Italy is being pushed to its limits right now, but hope never dies. Even though people have to stay home, there is a feeling of solidarity and positivity. Marika describes some of the initiatives that have taken form.

Imagine being on vacation and having to fly home during the pandemic. That's what happened to Melania who got stuck in Madrid on her way home from Venezuela.

The southern Italian region of Basilicata, also known as Lucania, is shown to us by a woman who was born there, and her young son. The Sanctuary of the Madonna in Anglona is where they start off.

Our guides bring us to the very old and picturesque Rabatana quarter of Tursi, and to Craco, where the ghost of Isabella Morra, a 16th century poet, is said to roam about the ruins.

The tour of Basilicata closes with verses of Isabella Morra and British travel writer, Norman Douglas. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Ionian coastline, the young traveler gives some tips on mastering the Lucan dialect.

Marika and Arianna discuss the Erasmus Program, a student exchange program that was founded in the late 1980s. It allows European university students to study at other EU country universities. The program is named after the Dutch humanist, Erasmus of Rotterdam (1466-1536).

Arianna tells us about her months of study in Potsdam and how beneficial the Erasmus experience was for her.

Antonio tells us about the origins of Praia and its appeal to tourists. Praia is a very special and attractive little town, where tourists can do and see many things.

Antonio tells us about the two islands off Calabria. The Isola di Dino is the larger of the two and he tells us the legend of how the island was named. Isola della Cirella is the other island.

Walking through the quaint little streets of Maratea in Basilicata, Antonio has us follow him to a central spot where we can admire the entire seaport.

Antonio's description of Maratea, with its restaurants offering fresh local fish, fresh mozzarella, local meat, along one of the most beautiful coastlines in Italy, will surely make it high on the list of places to visit on your next trip to Italy.

The sea and its harbour are two important features of the town of Maratea. Another important feature is the presence of forty-four churches! Our Lady of Porto Salvo (Safe Harbour) is the church that Antonio focuses on. He also speaks of the cult of San Biagio, patron saint of Maratea.

What does Maratea have in common with Rio de Janeiro? Antonio tells us all about it.

The Tiber Island is a charming quarter of Rome, especially in the summer, because the small bars, restaurants, discos and particularly the open-air movie theater make it an ideal spot for spending a nice evening.

Anna talks to us about a part of Rome she loves: the Jewish Ghetto, the neighborhood where, in the 16th century, the Jews of Rome were forced to live, and which is now famous for its restaurants, bars, and nightlife.