Welcome to Firenze!
Set out on an unforgettable journey with us, where the essence of Tuscany unfolds in the most enchanting ways. Our B&B is nestled in the cobblestone streets of the city center of Florence. Our week-long retreat offers a sanctuary for those seeking an authentic Florentine experience, far removed from the well-trodden tourist paths.
Truly Florence was created with passion because my heart is still here. You'll be taken along to find hidden gems of Firenze, meet with my friends, the artists and creative geniuses that live within the city center walls. We will indulge in food and wine, visiting local restaurants each night for dinner.
Highlights are an exclusive cooking class in my favorite suburb, Fiesole. where we learn how to make pasta from scratch and taste flavors only in Italy. Visits to authentic open air markets, wine-tastings with locals, and walking tours to my favorite places in the city.
Embark on a journey filled with the beauty, culture, and cuisine of Florence and Tuscany. From intimate artisan workshops to the vibrant life of local markets, the Truly Italy Itinerary promises a week of unforgettable experiences.
Sept 8 - 15 2025
Availability : 3 double bedrooms with private bathroom
Retreat Cost:
Early Bird Deals
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Early Bird | Reservations made between March 18th - March 31st, 2024: $300 discount.
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Early Bird #2 | Reservations made between April 1st - May 1st, 2024: $200 discount.
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Early Bird #3 | Reservations made between May 2nd - July 2nd, 2024 : $100 discount.
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Things to note:
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Discount will apply to the remaining retreat fee after a $500 deposit is received.
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Deposit must be paid before the end of the timeframe to receive that discount and bonuses.
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$7200- Double Occupancy (cost per guest per shared room)
$7600- Single Occupancy
Space Available for 5-6 Travelers
Itinerary*
Day 1: Arrival & Welcome Aperitivo
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Check-in after 4pm at Secret Garden Firenze: Settle into the heart of Florence's charm.
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Welcome Aperitivo at the B&B: Begin your journey with delightful local flavors and meet fellow travelers on the retreat.
Day 2: The Heart of Florence
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8:00 AM: Start with breakfast at the B&B.
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Morning: Head out on a Walking Tour with Katie, exploring Florence's historic streets and hidden gems only Katie knows.
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Lunch: Enjoy a delicious, authentic meal with Katie, sharing stories and insights about the city thus far.
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Afternoon: Free time to explore at your leisure the city of Florence.
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Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, tasting the best of Tuscan cuisine.
Day 3: Market Day and Free Exploration
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8:00 AM: Breakfast at the B&B.
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Morning: Visit Mercato Centrale for an immersive experience in local food culture.
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Lunch: Choose to eat with Katie or explore culinary delights on your own.
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Afternoon: Free time for personal discovery with museum visits or shopping at local boutique shops.
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Evening: A intimate dinner at a cherished local restaurant.
Day 4: Artisanal Florence
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8:00 AM: Breakfast at the B&B.
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Morning: Take the Oltrarno Walking Tour with Katie, uncovering the artisans' district and its hidden corners of Santo Spirito, San Niccolo & San Frediano neighborhoods.
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Lunch: Enjoy the flavors of Florence at a local eatery.
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Afternoon: Participate in a Book & Paper Making Workshop, diving into traditional crafts.
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Evening: Dinner together or on your own at a local restaurant, reflecting on the day's artistic journey.
Day 5: Exploration and More Markets
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8:00 AM: Breakfast at the B&B.
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Morning: Free time to wander and explore Florence's many wonders.
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Meet at Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio for lunch to experience another facet of Florentine life.
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Afternoon: Leisure time for relaxation or further exploration.
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Evening: Gather for dinner, sharing experiences and discoveries.
Day 6: Shopping and Culinary Delights
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8:00 AM: Breakfast at the B&B.
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Morning & Afternoon: Immerse yourself in Shopping in Florence with artisans, finding treasures and gifts.
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Lunch: Rejoin Katie for a meal amidst your shopping spree.
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Evening: Enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors and company.
Day 7: Fiesole Adventure and Cooking Class
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8:00 AM: Breakfast at the B&B.
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Bus ride to Fiesole.
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12:30 PM: Lunch at La Reggia in Fiesole, enjoying breathtaking views and exquisite cuisine.
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Afternoon: Explore Fiesole and its enchanting surroundings.
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4:30 PM: Cooking Class and Dinner with Gloria in Fiesole, a hands-on culinary experience making and enjoying Tuscan dishes.
Day 8: Alla Prossima (Until we meet again)
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8:00 AM: Breakfast at the B&B.
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10:00 AM: Check Out from Secret Garden Firenze, taking memories and new friendships with you.
**The itinerary is subject to change to ensure the best experience for our guests.**
Drink Heavily with locals whenever possible
Anthony Bourdain
What's included?
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Accommodation for 6 days/7 nights at a boutique B&B with a enclosed courtyard
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Daily Breakfasts
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5 Dinners & 2 Lunches
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A visit to one of the oldest churches in the Florence
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3 Double Rooms with private bathroom
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A visit to an open air Market
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Visit Fiesole (where I studied abroad)
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A cooking class in the picturesque town of Fiesole
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A Welcome Apericena on arrival day
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Walk to Piazzale Michelangelo
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A Private Hidden Wines of Tuscany Tasting with a Florentine sommelier
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Secrets of Florence tour
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Free day to explore Florence
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Aperitivi (Happy Hour)
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Shopping at local artisan markets and shops
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An artisan booking making and paper making class
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Transportation to/from each activity/excursion
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And much more!!!
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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Museum tickets & visits
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Train tickets
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3 lunches & 2 dinners
Our Authentic Touch
We speak Italian
Katie has been traveling/living to Italy for over 20 years. She speaks fluent Italian. Katie has Florence in heart and will guide you through her old stomping grounds with care.
Lucrezia will be our host at the Secret Garden Firenze. She has a heart of gold and will make you feel right at home.
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.
A Florence resident, Katie, as your guide you'll feel like a local.
We'll enjoy intimate dinners where we'll reminisce on our day exploring the hidden treasures of Florence.
"Not all who Wander are lost"
J.R.R. Tolkien
About the Hosts
Katie Portanova
Italy Travel Advisor & Retreat Host
Ciao! I'm Katie born in the US but my heart has remained in Florence.
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.
Since moving back home, my goal has been to keep Italy in my life any way possible, and thus, Truly Italy was born!
Let's get you to Italy! :)
"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 one 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 our neighborhood of Florence taking photos of the stunning palazzi and piazze, and experience the local life of this renaissance city.
After a Truly Italy retreat, you’ll feel connected, grounded, and recharged.
Ready for your fully planned Tuscany adventure with an Italian insider?
Reserve your spot today!
"You may have the universe if I may have Italy."
Giuseppe Verdi
