In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Marianne, a Norwegian living in Oslo who, along with her husband, embarked on the adventure of buying and renovating a 600 square meter ancient palazzo in Sicily.

Marianne shares her journey of purchasing the property in Palazzolo Accredi, a small town in Sicily, and transforming it into an Airbnb.

Her story is one of passion, determination, and embracing the challenges of renovating a historic property in a foreign country So, if you're considering buying a property in Italy or embarking on a renovation project, this episode is a must-listen for valuable insights and inspiration.

Be sure to check out Marianne's Instagram account, Sweet and Pfeiffer, for a visual journey through her Sicilian renovation adventure.

Sweet N Pfiffer Instagram

Shop

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If you loved this episode and want to hear more, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and live the life they deserve.

Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at www.smartmoveitaly.com or send me an email!

Until next time!

Ci vediamo!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sentire Media Website

Move to Italy Bootcamp

Hello everyone, Samantha Wilson here, your host of A New Life in Italy. In this episode, we delve into the heart of Italian culture by exploring Ferragosto, a significant holiday in Italy.

Ferragosto, which dates back to ancient Rome, was established by Emperor Augustus in 18 BCE as a period of rest and celebration after the harvest. Over the centuries, it evolved, with the Catholic Church later aligning it with the Assumption of Mary on August 15th. During the 1930s, the fascist regime promoted "popular trips" with reduced fares, allowing the working class to enjoy holidays by the sea.

Today, Ferragosto remains a cherished time for Italians to take a break, reconnect with family and friends, and enjoy festivities. Many businesses close, especially in smaller towns, but tourist areas and larger cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan remain lively.

For those planning to visit or move to Italy during Ferragosto, I shared some essential tips:

1. Book in Advance: Accommodations fill up quickly.

2. Expect Closures: Many shops and services will be closed.

3. Embrace Local Culture: Join beach parties, festivals, and parades.

4. Indulge in Food: Enjoy traditional Italian summer foods and gelato.

5. Check Travel Schedules: Beat the crowds by starting your day early and consider using public transportation.

Living in Italy has taught me the importance of taking a break and enjoying life. So, from all of us at SmartMove Italy and Sentieri Media, we wish you buon Ferragosto. Enjoy your summer, and we'll see you after the break.

Rate, Review, & Follow

If you loved this episode and want to hear more, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and live the life they deserve.

Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at www.smartmoveitaly.com or send me an email!

Until next time!

Ci vediamo!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sentire Media Website

Move to Italy Bootcamp

Welcome back to another episode of A New Life in Italy. I'm your host, Samantha Wilson. Today, we delve into a topic that fascinates many: the health and longevity of Italians.

Italy is celebrated for its healthy lifestyle, often attributed to the Mediterranean diet, a culture that values leisure, and strong family connections. However, there's more to it than just diet and exercise. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to live healthily in Italy, including the healthcare system and what happens when you get sick.

Our special guest today is Dr. Susan Levenstein, an American doctor who has been practicing in Rome for nearly 40 years. Dr. Levenstein shares her insights into the health of Italians, the lifestyle, and the differences between the Italian and American healthcare systems. She highlights the universal access to healthcare in Italy, the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, and the cultural habits that contribute to the longevity of Italians.

Dr. Levenstein also touches on the lower rates of gun ownership, drug abuse, and the importance of social networks and family ties in Italy. She emphasizes that while the Italian healthcare system may not be perfect, it provides essential care that contributes to the overall well-being of its residents.

For those inspired by this episode, you can find more about Dr. Levenstein through her book Dottoressa: An American Doctor in Rome and her blog Stethoscope on Rome. Links to these resources are available in the show notes.

We also address listener questions about taxes on liquid assets when moving to Italy, the elective residency visa, and the reality of one-euro homes.

Resources:

Dottoressa: An American Doctor in Rome

Stethoscope on Rome.

Rate, Review, & Follow

If you loved this episode and want to hear more, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and live the life they deserve.

Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at www.smartmoveitaly.com or send me an email!

Until next time!

Ci vediamo!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sentire Media Website

Move to Italy Bootcamp

Welcome back to another episode of A New Life in Italy! I'm your host, Samantha Wilson, and today we dive into the fascinating world of Italian wine, a vital part of Italy's heritage. I share a bit about my own journey to Italy, where I initially planned to retire and explore every Italian wine.

In this episode, I introduce you to Ashwin Mathia, a charismatic wine expert and the host of the Instagram account "Unpinned Wine." Ashwin, a self-described "recovering sommelier," joins us to discuss his unique approach to making wine accessible and enjoyable for everyone. He shares his personal journey from Chennai, India, to Atlanta, Georgia, and finally to Florence, Italy, where he now resides.

Ashwin explains the cultural differences between wine appreciation in Italy and the U.S., emphasizing how wine is deeply integrated into Italian life. We also discuss some of our favorite Italian wine varieties, including Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, and Nero d'Avola, and what makes them special.

Ashwin's story of moving to Italy is particularly inspiring. He recounts how a chance meeting with Tuscan winemakers in Washington, D.C., led him and his wife to spend significant time in Italy, eventually deciding to move here permanently.

For those interested in learning more about wine, you need to check out Ashwins course "Unpinned," which aims to demystify wine and make it accessible to everyone. I have seen the course and it's amazing and only $3.99 a month!

Thank you for tuning in! If you have any questions about moving to Italy, feel free to send us a voicemail at our website, smartmoveitaly.com/podcast. Don't forget to rate and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Ciao for now!

Resources:

Unpinned Instagram

Unpinned Course

Rate, Review, & Follow

If you loved this episode and want to hear more, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and live the life they deserve.

Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at www.smartmoveitaly.com or send me an email!

Until next time!

Ci vediamo!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sentire Media Website

Move to Italy Bootcamp

Today I’ll be filling you in on the enticing opportunities Italy is offering to foreigners and locals, including the NEW incentive for homebuyers in qualiying mountain towns in Tuscany.

Get ready to uncover initiatives like one-euro homes, tax regimes, and town rejuvenation projects designed to make your Italian dream a reality.

Learn about the financial benefits and practical steps to take advantage of these offers, from picturesque villages helping pay for property to tax regimes for new residents.

I’ll be setting the record straight on the details and misinformation surrounding these initiatives, guiding you to get inspired and decide if Italy’s special deals are right for you.

The links mentioned throughout the episode are listed below. Tune in to explore the possibilities!

Resources

Residentialità in Montagna 2024 in Tuscany

MIni PIA Tourism-Integrated Facilitation Packages

PIA Integrated Facilitation Programs

7% Flat Tax Books

Rate, Review, & Follow

If you loved this episode and want to hear more, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and live the life they deserve.

Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at www.smartmoveitaly.com or send me an email!

Until next time!

Ci vediamo!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sentire Media Website

Move to Italy Bootcamp

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) in Italy. Since our last discussion on this topic, there have been significant updates and developments that are crucial for anyone considering this lifestyle.

I share these important updates that impact:

1. Specifics on qualifications
2. New processes to prepare your application
3. Tax Implications of the Digital Nomad in Italy

We also have a special guest, Kristen Wilson from Traveling with Kristen, who shares her extensive experience as a digital nomad.

Resources

Digital Nomad Visa Information

Travelling with Kristin Youtube

Badass Digital Nomads Podcast

Rate, Review, & Follow

If you loved this episode and want to hear more, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and live the life they deserve.

Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at www.smartmoveitaly.com or send me an email!

Until next time!

Ci vediamo!

Mentioned in this episode:

Move to Italy Bootcamp

Sentire Media Website

The forgotten way to save money on your move and life in Italy. In this episode of "A New Life in Italy," I dived into the crucial topic of budgeting and how currency fluctuations can make a major impact on your cash flow.

Together with my special guest Rachel Canales from GC Partners, we explore how smart financial planning, particularly in handling the shift from your home currency to the euro, can significantly impact your budget.

I discuss the differenced between online banks and Italian banks, and how you can bridge the gap between arrival and settling in.

Are you ready to start saving money? Let's get started!

Resources:

Wise Online Bank

GC Partners (open a free account)

If you have any questions about moving to Italy, feel free to send us a voicemail ! Thanks for listening, and ciao for now!

Mentioned in this episode:

Move to Italy Bootcamp

Sentire Media Website

Welcome back to "A New Life in Italy," the podcast dedicated to helping you plan and make the move to Italy. I'm your host, Samantha Wilson. In today's episode, we tackled a topic that often confuses newcomers and those in the planning stages: the difference between Italian residency and the Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit).

Many expats and prospective movers use these terms interchangeably, but they refer to two distinct legal statuses, each with its own set of applications, benefits, and responsibilities. Understanding these differences is crucial for complying with Italian law and making the most of your life in Italy.

Obtaining your Permesso di Soggiorno and registering for residency are critical steps in making your dream of living in Italy a reality. Each serves different purposes and is vital for legally residing and integrating into Italian society. Remember, every mountaintop is within reach if you just keep climbing.

Thank you for listening! If you have any questions about visas, citizenship, property, or anything about moving to Italy, feel free to send us a voicemail at our website. Don't forget to rate and leave a review if you loved this episode. Ciao for now!

Resources:

Italian Residency Lab

Residency Assistance

Rate, Review, & Follow

If you loved this episode and want to hear more, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and live the life they deserve.

Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at www.smartmoveitaly.com or send me an email!

Until next time!

Ci vediamo!

Mentioned in this episode:

Move to Italy Bootcamp

Sentire Media Website