Slow Travel in Italy: Why Seeing Less Makes a Better Trip
Florence. Rome. Venice. Tuscany. Cinque Terre. Amalfi. When you're planning a trip to Italy—especially one you've dreamed about for years—it's easy to feel like you need to see as much as possible. But somewhere between packing, changing hotels, catching trains and racing to the next reservation, your dream vacation can start to feel like another productivity exercise. In this episode of Florence & Me, I'm talking about why we feel so much pressure to "make the most" of our time in Italy—and what might happen if we stopped trying to see everything. I share stories from my everyday life in Florence, our recent stay in the Tuscan village of Radicondoli, and the simple moments I still remember years later: familiar faces, long lunches, conversations, aperitivo and returning to the same places again and again. Because experiencing Italy deeply isn't necessarily about seeing more. Sometimes, it's about giving one place enough time to become personal. See less. Feel more. In This Episode We talk about: Why Italy itineraries become overpacked so easily The pressure to "make it worth it" when you've spent years dreaming about Italy What my everyday routines in Florence taught me about belonging Why returning to the same café, bar or restaurant can completely change your experience What Stefano and I discovered by slowing down in Radicondoli Why an intentionally empty afternoon isn't wasted vacation time The difference between visiting a Tuscan village and experiencing village life Why a two-hour Italian lunch is absolutely okay How fewer home bases can create a richer trip Why some of the people you meet may become more memorable than the landmarks What slow travel in Italy has taught me about being present in everyday life I also share one of my favorite reflections from a past Truly Italy guest, Skip, who described Tuscany as not only a "feast for your eyes," but a "feast of people"—the warmth, caring and pride he experienced through the people, food, wine and countryside. If you're dreaming about Tuscany but don't want your trip to become a checklist of towns and attractions, start with my free Slow Tuscany Starter Kit. It's designed to help you plan Tuscany with fewer places, more breathing room and more meaningful connection to where you are. → Get the Free Slow Tuscany Starter Kit Already have an itinerary but wondering if you're trying to fit too much into it? I also offer personal itinerary help and custom Italy trip planning through Truly Italy. → Explore Italy Trip Planning with Truly Italy As you're planning your trip, try asking yourself: What would happen if I left this afternoon empty? You won't know the answer until you're there. And that might be the point. Stay longer. Rush less. Connect more. See less. Feel more.
