James’ journey begins with him exploring the sunny shores of Sicily, a fascinating island where cultures collide under the shadow of Mount Etna. James explores the simple pleasures that have sustained people for generations, such as chopping bits off statues, Canoe Polo, and bagpipes.

In the beautiful, rural south of mainland Italy, James is forced to confront a vision of hell courtesy of Dante’s Inferno, and Bettina goat who urgently needs milking. The Amalfi Coast offers some much-needed respite before he dives headfirst into the chaotic, city of Naples for ancient catacombs and pizza.

All roads lead to Rome, so it was inevitable James would end up in Italy’s magnificent capital. However, it’s not just Romans and ruins. James is schooled in how best to drive his Panda through the city, boards a virtual reality bus tour that takes him back 2000 years and meets Italy’s own Gandalf.

James puts his Renaissance man credentials to the test with a spot of medieval sport, art, science, and modern-day alchemy in the Tuscan capital, Florence. A little further North in Emilia-Romagna, he sets his sights on the world of fast-moving cars and slow-aging cheese before he wraps up his visit in a town with a slightly different feel to it.

Size really does matter, as James visits the marble quarries of Carrara and the massive container port at Genoa. Then it’s from the big to the elusive, as James searches for truffles, learns the noble art of falconry, and faces off with a few killer robots. James learns some hard truths along the way; that Italians rule at penalty shoot-outs, whilst the British are more skilled in tea-making.

In Milan, James finally submits to a long-overdue wardrobe update. Dressed to impress, it’s time to try his hand at some exquisite Italian craftsmanship – and bid a final goodbye to an old friend. Next stop: Venice, by land, air, and lagoon, while in the snowy Dolomites James investigates the darker side of Christmas.