Exploring Beyond the Tourist Path: A Chat on Flavor of Italy

Many travelers to Naples follow the common itinerary: Spaccanapoli, a pizza slice, a quick Pompeii tour, and then moving on. But stopping there means missing the real soul of Campania. I recently joined Wendy Holloway on the Flavor of Italy podcast to discuss my journey—from arriving in Naples years ago as a U.S. Air Force officer, falling in love with the area, becoming a sommelier, and starting Andiamotrips.

Karen Phillips

8/5/20261 min read

Many travelers to Naples follow the common itinerary: Spaccanapoli, a pizza slice, a quick Pompeii tour, and then moving on. But stopping there means missing the real soul of Campania.

I recently joined Wendy Holloway on the Flavor of Italy podcast to discuss my journey—from arriving in Naples years ago as a U.S. Air Force officer, falling in love with the area, becoming a sommelier, and starting Andiamotrips.

Our discussion was a deep dive about moving beyond traditional tours to offer personal and immersive experiences in southern Italy.

What did we chat about?

  • Wine on the Water/Sea and Sip: Enjoying guided tastings of local volcanic wines aboard a boat in the Bay of Naples.

  • Sunken Imperial History: Discovering underwater Roman ruins and savoring local Michelin-guided cuisine.

  • Neighborhood Revivals: Uncovering hidden courtyards, catacombs, and ancient history in Naples' authentic areas.

  • Personalized Travel: How skipping the typical travel checklist creates unforgettable memories.

Instead of reading about it, I invite you to listen to the full conversation and catch our travel tips, stories, and recommendations.

🎧 Catch the full Flavor of Italy blog and podcast episode here.

Whether it's your first trip to Naples or you're seeking a deeper exploration of Campania, grab a coffee (or Falanghina) and have a listen!