplenty.

But the festive season is just a vehicle for showcasing the complicated bonds of family. The show follows the up-and-down love life and quirky characters surrounding Johanne, a nurse in her thirties who feels pressure from her large, boisterous family to settle down. But what relationship can compete with her friendships? — A.F.

Call My Agent

Calling all francophiles. For those missing not just France but the language and people as well, this French-language Netflix show is génial . Call My Agent is a witty comedy about a Paris-based talent agency. The central cast of characters brings viewers along as they manage the many moods and demands of their high-maintenance actor clients. (They do everything from intervene when clients refuse to get intimate on a film set to help a client learn to drive for a movie role, plus attend ridiculous soirées to appease these high-strung celebs.)

As the series continues, deeper emotional themes around family, friendship, and love develop. I found myself tearing up (in a good way) by the end of the first season, something I wasn’t expecting at all at the start. The comic relief serves as a wonderful escape and there’s something oddly satisfying about seeing behind the scenes of France’s acting and filming world even if it is a fictional look. — M.B.

Indian Matchmaking

This is a reality show, with all its tropes and gimmicks, inviting us to be voyeurs of the Indian dating world. But Indian Matchmaking is also a fascinating glimpse into the culture of matchmaking and quasi-arranged marriages, for both the singles and families. It follows Mumbai-based matchmaker Sima Taparia as she tries to pair clients both in the U.S. and India; the scenes in India are most vibrant and really make the show worth a watch even if you’re skeptical about the premise.

You feel like you’re sitting right next to the characters in that Mumbai restaurant or Delhi bar as they chat with friends or go out on that first (slightly awkward) date with their match. — M.B.

Watch it : HBO Now , Hulu , YouTube TV

If your family is driving you up the wall, imagine self-quarantining with Succession ’s Roy family. This addictive dramedy centers on who will take over a global media and hospitality empire as the family patriarch faces health issues. Because this dysfunctional family is crazy rich, the series transports us to the most exclusive corners of New York City, a sprawling ranch in New Mexico, and even a castle in England. The juicy Season 2 finale takes place on a private yacht in Croatia, so pour yourself some prosecco and lose yourself in someone else’s family drama. —C.V.

Olivia Colman dazzles as Queen Elizabeth in the third season of “The Crown.”

Courtesy of Netflix

Pour yourself a cuppa and don your finest sweatpants, because we’re headed to Buckingham Palace, folks. Well, no filming was actually done in Buckingham Palace, but Lancaster House, Wilton House, and Waddesdon Manor serve as lavish, convincing stand-ins. Get ready to follow the trials and tribulations of the Windsors and get peeks at country-home castles, private train cars, African tree houses, and passels of corgis romping on the moors. —C.V.

Watch it : Hulu , HBO Now

Every time a local musician appears onscreen during this series (and they appear a lot), hearing the soulful jazz they play will transport you to New Orleans. Shot entirely on location in the city, Treme ’s storyline begins three months after Hurricane Katrina and follows its characters—musicians, bartenders, families—as they try to rebuild their lives. —C.V.

Sam Heughan stars in “Outlander,” a drama heavy on time travel and rolling Scottish countryside.

Watch it : Starz , Netflix , YouTube TV

After just one episode of Outlander, you’ll be eager to traverse the peaks of Scotland’s evergreen Highlands and drink a wee dram of whisky. This time-travel series, shot on location in Scotland, creates a fantasy world that feels rooted in a real place. —C.V.

Broadchurch

Watch it : Amazon

South England’s Jurassic Coast is the real-life setting for this moody crime drama set in a fictional seaside town. Millions of years of coastal erosion have formed striking rock formations along the craggy cliffs and beaches of the region—the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage–recognized area even serves as an important plot device. —C.V.

Ugly Delicious

Watch it: Netflix

In each episode of this docuseries, the James Beard Foundation award–winning chef David Chang focuses on a specific food (one episode is about fried rice, another about barbecue) and then bounces from country to country to taste local iterations of the same dish. After the first episode (which involves pizza: lots and lots of pizza), you’ll learn not to watch on an empty stomach. —C.V.

Top of the Lake

Viewers will be instantly hooked by Elisabeth Moss’s performance as a detective investigating the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old girl. The show was filmed on the South Island of New Zealand, and the titular lake provides an eerie and dramatic background for the emotionally heavy show. —C.V.

The action of “The Night Manager” starts in Egypt, but the scenes were actually shot in Marrakesh, Morocco.

Courtesy of Amazon

The Night Manager

Watch it : Amazon Prime Video

Great writing, fast-paced action, and an all-star cast (Tom Hiddleston, Olivia Colman, Hugh Laurie) make this drama unmissable. The story follows a hotel night manager recruited to infiltrate the inner circle of a corrupt businessman. The show is rumored to be the most expensive miniseries ever made by the BBC, and travel-hungry viewers will enjoy the gorgeous locations, like Majorca, Spain; Zermatt, Switzerland; and Marrakesh, Morocco.

Salt Fat Acid Heat

Chef Samin Nosrat visits culinary colleagues in Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Berkeley, California, to explain how—you guessed it—salt, fat, acid, and heat are the essential elements to master when cooking any meal. Samin’s passion for food radiates through the screen, and you’ll be left hungry and inspired to test out some of her cooking tips—with her cookbook by the same name —yourself. —C.V.

If you want to lean into the current news, Fortitude is one way to go. Set in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard (but filmed in Eastern Iceland), this drama is about a deadly virus that turns infected people into murderers. Winter-travel lovers: Get ready for sweeping icy landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and frigid, rocky beaches. —C.V.

“My Brilliant Friend” is a realistic portrayal of the gritty yet beautiful city of Naples.

Photo by Eduardo Castaldo/HBO

My Brilliant Friend

Although this show follows two childhood friends as they grow into women in postwar Italy, the true star is Naples , with its crowded sidewalks, lively piazzas, and ancient architecture. (In the sixth episode, viewers get to travel to the volcanic island of Ischia, to summer with the characters on beaches lapped by turquoise waters). —C.V.

The makers of Our Planet leave no corner of Earth untouched. This breathtaking nature docuseries allows you to swim with whales, swing from tree to tree with orangutans, and explore the Serengeti, all from your couch. The camerawork is remarkable: You’ll ask yourself “how did they even film that?!” at least four times per episode. —C.V.

Big Little Lies

Oh, what we’d give to be social distancing in one of the spacious seaside mansions on this show. The frothy mix of petty neighborhood squabbles, a mysterious death, and the sweeping shots of the Pacific Ocean makes watching Big Little Lies roughly 10 times better than watching the news. And if you’re inspired to plan a trip to Monterey after watching the show (and, of course, after virus concerns are lifted) , we’ve got you covered . —C.V.

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10 Best Documentaries About Italy (For 2024)

• by Jonny Duncan
• January 8, 2024 January 13, 2024

These documentaries about Italy show a land of timeless beauty, rich history, and exquisite culture, which has long captivated the imagination of travellers and history enthusiasts alike.

From the iconic art of Florence to the culinary delights of Rome, and the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the charming villages of the Amalfi Coast, Italy’s diverse and multifaceted allure is a subject that continues to inspire filmmakers and documentarians.

Whether you are a lover of art, history, cuisine, or simply the sheer beauty of the Italian landscape, numerous documentaries transport you to this enchanting Mediterranean nation.

Documentaries About Italy

In this collection of documentaries about Italy, you’ll see its vibrant cities, picturesque countryside, and deep cultural heritage.

Explore the stories, traditions, and treasures that make Italy a timeless and endlessly fascinating destination.

The Truffle Hunters (2020)

The Truffle Hunters is a documentary film that explores the world of truffle hunting in the forests of Northern Italy. The documentary focuses on a group of elderly men and their specially trained dogs who search for the elusive and highly valuable Alba truffle in the forests of Piedmont, Italy.

These truffles are highly prized in the culinary world and can fetch high prices. The hunters are portrayed as a secretive and close-knit community, passing down their knowledge from generation to generation.

One of the standout features of the documentary is its stunning cinematography. The filmmakers capture the beauty of the Italian landscapes and the intimate moments of the truffle hunters’ lives with a poetic and visually captivating style.

The documentary delves into the cultural significance of truffle hunting in the region and the culinary world’s fascination with these rare fungi. It provides a glimpse into the intricate and sometimes clandestine world of truffle dealing.

A significant aspect of the documentary is the bond between the truffle hunters and their dogs. The specially trained dogs play a crucial role in locating truffles, and the film highlights the deep connection between the hunters and their canine companions.

This is one of the best documentaries about Italy to watch and is a favourite of mine.

Watch the full documentary here at Amazon:

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (2021)

Hosted by chef and TV personality Stanley Tucci, this documentary series delves into the culinary traditions of various Italian regions, offering a mouthwatering exploration of Italian cuisine.

In each episode, Stanley Tucci travels to a different part of Italy to delve into the local cuisine, traditions, and ingredients. He meets with local chefs, farmers, and food artisans to learn about the unique dishes and flavours of the region.

The show also touches on the history and culture of Italy, as food is deeply intertwined with the country’s heritage. This is my current favourite of these documentaries about Italy. Be warned. it will make you hungry!

Barolo Boys: The Story of a Revolution (2014)

Explore the world of Italian winemaking in this documentary, which follows a group of winemakers who played a pivotal role in transforming the reputation of Barolo wine.

Barolo is a famous Italian red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape variety and is produced in the Barolo region of Piedmont, Italy. Traditionally, Barolo was made using traditional methods, with long ageing in large oak barrels.

However, in the 1980s and 1990s, a new generation of winemakers, the “Barolo Boys,” challenged these traditions and introduced modern winemaking techniques.

They experimented with smaller oak barrels, shorter ageing periods, and other innovations, which led to a significant shift in the style and perception of Barolo wine.

Watch the full documentary on Amazon:

Italy Unpacked (2013 Onwards)

Italy Unpacked explores the diverse culinary and cultural landscapes of Italy. The series is hosted by two presenters: chef Giorgio Locatelli and art critic Andrew Graham-Dixon.

The show typically combines elements of travel, food, and art, offering viewers a multifaceted experience. Giorgio Locatelli, as a chef, shares his expertise in Italian cuisine, highlighting regional specialities, local ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques.

Andrew Graham-Dixon, as an art critic, explores the art, history, and cultural significance of each region, providing insights into the artistic heritage of Italy.

Throughout the series, the hosts meet with local chefs, farmers, artisans, and other experts to showcase the authenticity and diversity of Italian food and culture.

Italy Unpacked has multiple seasons, and each season focuses on a specific region or set of regions within Italy.

You can watch all of these episodes for free on YouTube, although at low quality.

James May: Our Man in Italy (2020)

This is a travel documentary series hosted by British television presenter and journalist James May.

Throughout the series, James travels through Italy, from the northern regions down to the southern tip of the country. He delves into Italy’s rich and diverse culinary traditions, art, history, and lifestyle.

James May’s distinctive and often humorous approach to storytelling is a central part of the show’s appeal.

It combines travel, history, and food as it takes you on a tour of Italy’s cities, countryside, and coastal areas. May’s adventures include participating in local traditions, meeting with artisans and experts, and trying regional dishes.

This is one of the most entertaining ones of these documentaries about Italy.

Watch the documentary series here on Amazon:

The Mafia’s Secret Bunkers (2014)

This documentary reveals the hidden bunkers and underground tunnels used by the Mafia in Southern Italy, shedding light on the organization’s history and activities.

In this documentary, viewers are taken on a journey to uncover the clandestine world of the Mafia’s secret bunkers, which were used for a range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, weapons storage, and as hideouts for Mafia members on the run.

These bunkers were often well-hidden, sophisticated, and equipped with all the necessities to sustain the criminal operations of the Mafia.

The documentary explores the history of the Italian Mafia, its organizational structure, and the role of these bunkers in its criminal activities.

Florence and the Uffizi Gallery 3D/4K (2015)

A visually stunning documentary that provides a 3D and 4K tour of Florence and its famous Uffizi Gallery.

It combines breathtaking aerial shots of Florence’s historic landmarks, such as the Florence Cathedral (Duomo), Ponte Vecchio, and the city’s picturesque streets, with a tour of the Uffizi Gallery’s world-class art collection.

The Uffizi Gallery is famous for its extensive collection of Renaissance art, including works by Italian masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, and many others.

The film takes you on a journey through the gallery’s halls and showcases some of its most iconic artworks, allowing for a close-up and immersive experience of these masterpieces.

Italy’s Invisible Cities (2017)

Italy’s Invisible Cities series is produced by BBC and National Geographic and is hosted by Alexander Armstrong.

It explores some of Italy’s most famous cities from a unique perspective, focusing on the hidden history, engineering marvels, and lesser-known aspects of these urban centres.

The series takes viewers on a journey through three iconic Italian cities: Florence, Venice, and Naples. Each episode delves into the history, culture, and architecture of these cities, with a particular emphasis on the hidden and lesser-explored aspects that make them fascinating.

You can learn about the construction and engineering feats that shaped these cities, discover the secrets of their underground tunnels and catacombs, and gain insight into the historical figures who played pivotal roles in their development.

Watch the series on Amazon:

Rick Steves Italy

Rick Steves has produced several television series and episodes dedicated to exploring Italy. These television programs provide you with a visual and educational tour of Italy’s cities, regions, and cultural attractions, along with practical travel advice.

Rick Steves’ Europe: This is Rick Steves’ long-running television series that covers travel throughout Europe, including Italy. Within this series, there are multiple episodes dedicated specifically to Italy. Rick Steves visits various Italian destinations, offering insights into their history, culture, art, and cuisine.

Rick Steves’ Italy : In this television special, Rick Steves explores Italy’s most iconic cities and regions. He takes viewers on a journey to places like Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast. The special provides travel tips, historical context, and cultural experiences.

These television programs are designed to educate and inspire travellers, offering practical information and cultural insights to enhance the travel experience in Italy.

These travel documentaries about Italy are generally short, coming in at around 25 minutes each, and you can find many of them to watch for free on YouTube.

Wild Italy – From The Alps to Tuscany

This is a good full documentary to watch on YouTube that shows some of the wildlife of the northern part of the country.

If you want to watch something about some of Italy’s wildlife and natural areas then this is one of the best documentaries about Italy for you.

One extra for some in-depth history of Italy…

History of Italy (2023)

This is a good documentary showing the overall history of the country. It’s one of the newer documentaries about Italy on this list.

Many of the other documentaries listed here delve into specific parts of Italy but this one gives you a history of the whole country.

It is a “made for YouTube” video but don’t let that put you off, it’s a great introduction to the history of Italy.

These documentaries offer a diverse and captivating look at Italy’s history, culture, art, and society, making them a great way to explore the country from the comfort of your own home.

Keeping with the Italy theme, have a look at the 10 best documentaries about Rome .

Also, 10 of the best movies about Sicily .

And for more from the region take a look at the 10 best documentaries about Greece .

If you’re planning a trip to Italy you can find hotels in Rome here .

For a good overall guide to the country, this is one of the best to get: Rick Steves Italy .

For more on Italy take a look at the best things to do in Florence .

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Italy From Above

Travel across Italy with a unique perspective, experiencing its beauty from above. With impressive aerial footage to awe and inspire, each episode visits some of Italy's most iconic and history-rich locations. Fly over breathtaking lakes, ancient Roman villages, masterfully-planned gardens, the picturesque countryside, and more on this trip to Italy to remember.

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The Best TV Shows Set In Italy

Italy is a favorite setting for historical drama series , thanks to being the center of most of history's drama. English language, German, even Japanese and Brazillian series have found a way to set their stories in Italy, taking in the unique countryside and even more distinctive sense of style. If you've ever thought of visiting Italy or are curious about how the Beautiful Country is portrayed on-screen, this list of the best shows set in Italy and Rome can be your tour guide.

There are plenty of historical period series sent in Italy and Ancient Rome , with three shows centered around the titular and terrible Borgias and at least two about inventor Leonardo Da Vinci (the children's series Leonardo and the fantasy drama Da Vinci's Demons ). The complicated factions of history extend to shows set in Vatican City and how readily Italy works as the setting for telenovelas and dramas such as Passione . Shows often set one season in Italy, giving both the crew and the audience a vacation. Hannibal and Master of None both spent a significant amount of time in Italy.

Which shows about Italy should be at the top of the list? Vote up the best TV shows set in Italy, then vote down the shows that don't deserve to be set in such a great place and add any great Italian shows that are missing.

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Aerial Italy 2023 | series | TV-PG

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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.

30 Top Italian Shows on Netflix for Learning Italian

Immersing yourself in Italian shows on Netflix is a great way to enhance your Italian language skills, improve your language learning , and learn new words.

By interacting with genuine dialogue, you’ll grasp the nuances of everyday Italian conversations and get a captivating peek into Italy’s rich culture. Get ready to start this entertaining linguistic adventure.

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Start with our top three picks.

Top Picks: Best Italian Shows on Netflix

Top pick for drama: la vita bugiarda degli adulti.

Immerse yourself in this captivating TV series “La Vita Bugiarda degli Adulti,” a newer adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s novel that delves into the transformative journey of a young girl in 1990s Naples, exploring love , family , and self-discovery in contrasting worlds.

Watch the trailer .

Top Pick for Romance: Summertime

“Summertime” stands out as a top pick, blending a captivating love story set on the stunning Adriatic Coast with the opportunity for language learners to enhance their informal Italian language skills, gain insights into young Italians’ romantic interactions , and immerse themselves in picturesque Italian landscapes.

Top Pick for Crime: Suburra

Watch this riveting portrayal of the intertwined web of corruption involving politicians, the church, the mafia, and real estate developers, set against the backdrop of Ostia’s seedy underbelly, making it a captivating and thought-provoking Italian drama on Netflix.

Suggested Reading : Unlock your travel potential with 135 Basic Italian Phrases and a downloadable PDF cheat sheet.

Now that you’ve discovered our top three picks, get ready to explore an extensive list of 30 captivating Italian Netflix shows that will immerse you in Italy’s language, culture, and diverse stories.

From gripping dramas to hilarious comedies, each show offers a unique opportunity to enhance your language skills and deepen your understanding of Italian society . Get ready for an exciting journey through the rich world of Italian television.

30 Essential Italian Shows on Netflix for Language and Culture

1. la vita bugiarda degli adulti.

Experience “La vita bugiarda degli adulti,” a TV series directed by Edoardo De Angelis and adapted from Elena Ferrante ‘s novel. Set in 1990s Naples, the story follows Giovanna Trada, a girl from an affluent family who navigates the transition into adolescence and rebels against societal expectations.

Drawn to her mysterious aunt Vittoria, Giovanna embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery , navigating love, friendships, and family conflicts. Balancing the contrasting worlds of Naples, she confronts the complexities of the city’s bourgeoisie and the rawness of its underbelly.

• Genre : Drama
• Suitable for : Fans of Elena Ferrante’s novel and intermediate to advanced Italian learners seeking a captivating portrayal of a young girl’s journey from childhood to adolescence in 1990s Naples.

2. Summertime

“Summertime” is an Italian TV series weaving a modern-day love story between two young individuals from dissimilar backgrounds who stumble upon love on the breathtaking Adriatic Coast .

The series draws inspiration from the celebrated Federico Moccia’s novel “Three Meters Above the Sky.”

“Summertime” is perfect for those looking to polish their informal Italian language skills and grasp how young Italians interact and engage romantically. Furthermore, you will be introduced to picturesque Italian landscapes and understand local dining customs.

• Genre : Romance
• Suitable for : Drama and romantic comedy lovers and beginners to intermediate Italian learners due to its simple language and entertaining narrative.

Further Reading : 25 Best Italian Romance Movies : Top Love Films to Watch

“Suburra” is a riveting Italian drama available on Netflix. Set in the seaside town of Ostia, the series takes inspiration from a political scandal involving a contentious land development plan near Rome.

The narrative dives deep into the intertwined relations between corrupt politicians, the church, the mafia, and real estate developers, all operating on the thin line between law and lawlessness. With power being the prime motivation for all, not everyone succeeds.

“Suburra,” the Italian Netflix show’s inaugural language series, offers a gripping viewing experience , with its complex plot twists provoking deep thought.

It starts with a land deal in Ostia involving a host of characters from Vatican officials to members of Rome’s Municipal Commission, rival gangsters, and Mafia bosses, all implicated in the transaction. This show offers a revealing look into the intricate fabric of Italy.

• Genre : Drama, Crime
• Suitable for : Crime-drama aficionados and advanced Italian learners due to complex dialogue.

4. Generazione 56K

The 2021 Italian series, “Generazione 56K,” revolves around Matilda and Daniele. Their lives intersected during their youth when internet connectivity was confined to workplaces or depended on slow modems, a nod to the show’s title.

After a chance of online interaction in their thirties, the show’s main characters re-establish their connection, navigating the drastically evolved world of contemporary dating and career paths molded by the internet.

• Genre : Drama, Comedy
• Suitable for : Those interested in nostalgic narratives and beginners to intermediate learners of Italian.

5. Viola come il mare

Shot amidst the picturesque scenery of Sicily , “Viola come il mare” is a 2022 Italian series spotlighting Viola’s life. After a long stint in the Paris fashion scene, she returns to her hometown, Palermo, determined to unearth the identity of her unknown father.

She ventures into a fresh career as a crime journalist for a digital news outlet, where she meets the skeptical yet skilled chief police inspector Francesco Demir. As they collaborate on murder investigations, with Viola documenting the stories and Francesco solving them, the series merges drama and romance beautifully.

• Genre : Drama, Romance
• Suitable for : Romance and crime-drama enthusiasts and intermediate Italian learners.

Recommended Reading : 10 Flirtatious Pick Up Lines in Italian (with Audio)

6. Guida astrologica per cuori infranti

Based on the best-selling book by Silvia Zucca (a must-read for advanced Italian learners), “Guida Astrologica per Cuori Infranti” spins a story of camaraderie , love , professional life , unusual encounters , and tragicomic occurrences through Alice Bassi’s perspective.

Alice, a voluntarily single young woman in her early thirties, works as a production assistant for a modest TV network. She yearns for enduring love and job contentment as she grapples with scanty career growth.

• Suitable for : Those drawn towards astrological-themed narratives and advanced learners of Italian, given its intricate language use.

7. Mare Fuori

“Mare Fuori” is arguably one of the most popular Italian TV series on Netflix. Notably, most of the dialogue is in the Neapolitan dialect , challenging even for native Italians who often opt for Italian subtitles, a common practice in Italy.

Although unsuited for mastering standard Italian, its exceptional storytelling and production quality make it a worthwhile watch.

The series portrays the lives of teens housed in Naples’ Juvenile Detention Center, struggling to reconcile with their situation while longing for their forfeited freedom and selfhood within this rigid environment.

The institution, located by the sea, symbolizes hope , yet seemingly unattainable for them. The show explores themes of morality, teenage life amidst hardships, and the pursuit of self-identity.

• Suitable for : Advanced learners of Italian

8. Incastrati

Embark on a laughter ride with the 2022 Italian TV series “Incastrati” or “Framed! A Sicilian Murder Mystery,” starring the renowned Italian comedy duo Ficarra e Picone.

This comedy series unfolds the misadventures of Valentino and Salvatore, two hapless TV technicians who accidentally stumble upon a crime scene. To divert suspicion, they tidy up the crime scene, using their crime TV show knowledge, which sets off a series of hilariously disastrous events in their lives.

• Genre : Comedy, Crime
• Suitable for : Comedy lovers and intermediate Italian learners.

9. Un medico in famiglia

Delve into “Un medico in famiglia,” a classic Italian TV show from the 90s that has etched its place in Italian television history . The series follows the Martini family’s journey, comprising a widower doctor, his three children, and his father.

They move to Poggio Fiorito, where the doctor becomes a part of a cutting-edge healthcare center. With significant viewership and critical acclaim, the series has achieved cult status and is celebrated as one of the best Italian TV shows.

• Suitable for : Those interested in family-themed narratives and beginners to intermediate learners of Italian.

10. Vendetta: Truth, Lies, and The Mafia

This six-part documentary series pays tribute to the courageous individuals who confronted mafia criminality in Italy during the 90s. The surge in mafia-related killings and illicit activities gave birth to an anti-mafia uprising in the 90s led by Italian journalists and legal bodies.

Tune into this Italian TV documentary series to reveal the true story of Sicilian crime and the deeply rooted mafia influence within Italian institutions. Catch glimpses of archival Italian talk shows, news bulletins, courtroom hearings, and interviews with the judges and journalists involved.

• Genre : Documentary
• Suitable for : Documentary enthusiasts and advanced learners of Italian due to its intricate exploration of historical real events.

11. Medici: The Magnificent

Revered as one of the finest Italian TV productions in recent times, The Medici is a collaborative endeavor between Italy and the UK.

The series explores the Medici family’s dominion in Italy during the Renaissance, eventually succumbing to wars, Vatican State political conspiracy, and struggles to retain economic and political dominance.

Also available in English, this series offers a fascinating insight into the life of the Renaissance’s most distinguished family.

• Genre : Drama, History
• Suitable for : History enthusiasts.

“Boris,” an Italian series from 2007 to 2010 and now available on Netflix, gives an insider’s perspective on the production of an Italian TV show.

The narrative reveals the shocking truths of the television industry to a new intern, showcasing the frequent sacrifices in quality for financial gain and success. This series has amassed considerable popularity in Italy .

• Genre : Comedy, Drama

13. Fedeltà

“Fedeltà” is a Netflix Italian series inspired loosely by Marco Missiroli’s renowned novel, also available in English. It navigates themes of passion and betrayal, and their implications, through the lives of a couple living in Milan .

• Suitable for : Drama lovers and advanced Italian learners due to the intricate narrative and language use.

14. Sotto il sole di Riccione

Debuting on Netflix in 2020, “Sotto il sole di Riccione” takes viewers to the Riviera Romagnola, synonymous with fun-filled, relaxing holidays. A group of youths spending their summer on the beaches of Riccione forms a bond, aiding each other through their dreams and summer romances .

• Suitable for : Comedy and drama lovers and intermediate Italian learners due to its entertaining narrative and language use.

15. Il commissario Montalbano

Based on the celebrated crime novels of Andrea Camilleri , this beloved TV series introduces viewers to Salvo Montalbano, a police chief in the fictional Sicilian town of Vigata.

Each episode of this series, rated as one of the best Italian television series , witnesses him battling mafia activities, murders, kidnappings, and diverse organized crime issues in Sicily. Although episodic, each installment is crafted like a standalone TV movie, bound by an ongoing narrative thread.

• Genre : Crime, Drama
• Suitable for : Crime drama fans and advanced Italian learners due to its complex narratives and language use.

“Baby” is an Italian teenage drama from Netflix, situated in Parioli, one of Rome’s poshest and most trendy districts. The plot revolves around a group of students from a prestigious high school who find themselves entangled in prostitution. The narrative is inspired by real events that took place in Rome years ago.

• Suitable for : Drama lovers and intermediate to advanced Italian learners due to its complex narrative and language use.

17. Luna Nera

“Luna Nera,” or “Dark Moon,” is a 2020 Italian fantasy series from Netflix, a pioneer in its genre on the platform. Set in the 17th century, the storyline trails a 17-year-old girl who unravels her family’s heritage of witchcraft. To spice up the tale, her boyfriend’s father is a witch hunter, making it clear who his prime target is.

• Genre : Fantasy, Drama
• Suitable for : Fantasy lovers and intermediate Italian learners due to its relatively easy language and engaging narrative.

18. Luna Park

“Luna Park” is an Italian Netflix show drama series that takes place in 1960s Rome, chronicling the life of a young, spirited woman raised in her family’s circus enterprise.

The series captures the charm of classic Italian melodramas, skillfully intertwining themes like long-lost twins and fortune-telling in an enthralling and theatrical manner.

If you enjoy daytime dramas and light-hearted, engaging TV , this lively show, with its enchanting soundtrack and unpredictable storyline, won’t disappoint you. “Luna Park” is a practical resource for studying the Italian language related to family relationships and understanding the lifestyle of various societal classes in 20th-century Italy.

• Suitable for : Drama lovers and beginners to intermediate Italian learners due to its simple language and narrative.

“Zero” spins the story of Omar, a young Italian of Senegalese descent, who has grown up in a housing estate on the peripheries of Milan. Determined to protect their homes from impending property developers, Omar, and his friends gear up for a battle.

However, the plot thickens as Omar’s intense shyness, verging on invisibility, surprisingly morphs into an actual superpower where he becomes physically invisible when overwhelmed by emotions. The question is, can he use this extraordinary power to his advantage?

• Genre : Drama, Fantasy
• Suitable for : Drama and fantasy enthusiasts and intermediate Italian learners due to its engaging narrative and contemporary language use.

20 È stata la mano di Dio

“È stata la mano di Dio” is a deeply personal tale by acclaimed filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino . Presented at the 78th Venice International Film Festival, the film garnered the Silver Lion award.

The story orbits around Fabietto, a teenager from the 80s who is profoundly attached to his family, embodying the passions and vulnerabilities typical of his age.

However, his smooth-sailing life is disrupted when his parents suddenly pass away, leaving Fabietto wrestling with the solitude of a young individual yet to find his footing in the world, along with the sudden burden of tragic and abrupt freedom.

• Suitable for : Drama lovers and intermediate to advanced Italian learners due to its intense narrative and contemporary language use.

21. Carlo e Malik

A 2018 crime drama, “Carlo e Malik,” is a collaboration between RAI (Italian public television) and Netflix.

It follows a veteran Rome detective, bearing prejudices against the expansive immigrant population in Rome, paired with a detective from Ivory Coast.

Together, they probe into a series of murder cases intertwined with the immigrant culture in the capital, addressing the contemporary and contentious issue of immigration in Italy.

• Suitable for : Crime drama fans and intermediate Italian learners.

Dive into the enchanting world of “Cuori,” a 2022 Italian series set in the heart of the 1960s, unfolding the stories of three heart surgeons at a hospital in Turin, Northern Italy.

The drama intensifies with the entry of Delia, an accomplished heart surgeon who crosses paths with her past lover, Alberto, who happens to be a dear friend of her husband Cesare and the head of the cardiology department.

The plot seamlessly incorporates drama , emotion , and comedy .

• Suitable for : Drama lovers and intermediates in Italian.

23. Liberi Sognatori

“Liberi Sognatori” is a poignant series that recounts the life stories and tragic ends of brave Italians who dared to stand against their country’s organized crime.

Key figures include Libero Grassi, a Sicilian clothing manufacturer who refused to pay Mafia’s extortion demands, journalist Totò Francese, and Renata Fonte, a politician committed to preserving the Porto Selvaggio natural park.

• Genre : Biography, Drama
• Suitable for : Biography, drama lovers, and intermediate to advanced Italian learners due to its historical and complex narrative.

The 2021 Italian Rai series “Blanca” charts the journey of Blanca, a young police trainee proficient in audio file decoding, stationed at a police department in Genoa, Northern Italy.

After losing her sight in a tragic fire that also claimed the life of her elder sister, Beatrice, at the age of twelve, Blanca develops a strong sense of justice that propels her towards a law enforcement career.

This Italian Netflix show’s lack of a specific dialect or accent makes it an ideal tool for honing your Italian listening skills .

• Suitable for : Crime drama fans and beginner to intermediate Italian learners.

25. Leonardo

“Leonardo” is a historical drama series that breathes life into the exceptional journey of Leonardo da Vinci , spotlighting his personal struggles and revolutionary scientific breakthroughs. The series covers his time in Renaissance Italy, living and working conditions, and challenges in multiple spheres.

• Genre : Biography, History
• Suitable for : History enthusiasts and intermediate to advanced Italian learners due to its historical context and complex language use.

26. Benvenuti Al Sud

Anxiety grips a Northern Italian postman when he is reassigned to a charming town near Naples, worrying about his safety. His dream was to settle in Milan, but instead, he finds himself grappling with the cultural differences of the South.

“Benvenuti Al Sud” explores the contrasting facets of Italy’s northern and southern regions and society’s perceptions of these disparate zones.

If you appreciated “Un Medico In Famiglia,” you will likely enjoy this Italian comedic film. The focus on human interactions , enriched by the stunning Italian landscapes, adds to its charm.

• Suitable for : Comedy and drama lovers and intermediate Italian learners due to its entertaining narrative and cultural language use.

27. Il Processo (The Trial)

“Il Processo” showcases the architectural splendor of Mantua in this gripping Italian series on Netflix. The plot unfolds with the murder of Angelina, a 17-year-old girl whose body is discovered floating in a city canal.

The lead detective, Elena, is entangled in a precarious situation as her ties to the case could endanger her career. Yet, she chooses to proceed with the investigation.

As the prime suspect happens to be the daughter of the city’s wealthy businessman, the case quickly becomes a public spectacle . The narrative leaves viewers guessing with its twists and turns .

Crime enthusiasts won’t be left unsatisfied, and the series is best appreciated in Italian with English subtitles.

• Suitable for : Crime drama fans and advanced students due to its complex narrative and language use.

28. Il nome della Rosa

Adapted from Umberto Eco’s renowned Italian literary masterpiece , “The Name of the Rose,” this TV series trails a monk and his novice followers as they investigate a series of puzzling deaths.

However, their inquiries invite the wrath of a powerful inquisitor. The narrative is set against the backdrop of a Middle Ages abbey.

• Genre : Historical Drama, Mystery
• Suitable for : Fans of historical dramas and mysteries and advanced Italian learners due to its intricate narrative and historical language use.

29. Gomorra

Derived from the acclaimed novel by Roberto Saviano, this multi-season Italian series immerses viewers in the world of the Camorra, a notorious mafia organization based in Naples.

The series emphasizes the illicit endeavors of drug traffickers and individuals associated with criminal syndicates linked to business and political circles. The narrative mainly revolves around the influential Savastano family, led by Pietro, a towering figure in the region.

• Suitable for : Crime drama fans and intermediate to advanced Italian learners due to its complex narrative and language use.

30. Chiedimi se sono felice

“Chiedimi se sono felice” follows the story of three friends, unsatisfied with their jobs, who share a common dream: to stage their own theatre performance. Their aspiration triggers a series of humorous yet touching incidents, leading to a rift amongst the trio that lasts three years.

This 2000 comedy delves into friendship , romance , betrayal , ego , and reconciliation themes. It strikes a balance between humor, moving moments, romantic elements, and drama, demonstrating how love can swiftly endanger a friendship.

• Suitable for : Fans of comedic dramas and intermediate Italian learners due to its engaging narrative and modern language use.

Italian Netflix Shows: Question & Answers

How can I improve my Italian by watching Italian series on Netflix?

Engaging with Italian TV shows is one of the best ways to enhance your Italian language proficiency. It immerses you in everyday conversational Italian, helping you grasp the language’s rhythm, sounds, and vocabulary. Simultaneously, it provides a window into Italian society and culture.

Depending on your proficiency level, different strategies can maximize your learning:

• Beginners can start by watching Italian Netflix shows with English subtitles, aiding in familiarization with the language’s sounds and speed.
• A gradual introduction to the language can be achieved by watching a show in your native language with Italian subtitles, aiding in word recognition and usage.
• Pre-watching a show in your language before watching it in Italian can benefit beginner to intermediate learners, as it aids contextual understanding.
• For intermediate or advanced learners, watching an Italian show with Italian subtitles helps connect spoken words to written text.
• As an advanced learner, watching shows in Italian without subtitles can be challenging but helpful for honing listening skills and pronunciation.
• Consider both original Italian shows and your favorite shows dubbed in Italian for a broader selection and to add an educational twist to your leisure time.

Can I become fluent just by watching Italian TV shows?

While watching Italian shows is highly recommended for its natural dialogue, slang, accents, and phrases, it should complement other study forms like flashcards, conversation, podcasts , Italian news sites , and reading for a holistic learning experience.

Should I use English or Italian subtitles?

While Italian subtitles are eventually recommended, English subtitles are fine for beginners.

Does it matter which Italian TV shows I watch?

Remember that Italy’s rich dialectal variation might make some shows challenging for beginners. It’s better to choose shows with familiar accents at the start.

Are these Italian shows only available on Netflix?

Some shows may be available on other streaming services like Amazon Prime or others, so checking for availability there is also recommended.

How can I access Italian Television Content on Netflix from the United States, United Kingdom, or other locations?

One of the best things you can do to access Italian film and TV content unavailable in your local region is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

A VPN allows you to connect to Netflix’s Italian selection by masking your IP address, making it appear like you’re in Italy .

Just subscribe to a VPN service, and you can then access your Netflix account to start watching Italian content. Find a suitable option within your desired budget by conducting a Google search.

Final Thoughts

Exploring Italian shows on Netflix is an entertaining way to pass the time and a valuable opportunity to enhance your Italian language skills and gain a deeper appreciation for Italian culture.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, these shows provide a window into authentic Italian conversations and storytelling. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let the captivating world of Italian television take you on a linguistic and cultural adventure. Buon divertimento!

Further Reading :

• 200 Best Italian Business Names : Unique Name Ideas.

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Five Documentaries to Take You To Italy

Last week we suggested some fun, engaging reads on Italy to pass the time a bit more pleasantly during your quarantine. This week, we’re suggesting five videos to watch that will entertain you, teach you something new, and make you dream of Italy. 

From Baroque brilliance to Roman cuisine, from a trip down the west coast of Italy to a culinary tour of Sicily and Sardinia to house hunting in Abruzzo, pick your preferred video or, even better, watch them all, relax and enjoy! 

1. Rome: Baroque Brilliance | Rick Steves’ Europe

In ‘eternally entertaining’ Rome, the themed itineraries to choose from are endless. In this video, the great Rick Steves takes us through the heart of Rome, to admire breathtaking Baroque art and architecture, and also to mix and mingle with the Romans.

2. Italy Unpacked Series 2 | In the Heat of the Day

BBC’s Italy Unpacked series sees art historian Andrew Graham-Dixon and chef Giorgio Locatelli travel through Italy, exploring its cuisine and art history. In this episode, the two travel to the southern regions of Campania and Calabria, starting in Naples, with its vibrant street life and Baroque masterpieces, continuing down the coast to Amalfi and Paestum, and ending in untouched Calabria.

3. House Hunters Italy | A Place in the Sun (Abruzzo)

If you’re looking for cheap property in Italy to buy, Abruzzo is a good choice. The video follows the search for the perfect investment in this central region of Italy of two food- and wine-loving friends from the UK. This video can be useful for anyone interested in buying a home in Italy to better understand the Italian market and help you think about all the different elements that go into property research and buying.  

4. Authentic Tastes of Sardinia & Sicily | Rick Stein's Mediterranean Escapes

From the BBC’s Documentary Channel, comes the series ‘Rick Stein's Mediterranean Escapes’, a journey across the Mediterranean’s history and food in the company of British celebrity chef Rick Stein. In this video, Rick travels to Sardinia, where he watches local fishermen catch mullet using methods that date back to ancient Roman times; and to Palermo, where he finds one of the best pasta dishes he's ever tasted. 

5. Katie Parla: Tasting Rome: Fresh Flavors & Recipes From an Ancient City | Talks at Google

In this talk at Google, New Jersey-born, Rome-based cookbook author and food journalist Katie Parla discusses cucina romana , or Roman cuisine, which is her expertise; she shares Rome's celebrated traditional dishes, innovative street food scene, and forgotten recipes, traces the foundations of Roman cuisine and explains how it has evolved. A must for anyone fascinated by Roman food and the history of Italian cuisine in general. Keep in mind that "Tasting Rome" is a cookbook co-authored with Kristina Gil, an Italy-based food and travel photographer and the food and drinks editor at DesignSponge.

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Condé Nast Traveler

13 Travel Books to Read Before Your Next Trip to Italy

Posted: October 28, 2023 | Last updated: October 28, 2023

Since you’re reading this article on Condé Nast Traveler , you’re likely someone who believes in the transportive power of good writing—and of travel books in particular. Whether it’s a vividly-rendered novel, or a well-researched deep dive into the history, subculture, or food of a place, a good travel-y read can easily inspire your next trip.

As the cold weather starts to creep into many parts of the world, many of us here at Traveler have Italy on the brain, dreaming of Amalfi 's crystalline waters, of melting gelato in Rome , of the warm Tuscan sun . Are you dreaming of la dolce vita too? Here’s a short list of books set in Italy that’ll motivate you to, well, book a trip. (Get it?)

Few places in the world invoke as much swooning and intense wanderlust as Italy , and this list of books features stories of various stripes: gripping thrillers, fascinating and readable histories, romantic true stories of love and loss, and unputdownable page-turners that’ll get you through a long layover . There’s something here for everyone, and a good handful of these titles have been adapted into movies (and one TV show), which underscores the point that these are some lush, cinematic, and extremely vibey books.

Read on to pick some travel books to add to your bedside table—and your overpacked suitcase .

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The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell

What it’s about: This captivating novel, set in the 16th-century, spins a story inspired by a little-known daughter of the Medici family, Lucrezia, who was wedded to a duke as part of a political marriage and, just a year after the wedding, was found dead. Inspired by Lucrezia’s titular marriage portrait, Maggie O’Farrell (no stranger to fictionalizing historical trivia ) writes in prose both lavish and readable, daring you to put down this strange and delicious book. With plenty of narrative twists and palazzo intrigue, this book will drop you into the middle of Renaissance Florence and never let you go.

The mood it’s giving: Running through an Italian palace in a very heavy gown, weighing you down like you're in a nightmare—in the best way possible

The book’s first line: “Lucrezia is taking her seat at the long dining table, which is polished to a watery gleam and spread with dishes, inverted cups, a woven circlet of fir.”

The Medici: Power, Money, and Ambition in the Italian Renaissance by Paul Strathern

What it’s about: For a more factual understanding of the influential family that shaped the Italian Renaissance, you can’t go wrong with this 464-page tome. This evocative and masterful account of the dramatic history of the Medicis also covers their patronage of the day’s greatest minds (Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Galileo, among others), offering context and knowledge upon which you can draw during your next visit to Florence and greater Tuscany.

The mood it’s giving: The thrill and shock of Succession , but Florentine and, you know, real

The book’s first line: “It is Sunday 26 April 1478 in Florence, and the church bells ring out from the towers above the rooftops of the city. Lorenzo the Magnificent, accompanied by his circle of favourites, is making his way through the colorful crowds towards the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.”

A Room with a View by E. M. Forster

What it’s about: This beloved classic of English literature, a satire of English society in the Edwardian era first published in 1908, opens at a hotel in Florence, Italy: Charlotte Bartlett and her cousin Lucy Honeychurch are positively incensed that their rooms face a drab courtyard (how dreadful!). Another guest and his son offer to switch accommodations with theirs—and what follows is a series of semi-fortunate events that will make you want to book a room with a view of the Arno and get into some Italian hijinks yourself. (The Merchant Ivory film adaptation is also stellar, starring Helena Bonham Carter and Maggie Smith.)

The mood it’s giving: That moment where Kim Kardashian is crying because she lost her diamond earring in the ocean in Bora Bora and her sister Kourtney telling her, “Kim, there’s people that are dying”—but in Florence

The book’s first line: “‘The Signora had no business to do it,” said Miss Bartlett, “no business at all. She promised us south rooms with a view close together, instead of which here are north rooms, looking into a courtyard, and a long way apart.”

Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan

What it’s about: For a contemporary take on the set-up introduced by A Room with a View , pick up Kevin Kwan’s delightfully frothy Sex and Vanity . The protagonists are named Lucie and Charlotte as well, and Kwan’s latest novel Forster-ly satirizes the uber-rich Asian and Asian American diaspora that the author has long lampooned in his Crazy Rich trilogy of books. Only time will tell though, if sex and vanity are as timeless as a room with a view—but as far as cotton-candy vacation reads go, you can do far worse than bringing this paperback onto a chartered yacht.

The mood it’s giving: Crazy Rich Asians decadence goes to Capri (and the Hamptons)

The book’s first line: “[an email with the subject line: la dolce vita] Lucie!!! I’m sooooo happy you’re coming to my wedding in Capri!”

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

What it’s about: There are many ways to do Italy on a budget, and there are just as many (if not more) ways to do it extravagantly. Perhaps that’s why our collective cultural imagination so often links the fantasy of the Italian Riviera with how the rich and famous behave—and behave badly. All that to say, Jess Walter’s Beautiful Ruins is a sweeping and swooning book that brilliantly dissects the power plays and petty dramas of our contemporary demigods (Hollywood stars), as well as the Italian seaside villages that everyone can access, even if it means swimming to get there.

The mood it’s giving: That one series of unbelievably glamorous photos of Paul Newman at the Venice Film Festival in 1963

The book’s first sentence: “The dying actress arrived in his village the only way one could come directly—in a boat that motored into the cove, lurched past the rock jetty, and bumped against the end of the pier.”

The Land Where Lemons Grow: The Story of Italy and Its Citrus Fruit by Helena Attlee

What it’s about: Fancy a visit to a marmalade kitchen in Sicily? To bergamot groves in Calabria? To lemon houses by the banks of Lago di Garda? You’ll get all that and more in this sumptuous and sensual history of citrus throughout the Italian peninsula. Helena Attlee blends her deep knowledge of the country with insightful gastronomical observations—and recipes!—to make an immensely readable and giftable volume that’s as fragrant as a helping of delizia al limone on a terrace in Amalfi.

The mood it’s giving: As sharp and sparkling, tart and satisfying as a limoncello spritz

The book’s first line: “At dawn, I lifted a corner of the curtain in the stuffy couchette and realized we had already crossed the border. We were somewhere near Ventimiglia on the Italian Riviera, and there were lemons growing beside the station platform, their dark leaves and bright fruit set against a backdrop of nothing but sea.”

The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

What it’s about: We can’t talk about la dolce vita without bringing up The Talented Mr. Ripley , the novel wherein young Tom Ripley goes to Italy and falls in love with the indulgent, carefree lifestyle of Dickie Greenleaf (and, in some readings, Greenleaf himself)—so much so that he kills the young heir and assumes his identity. The 1999 film adaptation is better known for depicting the sunny sprezzatura of a Mediterranean holiday, but in all formats, the story is always rife with tension and monied decadence.

The mood it’s giving: Chic knit polos and swim trunks wet with saltwater that may or may not be stained with blood

The book’s first line: “Tom glanced behind him and saw the man coming out of the Green Cage, heading his way. Tom walked faster. There was no doubt the man was after him.”

Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy by Frances Mayes

What it’s about: Yet another go-to-Italy-and-change-your-life classic, Frances Mayes’s memoir truly changed the game. I wouldn’t be surprised if this book—and the 2003 film adaptation —are responsible for a sizable chunk of Italy’s GDP. But yes, this story has surely inspired many non-Italians to visit the cypress-studded Tuscan countryside, hoping to come upon a rundown villa in need of restoration and love, just as Mayes does in this travel writing classic.

The mood it’s giving: A leisurely walk through a Tuscan farmer’s market, where you come upon the most sweet-tart tomato you’ve ever had, its sun-bright juice coating your lips

The book’s first line: “‘What are you growing here?’ The upholsterer lugs an armchair up the walkway to the house but his quick eyes are on the land.”

From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home by Tembi Locke

What it’s about: If Under the Tuscan Sun is an easy-going drive through the Italian heartland, then From Scratch is a journey of highs and lows along the hilly and rugged terrain of Sicily. Actor and writer Tembi Locke’s memoir tells her personal history of falling in love with her Italian husband, building a life together in Los Angeles, grieving him after his death due to cancer, and rebuilding her life with their daughter in Sicily. The book is heartfelt and Locke’s language is generous and graceful. If you’d rather binge the story on your screen, there’s a 2022 Netflix adaptation too. Either way, both will leave you weeping into your tub of gelato.

The mood it’s giving: Making eye contact with the love of your life, being reminded that life is bittersweet—so beautiful and so short

The book’s first line: “In Sicily, every story begins with a marriage or a death. In my case, it’s both.”

The Truffle Underground: A Tale of Mystery, Mayhem, and Manipulation in the Shadowy Market of the World's Most Expensive Fungus by Ryan Jacobs

What it’s about: Have you ever tasted a truffle? I mean, a true truffle that bursts with the flavor of Italian terroir? If you have, then you’ll relate to the author Ryan Jacobs when he describes tasting a white truffle: He felt transported, “momentarily, into an alternate universe, a place where flavor mattered more than truth and virtue.” And it’s true that pursuit of flavor stomps out virtue, as Jacobs reports it in this deep investigative dive into the industry and sub-world of truffles—where rival truffle hunters poison each other’s truffle-hunting dogs, where hunters carrying rifles protect their hunting grounds from spies, where counterfeits dupe even the most well-trained experts. Read this book, and you’ll understand why your dinner of tagliatelle al tartufo costs 50 euros.

The mood it’s giving: A crime documentary, but about truffles! I really can’t sell this book any better than the facts can

The book’s first line: “Threads of fungus swirl through the heat and dark of the rocky soil. They spend years twisting, extending, contorting, in perpetual search of nutrients to bring back to their host tree.”

The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante

What it’s about: Ask anyone about good books and Italian culture, and the name Elena Ferrante is bound to come up. The pseudonymous writer’s four novels—known as the Neapolitan Quartet, beginning with the epidemic My Brilliant Friend —seemed to be everywhere in the last decade in the English-speaking world, due in no small part to the genius translation work of Ann Goldstein from the original Italian. Their collaboration shines once again in The Lying Life of Adults , a novel set in Naples (where else?) that depicts “Naples of the heights, which wears a mask of refinement, and Naples of the depths, a place of excess and vulgarity,” as narrated by a 14-year-old girl named Giovanna.

The mood it’s giving: The most observant and clear-eyed diary entries of an insightful young girl in Napoli

The book’s first sentence: “Two years before leaving home my father said to my mother that I was very ugly. The sentence was uttered under his breath, in the apartment that my parents, newly married, had bought at the top of Via San Giacomo dei Capri, in Rione Alto.”

In Other Words by Jhumpa Lahiri

What it’s about: On its surface, Jhumpa Lahiri’s In Other Words is a series of short essays and reflections about the task of learning Italian. But once you crack open this elegant volume, you’ll see it’s so much more: Lahiri first wrote the book in Italian (to all the better master the language), and the English translation was provided by Ann Goldstein (yes, who translates Ferrante as well); more unusual, both the Italian and the English stand side by side in the book, on opposite pages. Reading how Lahiri’s fluency and confidence with Italian flourishes alongside the evolving English translation is enough inspiration for anyone to at least pick up a tourist phrasebook for Italian. Dov’è la libreria?

The mood it’s giving: Drinking in the mystique and genius of your most brilliant friend from your first year of college whom you met in that Italian 101 class

The book’s first sentence: “Voglio attraversare un piccolo lago. È veramente piccolo, eppure l’altra sponda mi sembra troppo distante, oltre le mie capacità. | I want to cross a small lake. It really is small, and yet the other shore seems too far away, beyond my abilities.”

Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman

What it’s about: It’s now a tale as old as time: An eloquent and cerebral narrator recalls the time how he, as a young man in the 1980s, stayed at his family’s home in Northern Italy and was drawn to the graduate student his parents took under their wing for the summer—and how their mutual attraction led to a profound exploration of desire, intimacy, and what it means to lose it all. Of course, the 2017 film adaptation is better known for its atmospheric cinematography (think sun-baked peaches, glimmering Lombardian lakes, the worn-in grandeur of Villa Albergoni in Moscazzano) but the source material is better at conveying the intense limerence of young romance, the kind that a scenic Italian backdrop renders all the more heady and bittersweet.

The mood it’s giving: Summer, somewhere in Northern Italy, cascading melodies on the piano floating out from the villa’s windows and out onto the pomegranate orchard

The book’s first sentence: “‘ Later! ’ The word, the voice, the attitude. I’d never heard anyone use ‘later’ to say goodbye before. It sounded harsh, curt, and dismissive, spoken with the veiled indifference of people who may not care to see or hear from you again.”

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DVD Set: Dream of Italy Travel Series Season Two

$ 19.95

If you would prefer to order over the phone, call us at 202-297-3708. 

This DVD set if for Season TWO only.

******The Season One set can be purchased separately – click here. ****   

Enjoy Dream of Italy (first seen on PBS stations around the country) in the comfort of your own home with this two-DVD set featuring all six episodes of Season Two . Join Italian travel expert Kathy McCabe, editor of the award-winning travel newsletter Dream of Italy , as she explores six diverse areas of Italy in six episodes. Meet Italy’s colorful locals — chefs, artisans, historians — who are deeply connected to their land, carrying on and preserving the traditions of their ancestors. Enjoy thoroughly Italian experiences like making tortellini in Bologna, taking a historic boat trip on the Arno, cruising Tuscan roads La Dolce Vita-style in a convertible and joining Kathy on a mission to discover her roots.

Season 2, Episode 1 – Venice

There is simply no other place in the world like Venice. Kathy takes a gondola rowing lesson from an 8th -generation gondolier. We learn how Venice is fighting rising water levels with a special ecology tour. We meet an impiraressa – a bead stringer – who is bringing Venice’s ancient art into modern times. Chef Riccardo takes us to Venice’s thousand-year old Rialto Market and teaches us how to cook up some eel.

Season 2, Episode 2 – Bologna

Bologna is one of Italy’s lesser-known big cities but is one of its more charming. Known for its cuisine (this is where Italians go to eat) and as home to the oldest university in the Western World. It is also the center of Italy’s “motor valley” and Kathy McCabe gets a test drive in a Lamborghini. We learn how to make Bologna’s famous tortellini, attend Gelato University (yes it is real!) and join Kathy and her friend Alessandro in a convertible trip through the Bologna hills to meet the nonna (grandmother) who makes some of the best ragu in the world.

Season 2, Episode 3 – Florence

Florence is known for its Renaissance art and architecture. But the city isn’t stuck in the past, it is always evolving. In this episode, we get to see the restoration of the Duomo from a unique perspective – a crane! We visit the only Last Supper painted by a woman – a Renaissance nun nonetheless – and see how it is being brought to life. Florence is also home to modern street artist Clet Abraham and we join him for an artistic caper of sorts. There are fresco-making and cooking lessons and a unique, historic boat trip on the Arno River.

Season 2, Episode 4 – Abruzzo

Just two hours from Rome, but a world away, the region of Abruzzo is filled with mountains, national parks and beautiful beaches. This episode takes viewers from coast to countryside. Kathy catches her lunch in nets on a historic fishing hut before listening to traditional music with a modern twist. In Sulmona, we see how the famous confetti (candy-covered almonds) are made and heads to a farm for some unusual donkey therapy.

Season 2, Episode 5 – Basilicata

Deep in the south of Italy, the region of Basilicata is timeless and otherworldly. It is home to one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, Matera, a city of caves. Hollywood Director Francis Ford Coppola introduces us to his ancestral hometown of Bernalda and talks about how he rediscovered his Italian roots and opened a hotel here. Kathy digs for clams on the coast, learns to make mozzarella with a very special treat inside and learns about the difficult past of this beautiful land.

Season 2, Episode 6 – Castelvetere sul Calore

Ten percent of Americans have some Italian blood and many of them could qualify for Italian citizenship by birth. Kathy McCabe travels to the ancestral village of her maternal great-grandfather – Castelvetere sul Calore in the region of Campania– to trace her roots and see if she can qualify for citizenship by bloodline. This has always been a place of mystery and miracles for her family. Kathy takes part in an ancient procession honoring the town’s patron saint Madonna delle Grazie. Her visit is full of surprises and the kind of magic that can only take place in Southern Italy.

Do you know someone who loves Italy? Send them the DVD set as a gift!

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DVD Set: Dream of Italy Travel Series Season One