Italian Summer - Fruit, Books, Heatwave & The Alpini
Most Of Europe And Italy Have Been Experiencing An Extended Heat Wave, Summer Fruit And Produce Are Better Than Ever, My Favorite Author Published A New Book, And The Alpini Came To Town
- Nathan Heinrich
Since April, I have spent very little time in front of my computer. But as the weather has been brutally hot for the past several weeks, to escape the heat, I have slowed down, gotten caught up in the office, and begun to enjoy the summer in true Italian style.
I’ve been reading books, making salads, eating heaps of summer fruit, and enjoying some of the local celebrations in my village.
My Italian Village Was Overrun By 100,000 Men In Feathered Hats - Who Are The Alpini?
Have you ever seen men in Italy wearing these Swiss/Austrian-style wool hats with a stiff feather attached to the band? This is one of the symbols of the famous Alpini mountain soldiers.
Before moving to Italy, I knew nothing about these remarkable men and their brave legacy from World War I.
But after the 100-year celebration of the National Alpini Association turned my town into a raucous 3-day celebration with a parade and 100,ooo visitors, I decided it was time to educate myself as to why the Alpini are such a beloved part of Northern Italian history.
Rain - What I Love Most About Northern Italian Summers
When you live in a place long enough, you get to know its weather patterns. Unlike my native California, which rarely gets a drop of rain between April and November, Northern Italy gets rain all summer long and stays green!
During the past month, Italy and much of Europe have been suffering from a blistering heatwave.
But as I have learned from the past four summers, the hot air that gets trapped between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea eventually bursts into a spectacular cooling thunderstorm.
Now, whenever it feels like the summer heat is too much to bear, I just say to myself, “The rain will come” – and it always does.
This week, it’s just in time for some guests to arrive, and our weather will be in the 20s (70s F) this week. Grazie Dio!
What's In Season In Italy?
Summer fruits in Italy are abundant and varied, but it’s hard to beat the cherries, which are coming to the end of their season, but are still bursting with flavor and burgundy goodness.
I often stash a few containers of cherries in the freezer to enjoy a few at a time, for the remainder of the summer.
They’re quite handy on hot summer nights when I’m in the mood for gelato, but my favorite gelateria is closed for the evening.
What I've Been Reading...
Two months ago, one of my favorite authors, Carol Drinkwater, sent me the unpublished manuscript of her latest novel, One Summer in Provence, and asked me to read it and share my thoughts with you.
I did so with gusto.
Last week, I finished reading Carol’s delightful book, just in time for its public release date on July 3rd.
Not only is this book full of suspense and mystery, it also answers some of the most fundamental questions we face as humans – ‘Who is our real family, and is blood as important as our chosen family?’
I have read and reread many of Carol’s books over the years. My first love being the Olive Farm series.
She has a gift of transporting her readers to a destination so effectively that you can taste the wine, feel the Provençal heat, and hear the music right along with her characters.
If you need to be transported this summer, look no further.
One Summer in Provence is the perfect summer read.
At more than 500 pages, you’re guaranteed many happy hours of escape to the Mediterranean coastline of Southern France.
Thank you for another wonderful book, Carol! 🤍
Our Spring Retreat In May Was An Unforgettable Experience With A Fabulous Group!
Check Out Some Of The Highlights In The Video Below
Join Our Waitlist For The Chance Of Cancelation Pricing On One Of Our Upcoming Retreats This Fall (2026 Dates Are Booking Up Fast!)
Seaside Villa on the Cilento Coast
September 6th - September 14th, 2025
(flexibility on dates for private groups)
With views of the Amalfi Coast and Capri, this gorgeous seaside village has some of Italy’s most stunning emerald waters, fabulous restaurants, and Roman ruins but without the overcrowded chaos of Amalfi.
Our villa has a path to the sea, is within walking distance of the village, has a beautiful pool, lovely guest suites, and some of the best views in Southern Italy!
If you join us at this location in September, you will find that the water in the Mediterranean Sea is still warm enough to spend the day swimming.
Our local guides Alessandro and Simonetta have lived in this region most of their lives and they have some very special secret spots to share with us.
Nathan will share his favorite cliffside restaurant with you – it’s to die for.
This is an experience not to be missed!
Included Optional Day Trips:
• A Boat Ride To The Amalfi Coast & Sunset Dinner At Salvatore’s In Ravello.
• A Visit To A Local Buffalo Mozzarella Dairy – Yes Cheese Made From Buffalo Milk!
• A Trip To The Ancient Greek Ruins Of Paestum
• A Boat Trip Down The Cilento Coast
• Sunbathing And Swimming On Secret Local Beaches
Grand Villa in the Vineyards Of The Tuscan Hills
October 13th - October 21st, 2025
(flexibility on dates for private groups)
Have you always dreamed of going to Tuscany?
Maybe you’ve visited Tuscany, but you’re ready to experience a version of this incredible region that only locals know about.
Either way, you will never experience a more incredible version of the Tuscan countryside than at this spectacular villa overlooking vineyards and olive groves in the hills above Lucca.
Our local Italian friends, Vera and her husband Luca live here and they know this region better than anyone.
Vera is friends with many of the local winemakers including Italy’s oldest winery.
For a version of Tuscany that will charm and transform you with its stunning views, fabulous wine, and divine local cuisine – join us in Tuscany in October of 2025.
We can’t wait to share this remarkable place with you!
Included Optional Day Trips:
• A Day Trip & Dinner In Pisa
• Winetasting At Italy’s Oldest Wineries
• Olive Oil Tasting
• Cooking Classes From Local Italians
• A Day In Chianti / Dinner At A Fabulous Local Ristorante In Lucca
How To Book
Email Nathan Heinrich At:
Nathan@AllRoadsLeadToItaly.com
Nathan will email or text you a secure payment link.
Nathan will also be available to speak to guests who have additional questions or special requests.
Or click the link below
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Pre-Scheduled Small Group Retreats Are On A First Come First Serve Basis For Room Selection and Availability – Elegant Spacious Rooms For Up To 10 guests (5 couples).
Private Retreats: We Have Villas, Palaces, And Castles Locations For Up To 40 Guests.
Email Nathan At: Nathan@AllRoadsLeadToItaly.com
Email Nathan At: Nathan@AllRoadsLeadToItaly.com
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Author Info:
Nathan Heinrich
Nathan is a writer, designer & horticulturist. He is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of "All Roads Lead to Italy" Magazine & host of the Top-10 Travel Podcast, "I'm Moving To Italy!". Nathan was born and raised in a 6th generation farming family in Northern California, he is currently, a dual Italian citizen, living in the Prosecco Valley of Northern Italy, near Venice.