Danielle Oteri’s Italy: Podcast & Newsletter
Welcome to an ongoing story about Italy told with depth, heart, and a bit of edge because you need real insight, not “influencing”. Each episode blends storytelling, lived experience, and practical tips for thoughtful travelers who want more than a checklist.
I’m an art historian, travel advisor, and writer. All my work comes from genuine relationships, rigorous research, and a deep connection to Italy through both sides of my family.
Why Subscribe to Danielle Oteri’s Italy?
If you're craving a version of Italy that goes beyond frenetic top-ten videos, and you’re into history, music, myth, poetry, and stories of fascinating people, you’re in the right spot.
Free Subscribers
New podcast episodes and articles
Access to the comments section
Paid Subscribers – $8/month or $80/year
Monthly Ask Me Anything About Italy Zoom meeting. This is extremely useful for those planning a trip who want to ask questions, get new ideas, and resources. If you can’t join us live, you can email your questions ahead of time, and the replay is sent out the following morning.
Monthly Destination Deep Dives Subscribers can access the monthly Destination Deep Dive premiere, a live session where I share practical advice and insider knowledge about well-known Italian destinations. After the live presentation, the recording is available for a week. After that, the Deep Dive is transformed into a more formalized video and itinerary with additional resources, which are available for sale. However, paid subscribers still receive a 50% discount.
One-On-One Travel Services (via danielleoteri-italy.com)
For those who want focused help on their Italy trip, I offer:
Trip Consultations
Bring your ideas, questions, or dilemmas. I’ll bring expert advice, clarity, and curated recommendations you can trust. Via a one-hour Zoom call, I answer all your questions and steer you in the right direction with honest advice and a detailed list of resources to help you make informed choices and book your preferred options.
Custom Itinerary Design
This personalized planning service is designed for travelers who want a thoughtfully curated trip, crafted just for them. Your journey begins with a 45‑minute Zoom call to discuss your ideal itinerary, travel style, budget, and timing. From there, we design a customized day‑by‑day plan that reflects your pace, interests, and priorities. Every itinerary includes restaurant suggestions, optional experiences, and curated recommendations delivered through a custom mobile app for easy on‑the‑go access. Once the first draft is ready, you’ll receive it by email for review. If it feels right, we’ll share direct booking links so you can confirm each experience at your own pace. For travelers who prefer private experiences over group tours, we can book expert local guides from our personal network and invoice those services à la carte. After your bookings are complete, we’ll meet again for a 45-minute follow-up call to finalize details, review daily logistics, and address any last-minute questions. The result is a seamless, personalized itinerary that leaves room for discovery while keeping every travel day beautifully organized.
Bespoke Trip Planning
For travelers who want a completely custom itinerary that reflects their style, interests, and values. These trips are layered, beautiful, and one of a kind. I design the itineraries, while my cousin and business partner, Arianna Scariati, plans and coordinates them with our network of trusted partners on the ground in Italy.
You can read all the details here.
Guidebooks & Recorded Classes
Want to go to Naples? Purchase my guide, “Three Days in Naples,” with map-synced itineraries.
If you want an experience of Italy in the United States, visit Little Italy with my guidebook, The Shopper’s Guide to Little Italy in the Bronx.
Here are my online lectures, available via Context Travel.
Introduction to Salerno with a Historian: Explore the Little Known, Crown Jewel of the Amalfi Coast
Through the Eyes of Elena Ferrante, Part 1: A Look at Naples with a Historian: Explore the neighborhoods of Naples through a discussion of the "My Brilliant Friend" novels
Through the Eyes of Elena Ferrante, Part 2: A Look at Italy with a Historian: Experience the history of modern Italy from a Southern Italian perspective, inspired by the Neapolitan Novels
About Danielle
I’ve studied, traveled, and worked in Italy for two decades and have never stopped discovering new places that leave me filled with awe and wonder. I studied graphic design in New York and Florence, then returned to Florence for an MA in art history. I was a Lecturer at The Cloisters, the medieval branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, for 15 years.
I’ve written for BBC Travel, Condè Nast Traveler, and the UK Independent. The piece of which I’m most proud is an essay for The Paris Review about a museum security guard who couldn’t get anyone to listen to his ideas about the Unicorn Tapestries.
Now I work with my Italian family to craft meaningful experiences in Italy that respect both the traveler’s time and money as well as the beautiful Italian culture we want to preserve and nurture.
Barron’s named me a Worldwise Entrepreneur.
Want to chat? Send me an email at danielle@danielleoteri.com
