U.S. TV series shines a spotlight on Florence and Friends of Florence

With just 100 days to go before the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, American audiences are discovering the beauty and talent of Italy through Journey to Italy, a new television series produced by award-winning journalist Scott Swan and aired on NBC and WTHR, reaching more than 60 networks in the United States and abroad.

The program takes viewers on a journey through the country’s artistic heritage, craftsmanship, landscapes, and human stories that connect Italy and the United States — a prelude to the world’s attention turning to the Olympic Games next February. Among the featured destinations is Florence, with an episode dedicated to the restoration projects supported by Friends of Florence, the U.S. non-profit foundation that has been safeguarding the city’s cultural heritage for more than two decades.

In the Florence segment, Simonetta Brandolini d’Adda, president of Friends of Florence, explains how living in Italy means being surrounded by beauty, but in Florence this experience becomes extraordinary: every street, church, museum, and hillside holds masterpieces that continue to inspire wonder.

Also interviewed is Monsignor Timothy Verdon, director of the Opera del Duomo Museum, who highlights how Italy’s natural beauty, art, and cuisine captivate people from around the world.

The Journey to Italy series offers international viewers an engaging preview of the country that will host the Winter Olympics, showcasing the values of creativity, tradition, and cultural preservation that make Italy — and Florence in particular — a symbol of excellence.

❤️ Support Florence Daily News

If you liked this article, please consider supporting Florence Daily News.

We are an independent news site, free from paywalls and intrusive ads, committed to providing clear and reliable reporting on Florence and Tuscany for everyone.

Your support — whether a one-time gift or a regular contribution — helps us stay independent and keep telling the stories that matter.

Donate securely via Stripe below.