In episode 49 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy once again welcomes Italy travel expert Dianne Bortoletto back to the show.
This week, Dianne, who has Italian heritage and extensive travel experience in Italy, shares essential tips for first-time visitors to the Amalfi Coast.
Discover key insights on the best duration to stay, must-visit spots, and unique experiences like boat tours to Capri’s Blue Grotto and hikes on the Walk of the Gods.
Dianne also highlights local culinary delights such as seafood pasta and buffalo mozzarella and offers practical advice on navigating the area’s challenging terrain, which includes numerous stairs.
Click the blue button below to listen:
Episode 49 – Summary
In this episode, Dianne Bortoletto shares her expertise on planning an unforgettable trip to the stunning Amalfi Coast in Italy. She delves into the region’s iconic appeal and offers essential tips and unique insights for first-time visitors.
Dianne highlights the picturesque charm of the Amalfi Coast, known for its breathtaking vistas where mountains meet the sea, and its vibrant culture, rich with delectable food and friendly locals. The episode covers everything from perfect travel itineraries to tips on navigating the hilly terrain.
She also discusses the importance of experiencing the coast from both land and sea and making time for excursions like a trip to Pompeii or the island of Capri.
Listeners will appreciate the practical advice on managing luggage, traveling in style, and making the most of their coastal adventure.
What you’ll learn in this episode
- 📍 Tips for navigating the hilly and scenic terrain of the Amalfi Coast
- 📅 How to plan a flexible yet fulfilling itinerary, ensuring a balance of relaxation and exploration
- 🚄 Insights on transportation options, from local buses to private transfers and scenic ferry rides
- 🛏️ Accommodation suggestions, including charming family-run pensione options and stunning villas
- 🥢 Regional dining experiences including must-try seafood dishes and famous Amalfi lemons
- 😲 The joy of unexpected discoveries, such as unique ceramics shopping and local people-watching
Places, foods and words/concepts mentioned
Places
- Amalfi Coast: A coastal stretch in Southern Italy, famed for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture.
- Positano: A picturesque town known for its colorful cliffside villas and narrow streets.
- Sorrento: The gateway to the Amalfi Coast and a popular starting point for exploring the region.
- Capri: A beautiful island renowned for its Blue Grotto and picturesque landscapes.
- Ravello: A town high above the sea, offering stunning views and exquisite gardens.
- Pompeii: An ancient city near Naples, preserved in time by volcanic ash.
Foods
- Spaghetti a la Vongole: A classic Amalfi Coast seafood pasta dish featuring clams.
- Limoncello: A lemon liqueur made from the region’s famous lemons.
- Mozzarella di Bufala: A creamy buffalo milk cheese from the Campania region.
Words/Concepts
- Limoncello: A sweet, tangy lemon liqueur that captures the essence of Amalfi’s citrus heritage.
- Ceramics from Amalfi Coast: Bold, colorful pottery that makes for memorable souvenirs and gifts.
- Porters: Local helpers available to transport luggage up and down the region’s many steps and narrow lanes.
Links
Links to Dianne’s social media, website and podcast
- And Away We Go F1 Podcast
- Website: www.travelletto.com
- Instagram @travelletto: https://www.instagram.com/travelletto/
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Travelletto
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannebortoletto/
Podcasts
- Episode #42 – Discover Italy: Essential tips for first-time visitors with Dianne Bortoletto
- Episode #23 – Solo Travel Adventures in Puglia & Beyond
- Episode #27 – Your Ultimate Driving Guide Abroad with John Cortese from Tripiamo
Articles

Guest Bio – Dianne Bortoletto
Dianne Bortoletto is a publicist, a travel writer and a podcaster based in Margaret River in Western Australia (about three hours south of Perth). Her favourite thing to do is travel, and her favourite country to visit is Italy, it’s always Italy. She lived in Rome for six months and has visited Italy so many times she’s lost count.
Besides travelling, her other huge passion is for Formula 1, and her podcast, And Away We Go F1 Podcast, brings together her passions of F1, travel, food and lifestyle in weekly episodes that she co-hosts with fellow travel writer, Monique Ceccato.