Fabulous Ladies Getaway: Tuscany

Living ‘la dolce vita’ is something we all want to do – and on this incredible Fabulous Ladies Getaway to Tuscany  this is exactly what you will be doing, with a group of like-minded passionate, wine loving ladies!

This Fabulous Ladies Getaway to Tuscany has been created in collaboration with the divine Jane Thomson, Founder and Principal of The Fabulous Ladies Wine Society, is the business and has been created to put the fun and femininity back into wine…

On this escape you will enjoy and indulge in all things Italian.   Imagine long summer days, indulging in delicious pool-time to wash away the heat,  in the evening, relaxing at your villa, discussing the adventures of the day.

Our local hosts have orchestrated an amazing, 12 days of fun; full of pleasure, surprises and of course lots of divine wine!  Combined with incredible food, history (because you literally live amongst it), culture and necessary retail therapy, you are thoroughly immersed into ‘la dolce vita’.

You stay in fabulous accommodation starting with the luxurious Sofitel Villa Borghese for 2 nights in the heart of Rome, followed by 7 nights ensconced your very own villas in one of the most beautiful and sustainable wineries in Tuscany (oh yes, it doesn’t get any better than this). Then to Florence where you complete this extraordinary getaway in the most beautiful of Renaissance cities.

Explore local villages, and the gorgeous towns of Arezzo and Siena,  with more in between.  Experience exclusive meets with women in wine, Tuscan winemakers leading a change; the extraordinary history, culture and passion for life the Italians have honed; slip in the back door of some amazing bespoke experiences created just for you, divine boutiques, artisans and incredible wineries and restaurants….

What are you waiting for? We hope you join us on this beautiful ‘Fabulous Ladies Getaway’, and explore a side of Italy that many don’t get to enjoy. An immersion into a way of life we can only dream about, a lot of fun, and of course plenty of time to connect, relax and rejuvenate.

If you would like us to assist with other bespoke Italian adventures pre or post tour, then contact Andrea here and let’s start plotting!

GETTING THERE:

You can fly into Rome from everywhere!   Easily reached from Australia, New Zealand or another European capital city.  Flying out of Florence to another major city is easy otherwise take the train to Rome or Milan to connect to international options.

PRICE INCLUDES:

• Fully escorted from Rome by Jane Thomson – Founding Fabulous Lady…
• Bilingual guide from Tuscany to end of tour in Florence
• 2 nights’ luxury 5-star boutique accommodation, Sofitel Villa Borghese Rome
• 7 nights’ private villa stay, with en-suite accommodation & air conditioning in each room, Villa Leopoldina & Villa Mandorlo, Pomaio Winery Arezzo  (villas are side by side each with a pool)
• 2 nights’ luxury 5-star boutique accommodation, Hotel Brunelleschi Florence
• Private arrival transfer Rome Airport to the Sofitel; departure transfer Brunelleschi to Florence airport or train station
• Meals as per the itinerary including breakfast daily
• Wine included with meals as specified (in the villa wine is served with all dinners)
• Wine tastings
• Welcome rooftop dinner Rome
• Private artisan tour Florence
• Introduction to Tuscan Wines with sommelier Helen Manieri
• Private visit to Busatti Textiles
• Privately hosted lunch at the farmhouse of cookbook author & Tuscan food expert, Pamela Sheldon-Johns
• Private guided visit to Siena
• Pop up picnic in the vineyard
• Luxury outlet shopping experience
• Exclusive access tastings/events with Tuscan wine producers
• Sublime Cooking class
• Farewell feast at Pomaio winery
• Farewell dinner Florence
• Private transport throughout
• All local and city taxes

NOT INCLUDED:

AUGUST 2023

Thursday 03 – welcome to Rome & your Fabulous Ladies Getaway…

Arrive into Rome, where you will be met by your private transfer to the lovely Sofitel Villa Borghese, home for the next two nights. Settle in, relax and then explore the surrounds of your perfectly situated hotel. Whether you want to visit the Piazza di Spagna or shop the via Condotti it is only minutes away from your front door.

Tonight, meet in the bar for a welcome drink and a tour briefing. For those in the mood we head out for a casual dinner, for those feeling particularly jet-lagged you might prefer room service or an early night. This is a very relaxed start to our journey so the choice is yours!

*Check-in is at 2pm, so if you arrive early the hotel will store your baggage if your room is not ready.

Overnight Accommodation: Sofitel Villa Borghese

Meals Included:  Welcome drinks & canapes

Friday 04 – optional Rome fun or do your own thing, dinner on the rooftop…

Today is all about exploring this divine city which you can never tire of.

Choose from an optional vespa tour round the city (man drives, you are pillion, you enjoy the view and the fun of feeling ‘local’) or we can organise a fabulous walking tour, taking you to see lesser known spots in the city.  Or you could choose to create your own memories throughout a city that is a living museum – or shop like a mad thing.

Tonight you celebrate the start of this divine tour with welcome dinner at a sublime rooftop restaurant where you will watch the sunset over the city and indulge in your Roman feast …. so  get a little glamorous (maybe a little Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday) and enjoy the evening!

Overnight Accommodation: Sofitel Villa Borghese
Meals Included: Breakfast, Welcome Dinner

Saturday 05 – Arrivaderci  Rome, Ciao Tuscany…

After breakfast and check-out we say farewell to Rome and head off for the next part of the adventure.

Travel to the beautiful, and less crowded, city of Arezzo and explore this tiny walled jewel with your local expert guide. You then enjoy a relaxing lunch before heading to Pomaio Winery and two luxury villas, home for the next 7 nights.  Check in and then enjoy some pool time, perhaps a welcome glass of bubbles and just generally chill out!  These two beautiful, spacious villas are located side-by-side, with a total of 11 bedrooms and each has its own private pool and kitchen. Each room enjoys its own en-suite and air-conditioning to ensure a comfortable stay.

Late this afternoon enjoy an aperitivo and welcome dinner with Iacopo Rossi, CEO and winemaker and sommelier Helen Manieri, who will talk about the local wines so that when we are out and about we have some understanding of what it is we are drinking.

Overnight Accommodation: Villas, Pomaio
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sunday 06 – Textiles & tastings…

This morning we transfer to the Casentino area of Tuscany, where we will visit the delightful Anghiari village and the divine Busatti Textiles. Here we can see how they make these beautiful products and those feeling in the mood for a little re-decorating perhaps a purchase or two before we move on and enjoy a lunch as well as a tasting with our sommelier Helen.

Chill time and then  in-house for dinner this evening.

Overnight Accommodation: Villas, Pomaio
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Monday 07  – A day in Siena…

This morning we are in for a treat visiting Siena, one of the most beautiful and exciting Tuscan Cities. You will meet our passionate guide who will take you through the thrilling history of the Palio, the world famous horse race that is centuries old, the contrade (neighbourhoods) who passionately contest this each year and how Siena fell to its rival, Florence….the architecture is sublime too so put the walking shoes on and get ready to explore.

Then time to recharge and enjoy a light lunch with local wine before you head out to explore Siena at leisure.  It is a delightful city and a great place to shop for whatever you maybe looking for, or you might want to climb the Town Hall tower in the Piazza di Campo – a great way to work of that lunch…there is much to do and see – so enjoy!

Tonight it’s time for pizza making, with a local pizzaiolo.  You can choose to be involved in making them or you can sit back and watch the action – delicious.

Overnight Accommodation: Villas, Pomaio

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tuesday 08 – Cortona & Women in Wine…

Today you will enjoy a visit to the beautiful town of Cortona, made famous by Frances Mayes in her story ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’… There will be a stroll through town with Francesca, your gorgeous guide, time for retail therapy or exploring the local sites and the lunch at Osteria del Teatro.

This afternoon a visit to the local winery La Braccesca for a private tasting.

This evening a pop up picnic in the vineyards with chef Andrea Anichini.

Overnight Accommodation: Villas, Pomaio
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Wednesday 09 – Montepulciano, cheese, lunch with a renowned author &  women in wine…

Oh what a fabulous day today will be. A visit to local female producer of the pecorino cheese famous in this region (yes there is a tasting).  Then time to enjoy lunch with world-famous author, tuscan food expert and all round divine woman, Pamela Sheldon-Johns, who made her home in Tuscany over 20 years ago.  She is a legend and so lovely you will want to stay.  Time to chat and exchange stories (and recipes)….

This afternoon a private visit to a local winery run by amazing women at Boscarelli Winery.

This evening food time is at leisure with lasagne inhouse.

Overnight Accommodation: Villas, Pomaio
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Thursday 10 – Retail Therapy & Chill…

This morning is all about retail therapy. A girl needs her good wine, but she also needs her shopping. For those with a limited shopping attention span, there is a hairdresser who does a mighty fine blow dry and a good coffee shops which might just fit the bill.

You are spending the morning at what is one of the most luxuriously gorgeous outlets anywhere! Forget DFS this is a whole different level. Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, McQueen and so many more I need to stop. You may find something fabulous or you may not, but you will certainly have fun trying!

Then home for a leisurely afternoon by the pool, reading a book or perhaps a sneaky siesta – after all this is a holiday!

This evening is a divine cooking class with Simona (which is your dinner tonight so let’s do good…)

Overnight Accommodation: Villas, Pomaio

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Friday 11 – A wine tasting bonanza…

Our last day in the gorgeous region of Tuscany is spent visiting producers located outside Arezzo and in the Val di Chiana.  Our first stop is to Buccia Nera Winery, managed by Anastasia, Alessia and Roberta Marcini.  This gorgeous winery has a long family-owned history, beginning in the late 19th century.

You will then enjoy lunch close by at La Capannaccia, before heading off for the next two winery visits:  both owned and run by women.  Your farewell dinner at Pomaio this evening.

Overnight Accommodation: Villas, Pomaio
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Saturday 12 – to Florence, to Florence…

This morning we enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the villas, and then a road transfer to Florence.

You have the day free to explore to your hearts’ content, do any last minute shopping and just check out the city.

This evening for those who wish to join Jane for a  drink, and then head out to one of her favourite spots for an optional dinner…

Overnight Accommodation: Hotel Brunelleschi
Meals Included: Breakfast

Sunday 13 – Explore the artisans of Florence on foot…

A beautiful day for your last day in Florence.

This morning join Luca Santiccioli for an Artisan walk through Florence.  Luca is a local specialist guide in all things of divine craftsmanship and will take you through the history and introduce you to some truly exquisite local products.

Lunch is then at leisure followed by a free afternoon.

If you would like us to organise a private visit to the Uffizi, the Statue of David or a walking tour of the historical city let us know.  Otherwise head to the beautiful Farmacia Santa Maria Novella and shop , surrounded by the beautiful architecture of this 15th century monastery that today creates luscious skin care, perfumes and world famous tinctures.

This evening is your farewell dinner so frock up and get ready.

Overnight Accommodation:  Hotel Brunelleschi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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Monday 14 – time to say farewell…

Sadly all good things must come to an end (unless you have extended in Florence or are travelling further afield) and you say goodbye to new friends (for now) and Italy. Private transfers to the airport or the train station.  Until next time.

Grazie e arrivederci. Buon viaggio…

Meals Included: Breakfast

ROME:

Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese, an elegant 5-star hotel, welcomes you for an unforgettable stay in the heart of Rome. Our boutique hotel, with its classic design, offers luxurious furnished rooms and exclusive amenities such as Sofitel MyBed and Bose sound system. Enjoy fine dining in the unique atmosphere of the Settimo restaurant and lounge bar on the roof terrace while admiring the beauty of Rome.

In a quiet street in the centre of Rome, near Villa Borghese and Villa Medici parks, the Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese is very close to the capital’s main attractions and shopping streets. Walk to the symbolic places of Dolce Vita strolling to Piazza di Spagna, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Ask our concierge for advice on the best routes to discover the wonders of Rome during your stay.

TUSCANY:

Villa Leopoldino:  This quintessential Tuscan villa is designed with four overlapping arches in twos and is surrounded by a beautiful garden with a private pool facing a breathtaking view. The villa was built in the late 1800s probably over a ruin of which today any information has been lost. The recent renovation that took place in the villa has followed the stricter sustainability principles complying with this estate style that made Podere di Pomaio/Pomaio • Green Winery famous in the design and wine world.  Each divine bedroom is ensuite and individually air-conditioned to ensure maximum comfort.

Villa Mandorlo:  The villa’s name comes from the big and colourful almond tree that surrounds the house. In springtime, when this same almond tree blooms, it is also visible from the city of Arezzo. Thanks to its strong scent and guests love to spend their time watching the vibrant petals dance in the wind. Here at Podere di Pomaio/Pomaio • Green Winery every renovation is compliant with the environmental friendly philosophy. This villa has been recently renovated following the highest of quality standards in terms of design as was used for the Leopoldina mansion. The particular private pool is accessible only from the villa’s loggia or the elegant glass doors both located on the ground floor. Once reached you will notice the Mediterranean vegetation surrounding it.  Each bedroom is ensuite and individually air-conditioned to ensure maximum comfort.

FLORENCE:

The exclusive Brunelleschi  Hotel is located in the historic centre of Florence, in the Renaissance districts. An elegant 5-star boutique hotel located in the city centre, offering a perfect location to visit the shopping streets and main monuments of the historic centre on foot.  Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi are the frame of the privileged and hidden corner covered by this luxury hotel in Florence near the Duomo .