Florence & Me

Florence & Me

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Florence & Me episodes

  • Episode #30: A Town of Beautiful Towers

    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_italy
    Follow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours 

    28 min
  • Episode #29: It won't miss me

    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

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

    24 min
  • Episode #28: Neighborhoods of Florence

    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
    Follow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours 

    54 min
  • Episode #27: Wineries to Visit in Tuscany

    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 




    33 min
  • Episode #26: Friendships and Spiritual Encounters

    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 [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 



    28 min
  • Episode #25: Montefioralle Winery & More

    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

    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 

    25 min
  • Episode #24: Lessons of 2021

    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 [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 

    40 min
  • Episode #23: The Yearn to Return - Part 2

    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 :)

    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 

    27 min
  • Episode #22: Try Something New

    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

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

    19 min
  • Episode #21: A Multi-Passionate chat with Caitlin Bosshart

    Passion moves your soul. Passion sends a jolt through your body. Caitlin Bosshart stopped by on the podcast to discuss all things passion. She is a life coach, wedding coach, artist, yoga instructor, this girl is my kind of girl. Multi-passionate. She also hosts a free virtual multi-passionate support group call The Hive. We dive deep into why passion is so important to have, to share, and to be around someone who is passionate. Caitlin and I also reminisce on her trip to Italy and what her favorite moments were about traveling to Europe for the first time.

    Can't wait to have her on the podcast again! Such a delight!

    For more info about Caitlin's services and passions:
    website:
    https://caitlinbosshart.com/
    IG: @caitlin_bosshart

    If you aren't on my email list, sign up here . This is where you'll 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 [email protected] for more info or check out my website: trulyitaly.tours

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

    1 hr 11 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…