Florence & Me

In this heartfelt episode, Katie Portanova shares her deep connection to Florence, Italy, exploring her journey from a visitor to a local resident. She reflects on the transformative moments that shaped her experience, the importance of slowing down, and the friendships that enriched her life. Katie emphasizes the difference between being a traveler and a tourist, advocating for authentic experiences that foster genuine connections with the culture and people of Italy. She invites listeners to consider joining her in future travel experiences that prioritize meaningful interactions over mere sightseeing.Join Katie on a Truly Italy Experience in 2026.Truly Tuscany Experience June 6-14, 2026Truly Sardinia Sailing Experience September 5-12, 2026One of my fave restaurants in Florence: I MangiarinoWant to get expert Tuscany advice monthly? Sign up here.

In the states we know how to multi-task way too much. In Italy, wasting time is an art. Spending time with friends is a gift. Lingering at lunch is pure joy. Listen to why I still wish wasting time was in my every day life. Follow me and my writings on Substack hereBe the first to know about my Travel Experiences in Tuscany & Sardinia hereHope to see you on one of my trips soon! :)

My heart lives in all these piazze for a reason. I'm now giving you a reason to visit them. Hope you enjoy this episode! Want my Ultimate Tuscany Insider Guide for FREE?? Get it here: https://www.trulyitaly.tours//ultimate-tuscany-guide

Today I talk about types of coffee, when to have caffe and what's the difference between sitting and taking your coffee and standing.I hope you enjoy this episode! Any questions email here: trulyitalytours@gmail.comWant my Ultimate Tuscany Insider Guide? Get it here for free: https://www.trulyitaly.tours//ultimate-tuscany-guide

In this episode, I share my passion for exploring the hidden historical gems of Tuscany, focusing on lesser-known medieval towns, castles, and travel tips for travelers. I highlight specific locations such as San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Volterra, Pienza, and San Galgano, providing insights into their unique charms and historical significance. I offer practical advice on the best times to visit, transportation options, and local specialties to try, making this a great guide for history lovers and slow travelers alike.Want to join us on a week long Tuscany Experience?Hop on my email list to be the first to know about our upcoming trip! https://www.trulyitaly.tours//email-newsletter

Have you ever wondered why there are so many wine doors in Florence? Or why you can't find them in Florence?In this episode I share the history of these wine doors, Buchette del Vino, thanks to this amazing book by Diletta Corsini & Lucrezia Giordano. So many cool insights I didn't even know about. Enjoy!Get your copy of Wine Windows in Florence and Tuscany, here!✨ Let's Stay Connected! ✨Love diving into the heart of Florence and slow Italian travel? Join my email list for exclusive travel tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and first access to my immersive Italy experiences!

The Ponte Vecchio is one of my fave places to visit when I'm in Firenze. Today I'll talk about the history, who built it, what was there before gold shops and WHY it was never destroyed during WW2 like the other bridges in Florence. Enjoy this episode! I sure did love making it! :) Not on my email list yet? go here: https://www.trulyitaly.tours//email-newsletter

The Vasari Corridor is finally open after years of being closed. This episode is some history on the corridor and why the Medici liked walking up there. Here's where you get your ticket: https://www.uffizi.it/en/pages/combined-ticket Want to get my email list? go here: https://www.trulyitaly.tours//email-newsletter

This episode recaps our successful year of growth. -Our 1st yoga Retreat -Investing in Video & Photography -Our 2nd Truly Tuscany Retreat -Creating our First Sailing Trip in Sardinia - Future plans for the Podcast -New trips coming up for 2025 Learn more about our Trips: https://www.trulyitaly.tours/ Sign up for our email list: https://www.trulyitaly.tours/email-newsletter

I share some tips and strategies on planning a slow, relaxing and memorable vacation in Italy. 8/30-9/6 2025 Truly Florence 9/8-9/15 2025 Follow me on the socials to see our travels in real time insta: @truly_italy Facebook: TrulyItalyTours Youtube: Truly Italy To get all the info on our upcoming trips and retreats, sign up for our email list here. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

Been busy the last few months. Planning a sailing trip in Sardinia and preparing for our first Yoga Retreat in Tuscany at the very villa i was meant to do a yoga retreat back in 2020, ironic no? Follow me on the socials to see our travels in real time insta: @truly_italy Facebook: TrulyItalyTours Youtube: Truly Italy To get all the info on our upcoming trips and retreats, sign up for our email list here. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

Traveling alone? Unsure on how to go about it? Listen to this episode, I'll give you tips on how to be respectful, learn about culture and connect with locals. Enjoy! Learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up ⁠here⁠ for our email list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

What to do when you get to customs in an international airport? I'll tell you all the details in this episode. Learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up ⁠here⁠ for our email list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

How long should you layover be when you arrive in Europe? How does customs work? These questions and more I'll answer on this episode. Enjoy Learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up ⁠here⁠ for our email list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

Are you someone who has always yearned to travel overseas but something was holding you back? Now you have no excuse. I have mapped out, talked out, step by step on how to fill out and prepare you FIRST US Passport application. You are welcome! One more step to Italy, right? Hope this helps! Learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up ⁠here⁠ for our email list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

What an amazing time we had! I wish Florence was closer because we would spend each Christmas there if we could. We had memorable encounters, delicious food and friends around us that mean the world to us! Keep an eye out on our itineraries for September 2025. They are going to be epic!! Learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up ⁠here⁠ for our email list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

Thank you to all my listeners & supporters!! Buon Natale & Buon Anno Nuovo! This is my last episode of the year. Can't wait for 2024!!! To learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up ⁠here⁠ for our email list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

What do pharmacies have in Italy? Do I have to have travel medical insurance if I have to go to the hospital? Will I find my over the counter meds in Italy? Can I get my antibiotics in Italy? We will answer all these questions in this episode. Enjoy! Want to connect with Giulia? Find her website Urban Yolk here. Watch her VLOG on her journey of moving from South Africa to Northern Italy with her husband and 6 cats!! Yes 6! Youtube Want to be in Tuscany in September 2024?⁠ Fill out this questionnaire to connect about our upcoming retreat. Early Bird pricing: Reserve by December 1, 2023, receive $175 off. Interested in a stress free, fully organized, all taken care of trip to Italy? ⁠Fill out this questionnaire learn more about Custom Trip Planning. To learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up ⁠here⁠ for our email list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

Giulia and I discuss the common misconceptions of dining in Italy. We talk about water, wine, coperto, tipping and much more. Want to connect with Giulia? Find her website Urban Yolk here. Watch her VLOG on her journey of moving from South Africa to Northern Italy with her husband and 6 cats!! Yes 6! Youtube Want to be in Tuscany in September 2024?⁠ Fill out this questionnaire to connect about our upcoming retreat. Early Bird pricing: Reserve by December 1, 2023, receive $175 off. Interested in a stress free, fully organized, all taken care of trip to Italy? ⁠Fill out this questionnaire learn more about Custom Trip Planning. To learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up ⁠here⁠ for our email list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

Planning a trip to Florence for Christmas?? Listen to this one! Listen to my latest episodes on The Clopen Effect: Part 1 Part 2 Want to be in Tuscany in September 2024?⁠ Fill out this questionnaire to connect about our upcoming retreat. Early Bird pricing: Reserve by December 1, 2023, receive $175 off. Interested in a stress free, fully organized, all taken care of trip? ⁠Fill out this questionnaire learn more about Custom Excursion Planning. To learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up ⁠here⁠ for our email list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

I give you a recap of my amazing trip to Tuscany. I speak about the amazing collaborators I'm working with for our upcoming retreat. These experiences should not be missed. Enjoy! :) Want to be in Tuscany in September 2024?⁠ Fill out this questionnaire to connect about our upcoming retreat. Early Bird pricing: Reserve by October 8, 2023, receive $200 off. Interested in a stress free, fully organized, all taken care of trip? ⁠Fill out this questionnaire learn more about Custom Excursion Planning. To learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up ⁠here⁠ for our email list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

I leave in a week for Florence and I wanted to tell you all the areas and places I can't to visit again. These are must sees when you are visiting Florence yourself. Il Duomo Santi Apostoli Piazza della Signoria Piazza Santo Spirito Sant'Ambrogio Piazzale Michelangelo Fiesole (where I studied and lived) Hope you enjoy this one! Want to be in Tuscany in September 2024?⁠ Fill out this questionnaire to connect about our upcoming retreat. Early Bird pricing: Reserve by October 1, 2023, receive $200 off. Interested in a stress free, fully organized, all taken care of trip? ⁠Fill out this questionnaire learn more about Custom Excursion Planning. To learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up ⁠here⁠ for our email list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

There's a new tourist visa starting in 2024. I talk about how much it is, who's it for, how does it work, etc. Stay tuned as the official date it will be active. Want to be in Tuscany in September 2024?⁠ Fill out this questionnaire to connect about our upcoming retreat. Early Bird pricing: Reserve by October 1, 2023, receive $200 off. Interested in a stress free, fully organized, all taken care of trip? ⁠Fill out this questionnaire learn more about Custom Excursion Planning. To learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up ⁠here⁠ for our email list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

This is a list that have items that not a lot of people think of. I like to give you practical things to bring while in Italy. I hope this helps you for your upcoming trip to Italy. Want to be in Tuscany in September 2024? Fill out this questionnaire so we can connect⁠ about our upcoming retreat. Early Bird pricing: Reserve by October 1, 2023, receive $200 off. Interested in a stress free, fully organized, all taken care of trip? ⁠Fill out this questionnaire to learn more about Custom Excursion Planning. To learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up ⁠here⁠ for our email list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

I go over all the details for our September 2024 retreat. We have an Early Bird Promo available until 7/31/23, when you book you get $300 off. Let's get you to Italy. Want to be in Tuscany in September 2024?⁠ Hop on a call ⁠with me to learn more about our upcoming retreat. Early Bird pricing: Reserve by July 31st, 2023, receive $300 off. Interested in a stress free, fully organized, all taken care of trip? ⁠Book a call⁠ with me to learn more about Custom Excursion Planning. To learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up ⁠here⁠ for our email list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

I've be thinking a lot about this word lately. Connection. How do you connect with the culture, people in a different country? What's your process when you visit a country? Do you research? Do you try to learn phrases to use? Well, I believe connection is what made my travels so much deeper for me. Hope you like this episode! Want to be in Tuscany in September 2024?⁠ Hop on a call ⁠with me to learn more about our upcoming retreat. Early Bird pricing: Reserve by July 31st, 2023, receive $300 off. Interested in a stress free, fully organized, all taken care of trip? ⁠Book a call⁠ with me to learn more. To learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up ⁠here⁠ for our email list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

I start off with reminscing on my first paid vacation in 20 years. I'm serious. Then I mention how I'm consistently spread the word on Truly Italy and why we do. I've been interviewed now on 2 podcasts, wrote an article and yesterday 7/16/2023, I was at a local festival promoting my Tuscan Wine Tastings. So much fun stuff!! This episode talks about one of my favorite, small, quaint little piazza's in Florence. Have you ever been to Piazza della Passera? I'll tell the story of the history of this rather alluring piazza. Enjoy! Want to be in Tuscany in September 2024? Hop on a call with me to learn more about our upcoming retreat. Early Bird pricing: Reserve by July 31st, 2023, receive $300 off. Interested in a stress free, fully organized, all taken care of trip? Book a call with me to learn more. To learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up here for our email list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

This episode is more fun trivia about things you can see on the streets of Florence. No need to pay a museum fee, just open your eyes and search for these hidden messages from the past. Want to be in Tuscany in September 2024? Hop on a call with me to learn more about our upcoming retreat. Interested in a stress free, fully organized, all taken care of trip? Book a call with me to learn more. To learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up here for our email list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

In this episode, I explain what is all included in our Tuscan Wine Tasting Parties. Also I toot my own horn sharing my first article published in a local magazine. You can read my article here. Want to sign up to host your own Tuscan Wine Tasting Party? Learn more here Interested in a stress free, fully organized, all taken care of trip? Book a call with me to learn more. To learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up here for our email list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

So many people make the mistake of packing too much, planning too many excursions and traveling to too many cities on a short trip. Here are my tips and questions to ask yourself when you are traveling to Italy for the first time or the 10th time. Ciao for now! Interested in a stress free, fully organized, all taken care of trip? Book a call with me to learn more. To learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up here for our email list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

Everything you need to know about our upcoming retreat in September 2024. Dates September 7-14, 2024. Have more questions? Set up a Q&A Call with me here. Can't wait to have you on this amazing retreat! More to come! :) To learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up here for our email list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

There are many things you should keep an eye out for when looking for a restaurant in Italy. Listen to my tips so you don't get stuck eating really bad Italian food. To learn more about our FIRST FLORENCE RETREAT, sign up here for our email list. Want to plan a private Italy trip with family/friends? Contact me to setup a call. Want to shop with me at Savvi, lifestyle athleisure brand? Shop here. Ask me for a $25 giftcard before purchasing. :) When you shop at Savvi, I get commission that is being invested back into Truly Italy. If you are interested in making extra income, contact me about being a Brand Partner. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

I've been to so many beaches in Italy. I've narrowed down the ones I'd recommend visiting either by train or by car. Summer can't come soon enough. Enjoy! To learn more about our FIRST FLORENCE RETREAT and all other Tuscany Retreats, sign up here for our email list. Want to shop with me at Savvi, lifestyle athleisure brand? Shop here. Ask me for a $25 giftcard before purchasing. :) When you shop at Savvi, I get commission that is being invested back into Truly Italy. If you are interested in making extra income, contact me about being a Brand Partner. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

The Bartolini family created their wealth by putting others to sleep. Listen to the full episode to find out how. To learn more about our FIRST FLORENCE RETREAT and other Tuscany Travel Retreats, sign up here for our email list. Want to know where to eat in Florence? Shop my guides & itineraries here. Want to shop with me at Savvi, lifestyle athleisure brand? Shop here. Ask me for a $25 giftcard before purchasing. :) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

It's about time. I'm finally planning an amazing trip to Florence in July 2025. This trip will be for Florence Lovers who enjoy taking their time when they travel. I'll be in my element, in my city sharing all the amazing sights and stories with you. Our trip will be 9 days/10 nights. Enough time for you get rid of jet lag and ready to explore all what Florence has to offer. To learn more about our FIRST FLORENCE RETREAT, sign up here for our email list. Want to shop with me at Savvi, lifestyle athleisure brand? Shop here. Ask me for a $25 giftcard before purchasing. :) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

Cherrye & I have known each other through the blog world since 2006 ( we think). We've never actually met in person but we have been writing together, sharing our adventures of living in Italy on our own blogs. She has an amazing travel company called My Bella Vita Travel where she does Heritage Tours, Small Group Tours and and Custom Vacations. It was so great to have her on the podcast and reminisce of our times blogging back in the day. To learn more about Cherrye and My Bella Vita Travel: instagram - @mybellavita FB - https://www.facebook.com/calabriatravel website- https://mybellavita.com/ Want a free Florence Travel Guide? Sign up for our email list: https://www.trulyitaly.tours/email-newsletter Leave a message for me: https://www.speakpipe.com/trulyitalytraveltips Please leave me a google review for Florence & Me here: https://g.page/r/CYktyL2kMflWEAI/review --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

Giulia is back for another discussion about towns that you NEED to visit. These are the ones we recommend. Buon Viaggio!! Northern Italy Como Caglio - Here's a link to the hiking trail Giulia spoke about : http://www.triangololariano.it/it/index.aspx Tuscany Stia Asciano- Il Poderino di Asciano was our favorite vacation spot: https://poderinodiasciano.it/en Want a free Florence Travel Guide? Sign up for our email list: https://www.trulyitaly.tours/email-newsletter Leave a message for me: https://www.speakpipe.com/trulyitalytraveltips Please leave me a review on Florence & Me here: https://g.page/r/CYktyL2kMflWEAI/review --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/florence--me/support

I've visited most of these which I highly recommend. Others are on my list to explore and visit. Not all hilltowns are touristy, I've given you a mix of both. Volterra Cortona Certaldo Alto Pitigliano San Gimignano Pienza Want us to talk about your Italy question? Leave us a message: https://www.speakpipe.com/trulyitalytraveltips Want to be the first to know about our upcoming trips? https://www.trulyitaly.tours/email-newsletter --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/florence--me/support

It's been a while. I've been busy with a women's conference, networking and much more. Truly Italy has amazing things coming our way. We'll be back soon with regular episodes. Have a question for us? Send us a voicemail message, with your questions, travel queries, moving abroad, anything about Italy will do. https://www.speakpipe.com/trulyitalytraveltips Not on my email list yet? https://www.trulyitaly.tours/email-newsletter You'll be the first to hear about my new retreats, new podcast episodes and other events. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/florence--me/support

Should I travel abroad this year? Will I be affected by the war in Ukraine? I answer these questions and more about traveling to Europe this year. You only live once, so I'd say plan your trip! Please consider donating to these amazing organizations!! International Rescue Committee- Help Ukrainians - https://help.rescue.org/donate/ukraine-acq?ms=ws_crisis_page_fy22_ukraine_mmus_feb&initialms=ws_crisis_page_fy22_ukraine_mmus_feb&_ga=2.117350342.1992970331.1676406097-1352257979.1676406097 White Helmets- https://www.whitehelmets.org/en/ We have an upcoming retreat this September where we will visit Florence. Join us for a week-long retreat in the Tuscan Hills, with a trusted guide (me) hosting an authentic experience. Trip Dates: September 2-9, 2023. Deadline to book: March 12th. 6 spots available. Make it the year you travel to Italy. See the details and book your spot: Wine & Relax Retreat --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/florence--me/support

This week I wanted to dive back into the legends and stories of Florence. These stories come from a book called Strolling Through Florence by Franco Ciarleglio. It's my most favorite book because these stories are so incredible. They are a crowd pleaser too. If you want to learn more about Florence, these types of stories tell us what life was like during Dante's lifetime. I hope you enjoy it! :) We have an upcoming retreat this September where we will visit Florence. Join us for a week-long retreat in the Tuscan Hills, with a trusted guide (me) hosting an authentic experience. Trip Dates: September 2-9, 2023. Deadline to book: March 12th. 6 spots available. Make it the year you travel to Italy. See the details and book your spot: Wine & Relax Italy Retreat

Giulia is back to tell us about her favorite dishes in Italy. These dishes are must tries (at least once) to learn the stories about each dish depending on the region. I love cozze (mussels), vongole (clams) and Giulia reminded me about coniglio in umido (rabbit), polenta and cinghiale (wild boar). My mouth is watering how about yours? As always, these are suggestions for all who are traveling to Italy for the first time. We hope you enjoy this episode and these dishes once you try them. Join us for a week-long retreat in the Tuscan Hills, with a trusted guide (me) hosting an authentic experience. Trip Dates: September 2-9, 2023. Deadline to book: March 12th. 6 spots available. Make it the year you travel to Italy. See the details and book your spot: Wine & Relax Tuscany Retreat Giulia has a great youtube channel to learn more about her: Urban Yolk

Is Italy on your mind? Well I have a retreat for you! Learn all about this retreat September 2-9 2023 on this episode. You'll learn: What's included and what's not. When you need to book: DEADLINE is MARCH 12TH to pay your deposit. What activities you'll experience. What kind of retreat it is. Who can participate. How many people can participate. What's our Villa experience like. Info links: FAQs: https://www.trulyitaly.tours/faq Tuscany Travel Retreat Info page: https://www.trulyitaly.tours/tuscany-retreats If you'd like to speak on the phone or converse through email with questions about this adventure, feel free to email me at trulyitalytours@gmail.com Not on my email list yet? Here you go. You'll be the first to hear about my new retreats, new podcast episodes and other events.

Well what do you know, we are talking about Italian food again. :) Giulia and I discuss what it was like growing with Italian grandparents and how they taught us about food. Food is so important for Italians. It is something to share, to explain culture and of course to enjoy. It's so evident why the mediterranean diet is the most popular way to eat all over the world. Pasta is a dish I could never live without. What about you? What's your favorite Italian dish? More about Giulia: Urban Yolk YouTube channel- all about Giulia's move to Italy with her 6 cats and husband, she also has videos on her rare disease, Syringomyelia. Have a question for us? Send us a voicemail message here, with your questions, travel queries, moving abroad, anything about Italy will do. Not on my email list yet? Here you go. You'll be the first to hear about my new retreats, new podcast episodes and other events.

Giulia and I are back with some more wine knowledge. Giulia went over the most popular grapes and types of wine in Piedmont and Veneto. And I talked about my favorite region Tuscany from sangiovese to trebbiano grapes. I also tell you about the most famous grapes and wines in Umbria. We share which wines you can drink as a table wine to the wines that need a hearty meal. I hope you enjoy this episode! As you will hear, we love talking about wine. :) More about Giulia: Urban Yolk YouTube channel- all about Giulia's move to Italy with her 6 cats and husband, she also has videos on her rare disease, Syringomyelia. Have a question for us? Send us a voicemail message here, with your questions, travel queries, moving abroad, anything about Italy will do. Not on my email list yet? Here you go. You'll be the first to hear about my new retreats, new podcast episodes and other events.

This new years was different for me. I didn't feel as melancholy as I usually feel. I was excited! I created a vision board for 2023 on the 31st. I used to create vision boards every year in my 20s. I'm so in love with this one. Hope you have an amazing 2023!! I'm hoping to connect more with my audience, here's how you do it: Send me a voicemail message here, with your questions, travel queries, moving abroad, anything about Italy will do. Not on my email list yet? Here you go. You'll be the first to hear about my new retreats, new podcast episodes and other events. Our Tuscan Wine Club waitlist will close on Jan 6th. Sign up here to get on the waitlist.

We dove deep into the wine doors spread all over Florence & Tuscany. These doors have been around for 5 centuries. And during the recent pandemic they re-opened for wine & food service. Owned by most of the noble, wealthy families of Florence, these buchette were popular by all people. Wine was drunk by all classes. Given to the sick, in moderation and mothers of newborns. Even today it is said to improve the blood. “Fa buon sangue”. Vintners, traders, and sellers were official suppliers, who had their own guild since 1288. The guild - the arte dei Vinattieri- was open not only to innkeepers and taverners, but also to anyone who sold wine for most of the year or just for one season. So many amazing stories about these very unique little doors. I hope to take my clients on a tour of them during one of my retreats in Florence. :) Hope you enjoy it! A little more about Giulia: Urban Yolk Youtube - all about Giulia's move to Italy with her 6 cats and husband, she also has videos on her rare disease, Syringomyelia. About Katie: Want to hear from me more? Sign up here . You'll be the first to hear about my new retreats, new podcast episodes and other events. Leave us a message with your questions on Florence, Italy Travel, how to order a coffee, anything at all.

Giulia from Urban Yolk is back! She and I discuss the meaning of wine in Italy. We compare the differences between South African & American wine cultures. Wine is such a big part of Italians culture. Not just for drinking but for making wine for over 4,000 years. I hope you enjoy it! A little more about Giulia: Urban Yolk Youtube - all about Giulia's move to Italy with her 6 cats and husband, she also has videos on her rare disease, Syringomyelia. Creation Vineyard in South Africa About Katie: Want to hear from me more? Sign up here . You'll be the first to hear about my new retreats, new podcast episodes and other events. Leave us a message with your questions on Florence, Italy Travel, how to order a coffee, anything at all.

I'm so excited for you all to meet and get to know my dear friend Giulia. Originally from South Africa, she and her husband (and 6 cats) recently moved back to Italy. We have reconnected which has been amazing for us and now we are creating and building our businesses together. YAY! You'll learn how we met or what we remember from meeting each other. And you'll get a feel on how much we both love and feel so connected to Italy. I seriously cannot wait to see what unfolds with us working together. :) OH and Happy Thanksgiving to my American listeners! Here's how you can get to know Giulia and her journey more: Urban Yolk YouTube , Urban Yolk website Check out my retreats next year: Tuscany Travel Retreats Not on my email list? Sign up here . You'll be the first to hear about my new retreats, new podcast episodes and other events. Follow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italy Follow me on Facebook: @Truly Italy

Cantina La Frasca is the first vineyard I've visited outside of the Chianti. This is also the furthest south I've visited a vineyard. I was welcomed by Matteo on our first visit, last June, with a smile. Our tour of the vineyard seemed more than an hour because we talked and talked and talked about all the amazing traditions his family created because of this vineyard. A very small vineyard, they have a wine bar in the center of Cetona where locals and tourist alike visit. We were treated like family when we visited. I got to meet and speak with his mom and dad. The best part was seeing how happy his mom was when she presented the cheese, meats and bread. I can tell how much the family enjoys their work. It comes from within, from their heart. Wanna visit Matteo and his family next year? Choose our first women's retreat, Spirit & Soul Retreat. Check out my retreats next year: Tuscany Travel Retreats Not on my email list? Sign up here . You'll be the first to hear about my new retreats, new podcast episodes and other events. Follow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italy Follow me on Facebook: Truly Italy

Castelfalfi is a resort town. If you are looking for a morning visit to a historic borgo on a hill, Castelfalfi is the place. We visited here in early October, I was so surprised of the beauty that surrounds this angelic place. It is on the high end of restaurants, shopping and hotel experience. If you are like me who likes to visit and that's it, then I would recommend it. The views from above are AMAZING! Wanna visit Castelfalfi with me? Check out my retreats next year: Tuscany Travel Retreats Not on my email list? Sign up here . You'll be the first to hear about my new retreats, new podcast episodes and other events. Follow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italy Follow me on Facebook: Truly Italy Tours