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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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

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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.

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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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Finally Katie is talking about wineries. This episode is all about my friend Lorenzo's vineyard in Montefioralle. I give you the history of his family making wine in this tiny borgo. I also explain how Montefioralle always came into my life somehow, it was meant to be. Those of you that have never visited this amazing vineyard you'll have a chance, virtually. 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. Need more info, contact me.

Here's where to sign up: https://www.trulyitaly.tours/virtual-wine-tasting

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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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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!

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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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I've had a huge pull to move back to Italy these past months. After visiting Tuscany twice this year, I feel that I need to return. Obviously, not tomorrow or next year, but I hope to return before retiring. When you have a strong feeling that you belong somewhere else, why wait? I'm picturing my home in Tuscany, it's being loved right now. I can't wait to move back.

My great-grandpa wrote a diary towards the end of his life that recounts his time in WWII and being captured. He depicts the struggles of life after the war and the desire to make my nonna(bisnonna) happy. He had a yearn to return to live in Italy too. But never did. I feel his presence around me these days.

I have a feeling I'm being guided to live the life he wanted to live and never got the chance. Italy is my destiny. Stay tuned :)

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

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