When you think of Italy, you probably picture sun-soaked hills, delicious pasta, and charming locals. But for The View cohost Joy Behar, her recent trip to the boot-shaped country didn’t exactly go as planned. During an episode of The View’s “Behind the Table” podcast, Joy revealed that her Italian escapade was more of a disappointment than a dream vacation.

“The Weather Was Terrible!”

“The trip was a semi-disappointment because the weather was so bad,” Joy shared candidly on the podcast, airing on Wednesday, May 1. Imagine traveling all the way to Italy, only to be greeted by rainclouds and chilly temperatures. It’s enough to dampen anyone’s spirits, right? Joy wasn’t alone in her travels, though—she ventured “all over the whole damn country,” from freezing Verona to soggy Bologna.

A Tale of Two Trips

Interestingly, Brian Teta, the show’s executive producer, was also in Italy around the same time. However, his journey was far less dreary. Unlike Joy, Brian managed to dodge the brunt of the bad weather by constantly moving from one place to another. “I was freezing in Verona,” Joy joked to Brian, 47, as they compared notes. “Freezing in Bologna.”

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Tuscany Treats

Despite the gloomy skies, Joy did manage to enjoy some highlights during her trip. One of the standouts? A visit to Rachael Ray’s stunning villa in Tuscany. “She has a beautiful villa,” Joy recalled fondly. “Her view is the most magnificent thing. Just all of Tuscany is so beautiful.” And it wasn’t just the scenery that left an impression—Joy raved about Rachael’s culinary skills. “She cooked all day,” Joy said. “She had all the company there. We laughed. We cried. She’s a lovely girl.”

Now, let’s be real—Italy is known for its rich culture, vibrant cities, and, of course, its food. So even with the less-than-perfect weather, Joy still found moments of joy (pun intended). Whether it was savoring authentic Italian dishes or bonding with friends, Joy made the most of her time abroad.

No Fame in Florence?

One unexpected twist in Joy’s Italian odyssey? She went completely under the radar. “Nobody recognized me in Italy,” she admitted with a laugh. “The only thing that came close was in Venice, where two women whispered, ‘Is that her?’ and the other replied, ‘No, I don’t think so.’”

Can you believe it? One of America’s most beloved talk show hosts strolled through the picturesque streets of Italy without drawing a single fan. Joy joked that the experience might have been different for her cohost, Whoopi Goldberg, whose iconic status transcends borders. “They would recognize Whoopi,” Joy said. “She could not walk through Venice. She’s been around a long time, she has a look.”

Spring Break Hiatus

Joy’s European adventure coincided with The View’s spring break hiatus, during which the show aired reruns to give the cast and crew a much-needed break. Cohost Sara Haines also seized the opportunity to recharge, jetting off to Turks and Caicos with her husband, Max Shifrin. “You really remember why you’re together when you’re alone,” Sara reflected on the podcast. “The talking, the joking, Max said at the end of our trip he goes, ‘We didn’t fight once.’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, those dang kids. It’s the kids.’”

It’s refreshing to hear how these busy TV personalities take time to unplug and reconnect with loved ones—or in Joy’s case, explore new places, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate.