News & the Next "Ask Me Anything About Italy" - June 12
Plus the launch of a new monthy destination guide + itinerary
I want this space to feel like a long antique dining table in the Italian countryside where genuine curiosity and thoughtful conversations can meet each other. Imagine this room decorated with a mix of old oil paintings, family photographs, and fresh-cut peonies. A pot of tomato sauce and basil is simmering in the adjacent kitchen. There’s an antique crocheted tablecloth hanging over the arm of the couch, as I’ve just removed it and laid down a clean linen over the table before setting it with antique flatware. I offer you this vision because planning a trip to Italy is often the fulfillment of a long-held desire, and bringing it to life deserves care and attention.
This is not a table for trends or superficial travel tips. It’s for people who want to truly understand what they’re seeing and eating, and to connect with others who feel the same.
I have two exciting updates to share, both designed to help you more deeply engage with Italy.
First: Our Monthly Ask Me Anything Call
🗓 Wednesday, June 12 at 8pm ET
This monthly live Zoom call is a benefit for paid subscribers, and it's your chance to ask me anything about planning your trip to Italy, from restaurant recommendations and off-the-beaten-path places to local customs and logistics. The replays of all the past monthly calls are available to paid subscribers in the “Italy Trip Planning Community” tab.
If you can’t join us live on June 12th, you can submit your question, and paid subscribers will receive a replay the next day.
I will send out the Zoom link to subscribers on June 11th.
Second: Introducing the “Danielle’s Italy” Membership Tier
This new tier includes everything in the standard paid subscription, including the monthly Ask Me Anything About Italy meeting, plus a monthly destination deep dive.
Each month, I’ll take you into one region or itinerary, weaving together the history, food, wine, and planning tips that help you travel with understanding, not just information.
These deep dives are inspired by the kinds of conversations I have in consultations: grounded in research, punctuated with experiences that deliver awe and wonder, and always practical. I mean, yeah, I prefer talking about truth and beauty, but I’ve spent so many hours on the road in Italy with my dog that it would be a shame not to share all my hyper-practical experience as well.
This month’s feature: Cilento
🗓 Live Zoom Session: Wednesday, June 19 at 8pm ET
You’ll learn why this place — my family’s homeland — holds the soul of southern Italy. We’ll talk ancient temples, hilltop villages, anchovy fishing at night, and more. I’ll walk you through a sample itinerary, but I’m going to go deep into all the good stuff, so this hour will be super satisfying even to the armchair traveler. And for those who do want to make this trip a reality, you’ll also receive a detailed itinerary that you can modify for your dates.
This first session is free! For all subscribers, paid and free. If you know someone who would like to join us, please share this post with them and encourage them to subscribe. After the Cilento session, the destination deep dives will be available only to “Danielle’s Italy” tier members. I’ll share the Zoom link with everyone later this month, but in the meantime, mark your calendar.
If you're here, I know you care about experiencing Italy with depth and respect. I intend to keep this a cozy corner of the internet where your curiosity is nourished and you can connect with others who (like me) are always dreaming about their next meal and their next travel adventure.
Grazie mille,
Danielle