Season 2 of Wander Every Day kicks off with a personal trip recap as I take you along on Nick and I’s September journey through Switzerland and Italy, a perfect mix of smooth logistics, unforgettable scenery, and seriously good food.

We start in the sky, reviewing our business class flights from Toronto to Montréal with Air Canada, then onward to Zurich with Swiss Air. From there, I share highlights from a day exploring Zurich, followed by an unexpectedly magical evening in Chur, Switzerland’s oldest town, where we enjoyed some of the best food and drinks of the entire trip.

Next up is one of Europe’s most iconic train journeys: the Bernina Express. I break down what makes this route so special, what to expect onboard, and whether it lives up to the hype. From the Alps, we head south to Lake Como, spending a weekend in Vezio just outside Varenna, soaking up lake views, charming villages, and slow Italian mornings.

The journey continues with a high-speed train to Naples, followed by a dreamy escape to Ischia. I talk seafood-filled meals, the island’s relaxed pace of life, and a deep dive into the Poseidon Thermal Gardens. We wrap up the trip back in Naples, staying in the Spanish Quarter, eating plenty of pizza, and exploring the city with the help of a Rick Steves free audio walking tour.

This episode is packed with practical tips, honest reflections, and inspiration for combining Switzerland and Italy into one unforgettable itinerary. It’s the perfect way to kick off Season 2 of Wander Every Day!

🎧 Let’s wander.

Timestamp:

0:00 Intro: What I’ve Been Up Too + Season 1 Stats!!

7:36 Business Class Experience: Toronto Pearson Airport, Maple Leaf Lounge vs Air Canada Café, Swiss Business Class + the Business Arrivals Lounge in Zurich

14:22 Zurich: Day-Trip Logistics, the Aqueduct Market + Frau Gerolds Garden

18:55 The Bernina Express: Highly Recommended Food and Drink in Chur, Info for Booking + Expectations

28:11 Lake Como: Train Accessibility, Accomodation Options + Varenna and Bellagio Food Recs

35:42 Trains: Possible Delays, Milano Centrale Station + High Speed Overview

39:23 Ischia: Seafood Galour, Taking the Bus, Ischia Porto Fest + Poseidon Thermal Gardens

46:06 Naples: Best accommodation of the trip, Popular Pizza Spots, Travel Mishaps + Rick Steve’s Free Audio Tours

51:20 Final Recommendations: Weather variations, eSims + the Strong Suggestion to Travel Deeper

In the second half of my conversation with Al, we dive into two of Italy’s most iconic cities: Florence and Rome. From cozy agriturismos in the Tuscan countryside to sipping wine at charming Roman bars, this episode is a foodie and culture lover’s dream.

In Florence, we talk Air bnbs, sandwiches from All’Antico Vinaio, coffee culture across Italy, exploring the world-famous Uffizi Gallery, and whether Florence has lost a bit of its sparkle under the weight of tourism.

In Rome, it’s all about the food and atmosphere: we break down the four classic Roman pastas, debate Roman vs Neapolitan pizza, and talk about what it’s like to explore the Colosseum during the Ryder Cup crowds. Plus, wine bar recommendations, aperitivo culture, and plenty of travel tips for making the most of these vibrant cities.

Whether you’re dreaming of your first Italian adventure or planning a return to soak in more pasta, pizza, and history—this episode will give you insider tips and inspiration to experience Florence and Rome like a local.

🎧 Let’s wander.

Timestamp:

2:03 Florence: Air B&B, Al Antico Vinaio Sandwiches, Utilitarian Coffee, Uffizi Gallery, Agriturismos + Has Florence Lost its Sparkle?

11:01 Rome: The Ryder Cup, the Four Pastas of Rome, Neapolitan Pizza vs Roman Pizza, Wine Bar Recommendations, Apperitvo Culture, Colosseum Tour + Pre-planning Attractions

25:37 Reflections on Italy Trip and Recommendations

29:36 This or That: Bella Italia Edition

30:34 Listener Questions: Is Rome Overhyped + Best Restaurants in Italy

In this episode of Wander Every Day, my friend Al joins me to dive into the first half of her Italian adventure – exploring the island charm of Ischia and the bustling streets of Naples.

🌊 Ischia: We chat about staying in Ischia Porto, sipping rucolino, taking a boat tour to see La Mano di Dio and the Green Grotto, riding the island bus, soaking in thermal bath parks, and of course trying the island specialty, coniglio all’ischiatana. Plus, we compare Ischia to nearby Capri and the Amalfi Coast – is it the hidden gem worth choosing?

🍕 Naples: From exploring the Catacombs of San Gennaro to diving deep into Naples’ legendary pizza scene, we review Michelin-recognized favourites like L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele, Gino e Toto Sorbillo, Pizzeria Vincenzo Capuano and Pepe in Grani. We also share a wine-filled stop at Vineria Bandita and chat about Naples’ complicated reputation.

✈️ Italy Travel Tips: We round out the episode with practical advice – from avoiding pickpockets, to navigating Italy’s mix of trains, ferries, and metros, to cost expectations and the best times of year to visit.

If you’ve ever wondered whether to put Ischia or Naples on your Italy itinerary (or if you’re just here for the pizza talk), this episode is packed with insight.

🎧 It’s time to experience la dolce vita!

Timestamp:

2:47 Introduction to Al: Frequenter of Italy, Lover of Pizza and Wine + Discovering Italy without a Car

12:56 Travel Tips: Planning in Advance, Accommodation Accessibility, Avoid August Travel? + General Review of our Budgets and Cost

25:07 Arrival in Italy, Beware of Pickpockets + Every Mode of Transport in Italy

31:53 Ischia: Getting Around the Island with the Bus, Boat Trip Around the Island, Coniglio all'ischiatana, Rucolino Amaro, Thermal Baths + Comparison to Amalfi and Capri

51:37 Naples: The Grit, Character and Authenticity, the Pizza Journey, the Catacombs of San Genaro and San Genaro Day, and using the Michelin Guide while Traveling (it’s not always super expensive!)