Tuscany Travel Retreats
For Lovers of Cuisine, Tradition, and Culture.
A message from YOur Italian Insider
Experience the true beauty and culture of Italy with Truly Italy! Our travel company provides you with an unparalleled, authentic experience – guided by the expertise of a resident of Florence who has insider knowledge and knows exactly where to take you to truly appreciate the country.
Experience Italy like a local
Our retreats are held in family-run villas & B&Bs in Florence & Tuscany. We pride ourselves on creating unique, authentic, bespoke Italian experiences that you will never forget.
Our guests are travelers who value being off the beaten path. They trust in their guides who show them experiences they would never seek out on their own.
Truly Italy is dedicated to providing an immersive and unique experience of Italy. We specialize in small-group tours in Tuscany & Florence, where you can get a real taste of what life is like for a local.
This is for you if you are...
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looking for more than a vacation but a priceless Italian experience in Italy.
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It's called slow travel, you will be traveling with ease & a peace of mind.
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an open-minded person.
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Italy has its own culture, don't expect the same things as home.
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a physically active person.
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We walk a lot.
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a person who wants to immerse themselves in culture, language, and history.
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By the end, you might be able to understand some Italian.
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someone who likes to take their time when they travel.
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We typically do one activity a day, you will not be rushing around Tuscany.
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someone who wants to feel like being part of a Tuscan family.
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My husband and MIL will be joining us.
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When you come on a week-long retreat with Truly Italy, you'll experience everything that is special and dear to our hearts. You’ll learn about Italian culture, traditions, language, and our favorite: Tuscan cuisine and wine.
It's not like any other travel experience, you are being welcomed into Katie's Italian family.
Have more questions on what we offer on each retreat?
Check out our FAQs
Want a one-on-one call with Katie?
Interested in Joining me in FLorence July 2025?
Enter your name and email below to get more information about our FIRST FLORENCE retreat!
What to expect on a Truly Italy Retreat
Your guide, Katie, has lived in Florence as a resident for over 11 years and has been traveling to Italy for over 20 years. Our intention is to show you the hidden gems of the most gorgeous country. Katie's husband, Stefano, (a Florentine) will be our driver throughout the week. Katie's mother-in-law, Fernanda, will be our passionate chef for the week. She makes each meal with her whole heart and it shows. Katie and her team want to help you do something extraordinary that you wouldn't normally do on your own.
Each day consists of 1 activity, i.e. a visit to a small town or vineyard and on our Truly Florence retreat, a walking tour or a cooking class. Then the rest of the day is yours to explore the scenery around you.
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Each morning you'll enjoy an Italian style breakfast before we set off on our adventure.
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We'll have lunch together at a quaint trattoria in Florence or a 4 hour wine-tasting at an organic vineyard.
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In the afternoon, you can sit poolside and listen to the sounds around you. In Florence, perhaps you want to see the exquisite art in the Uffizi Gallery. You will have the freedom to do what you want and of course receive Katie's guidance.
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Evenings will be spent at the villa enjoying a delicious meal created by Fernanda. In Florence, we will have a meal at the B&B or venture out and try delicious Tuscan dishes at a local trattoria and osteria.
This is the reason why you booked with Katie, Right?
You want a stress-free, already planned, completely taken care of feeling - kind of trip.
After a Truly Italy retreat, you’ll feel connected, grounded, and recharged.
You'll take home stories of pasta-making, walks through Tuscan towns, conversations with locals, and an enormous knowledge of Italian culture and history.
Best part, you'll leave with new friendships and connection with real Italians.
Ready for your fully planned Tuscany adventure with an Italian insider?
What people are saying...
"The Villa, the home cooked meals, and the vineyards were wonderful. All the restaurants were delightful (and dang tasty). Maria and your beautiful warm Mother in law is a gift. Katie, you and Stefano did a FABULOUS job with attending to all are requests. Bravo!!"
- Mary Jo, Sept 2022
"Our First Experience of Tuscany Felt Wonderful...Intimate Tuscan Life, Meals, Wines, Villages & Countryside. You all Provided Beautiful Opportunities of Siena, Florence and Wineries, Learning their Practices from Planting to Sipping, Culture....our Guides, Interpreters & So Much More....Grazie!"
-Debbie, September 2022
Pick your Favorite
I know, it's hard!
Interested in booking a private retreat with your family or friends?
Enter your name and email below to get more information about our private retreat options!
Wine & Relax Retreat
For lovers of Wine, Culture and Relaxation
Our Wine & Relax retreat provides beautiful and luxurious accommodation for our guests. Our retreat is held at a close family friend's villa called Villa Antica Sosta, owned by Maria & Vincenzo who have been friends and neighbors with Katie's in-laws for over 15 years. Located on a hill above Castelfiorentino, south of Florence, the villa is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the stunning Tuscan scenery.
The Villa offers the perfect setting for your group getaway. Boasting 5 bedrooms, 3 shared bathrooms, a spacious dining and family room with a fireplace and TV, our villa is the ideal place to relax and enjoy quality time with friends and family. The kitchen is fully-equipped and perfect for cooking as a group, including a cooking class. You'll also have full access to the kitchen for coffee, tea, and other beverages, plus merendine (snacks) will be available at any time.
Our secluded pool is surrounded by a lush garden full of vibrant flowers, olive trees, smells of lavender and rosemary, providing ultimate privacy and relaxation. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for sunbathing, and an outside dining table allows you to enjoy your meals while admiring the gorgeous views of the Tuscan hills.
With plenty of free time, you can take a stroll through the Renai neighborhood, taking photos of the stunning scenery, and experience the serenity of the Tuscan hills. We’re also just a two-minute walk away from a small café which serves up coffee, cocktails & light snacks. Maria, Vincenzo, and Fernanda prepare and cook our personal pizzas by utilizing the custom pizza oven onsite. Maria & Fernanda teach you how to make Pici pasta from scratch, crostini toscani, and Arista, a simple & delicious pork dish.
Our day trips will be visiting small towns like towering San Gimignano, rolling Montefioralle, and a fortress on a hill, Monteriggioni.
Throughout your week in Tuscany, you'll be present amongst delectable wines, splendid views, and simple recipes.
Enter your name and email below to download our information sheet with all the details!
We are currently offering Early Bird Pricing until July 31st, 2023, Reserve your spot and receive $300 off!!
Reserve your spot between July 31 & September 30, 2023: Receive a $200 off
Reserve your spot between October 1 & November 30, 2023: Receive a $175 off
Truly Florence Retreat
For new & old travelers to Florence
Truly Florence Retreat is for lovers of Florence. Our venue is a gorgeous B&B called Secret Garden Firenze located in the heart of Florence and offers an unforgettable experience. From the 200 mq curated garden to the 4 double bedrooms with private baths, you’ll be living the Italian life in no time. And with our 1 apartment that can sleep 4, you can bring your family and friends to truly make the most of your time here. Plus, enjoy a delicious Italian breakfast every morning to start your day off right.
Every morning you can enjoy a delicious Italian breakfast with BIO or homemade products, able to satisfy different tastes and nutritional needs: a mix of traditional and non-traditional products, but also a selection of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan food.
Secret Garden Firenze is the perfect accommodation for those seeking an oasis of tranquility in the city center. Each room provides a peaceful refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city, and we strive to provide an eco-friendly experience for our guests. They carefully select their suppliers to ensure that all of our products and services are sustainably sourced and adhere to the highest environmental standards.
From Florence, we'll travel to the Chianti for a full day of wine-tasting and learning about wine-making from the best winemakers. With a short bus ride, we'll journey to Fiesole, a small town nestled in the hills above Florence. Fiesole is where Katie studied over 20 years ago, this is where she fell in love of Florence. San Gimignano is on the list as well, where the towers can be seen from afar and views from above are breathtaking.
During your 9 day/10 night stay, you'll experience Florence like a local with ease, peace of mind and ability to get to know the city better.
Enter your name and email below to download our information sheet with all the details!
