An unexpected way to explore Italy
Language learning tips, following in the footsteps of a Saint, a workshop you won't want to miss and more!
Cheers to Thursday…and another packed issue of Italy Per Te. Not as dreaded as Mondays but not as popular as Fridays, Thursdays aren’t known for being remarkable. But here at Smart Move Italy, we look forward to Giovedì because it’s a day we’re able to connect with our community, share stories, provide inspiration, and, hopefully, get you one step closer to a new life in Italy. Let’s get started. Iniziamo!
Podcast Corner - Si può fare! (It can be done!)
When it comes to moving to Italy, falling in love with the idea comes easy. Learning the language? Not so easy — but still necessary. While fluency isn’t required, having the basic ability to communicate will make your life so much easier and much less stressful. So, why wait to learn? Wherever you are on your journey, NOW is a good time to start.
In this recent podcast episode, Sam shares some personal thoughts on her own language journey and chats with Ph.D. Margherita Berti, our resident language expert and face behind Italian Matters. If you’re struggling with learning (or don’t know where to begin), this conversation will provide practical tips, and give you hope that progress is possible. Si può fare!
Exploring Italy a Piedi - From Assisi to Gubbio, on the Way of Francis
Much is said about exploring Italy by car or by train, but for those wanting to dig into the unique landscapes that are truly off-the-beaten-path, this country offers some of the most spectacular hiking trails in Europe. From alpine forests to seaside cliffs and rolling hills, nature lovers have so many options to choose from.
One of the most iconic treks is the Cammino di Francesco, or the Way of Francis, a 550 kilometers (342 miles) pilgramage from Florence to Rome honoring St. Francis. While some brave hikers do tackle the whole path, from start to finish, the trail is broken into several more manageable chunks. The shortest of these — although, at 50 kilometers (~ 31 miles), it’s still not really short — is the Umbrian path from Assisi to Gubbio.
Starting in Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, this trail winds through rolling hills, lush valleys, and ancient forests. This is the Italy often not seen by tourists. A quiet world full of peace, serenity, and true, unspoiled beauty. The experience can also check your culinary and cultural boxes as you stop along the way to enjoy the sights, hospitality, and local dishes offered by the towns of Valfabbrica, Gualdo Tadino, Biscina, and, finally, Gubbio.
This section of the trail can take 2-3 days and is considered “moderate” as far as difficulty. Hiking shorter parts of the trail is also possible, so you don’t have to commit to a multi-day adventure. While there is no historical evidence that St. Francis walked this exact path, he was known for traveling extensively around central Italy on foot. Hikers today often embark on the journey to commemorate the work of one of Italy’s most revered saints (of course, many others do it just for the experience in nature).
Ready to take on an Italian adventure a piedi? Be sure to check out this website, entirely dedicated to The Way of St. Francis. It’s a great place to start your research, check out all of the trails and download maps. So, what do you think? Are you up for the challenge? We’d love to hear your thoughts so be sure to comment👇 below.
Location Spotlight - Spoleto, Umbria
There are plenty of reasons to love Spoleto. In the land of breathtaking hilltop towns, Spoleto stands out as exceptionally charming, welcoming, and well-connected.
The level of charm you’ll experience in Spoleto is acknowledged by its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Given its backdrop of rolling hills and cobblestoned streets, living here may feel like a fairytale, but you’ll still be able to enjoy the modern conveniences of a train station (ideally set on the Florence-Rome line) and all the services you could ever need.
Spoleto’s flagship event is the multi-week Festival dei Due Mondi (Festival of Two Worlds), which showcases a variety of art forms including opera, theater, dance, music, visual arts, and literature in venues throughout the town. One of the many highlights is the Jazz Festival (a festival within a festival), a bucket-list event for jazz lovers around the world. This year, between 28 June and 14 July, Spoleto will be full of artistic energy as visitors and participants flock to Spoleto to enjoy this renowned celebration.
🤗As a side note, owning a property in the area provides great rental potential, especially during the Festival dei Due Mondi.
Speaking of which, check out this enchanting entrance👇 to a beautifully restored property close to Spoleto that was recently featured in Vendita, our free, weekly property newsletter. It has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, an open fireplace, beamed ceilings, and a shared infinity pool. This would be an amazing vacation rental or full-time home for a lucky family.
Want to see the details? Don’t forget to subscribe to Vendita for 30 property picks sent to you every Sunday ☕️. To subscribe via email, click here or join our Telegram channel. It’s completely free! Is Spoleto on your list of “must visits”? Let me know in the comments.
It’s Time!! The ERV Workshop is Coming Up.
Plenty of people want to move to Italy but figuring out how to move can be tricky. Visas are usually the way to go (unless you can pursue citizenship), but there is so much confusion and misinformation surrounding the process. The Elective Residency Visa (ERV) option is extremely popular, but it’s becoming harder to get. If you are even remotely considering this visa, you can’t afford to miss our upcoming ERV Workshop. This will be the single best investment you can make in your visa preparation - hands down.
In this LIVE 90-minute event, you’ll learn the exact method that has helped 100% of her private clients successfully apply for their ERV. Sam only runs this workshop 2 times a year so mark your calendar and grab your spot NOW.
Along with a TON of updated content, Sam will also be answering questions in a live Q&A so you can get the clarity you need — and deserve. There are a limited number of spots available so that everyone can get their questions answered. Early bird pricing is available until April 2 so don’t wait to sign up!
There have been a LOT of changes this year, and this workshop will cover everything you need to submit a successful application. You will learn:
Exactly what the ERV is and what it isn't
How to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and estimate the likelihood of a successful application
How to assemble your documents to WOW the consulate
What exactly qualifies as passive income, and how to present your financial viability to prove you qualify
How to prepare your documents (apostille, translations, healthcare, cover letter, bank letters...)
How to ensure your residential address/lease /deed qualifies
💥 Plus you’ll get Sam’s ERV WORKBOOK, which includes cover letter templates with writing prompts and bank letter templates that have proven to tip the scales in your favor (This book alone is worth the price of registration!).
The #1 reason for a denial is the lack of financial proof and/or an incomplete application..so let's make sure you give it your best shot!
Need some more motivation? Just ask past participants like Michael and Carole Trufant. This dynamic couple shared their experience with the ERV Workshop and visa assistance by Smart Move Italy in a past edition of Italy Per Te. They are now living the dream in Umbria.
Sam was flawless in her guidance. It’s always a smart investment to get competent counsel and [the ERV workshop] proved to be an excellent investment.
- The Trufants
This is always a popular event within our Smart Move Italy community…and for good reason. Enrollment is now open, so GRAB your seat before they’re gone!
ASA (Ask Samantha Anything)
Email us at sophia@smartmoveitaly.com to submit your questions.
Dear Sam: I read the For the LOVE of Sicily issue and it's definitely a destination on our list! We're trying to navigate the 7% tax incentive and I know areas in Sicily qualify if I'm not mistaken. How is the healthcare and hospital care in that region? As we age, I want to have access to good care. Warm regards
Dear Anne: Thanks for the question I speak a lot about healthcare in Italy because I find it exceptionally good, but I live in central Italy, where some of the most sophisticated healthcare facilities are located.
Healthcare in Italy is managed regionally, and the care and access can vary wildly from the north to the south. It is common knowledge that the North is better funded and services are more available and advanced, but that doesn’t mean that there are no services in the South. I have friends in Sicily who have used the healthcare system extensively and are very happy with it. Their facilities may not be as shiny and new as the ones in central or north, but the quality of care will be good. Just be prepared for long waits, not just because there are other people in front of you, but because in Sicily, things move at a much slower pace. You can also use a private system at any time. Check out my podcast next week as the subject is all about healthcare in Italy! I hope this helps.
“Is Social Security disability from the U.S. taxed in Italy?”
A recent podcast episode featured a question from a Smart Move Italy community member who is receiving Social Security disability benefits from the U.S. and is wondering whether it is taxable in Italy. Great question!
As always, Sam provided an insightful and thorough response, easing his concerns. If you have a pressing question, she’d love to do the same for you. Just send in your recorded message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode.
As always, thanks for reading and for being a part of the Smart Move Italy famiglia. A presto!