Dream of Italy

Kathy McCabe/Dream of Italy
  • 4.6 (7)
  • Places & Travel

If you dream of Italy, host Kathy McCabe and her fascinating guests are here to make your Italian travel dreams come true whether you're seeking life transformation life with a move to Italy or simply want to make your Italian vacation as authentic as possible. McCabe is the host of the PBS TV travel series Dream of Italy and founded the award-winning travel publication Dream of Italy in 2002. Our episodes - mostly recorded on the road in Italy - cover everything from picking the best cooking schools and villa rentals to gaining Italian citizenship and starting a new chapter in Italy...

  1. 6d ago

    Episode #21: The Truth About Italian Taxes with Attorney Nick Metta

    If you are seriously thinking about moving to Italy, taxes are not something to figure out after you arrive. Ideally you should start the process 18 months ahead of time. This Dream of Italy Podcast episode with host Kathy McCabe is the clearest explanation of how Italian taxation actually works for Americans that you will find anywhere. Kathy is joined by Nick Metta of Studio Legale Metta, an Italian tax and immigration attorney with a PhD in taxation who works exclusively with people moving to or investing in Italy. He has been Kathy's go-to source and workshop guest for years, and this conversation covers the questions that come up most often and get answered most incorrectly online. Nick walks through the difference between tax residency and civil residency, how the 182-day rule works and when it does not apply, and what it actually means to move your center of vital interests to Italy. He explains the worldwide taxation system that kicks in once you become an Italian tax resident, why failing to report an overseas asset can cost you up to 15% of its value in fines, and how the US-Italy tax treaty is routinely misread, including the section on social security that trips up almost everyone. Nick covers the tax brackets standard Italian residents face, the small business flat rate that caps at around 10%, the 7% pension program and who actually qualifies for it, the 60% income exclusion available to digital nomads with high qualifications, and how Roth IRAs and traditional 401ks are treated differently under Italian law. He also explains why Italy is notoriously poor at honoring the foreign tax credit in practice and why banking on it is a strategy he does not recommend. The single piece of advice that runs through the entire conversation is this: start your tax planning at least 18 months before you move. The options available before you cross the threshold are substantially better than anything available after. Use code DREAM15 at www.studiolegalemetta.com to make an appointment with Nick to talk taxes. Book a 30-minute consultation and you will receive an additional 15 minutes free of charge with the code.   Show notes: www.dreamofitaly.com/21

    33 min

  2. Jun 17

    Episode #20: Move to Abruzzo Italy with Your Kids with Joe Reagan

    American Joe Reagan bought a 24,000€ house in a hilltop town in Abruzzo with 750 people, moved his wife and four kids from Ireland, enrolled them directly into the Italian school system, and has not looked back. Three years in, they love their life in Abruzzo and are Joe is working to help other families move to their town for a better quality of life in Italy.  Dream of Italy Podcast Host Kathy McCabe sits down with Joe to talk about his new initiative to bring families to Celenza sul Trigno, Abruzzo, a town that has lost nearly half of its population in the last 35 years. He talks about the school system, where his kids got dedicated Italian lessons pulled from class for the first year and were fluent by the end of it, and where his eight-year-old daughter now sounds out English words with Italian vowels because that is simply how her brain learned to read. He gets into healthcare, where the pediatrician takes appointments by WhatsApp and the new family doctor was messaging his wife back within minutes of being contacted. He also gives an honest account of what small town tradeoffs look like, the nearest Costco equivalent is thirty minutes away and the bureaucracy moves at its own pace, and why he thinks the mindset shift matters in moving to rural Italy more than any practical obstacle. The conversation ends with Joe describing a Sunday spent picking wildflowers with the other fathers from the First Communion class to make decorations for the street procession. Neighbors knock on the door with fresh cherries. His son who used to be dragged to school in Ireland now has his grembiule on and his lunch bag packed before anyone else is awake. Show notes: http://www.dreamofitaly.com/20

    43 min

  3. Feb 10

    Episode #19: Italy Tourism Boom with ENIT President Alessandra Priante

    Italian National Tourism Board, to talk about how travel in Italy is evolving and what it means for visitors today. Drawing on her global perspective and deep knowledge of Italian tourism, Alessandra shares how travel habits have changed in recent years, why Italy continues to inspire repeat visits and how travelers can experience the country in more meaningful and memorable ways beyond the classic itineraries. From the growing popularity of off-season travel to the desire for deeper cultural experiences, Kathy and Alessandra explore how travelers are moving beyond classic itineraries and seeking authentic connections with Italy's regions, food and local communities. They also discuss how major events like the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina will bring global attention to new parts of the country. Kathy and Alessandra discuss: Why Calabria is emerging as an exciting destination with beaches, mountains, villages and affordable prices How Umbria is becoming known as a refined, boutique luxury destination Why Abruzzo, with L'Aquila as Italy's 2026 Capital of Culture, is gaining attention How the Marche offers diverse landscapes, culture and fewer crowds How shorter, more frequent trips are replacing traditional long vacations Why travelers are planning trips around experiences, events and food traditions If you're planning a trip to Italy, you won't want to miss this episode! Show notes: http://www.dreamofitaly.com/19

    34 min

  4. 2025-03-08

    Episode #18: 90 Years of the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium with Nicola Bertinelli

    Kathy McCabe, host of Dream of Italy, visits with Nicola Bertinelli, President of the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium to talk about the King of Cheeses and the 90th anniversary of the consortium of producers of this amazing "Made in Italy" product. Bertinelli leads Kathy in a tasting of various ages, talks about the importance of the American market for this cheese and share stories of Parmigiano Reggiano including ones about 3-Michelin Star Chef Massimo Bottura.  Show notes: http://www.dreamofitaly.com/18

    28 min

  5. 2024-11-16

    Episode #17: Experience Authentic Italy in 2025 with Angelo Cartotenuto of LivTours

    Kathy McCabe, host of Dream of Italy, welcomes Angelo Carotenuto, founder of LivTours (formerly LivItaly). They discuss how tourism in Italy has evolved, with Carotenuto emphasizing the importance of booking experiences well in advance, particularly for major attractions like the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica. Kathy and Angelo explore his unique tour offerings, from Vespa sidecar rides in Rome to early morning Vatican visits and after-hours access to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. Carotenuto shares his philosophy on creating meaningful travel experiences, drawing from his background as a tour guide with acting experience. He emphasizes that travel to Italy is deeply emotional and transformative, with tourists often arriving with dreams and expectations shaped by media, history, and cultural influences. Kathy and Angelo also spend time covering practical advice for visiting Rome during the 2025 Jubilee Year and highlights the importance of exploring lesser-known neighborhoods like Prati for authentic dining experiences. Kathy and Angelo discuss: How optimal booking window for Italian tours is now 4-6 weeks in advance, with many travelers planning even further ahead. The unique experiences LivTours offers like like women-focused historical tours, artisan workshops in Florence, and traditional rowing lessons in Venice. Why 2025 Jubilee Year in Rome will bring increased visitors but shouldn't significantly disrupt regular tourism activities. How early morning and after-hours tours provide exceptional opportunities to experience major attractions without crowds. Why the Prati neighborhood in Rome offers authentic dining experiences away from tourist crowds, including restaurants like Sorpasso and Cacio e Pepe. Why quality of tour guides is crucial to the travel experience, with the best guides combining historical knowledge with storytelling abilities. How to save 10% on LivTours tours and experiences with code: DREAMOFITALY10

    44 min

  6. 2024-07-06

    Episode #16: Italian Culinary Adventures in Modena with Rhonda Vilardo

    Join host Kathy McCabe and Rhonda Vilardo of Italian Culinary Adventures as they discuss one of their very favorite cities in Italy- Modena in the region of Emilia Romagna. Modena lives and breathes food, especially balsamic vinegar and parmigiano reggiano. Kathy recently filmed two episodes of season 3 of the TV series Dream of Italy in Modena and Rhonda and Kathy discuss Michelin-star chef Massimo Bottura and his wife Lara Gilmore and their culinary and philanthropic empire in this charming city. Rhonda explains how she takes guests through the many layers of Modena exploring food, wine and culture, meeting food producers and learning hands on the special culinary traditions of this corner of Italy. If you are dreaming of visiting Modena, you don't want to miss this episode of the Dream of Italy Podcast!

    37 min

  7. 2024-06-18

    Episode #15: Bring Italy to Your Doorstep with Olivia Becker

    Pistachio cream tastes like that breakfast you enjoyed in Milan. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar catapults you back to a memorable lunch in Modena. A bite of pasta transports you back to a perfect dinner in Umbria. Olivia Becker of Dalla Fonte knows the important role food plays in our memories. She talks to host Kathy McCabe about how Dalla Fonte brings customers Italian food directly from small businesses and local suppliers in tiny towns in Italy, truly living up to its name which means "from the source."  Olivia, who has Italian-American ancestry, connects with many female-led business owners and entrepreneurs keeping traditional food alive while keeping an eye on innovation. Jordan almonds ("confetti") were a staple in Olivia's Abruzzese family and are synonymous with parties and celebrations still today for many Italians. She includes confetti from the Pelino factory in Sulmona, Abruzzo, in operation for over 300 years, as part of a special box created as an interactive experience for Season 3 of the TV series Dream of Italy. Olivia's curated boxes bring the best of Italy, authentic Italy, to your doorstep.  Save 20% in Dalla Fonte's store with code: DREAMOFITALY

    41 min

  8. 2024-01-27

    Episode #14: Buying Short Term Rentals in Italy with Brad Allan of BradsWorld

    YouTube star, dog-lover and all-around great guy, Brad Allan, originally from Texas, lives his dream of Italy in Montepulciano with his wife Olivia. Host Kathy McCabe enjoys a great chat with Brad and his new life in Italy! His thoroughly educational channel gives tips on how to move to Italy and how purchase property either for your personal use or to turn into short-term rentals as Brad has. Brad has a booming business renting out elegant apartments to travelers to Tuscany. He's also loving the Tuscan lifestyle as are his dogs! If you dream of moving to Italy with a smart way to finance it, this episode is for you.

    51 min
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4.6
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

If you dream of Italy, host Kathy McCabe and her fascinating guests are here to make your Italian travel dreams come true whether you're seeking life transformation life with a move to Italy or simply want to make your Italian vacation as authentic as possible. McCabe is the host of the PBS TV travel series Dream of Italy and founded the award-winning travel publication Dream of Italy in 2002. Our episodes - mostly recorded on the road in Italy - cover everything from picking the best cooking schools and villa rentals to gaining Italian citizenship and starting a new chapter in Italy...

Information

  • Creator
    Kathy McCabe/Dream of Italy
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2019-2023 Dream of Italy, Inc.
  • Show Website
    Dream of Italy

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