October 13, 2021
After 5 years in Munich, Jax has founded his own tour guiding company, Heart of Munich Tours, and here he tells us what's on offer and shares lots of insider tips: why are Marienplatz and the Hofgarten two of his favourite stopping-off places, what cultural events is the city famous for apart from the Oktoberfest, what's the atmosphere like in the Hofbrauhaus and why is a beer garden only a (traditional) beer garden if it is shaded by chestnut trees?
useful links
https://heartofmunich.com
https://citybreakspodcast.co.uk/munich
September 22, 2021
The first of a two-part interview with Andrea Giordani from Feel Florence, the city's official tourism website. The 14th of this month is the central day in a year-long series of events to mark the 700th anniversary of the death of Dante Alighieri, Florence's world-famous poet, author and philosopher (1265-1321). Andrea tell us a little about Dante himself and the Florence he knew, introduces us to his best known work, the Divine Comedy and outlines some of the many events happening in Florence this year to mark the anniversary.
useful links
https://www.feelflorence.it/en
https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk
September 15, 2021
We interview Helen Farrell, editor of The Florentine, to find out how this publication and website can enhance your knowledge of Florence. She explains their news and listings functions and outlines the wide range of cultural information on offer; everything from new literature set in the area, to the recent celebrations for the 700th anniversary of Dante's death, via - of course! - Florence's recent Cocktail Week.
Helen's Reading Suggestions
Still Life by Sarah Winman
The Bookseller of Florence by Ross King
The Hunting Season by Tom Benjamin
Angels of Mud by Vanessa Nicolson
The Florence Duck Store by Harry Cochrane
useful links
https://www.theflorentine.net
https://www.theflorentine.net/subscription
https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk
September 8, 2021
Our very first Florence Extra episode with guest Danielle from the Florence-based tour company Ciao Florence who tells us all about the various tours and experiences the company offers in Florence and the surrounding area. She brings a refreshing Florence-based perspective and an insight into many things not covered in the original series.
useful links
https://www.ciaoflorence.it/en
https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk
![London Episode 25 Diarists and Travel Writers]()
August 11, 2021
A selection of readings from diarists who have written about London across the centuries and from travel writers who came to visit. Everything from eye witness accounts of the Fire of London and an assassination attempt on Queen Victoria, to those who hated the London fog and pickpockets and those who admired it as a city full of 'all that life has to offer'.
Useful link
https://www.visitlondon.com
Reading ideas
The Diary of John Evelyn
The Diary of Samuel Pepys
The Life of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell
The Blue Guide Literary Companion to London
City Lit London by Heather Reyes
London: An Illustrated Literary Companion by Rosemary Gray
A London Year by Travis Elborough and Nick Rennison
The Traveller's Year by Travis Elborough and Nick Rennison
City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time!
Check our website to find more episodes from our London series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk
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