Frequently asked questions

Retreats & Tours

What is included in the price?

Each retreat has different activities included. For more details, click below: → Tuscany Travel Retreat



What is NOT included in the price?

Your Airfare is not included in the retreat price. We can assist you in travel destinations and also provide you with train travel information on how to arrive at our venues. A private transfer to/from airports is not included but we can arrange a private transfer if needed for an extra charge. All our meals at our venue are included. Breakfast will be provided on all retreats. When we are out on excursions those meals will not be included. The restaurants we will dine at as a group will not be extravagant or incredibly expensive. We love finding and eating at authentic restaurants that create dishes with heart and soul.



Should I arrive early to explore Italy?

If this is your first time visiting Italy then I say YES. There are many places we can recommend where to visit that aren't too far from our destination. You can always travel after the retreat, maybe meet up with a friend and make it a longer trip. Just an idea.



What if I don’t speak Italian?

Non ti preoccupare! No worries AT ALL. Katie’s been fluent in Italian for many years and since moving back to the states she’s kept up her language skills. One of the perks of coming on a cultural retreat with Katie is that there’s an option to learn a bit of Italian with her in a workshop. Italians, in most major cities, speak a little English. Hotels, restaurants, and some stores are pretty easy to communicate with. There are apps you can download like Duolingo and Google Translate that helped my parents communicate with my in-laws, no joke. You can find Italian-language movies on Netflix (yes, they are there) and watch them with subtitles. That was one of the first things I did when I started learning Italian.



What activities will we be doing for the week?

Each retreat will be filled with a variety of activities (depending on location) such as walking tours, pasta-making classes, beach days, yoga practices, meditations and plenty of culture and FOOD. For more detailed activities click the page below: → Tuscany Retreat



Do I have to participate in all activities? (i.e. yoga, meditation, excursions, hiking.)

No, you don’t. Also, note that we will be walking A LOT on these retreats. If you are not physically able to walk for long periods of time, this isn’t a travel experience for you.



Can I come alone? Do I need to book with someone? Are men allowed to come?

Yes, Yes, and Yes. Mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, couples, anyone who is interested in traveling through Italy with an insider is welcome to come.



Where should I fly?

That depends on which travel retreat you decide to go on. We’ll be honest, Rome is usually the cheapest out of all the airports to fly into from the US. But again that depends on where you are located. Tuscany retreat – We recommend flying into either Florence or Rome airports.



Do you offer payment plans?

OF COURSE! Contact me at trulyitalytours@gmail.com to discuss your options for payment plans.



Is my deposit refundable?

No, the deposit is $500 for all travel retreats and non-refundable.



Trip Consulting

Do I have to complete the forms before having a call with you?

Yes, this is the best way to receive an accurate understanding of what you are looking for while traveling in Italy. It's worth the few extra minutes to complete the forms before our one complimentary 15-minute call. You can complete the form HERE.



Do you book flights?

No, I do not book flights.



How is my Italian trip consultation priced?

Pricing depends on many factors, including but not limited to your accommodation, private drivers, tour guides, cooking classes, and how many guests. Once you complete an inquiry form, I’ll be able to give you an idea of how much it will cost. Please note I do not offer a breakdown of prices on the trip consultations.



Can Americans fly to Italy right now?

Yes, as Americans you can fly into Italy at this time under certain restrictions. Please click here to read through the latest updates and guidelines. Check my Covid Free Flight video here on my experience traveling during Covid (July 2021).



How is Italy travel affected by Covid-19? Can you provide details on future travel?

I’m staying up to date with the COVID-19 travel restrictions and also the restrictions in Italy. Check out my Covid Free Flight video here, from my trip in July 2021. We’re able to provide these important details to you as a client. If you are interested in future travel I encourage you to visit my Trip Consulting Page or feel free to email me at trulyitalytours@gmail.com



Can you get us special discounts and deals?

There won’t be any special discounts given. You will always be provided with excellent services such as some of the best guides, drivers, accommodations, tours and experiences. Since I have many contacts and friends in Italy and how much time I spend researching places and experiences for my clients, each experience will be memorable and unique for you. I believe in quality. This means our prices and accommodations are priced accordingly.



I am not sure where to visit in Italy - where can I get some ideas?

We can chat over a complimentary 15 minute call for Trip Consulting here. If you need more assistance, you can book a longer travel consulting call by emailing me at trulyitalytours@gmail.com You can also listen to my podcast, Florence & Me wherever you listen to podcasts. On my podcast, I discuss different parts of Tuscany. As well as my favorite places in Florence.



So, you won't be booking any of our travel experiences?

No, the payment is for researching and connecting with the right vendor for you. I’m consulting you on where to stay, where to visit, where to eat. If you’d like me to book ALL your Italy experiences, the price will be determined on a case-by-case basis.



What kind of accomodations do you recommend?

I have a collection of family owned agriturismo & villas, B&Bs. We have contacts with private apartments in Chianti and Florence as well. This all depends on your budget.



How does payment work?

Once we decide on working together, a non-refundable, one-time flat planning fee is paid up front to cover my time organizing your trip. The final amount is paid in full when your activities and experiences are approved. No work is done by Truly Italy until the planning fee is paid.



Do you help plan/organize for groups or special events?

Yes! I work with small groups for events and special occasions. I work with solo travelers too!



How long does the process take?

You can expect your first recommendation by email within 5-7 days of confirming my services. The entire planning process takes about 2-3 weeks (depending on how many activities). We highly encourage you to book with us only if you are serious about planning and confirming booking within this time frame. I work with small locations and family run businesses so it is often difficult to hold a non-paid spot longer than a few days. Thank you in advance for your understanding! Please note: It is best if you contact me at least one month prior to the departure of your trip in order for me to offer the best experiences. If you are looking to receive a recommendation prior to 7 days, a rush service is available.