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Total Tuscany Podcast

Episode 88: To Tip or Not To Tip In Italy

12/18/2022

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Il Castello Ristorante-Certaldo
​When Americans travel to Italy, they often need clarification about the practice of tipping. 

In the States, it's common to tip anywhere between 15 and 30% when at a restaurant, bar, or cafe. The standard is 20%. 

Total Tuscany Podcast hosts Travis Justice and Pat Campagna have been to Italy several times, even they are somewhat confused about when and when not to tip in Italy after all this time. 

It's hard to believe we have been doing this podcast for almost nine years now, and we are getting closer to our 100th episode and have never spent a serious amount of time talking about the subject of gratuity. 
​When discussing such an important issue, we bring in the experts. Linda Sorgiovanni fromItaly Customized joins us again on the podcast. Operating a boutique travel company, Linda is asked by clients to factor in a tip to the cost of services. That's more challenging than it sounds, as it is not customary to tip for some services, but it is for others. 

After listening to this podcast, you will be able to travel to Italy with complete confidence on when to tip or not to tip! 

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If you have a quick question about traveling to Tuscany, a recommendation, or even travel planning and a full-service itinerary, email us, totaltuscany@gmail.com.
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Tuscany For The First Time

10/29/2022

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Piazzale Michelangelo-Florence, Italy
Omaha, Nebraska, Mayor Jean Stothert had never been in Tuscany. Recently the three-term Mayor found an opportunity to visit Sicily and Tuscany. 

Mayor Stothert and 80 other Omahans visited Carlentini, Sicily. The two cities share a friendship agreement that will eventually become a Sister City agreement. The bond between Omaha and Carlentini goes back to the early days of mass immigration to the United States. Sicilian families, many from Carlentini, found employment working for the railroad in Omaha. 
​
When the constituents returned to Omaha, Mayor Stothert planned some personal time with her new husband, Dr. J. Kevin O'Rourke. Why not escape to Tuscany? That's exactly what the Mayor and her husband did. 

However, they needed some help and planning, in steps Total Tuscany. If you are a regular listener to this podcast, you know we share our personal experiences regularly and help travelers plan and create their own experiences. 
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Private Boat Trip-Cinque Terre

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The process started with a consultation. Normally this takes place through a questionnaire or Zoom call. Since we are from Omaha, we were able to meet in person. It's important to understand precisely what you want to ensure you have a trip of a lifetime. After the consultation, we get to work with our partners in Tuscany. In this case, Linda Sorgiovanni at Italy Customized.
​

The Mayor enjoyed eight days and seven nights, staying in Florence, but taking the time to travel outside the city. The highlights of our stay are:
  • Highlights of Florence with Aperitivo
  • Uffizi and Academia Gallery
  • Dario Cecchini's
  • Siena and San Gimignano
  • Duomo Complex Tour
  • Cinque Terre with Private Boat
  • Pienza and Montepulciano
Enjoy the episode as Mayor Stothert shares the stories of her first time in Tuscany! 
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Episode 76:Let Italy Come To You!

12/4/2020

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PictureLinda and Claudio
​The two of the most popular things to do when you go to Tuscany are drink wine and take a cooking class. Well, since we can't travel right now, what if there was a way to put a sommelier and a Tuscan chef right in your kitchen? 

COVID-19 has reinforced our need for connection to people. Linda Sorgiovanni from Italy Customized wants to come into your home, virtually. Linda collaborates with her friend Claudio Bisanzio on a unique cooking class and wine tasting with you and your family and friends.  The 2-hour experience includes wine, a food menu with step by step coaching during the cooking process, a recording of your cooking class, a recipe booklet, and memories that will inspire you to travel to Tuscany to experience the real thing. 

This virtual experience's price is very reasonable—$ 50 per person up to four people and $40 per person for larger groups.  We recommend that groups are not larger than eight people. 

​In this podcast, you will find that Linda and Claudio are the perfect guests to bring virtually into your home. You will laugh, drink great wine, create friendships, and be inspired to travel to Italy when we are again allowed to do so. 

This unique experience is a fantastic gift for the holidays. Imagine unwrapping a bottle of Chianti Classico Reserva or a Brunello with a card detailing a night of great Italian food that you will make right along with your new friend in Florence. 
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Virtual Cooking Class

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​Yes, there is a pretty big time difference between Florence and the United States. But don't fret; Linda and Claudio are night owls and will work directly with you to schedule a time that works for you and your guests. You can email Linda directly to set up your class.  
linda@italycustomized.it

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Episode 68: Urban Adventures Florence

1/26/2020

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PictureAnjanette & Travis
It was a brisk December afternoon, my wife and I were sitting in the Piazza della Republica in Florence waiting to meet up with our friend Linda Sorgiovanni. You've heard Linda on the podcast before, she owns and operates Italy Customized with her business partner Alberto Bassilichi. However, our afternoon plans were to experience the other business they own and operate, Urban Adventures Florence. 

We were excited because Linda was going to give us a sample of the Florence Foodies Walk. The walk, a two-and-a-half exploration of the city streets, where we found some hidden gems and experienced the following:
Truffles. Gelato. Chianti. Olive Oil. All the essentials of the Italian food pyramid were included on this Florence tour. Leave the diet at home and embrace the feast that is Florence.
  • Gain insight into the best local food stores, restaurants, and wine bars
  • Sample delicious local fare including earthy truffles and artisan chocolate
  • Learn about local extra virgin olive oil (and sample some, too!)
  • Experience a localized food history lesson before sampling the best gelato in townRelax with a glass of chianti at the end of the tour
A local, English speaking guide gives the tour, and for about 75-bucks, everything you eat and drink is included. ​


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​A local, English speaking guide gives the tour, and for about 75-bucks, everything you eat and drink is included. 

We were fortunate to have Linda give us a private walk, but it would have been amazing to have other people to share the experience with and get different reactions. 

Our first stop was a new Antinori wine bar/restaurant that included a small museum.  Besides giving the history of the Antinori family, the courtyard housed a replica "Crazy Cart," which could haul up to 2000 bottles of chianti. 
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​The next stop was a short walk from the Piazza Santa Maria Novella.  We went behind the scenes at Top Bakery, where the owners were making their world-famous Panettone. A sweet cake popular around the Christmas holiday. Close your eyes and imagine the most fabulous smell a bakery can produce. That's what we experienced at Top, and everything we tasted was just as delicious!
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Top Bakery
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Panettone
​It was time to sit down, Linda had something special planned as we walked into Procacci, a wine bar.  We stared with the most refreshing glass of Prosecco and followed it up with not one, but two truffle and butter sandwiches that were simply unforgettable! 
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​Our final stop, Forno di Antonio Mattei.  A quaint little shop where we sampled biscotti.  Not only did we taste several varieties, but the shop documents the history of the family and the business that is still thriving today.  We purchased our biscotti in the replica "hatbox" that was traditional before modern packaging. 
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​We ended our tour at Linda's office to record this podcast. Enjoy!  You will want to experience one of the Urban Adventures Florence tours.  We want to save you some money doing so! When you book online, enter the promo code, TOTAL TUSCANY, and you will save 5% off the purchase price.  If you love (or like) food, and wine, Urban Adventures Florence will give you the best day ever!
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Travis, Linda, & Alberto
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The Interview!
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Episode 59: Italy Customized with Linda Sorgiovanni

3/10/2019

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​Hosting a podcast explicitly dedicated to Tuscany has many advantages. The one we like the most is the network of friends that we have made over these 59-episodes. We hope that when you listen to every episode that you feel you have created a bond of some sorts with our guests as well.
​Italy, in particular, Tuscany is something we want, and our guests want to share with the world. We do it with our podcasts and our Total Tuscany Experience. Today's guest, Linda Sorgiovanni is a partner in the agency, Italy Customized. Anything you want, Linda and her partner Alberto Bassilichi can make happen. 
  • Helicopter tours? It's Done!
  • Private yacht to the Italian Riviera? No problem!
  • Drive around Italy in a Ferrari? Here are the keys!
  • Private villa for a family gathering? The doors are open! 

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Ponte Vecchio Florence Italy
Ponte Vecchio
We have discovered that not one size fits all when it comes to travel. Some of you like to do your planning.  Some of you are not that detailed and want everything mapped out down to the smallest detail. This service is where Italy Customized comes in and is here to help.

Linda has lived in Florence for the past 18-years; she has dual citizenship, Australian and Italian. Her credentials described on the Italy Customized website tell you she had cut her teeth in the travel and tourism industry.
Customized Italy
Alberto Bassilichi & Linda Sorgiovanni
​"Her work in Italian Travel and Tourism began in the UK where she worked as a consultant and travel planner of events to Verona and Milan for opera, ballet, and classical music.

After obtaining certifications as a Tour Leader and Chauffeur Driver, she worked as a freelance professional for top travel agencies and direct clients from all over the world as a Be-Spoke / FIT travel planner all over Italy.

Her role as a tour leader included Small group and private luxury food, wine, and active vacations — tours to exclusive boutique wineries and famous hill towns."
​Our interview covers a lot, like the strangest request Linda has gotten when putting a tour together. She also reveals her hidden gems. Those places off the beaten path that tend to go unnoticed by tourists because they are on the road(s) less traveled. 

Linda is part of our network of friends. We share a common passion, a love for Italy and the desire to tell stories or create an experience that inspires you to travel, experience a different culture, and take in a part of the word that still seems it like it was centuries ago. 

We would love to hear your stories! Email us your pictures, and where you are at and with your permission, we will share them on our social media channels. The more we share, the more we inspire. The more we inspire, the more we live! 
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    Total Tuscany

    Travis Justice & Pat Campagna have been traveling to Tuscany since 2009. They produce the Total Tuscany Podcast and all the content on this website.

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