My friends, my friends! Some 16 months in the making, Season 3 of Dream of Italy is now here! As you know, in the U.S. you can find it airing (and repeating) on PBS stations, PBS.org and the PBS app. If you live outside the U.S., have no fear the episodes will be up on YouTube in June 2024.
I waved my magic Italian wand to bring you a captivating mix of star power and authentic Italian life in this new season of six episodes with special appearances by famed Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, Academy Award-winning actress Marisa Tomei and 3-Michelin Star Chef Massimo Bottura.
The season kicks off with a my visit with tenor Andrea Bocelli at his home on the Tuscan coast where he introduces Kathy to his four dogs and plays the songs that have touched his heart. The first episode “Andrea Bocelli’s Tuscany” explores the places that have made the man, including Bocelli’s beachside paradise in Forte dei Marmi, his hometown of Lajatico and the towns of Lucca and Torre del Lago, that were home to Bocelli’s inspiration, opera composer Giacomo Puccini.
I was thrilled to have actress Marisa Tomei join me to explore the mysteries of the Black Madonna in our shared ancestral region of Campania. What is Italy without food? This season features not to just one but two episodes visiting with world-famous chef Massimo Bottura and his wife Lara Gilmore who have created a culinary empire from the center of Italy’s “food valley” in Modena.
This new season of Dream of Italy follows the hot trend of Americans moving to and retiring in Italy and the boom in one-euro houses. I loved visiting with four Americans expats who purchased homes in the ruggedly beautiful region of Abruzzo. These expats share how the Italian lifestyle, cost of living, sense of community and affordable healthcare factored into their decision to make a new life in Italy.
You know and I know that Italy is so much more than a destination for all of us, but rather a place that evokes deep connection and the sense of possibility. I’m thrilled that in this new season, our viewers will not only explore new and surprising corners of Italy, like regal Caserta, but also take an intimate journey with celebrities who share a new side of themselves and their profound love for Italy.
The six Season 3 episodes are:
- Andrea Bocelli’s Tuscany
- Americans Moving to Abruzzo
- Caserta: A Grand Palace and Pizza (with Chef Franco Pepe)
- Massimo Bottura: Slow Food, Fast Cars, Big Dreams
- Massimo Bottura Part 2: Modena, Philanthropy and Opera
- The Black Madonna with Marisa Tomei
Stay tuned for a new travel guide to all of the places I visited and a sweepstakes featuring a trip for two to Modena!
— Kathy McCabe