Tastefully Tailored Tours

ABOUT

Prosecco & Heels came about as an idea to host women on a trip that solely caters to the female gender, their wants and needs!  The dynamics of girls trips have been something I have been involved with organising and going on for the past 15 years, to places near and far. What I love about a group of women travelling together is that you're guaranteed to have a lot of laughs and generally a brilliant time with your girlfriends! No one is nagging you to stop looking in the shops... or hurry up at the markets...hassling you to be fed,  bugging you to sort out minor disputes or solving problems that really could sort themselves out!  

 After a dear friend took the bold move of becoming a part time local at Lake Como, a  love affair with Italy began.  Expat Kiwis who now live full time in Dubai have immersed themselves into the Italian way of life, and their passion for 'La Dolce Vita' has rubbed off!  

I have been fortunate enough to visit their piece of paradise a number of times over the past few years, including with the family for some winter skiing, after which we farewelled our daughter for a years exchange in Lecco!

Acquiring knowledge of the area and experience with travel logistics, I am now wanting to share the hidden gems, 

local secrets and the best bits of northern Italy with my friends...and friends of friends... xxx

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OVERVIEW

Wednesday 3rd June 2020 - 14 nights

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Day 1 - Meet & greet at MXP...

Private transfer to Lake Como, welcome aperitif, drinks & nibbles on arrival.

Dinner at the hotel... not far to walk to your bed!

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Day 2 - Local day... time to settle in...

Local markets... walk to historic church with incredible views over Lago di Como... picnic on local produce hand picked from the local markets...walk back via lake side village and see the spot where Mussolini was captured.

Dinner at Lampara - meet the locals

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Day 3 - Lake day...

Ferry to Lenno for lunch...visit romantic Villa del Balbianello where films such as Casino Royale and Star Wars Episode 2 were filmed...

 Explore the magnificent gardens and take a guided tour of the Villa...

Ferry to popular Bellagio... explore cobbled streets & boutiques...

Dinner - Bellagio

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Day 4 - Como town... shop till you drop... 

Explore the historic Saturday markets, including the once monthly antique market. Peruse the numerous shops amongst the medieval streets of Como.  Want a break from shopping, then sit back and relax and let the world go by in one of the numerous eateries. Discover hidden piazzas, cobblestone streets, and the impressive duomo.  Dinner in Como before private transfer back to home base.

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Day 5 - Local day...relax into the day...

Bike hire and explore the paths along the lake edge.  Lunch along the lake, gelato in Gravedona, exploring the beautiful 12th century church which houses a Baptistry dating back to the 5th century. It conserves an ancient crypt and two 6th century inscriptions.

Dinner - Musso

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Day 6 - Swiss Alps on the Bernina Express...

Travel on one of Europe's most spectacular train journeys to St Moritz.  Picnic on board and soak up the scenery!  Time to have a wander around the streets of St Moritz and window shop... before boarding again to head back over the border... yes passports are a requirement on this excursion!  Train and transfer to Dongo.  

Dinner in Tirano or back to Dongo.... the choice is ours!

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Day 7 - Lake Day....

Ease into the day... ferry to Varenna for lunch... then onto the lake to take the 'George tour' .. visit more beautiful lake side villages with a private boat and guide...

Last night aperitifs....Dinner at our favourite local spot...

Day 8 - Cooking in the Villa...

Early start for private transfer to the Valpolicella wine region.  Drop off for winery tour, cooking class, lunch and wine tastings.  Transfer to hotel, settle in, relax by the pool with an aperol or a local wine.  

Dinner - Local restaurant

Day 9 - Lake Garda...

Wake up to Yoga with a view over the vineyards... private transfer to Lake Garda where there are more markets along the lake edge to explore... another piece of paradise to discover.  Visit Punta San Vigilio for a long lazy lunch, before heading to Lazise to explore its piazzas and cobbled streets.  

Dinner - Winery

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Day 10 - Chill out amongst the vines...

Yoga in the morning... Hang by the pool whilst soaking up stunning views...

you won't want to leave!!! Walk to the vineyards for a wine tasting. Lunch at a local restaurant or vineyard...

Dinner - Local restaurant

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Day 11 -  Enchanting Verona...famous city of Love & Opera...

Private transfer to the beautiful city of Verona.  Drop bags and explore the ancient city... lunch at one of the many eateries!  Make the most of the shops, as tomorrow they are mostly closed... Dinner options are many!! An optional extra is to attend the Opera at the Arena... 9pm start

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Day 12 - Explore the historical town of Verona...

So much to see...get your walking shoes on and discover Romeo's house,  Juliets balcony, the Arena, the Roman Theatre, Castelvecchio, the many churches, beautiful bridges, roman ruins and piazzas.  Guided walking tour or bike tour can be arranged as an extra.  Lunch & Dinner ... we have many options to choose from!

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Day 13 - Return to the vines...

Transfer by private van to the most beautiful 16th century villa in the Valpolicella ... Winery tasting and tour next door to the villa... relax by the pool with magical views over the Italian countryside... explore the gardens, the hilltop village,

walk amongst the vines... soak up the grand atmosphere!

Dinner - Castrum

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Day 14 - Vines on bikes...

Ease into the day with yoga at the villa... relax for the morning or stroll up to hilltop village if you're keen for a walk!  Bike tour departing the Villa to explore the region and stop for lunch along the way... stock up on wine to take home... 

Dinner - local village... highly recommended...

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Day 15 - time to say our goodbyes...

Transfer to Verona train station to head home...

Trains go in either direction if you are flying out of Venice or Milan...

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Viaggi sicuri a casa

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HIGHLIGHTS

Bernina Express

One of Europe's most spectacular train journey's, travel on the UNESCO listed Bernina Express route. Soak up the incredible scenery of the Italian and Swiss Alps,  in the panoramic carriage.  Picnic lunch included on route, before exploring the resort town of St Moritz.  

Markets & Shopping

The shoes, the bags, the linen, the boutiques, the food, the wine!!!  Italian markets and the shops of Como and Verona... heaven for the girls!  Make sure you leave plenty of space to bring back a few items!

Cooking Class

A true Italian experience...learning the skill of making fresh pasta, and two types of sauce to accompany.  Winery tour, wine tasting, cooking class with a professional chef and lunch amongst the history of a Venetian Villa & vineyard. 

Food & Vino 

The food in Italy is a pleasure not to be rushed... just savoured... pasta, pizza, risotto, cheeses, cured meats, fresh produce, brioche, gelato...the list goes on!  Aperol spritz is an institution... and what about the coffee?! Limoncello... mmmm...

Wine tasting and wineries in the Valpolicella are in abundance... heaven...  

Lake Como

Stunning lake edge Villas, historical churches, a few famous home owners... Como town with it's ancient walls, impressive Duomo's, medieval streets and historical markets... The beautiful villages on the lake are many...  A visit to well known tourist destinations Bellagio & Varenna are a must...dreamy cobbled streets, gorgeous boutiques all oozing ambience! 

Lake Garda

Visiting another Northern Lake, Lake Garda.  Explore the markets along the lake edge in Bardolino, before being taken by boat to Punta San Vigilio for lunch.  Explore the quiet fishing village of Lazise, with its ancient cobbled streets and beautiful piazzas.

GALLERY