I've been hinting about this story for a few episodes now, so here it is. Brunelleschi's Dome is a masterpiece sitting in the city center of gorgeous Florence. The construction was the innovation of Filippo Brunelleschi. Never has this masterpiece been replicated. It is a sight, needless to say. It takes my breath away every time I see it pop into view around the corner. A smaller replica of the dome is located in the now non-existent city of Semifonte. It was once a fortified city between Florence and Siena. The city was wiped off the face of the earth during a siege in 1202. Interesting story, magical place to visit because all that is left is the small chapel an eighth of the size of Brunelleschi's dome. I love all these hidden historical stories in Italy. It's an ancient land with rich history. 

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Tuscan Wine Club Waitlist (scroll to the bottom)

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I had an identity crisis when I first moved to Florence. I didn't want to be seen as an American. I wanted to be known as an Italian. I still struggle with this. When you decide to travel or live like a local, you have to consider many things from your why, your privilege, being uncomfortable, observe the locals, be curious and get off the beaten path. First things you can visit the famous landmarks and still be authentic. Traveling like a local has to come from a place of openness, curiosity and connection. How do you like to travel? 

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Our Tuscan Wine Club is finally ready to be shared. The waitlist is available on Truly Italy's website. Sign up so you know when the doors open in January 2023. The club includes 12 bottles for the year (3 bottles sent quarterly from 4 small, family run vineyards). Learn more about our club on our website. 

Traveling in small groups is becoming the norm in Italy. It's easier to find a table and enter a museum. If you are planning an upcoming trip to Italy,remember smaller is better. 

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Wow! This trip came and went so fast. Stefano and I had a relaxing time as well as great wine-tastings. We talked shop with some new vineyards and some old vineyards. By "shop" I mean business and by business I mean wine club. :)  I'm creating a Tuscan Wine Club that will start January 2023. Be on the lookout for a link for the waitlist. Only 10 memberships will be offered to start. Can't wait to see how this goes. I feel the momentum. :)

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I've created neighborhood guides for Florence, you can purchase them here. These are first time visitors AND avid travelers of Florence.

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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!

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I've created neighborhood guides for Florence, you can purchase them here. These are first time visitors AND  avid travelers of Florence.

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I first visited Siena in 2002, exactly 20 years ago. I went from memory of places we visited on our guided tour of Siena. One of the things I thought was fascinating was that Siena is home to the oldest bank in the world, Monte dei Paschi di Siena. I remember feeling so honored when I got one of my first bank account in Florence from this bank. What a history! The Duomo of Siena is quite spectacular. I remember being speechless when I first saw it. I also discuss the importance of the Palio and how you'll never see me in Piazza del Campo. St. Catherine of Siena is their own Patron saint. There is a church and home dedicated to her and her life that you can visit. I can't wait to visit this important city of Tuscany, even if they beat Florence back in the 12th century. Listen for that story. :)

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I've created neighborhood guides for Florence, you can purchase them here. These are first time visitors of Florence.

Follow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italy
Follow 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.

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A little about myself episode. I create retreats, help with trip planning and host events online(when able). I'm happy and proud to be 41 years old. I know that I still have time even if it seems like time flies by. My two favorite quotes that have help me stay the course and enjoy the ride. Hope you stay the course as well. You still have time. It won't miss you. :) 

"Do what you can, with what you got, where you are." --Theodore Roosevelt

"What's meant for me, won't miss me." --Patrice Gordon

Go to  Sketchy Notions and purchase a sunflower sticker. Chelsea is donating proceeds from her sunflower stickers to help the Ukrainian crisis.

REMINDER: 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 [email protected] for more info or check out my website: http://trulyitaly.tours

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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 Pitti

Oro Nero - tea shop in Piazza Pitti

Maria Pace - Fashion designer on Via Romana

REMINDER: 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 [email protected] for more info or check out my website: http://trulyitaly.tours

Follow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italy
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All about wine on this episode. We talk about Altiero winery in Greve where Paolo speaks about his passion for his vines. I truly encourage all to visit him and his family for a tasting. It is well worth it. Villa Calcinaia is another vineyard in Greve and it has a rich history. I hope to meet the winemaker someday, his ancestors were a famous Florentine family, Capponi.

Hope you enjoy this episode!! :)

Also I address the horrible crisis happening in Ukraine. I'm saddened by this terrible event that is taking place. If you are looking for someplace to donate money to help the Ukrainian effort here are a few links:

Direct Relief Organization

International Rescue Committee

Also at Sketchy Notions, Chelsea is donating proceeds from her sunflower sticker to the cause.

REMINDER: 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 [email protected] for more info or check out my website: http://trulyitaly.tours

Follow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italy
Follow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours