Florence & Me

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 landmar...

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 a...

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....

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! Su...

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 spectacul...

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...

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 c...

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&...

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 episod...

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...

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-ta...

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 wh...

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-g...

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. Ita...

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 a...

I've been thinking about how travel has changed me lately. I was asked recently, 'what made me move abroad'. 'What was the moment that I put me on the track of moving abroad?' A ton of feelings and emotions started to build up inside me. This episode is all about the first moments when I knew I wanted to move to Florence. I also talk about how travel has changed how I move...

This episode is about my most recent trip to Italy. Second trip in one year. Incredibly lucky!! I discuss my first experience(after 10 years) of traveling alone in my beloved country. It was uplifting, less stressful, and incredibly useful for my growth. I missed it. I missed taking my own advice and following my gut. I met amazing people who have added to this journey of mine. I learned a lot for...

On this episode, Chelsea and I talk about our pre-departure rituals and what we pack when flying over the big blue ocean. We discuss the covid precautions we've taken(to be vaccinated) and also the locator form you need to enter Italy. There are covid tests that need to be taken as well. I recommend getting a pen and paper to write down some of the information you'll need when traveling...

Today I'm talking about why I chose Camporsevoli for my first travel experience for Truly Italy. This place has a grand history and a long history with me. I was once the nanny for the family that lives there. Now it is a Hamlet full of modern style with a rustic feel apartments and villas. We'll be staying here May 25-June 1, 2024. This is where you can immerse yourself in Italian culture...

Our week in Tuscany went by in a flash. We indulged in food, wine, family and friends. It was one of the best weeks of this year. Stefano and I enjoyed our time driving around Tuscany meeting up with friends and family as well as visiting new places for Truly Italy. Our upcoming travel experiences are going to be epic. Authentic and engaging. I cannot wait to share. This episode gets a bit emotion...

Ciao ragazzi! It's been awhile since I posted a new episode. Amazing things have happened these past few weeks. Stefano and I will be heading back to the homeland at the end of July and I took a big step into my business. I booked another trip to Tuscany in September. I'll be joining Chelsea's retreat for a week and then we'll be criss crossing the Chianti hills researching new...

Chelsea from @wanderfulretreats is back! Post Covid, you'll need to be more creative when you travel through Italy. It's recommended to visit smaller towns instead of just the big cities. The big cities are important, you can pass through them or stay in them, but I encourage you to venture off the beaten path to these smaller, quaint and idyllic towns.  We  created 10 day itinerary of T...

A long overdue episode where I talk about my time away in Sedona, Stefano's Dad and our upcoming trip to visit his family. We'll be taking a Covid Free Flight so i'll be documenting and telling you all about our process from getting a PCR test to filling out a digital travel form you need to enter the EU. I'll share our experience on instagram @katerinafiore & @truly_italy...

Chelsea and I became friends in the most modern way, through instagram and our love of Italy. We discuss WHY ITALY?  What brought her to hosting art focused retreats, Wanderful Retreats, in Tuscany and how living abroad influenced her other company Sketchy Notions. She is an amazing soul and truly a great friend. Listen and enjoy our little stories about our travels abroad.  You can find her on in...

After a week away, I'm ready to speak about our own abundance. While I was away I noticed how much I missed simple in my meals. I refer back to living in Italy when my choices were a lot less complicated. A plate of pasta, pizza or an aperitivo, so simple. I explain my intention of Truly Italy's Travel Experiences have inspired me to be in the present moment. Each day is a gift, a miracl...