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Florence & Me
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Florence & Me

Author: Katie Portanova

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Ciao! I’m Kate Portanova, your host, Italy experience guide, and lifelong lover of all things Florence. This podcast is your ticket to discovering the authentic side of Florence and Italy—one story, one dish, and one piazza at a time. Whether you’re dreaming of sipping espresso in a bustling café, wandering cobblestone streets filled with history, or connecting with locals to experience la vera Italia, you’re in the right place. Join me as I share our journey of returning to Italy in the near future. Return to Italy has begun!
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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.toursIs 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 think about our plan??? You got to listen to find out. :) Join me on a Truly Italy Experience in 2026. June 6-14, 2026 - Truly Tuscany September 5-12, 2026 - Truly Sardinia a presto,Kate
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 experiences that foster genuine connections with the culture and people of Italy. She invites listeners to consider joining her in future travel experiences that prioritize meaningful interactions over mere sightseeing.Join Katie on a Truly Italy Experience in 2026.Truly Tuscany Experience June 6-14, 2026Truly Sardinia Sailing Experience September 5-12, 2026One of my fave restaurants in Florence: I MangiarinoWant to get expert Tuscany advice monthly? Sign up here.
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 hereBe the first to know about my Travel Experiences in Tuscany & Sardinia hereHope 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.comWant 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, transportation options, and local specialties to try, making this a great guide for history lovers and slow travelers alike.Want to join us on a week long Tuscany Experience?Hop on my email list to be the first to know about our upcoming trip! https://www.trulyitaly.tours//email-newsletter
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 Connected! ✨Love diving into the heart of Florence and slow Italian travel? Join my email list for exclusive travel tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and first access to my immersive Italy experiences!📩 Sign up here →https://www.trulyitaly.tours//email-newsletterLet’s keep your Italian daydreams alive—right from your inbox! 💌🇮🇹
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 list here.
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.
What an amazing time we had! I wish Florence was closer because we would spend each Christmas there if we could. We had memorable encounters, delicious food and friends around us that mean the world to us! Keep an eye out on our itineraries for September 2025. They are going to be epic!! Learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up ⁠here⁠ for our email list.
Thank you to all my listeners & supporters!! Buon Natale & Buon Anno Nuovo! This is my last episode of the year. Can't wait for 2024!!! To learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up ⁠here⁠ for our email list.
What do pharmacies have in Italy? Do I have to have travel medical insurance if I have to go to the hospital? Will I find my over the counter meds in Italy? Can I get my antibiotics in Italy? We will answer all these questions in this episode. Enjoy! Want to connect with Giulia? Find her website Urban Yolk here. Watch her VLOG on her journey of moving from South Africa to Northern Italy with her husband and 6 cats!! Yes 6! Youtube Want to be in Tuscany in September 2024?⁠ Fill out this questionnaire to connect about our upcoming retreat. Early Bird pricing: Reserve by December 1, 2023, receive $175 off. Interested in a stress free, fully organized, all taken care of trip to Italy? ⁠Fill out this questionnaire learn more about Custom Trip Planning. To learn more about our upcoming retreats and events, sign up ⁠here⁠ for our email list.
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