Truly Florence REtreat
July 10-20, 2025
$5000 per person
What's included?
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Accommodation for 9 days/10 nights at a boutique B&B with a garden
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Daily Breakfasts and 5 Dinners at the B&B
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A day in the Chianti with Wine-tastings & tour of small, family run vineyards
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A visit to one of the oldest churches in the Florence
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Beach day by train
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Double rooms with private bathroom
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A visit to an open air Market
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Access to a fully stocked kitchen throughout the week
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All excursions including wineries, cooking class
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A Welcome Apericena on arrival day
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Walk to Piazzale Michelangelo
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Aperitivi (Happy Hour)
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Shopping at local artisan markets and shops
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A watercolor workshop
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A private food tour of Florence
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A dinner out to an authentic Family Run Restaurant
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A visit to Museums like Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, Galleria dell'Accademia
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Italian Cooking class and dinner
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Transportation to/from each excursion
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Pick up/drop off at the Santa Maria Novella train station
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Visits to cities like San Gimignano, Fiesole, Montefioralle, Greve in Chianti, Castiglioncello
What's NOT included?
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Airfare
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Travel Insurance
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Transport from Airport or Train Station to B&B
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Train tickets
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All lunches & dinners outside of the B&B
Our Authentic Touch
We speak Italian
Katie has been traveling/living to Italy for over 20 years. She speaks fluent Italian. Stefano, her Florentine husband, will be on this adventure with us as our driver. Fernanda, Stefano's mom, will be our chef for the week. She speaks little English. She has a heart of gold and a great talent of making the most delicious and simple recipes.
Small Group Travel
Truly Italy prides itself on being focused on small group travel. Our goal is creating unique, authentic, bespoke Italian experiences that you will never forget. We seek out experiences you would not choose on your own. Welcome to authentic Tuscany!
Italian Family
You'll be among family while you are with us. No big coach buses. No tour guides holding a huge flower to follow.
Italian insiders, Katie & Stefano as your guides and Fernanda filling our bellies with delicious Italian dishes.
We'll enjoy intimate dinners where we'll reminisce on our day exploring the hidden treasures of Tuscany.
Florence
Secret Garden B&B
July 10-20, 2025
$5000 per person
Payment plans are available
About the Hosts
Katie Portanova
Italy Travel Consultant & Retreat Host
Ciao! I'm Katie born in the US but my heart has remained in Florence.
From a young age, I always followed my heart’s desire. I’ve been living on and off in Florence since 2002 when I studied abroad through Saint Mary's University in Winona, MN.
I’ve got almost 20 years under my belt of taking trains, buses, and visiting the most beautiful, secluded places in Italy. In order to live in Florence legally, I went as far as getting UK citizenship to obtain residency in my most favorite city in the world. It was well worth the wait. My heart leapt with joy once I made Florence my permanent home from 2009-2013.
During those years, I was lucky to find the love of my life. Stefano and I have a strong love for Florence & Tuscany. Being a Florentine, his heart, like mine never left. On our retreats, you'll meet Stefano who will be our driver and part-time chef.
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Since moving back home, my goal has been to keep Italy in my life any way possible, and thus, Truly Italy was born!
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Throughout your week in Tuscany, you'll be present amongst delectable wines, splendid views, simple recipes and great company-
- You'll leave refreshed and that you had an authentic Italian Experience.
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Let's get you to Italy! :)
"Not all who Wander are lost"
J.R.R. Tolkien
About the Hosts
Stefano Portanova
Florentine, Our Driver, Katie's Husband
Stefano is first and foremost a Florentine who fell in love with a 'chicagese' in 2011. After 10 years of being a couple, we certainly have learned that travel is the most important thing in life. It's where you connect with others, learn about culture and indulge in delcious food.
Stefano will help out cooking the steaks on the grill as well as telling stories about his childhood living in the city of Florence.
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He can't wait to show you his favorite places in Tuscany!
About the Hosts
Fernanda Portanova
Born a Trentina, now a Tuscan, Our Chef, Katie's MIL
Fernanda is Katie's mother in law and such a great addition to our Truly Italy Team. She's a warm and loving person who loves meeting new people. She speaks a little English but as we all know, you can easily communicate with someone when you try and also if you have google translate. :)
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Fernanda can't wait to meet you and share her delicious, simple recipes during our Tuscany Travel Retreats.
Note: She'll be our chef on our Tuscany Retreats ONLY.
How to Sign up
Step 1: Fill out a questionnaire
Step 2: An automated email will arrive in your inbox with a Calendly link to set up a video call with Katie.
This call is to help answer any questions about our retreat. We will also discuss which payment plan you choose.
**Add trulyitalytours@gmail.com to your contacts so the email doesn't go to spam.**
Step 3: If you choose to come with us (YAY!), We'll send you an email with your payment plan quote, Retreat Agreement to read and sign, & finally the link to pay your non-refundable deposit of $500.
**Payment plans are available**
Step 4: Start searching for flights to Bella Toscana!
"Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures."
- Lovelle Drachman
One activity a Day
Small Group Travel
Family Atmosphere
Authentic Italy
Each day consists of 1 activity, i.e. a walking tour or a cooking class. Then the rest of the day is yours to explore the scenery around you.
With plenty of free time, you can take a stroll through the our neighborhood of Florence taking photos of the stunning palazzi and piazze, and experience the local life of this renaissance city.
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After a Truly Italy retreat, you’ll feel connected, grounded, and recharged.​
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Ready for your fully planned Tuscany adventure with an Italian insider?
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Let's see if this authentic Italian experience is for you.
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Fill out this questionnaire
"You may have the universe if I may have Italy."
Giuseppe Verdi
