basilicata

Italy looks like a high heeled boot and Puglia is the heel of that boot. Mark Gordon Smith, founder of Private Italy Tours, shares how the eclectic history of Puglia left an imprint on what we see today.

I’d fallen in love with Italy a few times before I traveled with Mark Gordon Smith, and it’s no wonder people love traveling with him. He could be the ambassador to Italy. He knows this country like the back of his hand. Or should I say the heel of the boot!

Travelers new to the region might wonder if Puglia is worth visiting? Mark is here to answer with a resounding yes!

Mark shares why this wonderful part of the world is unique, magical and friendly. With some of the best food, historical sites and deep, rich history, Puglia and Basilicata is a great region to avoid the chaos of the crowds found in other parts of Italy.

Join Mark as he shares all there is to know about traveling  in Puglia and Basilicata — some of the most surprising and least traveled of Italy’s regions — and see another side of Bella Italia.

This trip showcases a truly unique blend of culture unlike anywhere else in the county, all largely untouched by tourism and at a leisurely Italian pace.

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Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Mark Gordon Smith, founder of Private Italy Tours, shares why travelers fall in love with Italy and why people keep going back to visit. 

Today Italy is reaping the benefits of travelers wanting to explore this beautiful country. Mark explains the state of travel in Italy today and why unique places like Puglia, Basilicata and Calabria are gaining more attention.

With an increased demand in travel to Italy, Mark is not only leading tours to these wonderful locations off the beaten path, he's also focusing on itinerary planning services to provide a more exclusive option to explore Italy on your own.

Mark loves to share experiences with the Italian culture so he creates the most perfect, relaxing experiences. Imagine being in Italy in your own villa with visits to small, family-owned wineries and interactive cooking classes. 

And to get you in the mood for Italy, Mark shares how he puts into words his own memories, now an Italian Trilogy, all providing a uniquely personal look into the beauty of Italy.

Discover how Mark can help you plan your perfect trip to this special travel destination.

Also on Speaking of Travel, Tina Kinsey, Vice-president of Marketing, PR, and Air Service Development at the Asheville Regional Airport, shares how airports are constantly looking at expanding as travel volumes continue to exceed pre-pandemic levels. Find out what future planning looks like when the future is catching up with us.

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Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Bob talks to Karen Haid about her second book.

Journey to the small, rocky region in the heart of the Italian south, to a land where ancient pagan rites live alongside those of the Catholic Church, world-class wine washes down edible hyacinth bulbs,  and the air is infused with the ideals of Roman poets and brigands.

Purchase my book "Farmers and Nobles" here or at Amazon.

Join Bob as he interviews Steven Mairella about his research to find his Italian Ancestors in Calabria, Basilicata, and Campania.  Also, check out Steven's awesome art based on his Italian heritage at www.stevenmartworks.com.

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Purchase my book "Farmers and Nobles" here or at Amazon.