Florence & Me

Most Italy trips are built around rushing: too many cities, not enough days, and a suitcase that never stays unpacked. After years of hosting trips, I realized I was helping people re‑create the very pattern she no longer believed in.In this episode, I share why I chose to pause my old Italy trips and design something completely different: a slow, one‑week stay in a single Tuscan village.I talk about:The moment she saw that “dream trips” were leaving people exhaustedThe small, quiet moments guests remembered most (and what they had in common)Why she walked away from a busy model that was working on paper but not in her gutWhat this new June 19–26, 2027 Tuscan village week actually looks and feels likeWho this kind of trip is really for (and who it isn’t)If you’re tired of checklist travel and secretly craving a week where you can just land, this episode will help you see a different way to be in Italy.To quietly raise your hand for our June 19–26, 2027 Tuscan village week and get first details when they’re ready, join the interest list via the link : https://www.trulyitaly.tours/tuscan-village-waitlistFollow along on my blog: https://www.trulyitaly.tours/why-i-paused-my-trips. Get up to info on our moving plans and my citizenship plans on my newsletter: https://www.trulyitaly.tours/email-newsletter

Ciao tutti! In this inaugural video-style episode, I check in from home with a heartfelt update on life, Truly Italy, and the road back to Italy—this time with a husband, cats, and a lot more logistics than 2009. I share where I'm in the Italian citizenship process (through marriage), what I'm learning along the way, and why I'm building both a podcast and YouTube channel to document every step (and help others who want to do the same). I also explain why I'm postponing some trips, what’s next for my Tuscany vision, and details on an exciting new collaboration: a women’s retreat near Milan in September 2026. If you’ve ever wanted to move abroad, start over, or simply travel with more courage—this one’s for you.a presto, Kate Hamacha's website: https://www.haamacha.com/Women's Retreat September 21-25, 2026- details coming soon!Truly Sardinia: September 5-12, 2026 - https://www.trulyitaly.tours/truly-sardiniaDo you have questions or topics you want me to talk about? Email them here: katie@trulyitaly.tours

It's that time again. Italy here we come! This upcoming trip is a huge research trip. I cannot wait to share what I got up my sleeve. SO EXCITED!!We will be visiting vineyards, villas, and much more. Creating a network of Tuscan vendors for clients like you. These trips have become a staple in our diet that is Italy. :)I can't wait to see friends, family and most of all the seaside! Summer here we come, finally!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.I've created neighborhood guides for Florence, you can purchase them here. These are first time visitors AND avid travelers of Florence.Follow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italyFollow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours

San Gimignano is one of the cities I visited when I studied abroad. I remember visiting the Museum of Torture and not having lunch. I mistakenly went there first and lost my appetite quickly. There's so much to explore in this medieval town. There used to be 76 towers and now there are 13. Crazy to imagine, right. But I'm sure the view of this town from afar in the 1300s was a sight. In this episode, I talk about some landmarks to visit and so much more. If you are looking for a day trip on your Tuscany trip, San Gimignano should be on it. I'm at your service for any trip planning need, go here to get started. I've created neighborhood guides for Florence, you can purchase them here. These are first time visitors of Florence. Our September Wine & Relax Retreat is September 24-October 1. Go here to learn more about our week in Tuscany. If you aren't on my email list, sign up here . This is where you hear about my new retreats, new podcast episodes and my new travel planning service.Follow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italyFollow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours

A topic I love to talk about... Florence. I explain the different neighborhoods in Florence. Do you know some of them? I talk a little history, a little tourist info and a LOT of love for my city Florence. I hope this helps those of you that are heading to Florence for the first time or for the 100th time. I love you Firenze!! Here are a few of the places I talk about in the episode.Le volpe e L'uva - wine bar in Piazza dei Rossi, on your way to Palazzo PittiOro Nero - tea shop in Piazza PittiMaria Pace - Fashion designer on Via RomanaREMINDER: my Virtual Wine-Tasting Event is on Sunday May 15th at 11:30am CST. Sign up by March 26 so your wine arrives in time.If you aren't on my email list, sign up here . This is where you hear about my new travel experiences, new podcast episodes and my new travel planning service.If you are interested in coming on our Italian Travel Retreat, email me at trulyitalytours@gmail.com for more info or check out my website: http://trulyitaly.toursFollow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italyFollow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours

Back from our trip back to Italy to say goodbye to my father in law, I've learned a lot of new things about myself and others. I still can't believe it's been a month since his passing. Still can't believe it. Anyways, these last two weeks were hard and also needed. I slowed down with Stefano, I was present with the people around me, I enjoyed nature and I listened to my inner voice. You know what it said? Come back to Italy. :) More on this later.I hope you enjoy this episode! :) Always be kind! Check out my virtual wine-tasting event on Sunday May 15th at 11:30am CST. Sign up by March 26 so you'll wine arrives in time.If you aren't on my email list, sign up here . This is where you hear about my new travel experiences, new podcast episodes and my new travel planning service.If you are interested in coming on our Italian Travel Retreat, email me at trulyitalytours@gmail.com for more info or check out my website: http://trulyitaly.toursFollow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italyFollow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours

I can't believe it is almost 2022. Feels like yesterday I recorded my first episode on Florence & Me. I list all the experiences I went through this past year. From leaving old friendships to focusing on my mission of Truly Italy. We were lucky to have traveled a lot this past year. The most I've ever traveled, both for pleasure and business. I hope these lessons help those of you who might be struggling with the end of another hard year. You only live once. Don't hold back on what you want to accomplish. Thank you all for listening to me this past year! I appreciate you! If you aren't on my email list, sign up here . This is where you hear about my new travel experiences, new podcast episodes and my new travel planning service.If you are interested in coming on our Italian Travel Retreat, email me at trulyitalytours@gmail.com for more info or check out my website: http://trulyitaly.toursFollow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italyFollow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours

I've been trying to find a way to play with my inner child. I've also tried to find something else to try for fun. I'm focusing on my creative side. Have you ever thought about starting something new? Only for yourself. One of the reasons I started Truly Italy tours is because it was something new and something fun. For both my clients and myself. Because Italy is my playground. Italy is also where I feel most at home. So for the new year maybe try to pick up something new for YOURSELF. Not for competition, not to show other on social media, just for you. If you aren't on my email list, sign up here . This is where you hear about my new travel experiences, new podcast episodes and my new travel planning service.If you are interested in coming on our Italian Travel Retreat, email me at trulyitalytours@gmail.com for more info or check out my website: http://trulyitaly.toursFollow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italyFollow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours

I've been thinking about how travel has changed me lately. I was asked recently, 'what made me move abroad'. 'What was the moment that I put me on the track of moving abroad?' A ton of feelings and emotions started to build up inside me. This episode is all about the first moments when I knew I wanted to move to Florence. I also talk about how travel has changed how I move through life. How has travel changed you? If you aren't on my email list, sign up here . This is where you hear about my new travel experiences, new podcast episodes and my new travel planning service.If you are interested in coming on our Tuscany Travel Retreat, email me at trulyitalytours@gmail.com for more info or check out my website: trulyitaly.toursFollow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italyFollow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours

On this episode, Chelsea and I talk about our pre-departure rituals and what we pack when flying over the big blue ocean. We discuss the covid precautions we've taken(to be vaccinated) and also the locator form you need to enter Italy. There are covid tests that need to be taken as well. I recommend getting a pen and paper to write down some of the information you'll need when traveling to Italy this fall. Thanks to COVID. I hope this episode helps anyone who is planning a trip this fall or next year. It's worth to be extra prepared. :)Follow me on Instagram: @truly_italy & @katerinafiore@Trulyitalytours on FacebookFollow Chelsea on instagram : @wanderfulretreats & sketchynotions

Our week in Tuscany went by in a flash. We indulged in food, wine, family and friends. It was one of the best weeks of this year. Stefano and I enjoyed our time driving around Tuscany meeting up with friends and family as well as visiting new places for Truly Italy. Our upcoming travel experiences are going to be epic. Authentic and engaging. I cannot wait to share. This episode gets a bit emotional. I know, I've cried on this podcast a lot, and ya know what? That's who I am. I'm emotional and I feel everything. Pasquale hit me with some knowledge and some truth. Simone gave me perspective on life. Ale & Adry showed me that love and friendship when it is real, never changes. Matteo showed me kindness and assistance when it came to travel information for my upcoming trip. Honestly, all of our friends gave us something and filled our soul with love and appreciation for the people in our lives. I said it before and I'll say it again... Life is short. Live it to the fullest. Enjoy this emotional episode.If you aren't on my email list, sign up here . This is where you hear about my new travel experiences, new podcast episodes and my new travel planning service.Follow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italyTruly Italy Tours on Facebook

Chelsea from @wanderfulretreats is back! Post Covid, you'll need to be more creative when you travel through Italy. It's recommended to visit smaller towns instead of just the big cities. The big cities are important, you can pass through them or stay in them, but I encourage you to venture off the beaten path to these smaller, quaint and idyllic towns. We created 10 day itinerary of Tuscany for this episode. Chelsea went the route of changing scenery every two days, instead I wanted my homebase to be Florence. Of course! :) Here's Chelsea's list of cities to visit: Day 1: Rome, Day 2: Viterbo, Day 3: Orvieto, Day 4: Day 5 & 6: Spello(for 2 nights, day trip to Assisi), Day 7 & 8: Castiglion Fiorentino (stay 2 nights, day trip to Cortona), Day 9: Lucca(stay 2 nights, bike into countryside or Garfagnana/Ponte del Diavolo), Day 10: Travel back to Rome to depart. Katie's list of cities to visit: Florence (your home base), Day 1: explore the city from your hotel and rest, Day 2: walk or take Bus 13 to Piazzale Michelangelo, Day 3: Visit Santa Croce Church and walking tour, Day 4:Visit Fiesole, take bus 7 (20 min bus ride)from Piazza San Marco, walk around the city, go up to San Francesco church and see Florence from afar, Day 5: Day trip to Pisa (1 hour by train), eat lunch there and take an afternoon train back to Florence, Day 6: Day trip to Lucca (1hr 20 min by train), Day 7: Day trip to Siena(90 min train ride), Day 8: Visit some other landmarks, churches, piazze in Florence, head to Mercato Centrale for lunch or dinner or both, Day 9: Day trip to Assisi (2.5 hour train ride), Day 10: Take it easy and enjoy your last day in Bella Firenze. Follow us on Instagram: @truly_italy@Trulyitalytours on FacebookFollow Chelsea on instagram : @wanderfulretreats & sketchynotions

Chelsea and I became friends in the most modern way, through instagram and our love of Italy. We discuss WHY ITALY? What brought her to hosting art focused retreats, Wanderful Retreats, in Tuscany and how living abroad influenced her other company Sketchy Notions. She is an amazing soul and truly a great friend. Listen and enjoy our little stories about our travels abroad. You can find her on instagram @wanderfulretreats & @sketchynotionsHer websites wanderfulretreats.com and sketchynotions.comHer fall retreats are still open. Go to her website for more information.Maybe I'll see you in September in Tuscany on a Wanderful Retreat! :)