MAY 2026

Day 1 – Thursday 14:  Welcome to Verona and your Fabulous Ladies Tour

Welcome to Verona, city of beauty and romance!

Maake your way to Hotel Indigo – Grand Hotel des Arts, your home for the next two nights. Check-in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

The fictional passion between Romeo and Juliet draws thousands to Verona every year, but it’s the very real loves and obsessions of the city’s residents past and present that make this city special.

At the heart of this, is the boutique Hotel Indigo Verona, built in the 1920’s at the request of a noble Austrian family, the Reichenbach. You can dive into the district’s rich past the moment you step out onto Corso Porta Nuova, largely thanks to architect Michele Sanmichell, whose statue sits opposite the Hotel.

Early evening meet up with your other travelling companions for a tour briefing with Jane over an aperitivo.

A welcome dinner at the glorious restaurant at the hotel tonight to kick off this magnificent tour together!

Overnight Accommodation:  Hotel Indigo – Grand Hotel des Arts

Included Meals:  Dinner

Day 2 – Friday 15:  Foodie Exploration of Verona

After breakfast, get ready for an insightful adventure as you connect with local host Nicoletta, to explore Verona’s culinary scene. Wander through the city on this private and personalised tasting tour stopping at landmark coffee bars, pastry shops, and traditional “osteria” eateries. Sample different sweet and savoury specialties, local products like “soppressa” salami, Monte Veronese cheese, and regional wine, alongside Italian classics, all the while chatting about Verona’s authentic cuisine with your local host. Admire some of the city’s top sights as you snack and stroll your way through the historic centre.

Finish this beautiful morning off with Nicoletta, who is a sommelier, with a delicious final bite over lunch where she will also conduct a formal introduction to the wines of this beautiful region.

Dinner this evening is at leisure.

Overnight Accommodation:  Hotel Indigo

Included Meals:  Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3 – Saturday 16: Aperitivo and Wine in Arezzo

Today we check out and transfer from Verona through the countryside to Arezzo for a private guided tour followed by a local lunch.

Then to Pomaio, just outside of Arezzo, after lunch to check into your luxury villa – home for the next 7 nights! The villa is located inside the vineyards of Pomaio organic winery. We’re literally soaking up the wines here for the next glorious week!

Dinner is in-house this evening at the villa. Gaze out over the vineyards and watch the incredible sunset while you sip wine and dine on local specialties prepared for us.

Overnight Accommodation: Villas Pomaio  

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 – Sunday 17: Textiles in Anghiari & Tuscan flavours

This morning enjoy breakfast in the villa, before we head off to visit to the world famous Busatti Textiles. This is such a special experience as they open just for us and you’ll get to have a private visit and tour with the family! Situated in the quaint village of Anghiari, the family have been there since the 1700’s establishing their textile mill in 1842 by founder Mario Busatti.

Then to Sansepolcro where we will walk through town, stopping in at a beautiful enoteca for an exploratory tasting of Tuscan wines with owner and wine expert, Stephanie.

Lunch follows in a typical Tuscan restaurant in town before returning to the villas where you can choose to chill by the pool, wander the vineyards or just enjoy a wine in the loggia.

Tonight, there will be a light dinner in the villa.

Overnight Accommodation: Villa Pomaio – Arezzo 

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 – Monday 18: Exploring the beauty of Siena

This morning after breakfast, you have a full day in the beautiful city of Siena!

Enjoy a private guided walking tour of the city with Rita, who will share the history of the town, the contrade (neighbourhoods) rivalry that still drives much of the culture today and hear about the Palio – Siena’s famous horse race that happens twice a year!

We’ll enjoy a light lunch together in town and then free time to shop or explore more.

We then head back to the villas for the in-house pizza night where top pizza chefs will come to us and fire up the ancient wood stove to cook us the best pizza! You can decide whether you want to participate or just sit back and enjoy the delicious results!

Overnight Accommodation: Villa Pomaio – Arezzo 

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 – Tuesday 19: A Toast to Women in Wine!

Today is all about the amazing women in wine in this gorgeous region.

You will spend a day on the road visiting producers located near Arezzo and in the Val di Chiana.

Firstly, a morning visit to women owned and run Buccia Nera winery.

Then to Civitella for lunch and afternoon visits to two other women-owned/run wineries: Podere Ortica & Tunia.

Back at the villa in the evening we’ll serve you a light dinner while you relax by the pool.

Overnight Accommodation: Villa Pomaio – Arezzo 

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 – Wednesday 20: A day to relax, visit a designer mall & or do a cooking class

Today is all about a chance to relax and be at leisure. Choose to stay in-house by the pool or for those feeling like some retail therapy, there is a trip to Tuscany’s famous designer outlet known as The Mall.  This is a divine day offering the chance to browse the likes of Gucci, Armani, Burberry, Coach, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Ferragamo and many more!

Later this afternoon there is a private cooking class at the villa with Simona Querini and then we’ll dine on what is created for dinner!

Overnight Accommodation: Villa Pomaio – Arezzo 

Included Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8 – Thursday 21: A women-run cheese farm and more wine!

This morning you’ll visit a women-run pecorino cheese farm, a production and tasting experience of a different kind!

Then a really special lunch at the farmhouse of cookbook author and Tuscan food expert, Pamela Sheldon-Johns.  Pamela is the author of seventeen cookbooks specialising in Italian traditional and regional ingredients. Her career, for more than twenty years, has included teaching, food photography/food styling, cooking school administration, food writing, inn-keeping and agriculture. In a word, she is amazing!

This afternoon enjoy a tasting visit to Boscarelli Winery, run by Paola de Ferrari Corradi.  She has been involved in the winery since the 1960’s and is the daughter of Eggidio Corradi, the founder of Boscarelli.

This evening dinner is provided in house at our glorious villa.

Overnight Accommodation: Villa Pomaio – Arezzo 

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 – Friday 22: Cortona under the Tuscan sun

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 lunch at Osteria del Teatro.

This afternoon a visit to the local Antinori winery – La Braccesca – for a private tasting.  Antinori is once of the most famous wineries in Tuscany, and certainly one of the largest! It’s now women-owned and will provide a great contrast to some of the more boutique establishments.

Tonight your final delicious dinner at Pomaio, prepared by chefs Mirella & Stefano.

Overnight Accommodation: Villa Pomaio – Arezzo 

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 – Saturday 23: Florence with textiles and jewels

This morning an early start to Florence and a farewell to Pomaio.

On arrival into Florence you’ll enjoy a private Artisan tour, before officially checking into Hotel Brunelleschi – a diamond in the heart of this gorgeous renaissance city.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore: visit the Duomo and the Baptistry (literally two minutes walk from the hotel!) or the Gucci or Ferragamo museums if you feel like a little more fashion!

Late afternoon is time for an aperitivo before dinner at leisure.

Overnight Accommodation: Hotel Brunelleschi 

Included Meals:  Breakfast

Day 11 – Sunday 24: Our final day in Florence

Today is a completely free day for you to explore Florence. Your host, Jane, has loads of insider tips and suggestions for you so make sure you ask her! She knows the city back to front and can suggest options you won’t find on any tour guide or brochure.

Gregorian monks chanting in the hills perhaps? Or perhaps a visit to Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella, an extraordinarily exquisite building that just happens to sell the most incredible skin care, herbal remedies and more – it has to be seen!

This evening your farewell dinner is in the Michelin starred restaurant in Hotel Brunelleschi.

Overnight Accommodation: Hotel Brunelleschi 

Included Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner

Day 12 – Monday 25: A gorgeous farewell to this beautiful region

Sadly all good things must come to an end.  Check out and make your way to the airport or train station for your onward journey.  Thank you for coming away with us!

Ciao and buona viaggio!

Included Meals:  Breakfast

Tour Price:  Shared (twin)* room AUD$14,895 per person. Private room AUD$17,190 per person

*NB: note there are only 3 twin (shared) rooms available on this tour

Tour Dates:   14 – 25 May 2026

Starts:  Verona

Finishes:  Florence

PRICE INCLUDES:

• Fully escorted by Jane Thomson OAM, founder of The Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society
• 2 nights’ boutique accommodation, Hotel Indigo – Grand Hotel Des Arts Verona
• 7 nights’ in luxury villa, Pomaio Winery Arezzo
• 2 nights boutique luxury accommodation, Hotel Brunelleschi Florence
• Breakfast daily
• Meals as per the itinerary, inclusive of wine
• Sightseeing and experiences detailed in the itinerary
• Private foodie tour of Verona
• Private Busatti textiles visit
• Introductory Tasting at Enoteca Ottimi Vini with sommelier Stefania
• Private tastings and visits with amazing women wine producers
• Lunch in the private home of author and cook extraordinaire, Pamela Sheldon Johns
• Cagusi Cheese visit and tasting
• Private guided city walks of Arezzo & Siena
• Private Artisans guided tour of Florence
• Exclusively catered dinners at the villa, all inclusive of wine
• Private air-conditioned transport throughout the tour
• English speaking private guides
• Government Taxes

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 not covered in the itinerary. 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 alcoholic beverages before/after/during meal (other than those indicated).  Any changes you choose to make during your holiday.  Any additional wine you consume at the villas that are not provided by us – Pomaio provide wine in villa but this is at additional cost.

Taxes

Included taxes are correct at the time of publication however maybe subject to change, should the government increase them. Any increase will be added to the cost of the tour.

Fitness Level

Please note you must have a reasonable level of fitness and mobility for this tour due to enjoy the walking tours included.

Flights

As always, please do not book any flights until we confirm that this tour is a guaranteed departure

How many people are on this tour? 

A minimum of 8 guests is required for this tour to depart. The maximum number of guests is 12.  If minimum numbers are not reached, we will discuss this with you well before departure to finalise how to proceed i.e. re-quote with less participants or cancel the departure. If we cancel the departure due to lack of numbers the tour deposit will be refunded.

Tour Pricing

Once full payment is received the price is guaranteed. Until that time, the price is subject to change. This tour has been converted to Australian Dollars from Euro and can be affected by currency swings.  Should you prefer to pay in full at anytime or set up a monthly payment plan we can organise this with you.

A $3000 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.

Once the tour departure is confirmed and guests are advised, a second payment of  AUD$4,000 will be required and an invoice will be issued at this time.

Final payment is due by 14 February 2026.

Deposit is by a payment link via the booking form to secure your spot. We accept Visa and MasterCard.  Merchant fees of 1.5% + .30c apply to Australian based credit card payments and will be added at the time of payment. International credit cards will attract a higher merchant fee depending on the card.

All payments are processed by E-way – a secure payment gateway that is certified to stringent levels of certification.

Please note that additional interim payments may be required due to meet supplier terms and conditions.

Visas

At the time of publication there are no visa requirements for Australian or NZ passport holders to enter Italy.  However this may change with the introduction of a new visa waiver programme predicted to begin in the Eurozone in 2026. Please check up to date destination, passport and visa information with Smartraveller.

Health

Please check with your medical professional regarding vaccination & health requirements.