Florence & Me

What does slow travel in Tuscany actually feel like? In this episode I take you inside one real day in Radicondoli, a tiny hilltop village in southern Tuscany, from waking up without an alarm to a three‑hour dinner with locals and everything in between. I walk you through the morning cappuccino at the village bar with familiar faces, a walk that turned into a proper hour‑long hike around the hill,...

If you've got 17 towns pinned in Tuscany and no idea which one to actually stay in, this episode is for you. I walk you through exactly how to choose the right base for your slow week in Tuscany: what your base actually needs to do (not just look pretty), a simple checklist to evaluate any town, the three types of bases and who each one is best for, and the most common mistakes I see when peop...

If your Tuscany plans currently include four bases, seven hotel changes, and a color‑coded spreadsheet, this episode is for you. I walk you through how to plan one calm, slow week in Tuscany with a single home base and a simple rhythm, so you come home rested instead of wiped out. We’ll talk about the most common planning mistakes (too many cities in too few days, “when will I be back?” brain), ho...

In this episode I take you with me to downtown Chicago, into the Italian consulate, and inside the day I officially stepped into Italian citizenship after more than 20 years of trying. I share: The long, messy path to citizenship (starting all the way back in 2002) The church in Florence that’s been my anchor and the moment it “told” me I was home What really happened at the consulate appointment...

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...

What is it really like to live in a small town in Tuscany, Italy? We went to a small town in Tuscany, Italy thinking it would simply be another place to explore… but what we found was something much deeper. In this episode, I’m sharing the story of our two weeks in a quiet Italian village—the slow mornings, the familiar faces, and the unexpected feeling of being welcomed in. If you’ve ever wondere...

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 e...

In this quick life update, I'm sharing what’s happening behind the scenes with Florence & Me and Truly Italy. I talk about my Italian citizenship process (through marriage), the real steps of preparing to move back to Italy, and what you can expect from the podcast + new YouTube channel—short, honest videos documenting the journey. I also open up about postponing some 2026 trips, why Tusca...

Both are correct. Here's a short episode on how to order a caffe' decaffeinato. :) Enjoy! Do you have questions or topics you want me to talk about? Email them here: katie@trulyitaly.tours Is an authentic trip to Italy calling your name? Here are our Truly Italy Experience in 2026.  June 6-14, 2026 - ⁠Truly Tuscany ⁠ September 5-12, 2026 - ⁠Truly Sardinia ⁠ a presto, Kate

Yes, I've been on radio silent all summer. Nothing to worry about. Listen how I'm changing course and learning how to keep Truly Italy and Italy in my heart day by day. Also anyone who wants to connect with me regarding just talking about italy, reminiscing about your study abroad days, or the time you living in Italy for a year, I'd love to hear from you. In the meantime, what do you...

In this heartfelt episode, Katie Portanova shares her deep connection to Florence, Italy, exploring her journey from a visitor to a local resident. She reflects on the transformative moments that shaped her experience, the importance of slowing down, and the friendships that enriched her life. Katie emphasizes the difference between being a traveler and a tourist, advocating for authentic experien...

In the states we know how to multi-task way too much. In Italy, wasting time is an art. Spending time with friends is a gift. Lingering at lunch is pure joy. Listen to why I still wish wasting time was in my every day life. Follow me and my writings on Substack here Be the first to know about my Travel Experiences in Tuscany & Sardinia here Hope to see you on one of my trips soon! :)

My heart lives in all these piazze for a reason. I'm now giving you a reason to visit them. Hope you enjoy this episode! Want my Ultimate Tuscany Insider Guide for FREE?? Get it here: https://www.trulyitaly.tours//ultimate-tuscany-guide

Today I talk about types of coffee, when to have caffe and what's the difference between sitting and taking your coffee and standing. I hope you enjoy this episode! Any questions email here: trulyitalytours@gmail.com Want my Ultimate Tuscany Insider Guide? Get it here for free: https://www.trulyitaly.tours//ultimate-tuscany-guide

In this episode, I share my passion for exploring the hidden historical gems of Tuscany, focusing on lesser-known medieval towns, castles, and travel tips for travelers. I highlight specific locations such as San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Volterra, Pienza, and San Galgano, providing insights into their unique charms and historical significance. I offer practical advice on the best times to visit,...

Have you ever wondered why there are so many wine doors in Florence? Or why you can't find them in Florence? In this episode I share the history of these wine doors, Buchette del Vino, thanks to this amazing book by Diletta Corsini & Lucrezia Giordano. So many cool insights I didn't even know about. Enjoy! Get your copy of Wine Windows in Florence and Tuscany, here ! ✨ Let’s Stay Conn...

The Ponte Vecchio is one of my fave places to visit when I'm in Firenze. Today I'll talk about the history, who built it, what was there before gold shops and WHY it was never destroyed during WW2 like the other bridges in Florence. Enjoy this episode! I sure did love making it! :) Not on my email list yet? go here: https://www.trulyitaly.tours//email-newsletter

The Vasari Corridor is finally open after years of being closed. This episode is some history on the corridor and why the Medici liked walking up there. Here's where you get your ticket: https://www.uffizi.it/en/pages/combined-ticket Want to get my email list? go here: https://www.trulyitaly.tours//email-newsletter

This episode recaps our successful year of growth. -Our 1st yoga Retreat -Investing in Video & Photography -Our 2nd Truly Tuscany Retreat -Creating our First Sailing Trip in Sardinia - Future plans for the Podcast -New trips coming up for 2025 Learn more about our Trips: https://www.trulyitaly.tours/ Sign up for our email list: https://www.trulyitaly.tours/email-newsletter

I share some tips and strategies on planning a slow, relaxing and memorable vacation in Italy. 8/30-9/6 2025 Truly Florence 9/8-9/15 2025 Follow me on the socials to see our travels in real time insta:  @truly_italy Facebook:  TrulyItalyTours Youtube:  Truly Italy To get all the info on our upcoming trips and retreats, sign up for our email list  here .

Been busy the last few months. Planning a sailing trip in Sardinia and preparing for our first Yoga Retreat in Tuscany at the very villa i was meant to do a yoga retreat back in 2020, ironic no? Follow me on the socials to see our travels in real time insta: @truly_italy Facebook: TrulyItalyTours Youtube: Truly Italy To get all the info on our upcoming trips and retreats, sign up for our email lis...

Traveling alone? Unsure on how to go about it? Listen to this episode, I'll give you tips on how to be respectful, learn about culture and connect with locals. Enjoy! Learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up  ⁠here⁠  for our email list.

What to do when you get to customs in an international airport? I'll tell you all the details in this episode. Learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up  ⁠here⁠  for our email list.

How long should you layover be when you arrive in Europe? How does customs work? These questions and more I'll answer on this episode. Enjoy Learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up  ⁠here⁠  for our email list.

Are you someone who has always yearned to travel overseas but something was holding you back? Now you have no excuse. I have mapped out, talked out, step by step on how to fill out and prepare you FIRST US Passport application. You are welcome! One more step to Italy, right? Hope this helps! Learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up  ⁠here⁠  for our email list.