Florence & Me
Florence & Me
Katie Portanova
I'll be sharing my stories of living abroad, my favorite places in Italy and more importantly Florence. My intention is to inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and explore life with travel. For the adventure seeking, head over to trulyitaly.tours where I create cultural travel experiences with my friends in Florence and Tuscany. Andiamo! Follow me on insta @katerinafiore or @truly_italy
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 OrganizationInternational Rescue CommitteeAlso 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.toursFollow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italyFollow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours 
Mar 1, 2022
32 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.toursFollow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italyFollow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours 
Feb 22, 2022
27 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-tastingIf 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.toursFollow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italyFollow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours 
Jan 19, 2022
24 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.toursFollow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italyFollow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours 
Dec 20, 2021
39 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.toursFollow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italyFollow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours 
Dec 6, 2021
26 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.toursFollow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italyFollow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours 
Nov 15, 2021
18 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_bosshartIf 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.toursFollow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italyFollow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours  
Oct 19, 2021
1 hr 10 min
Episode #20: How Travel Has Changed Me
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 through life. How has travel changed 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 Tuscany Travel Retreat, email me at [email protected] for more info or check out my website: trulyitaly.toursFollow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italyFollow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours 
Oct 14, 2021
25 min
Episode #19: Solo Travel and Purpose
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 my most recent guest, Chelsea. I had an amazing time! I got more contacts for my first Tuscany Travel Retreat coming up in June 2022. So excited! I get emotional once again. My first trip back to my church, my haven, my sacred space, Santi Apostoli, since 2017 was my most favorite moment. Get ready to hear Katie's ugly cry. haha :) I hope you enjoy this episode. It's my favorite one yet. <3If 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 Tuscany Travel Retreat, email me at [email protected] for more info.Follow me on instagram: @katerinafiore & @truly_italy Follow me on Facebook: TrulyItalytours 
Sep 30, 2021
54 min
Episode #18: Pre-Departure Checklist with Chelsea
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 to Italy this fall. Thanks to COVID. I hope this episode helps anyone who is planning a trip this fall or next year. It's worth to be extra prepared. :)Follow me on Instagram: @truly_italy & @katerinafiore@Trulyitalytours on FacebookFollow Chelsea on instagram : @wanderfulretreats & sketchynotions
Sep 1, 2021
1 hr
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