Florence & Me

Florence & Me

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Florence & Me episodes

  • Episode #40: Things to Avoid in Italy

    This is usually not a phrase I like to say about Italy.  But be aware of what could happen on your travels to Italy. I talk about staying away from gypsies at all costs. Tourist trap restaurants are the worst. Traveling in August, you could easily die of heat exhaustion. I hope this episode is informative for you before and during your travel in Italy. 


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    Follow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italy

    Follow me on Facebook: Truly Italy Tours

    Website: Truly Italy

    15 min
  • Episode #39: You're Never Prepared

    Thank you for listening to my grieving episode today. My dear Nana passed away on Monday September 12th. I've been having ups and downs all week. Grief is hard. I don't like talking about it. I just like to cry it out. Like many of us do. I'll be in Italy soon. 4 more days. I can't wait to be back and breathe the Tuscan air!


    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.

    Tuscan Wine Club Waitlist (scroll to the bottom)

    Follow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italy


    Follow me on Facebook: Truly Italy Tours

    Website: Truly Italy

    24 min
  • Episode #38: Train Travel & Driving Tips in Italy

    Trains, Planes and automobiles(one of my favorite movies) and all of these modes of transportation are prevalent in Italy. If you choose to train it all over Italy or rent a car, these tips are great for you. From validating your ticket to passing on the left while driving, remember you are in another country and there are rules. I hope this episode gives you some knowledge for your upcoming trip to Italy. 


    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

    Website: Truly Italy

    25 min
  • Episode #37: 30 Days until Italy

    This is all about what I do 30 days before I travel abroad. I'll share tips and tricks for new travelers to Italy. This trip is my first Travel Retreat called Wine & Relax Retreat, I'm very excited about it!! So many plans, so many amazing adventures are ahead of us. Also Stefano's sister is getting married right after our retreat, so a bit of family time will be had as well. So excited to celebrate her as well. 

    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.

    Tuscan Wine Club Waitlist (scroll to the bottom)

    Follow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italy

    Follow me on Facebook: Truly Italy Tours

    13 min
  • Episode #36 : Finally Brunelleschi's Dome

    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. 

    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.

    Tuscan Wine Club Waitlist (scroll to the bottom)

    Follow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italy


    Follow me on Facebook: Truly Italy Tours

    24 min
  • Episode #35: Travel like a local, Can you?

    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? 

    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

    40 min
  • Episode #34: Wine Club & Traveling Small

    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. 

    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_italy
    Follow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours


    21 min
  • Episode #33: Back from Tuscany & Wine-Tasting

    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. :)

    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_italy
    Follow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours  

    26 min
  • Episode #32: Travel News & Tips

    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_italy
    Follow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours 

    30 min
  • Episode #31: Siena & the Palio

    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. :)

    If you aren't on my email list, sign up here . This is where you 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 of Florence.

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

    26 min

About Florence & Me

From the publisher's feed

Ciao! I’m Kate Portanova, your host, Tuscany Travel Guide & Slow Italy Trip Planner, and lifelong lover of all things Florence. This podcast is your ticket to discovering the authentic side of…