Erica Firpo

Long before Italy’s Costa Smeralda became an iconic retreat for the rich and famous, the 12-mile stretch on Sardinia’s northern coastline was just another — albeit spectacular — corner of the region’s wild terrain. Now it's one of the most famous vacation spots in the world for all kinds of travelers.

Carbonara- Parmigiano or Pecorino? You can't get enough of this iconic Roman dish which seems so easy to make (not quite). In this episode, Erica gets behind the stove with Chef Luciano Monosilio, aka Rome's reigning King of Carbonara.

Emilia Romagna may be Italy's cornucopia of food culture, but it's also a nexus of contemporary culture, in particular contemporary art. In this episode, we talk installations and exhibitions with Sara Piccinini from the Collezione Maramotti in Reggio Emilia.

Welcome to the colorful world of JJ Martin, Milan's Patron Saint of Patterns and the creative director of La Double J, an authentic Made-in-Italy fashion and lifestyle line that is bringing whimsical back to your life. Listen up as Erica and JJ talk about archival prints, fabulous fabrics and JJ's favorite Milan spots.

Coffee brings everyone to the table and no one knows that better than Carolina Vergnano who is leading the 4th generation of the historic Caffe Vergnano family into next gen coffee making. Put your moka on the stove, grab your favorite cup and join Erica in Chieri (Piemonte) and Carolina for the ultimate coffee talk.

Young-gun pizzaiolo Pier Daniele Seu bakes with an attitude as fresh as his divine, dough-licious pies. Find out where he eats in Rome.

Don’t pigeonhole Milan. Italy’s fashion capital is far more than incredible clothing and snazzy shoes. Milan is Bel Paese’s (“beautiful country” in Italian) most contemporary city, with a history of innovation that weaves through the centuries. It’s time to invest in a long weekend and we’ve got the itinerary to fill three perfect days in Milan.

Milano Torinio, Negroni Sbagliato, Americano... Milan loves her cocktails so much that the city perfected late afternoons to the art of the aperitivo. Join me with Sara Porro, a journalist who knows more food and restaurants than Michelin. We talk Milan's restaurant and cocktail scene, and get down with the aperitivi. Drink up!

Colpo di fulmine, that’s what Italians call love at first sight—a ground-shaking thunderbolt that shocks you from the first look. And that is Florence.

Thomas A. Kligerman is not just an architect. He’s a designer, adventurer, and cultural philosopher who loves pushing tradition and history forward.

King's Landing may be the backdrop to the incredible Game of Thrones story, but the city of Dubrovnik is a real life fairy tale. Join Erica as she visits the Pearl of the Adriatic with local tour guide Ivan Vukovic. Together they talk everything Dubrovnik from history, food and what to do in and around the city to film and fantasy.

Milan — once overlooked as the middle child of Italy — is really enjoying its moment in the spotlight. There may be more to the city than fashion and design, but, wow, does it do those better than anyone.

There’s something about Florence, Italy’s cradle of the Renaissance and picture-perfect Tuscan town. And the city knows it. Travelers have come in search of its art and beauty for centuries, drawn by its enchanting architecture, medieval streets and wide-open squares.

Are you to shake hands with Venice? Erica meets up with artist Lorenzo Quinn under his sculpture Building Bridges, six larger-than-life hands coming together to create the newest site specific art destination in Venice's Arsenale neighborhood.