User Reviews

I can see the point made by the previous reviewers about the presenter, and she does it again in ep.2 when she rubbishes people for drinking cappuccino after mid-morning or asking for Parmesan on their pizza. (Personally, I like cappuccino later in the day - and why not?). And I agree the repeated cries of "Mamma Mia" are quite cringe-making.

However, when Alex gets away from tourist-bashing and talks about family and places she loves, she's a different person and the program becomes more enjoyable and uplifting. There are some lesser-known but beautiful destinations featured, and Alex conveys them with a passion that you cannot help but be moved by.

A suggestion, though, for makers of this kind of program generally. Please screen a map at with each new segment showing the new place featured, or else find some other device to show the place name in print. After the shoe factory in La Marche, Alex went on to a place she called "Aquili". It was a stunning place, and I'm sure I wasn't alone in rushing to my computer to check it out for my bucket list. It turns out she was saying "Ascoli" (short for Ascoli Piceno), yet I've replayed the segment over and over and it still sounds like "Aquili". So, TV producers, please don't rely on the diction of presenters. It's not always up to the mark! Use a visual clue as well.

I wasn't certain if I would stick with this after watching Episode 1 in Venice because Ms. Polizzi came across like a spoilt and entitled brat. However, Episode 2 in Rome and beyond was wonderful and Episode 3 in Naples and the Amalfi coast was equally enjoyable.

Someone in the production company needs to tell her to stop saying "Mama Mia" again and again because she looked and sounded ridiculous and even the mussel harvesters over in the Marche had a giggle at her. BUT -- the bottom line is that the filming is beautiful and there are both new cultural details and information about the production of regional goods that make it all worth spending the time occasionally cringing at her verbal gaffes. I give it 8 out of 10.

I came across this series by accident. Having lived in Italy for several years I was curious to see what I may have missed. I agree with two other reviewers in that Alex's presentation is cringe worthy.

I was truly disappointed after watching episode 1 of the Sicily tour. I waited for the full hour to see Siracusa. I am sure that the modern church is no secret to anyone. That was all she presented of the city and for future reference Siracusa is on the east coast of Sicily in the south of the island near the toe of Italy. (Not the North).

While at Palazzo Gangi the camera was focused more on Alex than on the beautiful interiors of the building which happened much too often. Alex shows up in the frame more that is reasonably necessary. The hat shop portion was ridiculous as too much time was spent watching Alex try on hats. How about the ancient artisanal crafts?

I thought the first episode that I watched and disliked was a fluke but unfortunately I will have a hard time watching the entire series.

The subject matter is fascinating so it was bitterly disappointing to have it thrown away on a pompous twerp like Alex Polizzi. She starts in Venice and spends the first few minutes putting the boot into tourists that dare to show up! It really was quite embarrassing to watch her look down her nose at visitors and bemoan the fact that Venice draws a crowd. Years ago, Fry and Laurie did a superb sketch about pseudo-intellectual snobs discussing 'our Venice'. It all sounds precisely like that.

The whole thing is thoroughly spoiled by a terrible choice of presenter. Oh, and is it really a 'secret' that if you "open your wallet wide" you can stay in very expensive hotels? Do me a favour.