Experience foodie heaven on this gorgeous girls’ getaway. Spend an indulgent 5 days with like-minded foodies who share a love of Italy, Regional Australia, quality local food, wine and living ‘la dolce vita.’
Diva Moments
Immersion into regional food, wine and culture
Cooking demonstration and private dinner with chef Stefano di Pieri
Exclusive dining and private touring
Wine tasting
Tour and gin tasting at Fossey’s gin
and much, much more…
Covid has meant we have had to think a little differently to get our overseas fix. During this exploring time, we have stumbled across the gem that is Mildura and the amazing Italy heritage, culture and foodie heaven that exists here.
Australia has a rich history of European settlement, and the city of Mildura and its surrounding area are a perfect example of this great cultural marriage.
In partnership with Emily Tassone, we are delighted to offer ‘A Taste of Italy’ in Mildura, celebrating everything that is fabulous about Australian regional produce, and of course, the ‘la dolce vita’ of Italy! What a perfect combination!
Mildura and the Riverina have long been famous for its beautiful, local produce and on this tour you will experience all that is delicious through the expertise of local, Emily, plus renowned chef and host of SBS’s Australia’s Food Bowl, Stefano di Pieri.
Join us on this beautiful 5 day getaway, to experience something different in Oz! Fully escorted from Mildura by Donna Hipgrave, our very own escape artist, you will be looked after from start to finish. If you have any questions please contact us here and we will get back to you!
GETTING THERE:
Depending on where you live, flights can be joined from all capital cities, some with connections over Melbourne and Sydney, with both Qantas and REX Airlines.
Tour Price: $2905 person twin share. Single supplement of $450 applies for those who love a room to them selves!
Tour Starts: MILDURA, VICTORIA
Tour Finishes: MILDURA, VICTORIA
Tour Dates: 16 – 20 March, 2023
PRICE INCLUDES:
4 nights accommodation at Quality Hotel Mildura Grand
Breakfast daily
Arrival and Departure group transfers
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Activities as specified in the itinerary
Entry fees and tasting fees
Fully escorted from Mildura by Donna Hipgrave and Emily Tassone
Taxes and service charges
Private transport throughout
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfares and departure taxes; transfers unless stated in the itinerary; items of a personal nature; phone calls; passport and visas; laundry or tips. Personal transport; excess baggage; security and government taxes; travel insurance. Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary; additional beverages (unless specifically described). Optional excursions or activities that may be offered but are not included in the tour price. Spa treatments and any items not specified. Any changes you choose to make during your holiday.
MARCH 2023
Day 1 – Thursday 16: Welcome to ‘La Dolce Vita’…
Arrive into Mildura and be met by your group transfer to take you to your home for the next 4 nights, The Quality Hotel Mildura Grand. Check in and enjoy the rest of the afternoon getting to know your travel companions…
Early this evening meet Emily, your local tour host, in the lobby and then walk out for your welcome dinner this evening at Stefano’s Restaurant.
Overnight Accommodation: The Quality Hotel Mildura Grand
Included Meals: Dinner with wine
Day 2 – Friday 17: Getting to know the local produce…
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then get ready for ready for a day of exploring.
You will be picked up in your private bus and out for a day of tasting some of Mildura’s great local produce, with a touch of Italian! Visits include: Coomealla Milking goats Farm for tastings and a tour, and Italian style morning tea at Tassone’s and a Murray River Salt site tour and sample to name a few!
You will then head to the award-winning Trentham Estate Winery for a wine tasting, followed by a late lunch at Larry’s Prosciutteria. Meet the Piscioneri family and enjoy a delicious aperitif whilst hearing their story of how the settled in Mildura from Italy. This is followed by a set menu lunch and a game of bocce!
Back to the hotel later in the afternoon and the evening is at leisure.
Overnight Accommodation: The Quality Hotel Mildura Grand
Included Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch with wine
Day 3- Saturday 18: A Farmers Market , gin tasting and cooking with Stefano
Brekky and then time for a fabulous day!
Meet Emily at the hotel foyer for a short stroll to Sunraysia Farmer’s Market for produce shopping with Stefano. Wonder the market stalls and shop with Stefano, meet with the owners and hear their story.
After the market visit, walk to the Mildura Arts Centre lawns for an informal talk with Stefano on the art and cultural significance of Mildura. Free time to explore Mildura.
This afternoon, an easy stroll to Fossey’s Gin for a tour and tasting.
This evening enjoy a delicious dinner at 400 Gradi, the Mildura outpost of this famous Melbourne establishment.
Overnight Accommodation: The Quality Hotel Mildura Grand
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine
Day 4 – Sunday 19: Regional culture, wine tasting and a farewell dinner…
After a delicious breakfast at the Hotel you will enjoy a 3 hour cultural and nature tour of the region.
Visits includes travel to Wentworth to visit Lock 10, morning tea at Murray Darling Junction and meeting with local indigenous man, Arthur Kirby. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat as there will be some walking involved. Morning tea included.
It is then time for a wine tasting, vineyard tour and lunch at Chalmers Vineyard. The Chalmers family’s commitment to innovation and excellence has made them a pivotal force in the Australian wine scene for almost 30 years. Enjoy a tour of their beautiful Merbein vineyard, followed by wine tasting and farmhouse shared platter lunch.
Transfer back to hotel for rest before cooking demonstration and farewell dinner with Stefano!
Overnight Accommodation: The Quality Hotel Mildura Grand
Included Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner with wine
Day 5 – Monday 20: Time to depart…
All good things must come to an end and it is time to depart after breakfast to connect with flights. Alternatively we can organise a transfer to Adelaide to enjoy some fabulous time in this sophisticated city, indulging in breathtaking wines, cuisine and culture!
Included Meals: Breakfast
Mildura:
Quality Hotel Mildura Grand:
The historic, landmark Quality Hotel Mildura Grand offers character and charm with modern amenities and comforts.
Facilities include a choice of spacious guest rooms and suites, lavish art deco function and conference rooms, a picturesque rose garden and courtyard for relaxation and entertainment, an outdoor pool and gymnasium. Off-street parking is available directly opposite the hotel.
With 99 comfortably appointed rooms, the Mildura Grand caters for every guest need and budget. All rooms are amply equipped with modern furniture, quality drapery and dressed with premium linen. Complimentary high speed Wi-Fi and current release Movie channels are provided.
The refurbished Superior Suites and Quality Rooms contain queen-size beds, 68cm flat screen televisions. Accommodation is climate controlled with split system air-conditioning/heating units.