Regional Italy episode 06 - Sicily

Regional Italy episode 06 - Sicily

In this episode, we dive into a personal story that kicks off with a Christmas party invitation and an unexpected wardrobe choice — a kilt. From this quirky start, we delve into the historical significance of Sicily, a land that has shaped centuries of Mediterranean history.

The episode takes us on a journey from the ancient Carthaginian and Greek settlements to the present day, with a special focus on Palermo, Catania, and Messina. We hear about the Normans, the Arabs, and the rise of the Roman Empire in Sicily. Along the way, we uncover the island's rich cultural layers, including its enduring connection to mafia resistance, the tragic story of Giuseppe Impastato, and heroes like Falcone and Borsellino who fought to bring justice to Sicily.

In the second half of the episode, we explore the stunning beauty of Sicily's landscapes from Mount Etna, its picturesque coastline, and its ancient Greek ruins.


Then of course there are the local wines, like this eof the Donna Fugata winery and the 100 passi, which embody Sicily's resilience and spirit.


Finally, we hear about Explore Worldwide’s immersive tours of the island, including family-friendly adventures and activities like zip-lining, sea kayaking, and visiting archaeological gems like Giardini Naxos and Siracusa.


Key highlights:



  • Sicilian ancestry and the influence of Scottish heritage.


  • The island's multicultural past: from Carthage to Greek colonization.


  • Catania, Messina, and the legendary Mount Etna.


  • Anti-mafia heroes, and community resilience.


  • The importance of local wine and sustainable tourism with Explore Worldwide.




If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Sicily, this episode will inspire you to explore its timeless beauty, history, and culture. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn about one of the world’s most fascinating regions — packed with legends, landscapes, and a true sense of adventure!


Takeaway: Whether you're a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a wine lover, Sicily offers something for everyone. Tune in for an unforgettable journey into one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating islands!




Click here for Adventure Travel inspiration from our friends at Explore Worldwide. Don’t Just Travel, Explore!

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Interview: Jennifer Anton, author of "Under the Light of the Italian Moon"

Interview: Jennifer Anton, author of "Under the Light of the Italian Moon"

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111 – Joanna of Naples, teenage queen with a boring husband (1326 – 1345)

the rise to the throne of Joanna of Naples, from her marriage at a young age to Andrew. son of the Angevine king of Hungary to her coronation as a teenager after the death of her grandfather Robert of Naples. We will see how her joyful, lively character clashed with that of her husband as complications rose in the kingdom around them, reaching dire consequqnces.

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109 – Popeless Rome and the rise of Cola (not the drink)

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108 – Italians against stairs

Mastino II Della Scala gets too big for his own good and Venice, Florence and Milan move in to bring him down a rung or two

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107 – An unexpected king

107 – An unexpected king

While everyone (the Pope, the king of France, Milan, Verona, Venice, Florence etc.) is manoeuvring in northern Italy along comes an unexpected king, John of Luxembourg, king of Bohemia. Will he be able to unite the northern cities?

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106 – An imperial tour of Italy (1327-1329)

106 – An imperial tour of Italy (1327-1329)

We follow the descent into Italy of Holy Roman Emperor Luis IV to visit with the Visconti in Milan, the Dalla Scala in Verona, the Este of Ferrara, the Castracani in Lucca and the Gonzaga in Mantua. At the same time we see the struggle between emperor and pope and get a reminder fo the situation in Naples and Sicily.

5 Jan 202122min

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