Tours

England Quilt Tour

 May 19 -June 1, 2025

May 19, 2025

You will depart Canada or your home country.

May 20, 2025

On arrival in London, disembark and clear customs and Immigration, collect your luggage and proceed to the arrivals hall. Here you will be greeted by a representative, who will take you to the Holiday Inn London.

The hotel rooms might not be available when we first arrive at the hotel, so this will be a great time to relax and have lunch.

There will be time for you to relax and freshen up before we leave for our welcome dinner cruise on the Thames. This is a fabulous cruise, where you will enjoy the lights of London.

A great way of enjoying dinner as you sail past the iconic sights of the city. From the centre of the river you get a unique view of the Houses of Parliament, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, the Docklands and the Millennium Dome whilst at the same time enjoying first class service, a delicious meal and to complete the evening a live entertainer who signs songs from the West End Musical. (D)

May 21, 2025

Today we will enjoy a textile tour with Antony Robbins. Antony is a Blue Badge Guide, who I have had the pleasure of having on previous tours. Antony loves to show off London beyond the main tourist attractions.

This afternoon we will enjoy high tea at the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason.

Our Tea Salon has been a great many things for over 314 years. It began as an apartment for the Fortnum family, then became an interior decorating department in the 1920s and 1930s, and later an antiques department and a restaurant known as St. James's. Since 2012 it has paid homage to the timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea.

Epitomizing the sophistication of Afternoon and High Tea in all its splendour, our Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon was named in honour of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth's visit in 2012, when she formally opened the room, in the company of their Royal Highnesses the then Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge. And today and every day, it is the perfect place for your Afternoon Tea party. (B, Afternoon Tea)

May 22, 2025

Today we will enjoy a tour of the Royal School of Needlework. The school's renowned embroidery studio creates stunning bespoke embroidery commissions for fashion, art and royalty, as well as expertly restoring and conserving valuable and historical embroidered pieces, restoring historical textiles and bringing heirlooms back to life. (B)

May 23, 2025

After a delicious breakfast we will check out of the hotel, board the coach and make our way to Liverpool.

We will be making a stop at World of Wedgewood, where we will enjoy a tour by a member of the curatorial team. The tour of the galleries will delve deeper into the history of Wedgwood told through highlights in the collection. 

We will enjoy lunch at World of Wedgewood as well.

After lunch we will arrive at the Mercure Liverpool Atlantic Tower Hotel, which will be our home for the next 2 nights.

Atlantic Tower is located on Liverpool's famous waterfront and is adjacent to the Liver Buildings and close to the Albert Docks and city centre. With a huge array of pubs, clubs and restaurants, a trip to Liverpool will keep you occupied from noon till night. Atlantic Tower has two restaurants, a lounge and a bar offering a wide selection of drinks, light refreshment and dining. (B,L)

May 24, 2025

After a delicious breakfast we will step aboard the colourful Magical Mystery Tour bus for a fun and fascinating 2 hour tour of Beatles Liverpool. You’ll see all the places associated with John, Paul, George and Ringo as they grew up, met and formed the band that would take the pop world by storm. 

And you can see St Peter's Church and Church Hall, Eleanor Rigby, Tombstone and all the lonely people, Strawberry Field, Penny Lane.

You will have free time today to discover Liverpool on your own.

Tonight we will enjoy the sights of the historic Liverpool docks as we dine and cruise on the Floating Grace. (B, D)

May25, 2025

Today we will check out of our lovely hotel and make our way to Gawthorpe Hall.

Gawthorpe Textiles Collection is an internationally renowned collection of global textiles located in the heart of Pennine Lancashire. Founded by the Honourable Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth (1886-1967) the collection was amassed to teach, to support creativity and wellbeing, to support employability, to preserve traditional craft skills and to share knowledge, skills and expertise across cultures. 

The Collection is an accredited museum and independent registered charity with an ambition to develop a centre of excellence for textile learning based on its collection of over 30,000 items, one of the largest textile collections in the UK and the only collection of its kind in Lancashire.

This afternoon we will be visiting the Quaker Tapestry Museum. The Quaker Tapestry is a stunning and informative museum located in Kendal. The tapestry tells the story of Quakers in 77 embroidered panels covering over 350 years of social history.

Later this afternoon we will arrive at Lord Crewe Arms Blanchland. This is my favorite hotel on this tour. It is in the most picturesque little village and is so quaint, with so much character. (B, D)

May 26, 2025

After breakfast we will be off on a day trip.

The first stop will be Beamish, the Living Museum of the North. Beamish quilts are famous throughout the world.

The collection of quilts has grown and is now recognized both nationally and internationally as a collection of world importance. We have some 350 quilts, many of which have been exhibited in Japan, USA and all over the UK. Many of the quilts have been published in numerous books on the subject.

This afternoon we will be visiting the Durham Cathedral. We will enjoy a Textile tour of the Cathedral, seeing needlepoint pieces that are over 500 years old.

Part of the Harry Potter movie was filmed in part of the Cathedral as well.

In his lifetime, Cuthbert (635-687) was an influential churchman who was Prior of Melrose and then of Lindisfarne. He was a venerated religious figure, and a successful preacher who was responsible for the spread of Christianity in the North of England. After his death, his grave in Lindisfarne, and the places to which his incorrupt body was subsequently moved – Chester Le-Street and Ripon – became the greatest focus of pilgrimage in early medieval England until the death of Thomas Becket in 1170. Cuthbert's body has been in Durham since 995, and the grave is still a shrine to which pilgrims travel.

Tonight we will enjoy a group dinner when we arrive back at Lord Crewe. (B, D)

May 27, 2025

After a delicious breakfast we will say goodbye to this lovely hotel.

This morning we will be stopping at the Quilters Cupboard. Quilters Cupboard is a family owned quilt shop with a wide variety of fabric and classes.

This afternoon we will be taking a ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

The North Yorkshire Moor Railway is one of the world's greatest heritage railway experiences with thrills and family fun at its heart. Climb on-board a steam or heritage diesel train and experience 24 miles of Yorkshire's amazing scenery at this must-see visitor attraction.

 Whitby Station Steeped in history Whitby is known for its quirky narrow streets and bustling harbour overlooked by the striking ruins of Whitby Abbey. Explore the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, where you can learn about the famous explorer's life or visit the Dracula Experience on the seafront.

Later this afternoon we will be checking into the Hilton York. (B)

May 28, 2025

Today after breakfast we will be joined by local guide who will give us a walking tour of this medieval city.

This medieval city has so much to see, from the York Minster, to the Shambles or walk on top of the wall that circles the old city. 

Today we will enjoy a group lunch at The Black Swan.

This afternoon will be free time for you to explore the many sites and visit the unique shops. You can always take a break and visit the potion shop, enjoy the love potion or one of the many other potions they offer. Below are some of the sites to see, you might want to explore on your free time. The following are suggestions to see and not included in the itinerary.

Discover one of the world's most magnificent cathedrals, a masterpiece in stained glass and stone and a sacred space which has been at the centre of Christianity in the north of England since the 7th century. 

The Minster was built for the glory of God and this is reflected in every aspect of this ancient building, from the exquisite handcrafted stone through to the unrivalled collection of medieval stained glass. 

Marvel at the Great East Window, the largest single expanse of medieval stained glass in the country, take a guided tour filled with stories from the building's 800-year history or visit the Undercroft Museum to explore the remains of a Roman barracks and the cathedral's links to Viking York.

 Climb the 275 steps of the Central Tower for panoramic views of the city or take a Hidden Minster Tour to discover spaces normally closed to public access. Additional charges apply.

 2. Walking the Medieval City Walls. A walk round the walls takes about 2 hours and offers an opportunity to see the main features of the walls. There are four main bars, or fortified gateways, two smaller gateways with more modern stonework and one postern (a very small gateway defended by a tower), frequent intermediate towers, and details like windows, arrow-slits and gun ports, sculptures, and masons' marks. There are also good views of many important buildings from the walls.

 One section of the medieval walls is in the Museum Gardens, where you can see the best surviving stretch of the Roman fortress wall and the Roman Multangular Tower with medieval stonework above it. Also in the Museum Gardens are the ruins of St Mary's Abbey and the precinct walls around two sides of the Abbey. These walls were built at the same time as the City Walls and are the finest surviving example of Abbey walls in the country.

 Walking the trail around the Walls is roughly like walking the edges of a kilometer square. Each side in this square has a grand medieval fortified gateway called a “bar". The trail is divided by these bars into 4 unequal corners. 

3. Clifford's Tower. Immerse yourself in centuries of history at one of York's most iconic sites and experience stunning views over the ancient city.

 Built to subdue the rebellious north by William the Conqueror, Clifford's Tower has been a royal mint, a medieval stronghold and a Civil War garrison. In 1190, one of the worst antisemitic massacres of the Middle Ages took place on the site of the tower when York's Jewish community were trapped there by a violent mob and many Jews chose to commit suicide rather than be murdered.

 Today, a new roof deck gives unrivalled views over York's historic skyline, with its medieval buildings and famous Minster. Inside, new walkways and staircases have opened up parts of the tower that have been off-limits for centuries, and immersive soundscapes and stories are bringing the tower's turbulent history to life like never before. 

4. York Castle Museum - come and immerse yourself in over 400 years of York's past. 

Come and see hundreds of years of York's history in one place – from recreated Jacobean dining rooms to the world famous recreated Victorian Street, Kirkgate.

 Our interactive and immersive galleries hold thousands of historic objects that really bring the past to life, and our exhibitions promise fascinating displays and innovative new ways of learning about York's past.

 Highlights include: 

Kirkgate The Victorian street that brings history to life. Step onto the cobbles and visit the authentic shops to discover the weird and wonderful collections from this bygone era - from luxurious costumes to tasty traditional sweets and the pharmacist's unlikely 'cures'. From the luxury of the rich to a darker world of poverty and disease, see how York's 19th Century residents lived, learned and entertained themselves. 

York Castle Prison The museum buildings were once a Georgian Prison, and down in the felons' cells lies a disturbing history - a time of rouges, thieves and murders. Visit our infamous residents and hear their stories of rough conditions, crooked justice and harsh punishments... watch out for the most notorious inmate of all - the legendary highwayman, Dick Turpin 1914: 

When the World Changed Forever From the recruiting office to the horrors of the front line, experience the objects and stories of the First World War. 

Shaping The Body An iron corset, crotchless pantaloons from the time of Jane Austen, bum rolls and a killer dress are a few of the items featured in our latest permanent exhibition which charts the way fashion, food and fitness have shaped the body over the last 400 years.

Toy Stories Take a trip back to childhood and rediscover some of your favourite toys in our popular exhibition. 

The Sixties The Sixties exhibition aims to recreate the spirit of this exciting decade which saw momentous change in so many areas of public and private life.

 5. Ramble through the Shambles. 

Shambles is one of York's most famous landmarks and one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. With its cobbled streets and overhanging buildings, it is believed to have been the inspiration behind Diagon Alley from the movie adaptation of the Harry Potter series. Although none of the original shop-fronts have survived from medieval times, some properties still have exterior wooden shelves, reminders of when cuts of meat were served from the open windows. The street was made narrow by design to keep the meat out of direct sunlight, but you can readily imagine the Shambles packed with people and awash with offal and discarded bones. 

Today, the beautiful old buildings have been restored and now house cheerful cafés, quirky boutiques and even a coin & stamp dealer and the smells are rather more pleasant with aromas from the chocolate, fudge and sweet shops, clothes and accessories and gift shops.

6. Jorvik Viking Centre.

 Discover the Original Viking Encounter at JORVIK Viking Centre! Experience the Viking Age by prebooking your visit now! 

With its world-famous ride taking visitors around the sights, sounds and smells of Viking-age York, and state-of-the art galleries showcasing our unique collection of 1,000 year old artefacts, visit JORVIK Viking Centre to discover York's fascinating Viking legacy. 

7. National Railway Museum.

 Escape the day-to-day and join National Railway Museum for a journey through time. Get up close to icons of the rails including Mallard, the world's fastest steam locomotive. Discover how high-speed rail travel began and journey back in time to experience the working life of a station. Explore over 200 years of history and find out how railways shaped our world. 

Admire the splendour of royal travel with the world's finest collection of royal carriages, before digging deeper into the museum's historic site in the new audio trail Sound Tracks. (B, L)

May 29, 2025

Today after breakfast we will check out of the hotel and board the coach to start our journey to Stratford - Upon - Avon.

We will be stopping this morning and joining some of the ladies from the Quilter's Guild of the British Isles. We will have a private viewing of the collection of quilts they have.

Later this afternoon we will be checking into The Arden Hotel, in Stratford -Upon - Avon. This a wonderful hotel within easy walking distance to the center of town, with many shops and restaurants. (B)

May 30, 2025

This morning we will be joined by a local guide for a walking tour of this beautiful city. 

This afternoon you will have free time to explore the shops and any sites that you would like to see in further detail. (B)

May 31, 2025

The House:

Built about 1130 by Payn Osmundsen, tenant of Aubrey de Vere. 1256 – 1490 owned by the de Grey family then, amongst others, Edmund Dudley, Henry VIIʼs favourite and Richard Cromwell, Oliver's grandfather. 

The beautiful Miss Gunnings, Maria and Elizabeth, were born here in the 1730s. The house had been doubled in size by their uncle. The extension burnt down in 1798. 

In the mediaeval Music Room, twice a week all through the war, she gave record recitals to personnel from the surrounding airfields but mostly from RAF Wyton, sometimes to over 30 of them. 

Come and feel the atmosphere of 900 years of the past held inside the metre thick stone walls, and hear the 1929 gramophone playing a record listened to by the RAF airmen during WWII. 

Lucy Boston bought the house on 31 May 1939 and restored it, as much as possible, back to its Norman original. 

Lucy Boston's patchwork collection can be views at The Manor. A visit to the house vies the unusual opportunity to see this world class patchwork collection in the house in which the patchworks were made. 

Lucy Hoston's Patchwork of thew Crosses is one of the known best known patchworks in the world.

 www.greenknowe.co.uk/patchworks

Later this afternoon we will check into the Hilton London Gatwick Airport.

We will enjoy a group farewell dinner tonight. (B, D)

June 1, 2025

Today we will check out of our hotel and say goodbye to our fellow travelers.

Flight home to Canada.

B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

Amazing Small Group Tour Price

Priced per person in CDN Dollars.

Double Occupancy - 7199.00

Single Supplement - 8929.00

Price Includes;

Accommodations, Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Afternoon Tea, 5 Dinners mentioned in itinerary, Transportation - transfers and comfortable coaches throughout the tour, Step on Local Guides, Taxes, Entrances to all attractions mentioned in itinerary.

Not Included in Price

Airfare, Travel Insurance, Gratuities to guides and driver, personal items, Meals not mentioned in itinerary.

Tour is dependent on 15 people. If 15 people are not booked and the tour has to be cancelled you will get a full refund.

Travel Requirements

Everyone must have a valid passport.

Book Now!

To reserve your place please click on Book Now or contact:

Edna’s Travel/TravelOnly
Phone: 519-550-9129
Email: [email protected]

TravelOnly Corporate Office
325A West St.
Brantford, On., N3R 3V6
Phone: 519-752-4363

www.travelonly.com
TICO #04316071

Tour Escorted by Edna Carroll

Itinerary May 21-June 2, 2024

Day 1, May 21, 2024

We will depart from your closest International Airport and go to Venice, Italy.

Day 2, May 22, 2024 

You will be met at the Venice International Airport, where you will be met by Edna and taken to your lovely hotel in Venice. The rest of the day will be yours to rest up before our group dinner.

After dinner you will enjoy a sun set Gondola ride.

Included: Private meet & greet service, private boat transfer to the hotel, 30-minute gondola ride, dinner & overnight in Venice.

Day 3, May 23, 2024

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel.
Soon you will meet your tour guide in the hotel’s lobby. A quick walk across little bridges and several canals and islands will bring you to the massively impressive Piazza di San Marco. Your walking tour exploring the historic sites of Venice will begin here.
You will visit St. Mark’s Square - the great Byzantine Basilica, cross the Bridge of Sighs and admire the Doge’s Palace (only externals) and many more.
The tour ends at a perfect time for lunch on your own. Your tour guide will be happy to suggest special restaurants.

Soon after lunch you will walk over to one of the oldest Mask Making Schools. Here you will meet a Master Mask maker who will give a historic presentation and techniques in mask making. Then you will be given all the material and guidance to create a mask of your own. Indulge in all the beads, feathers, colors, and glitter to bring your own imagination to reality.
If you decide to bring your mask home, ask the attendant to pack it for travel.

Included: Full Breakfast at the hotel, Private 4-hour guided tour of San Marco, approx. 2-hour Mask making class, overnight in Venice.

Day 4, May 24, 2024

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel.
Soon after breakfast, you will meet your local tour guide who will take you on an informative but delightful excursion to the Venetian Islands of Murano & Burano.
Your first stop today will be the island of Murano, famous for its more than a thousand years blown glass traditions. Attend a demonstration by a master artist as he/she create an amazing object right in front of you! Then you will have time to explore the quaint shops where these creations are sold and displayed! You will then stop at the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato and the island’s own Grand Canal.

This will be a good time to get a fried seafood lunch that this island’s restaurants are known for. Let you tour guide suggest some of the outlets.

You will then board another boat to proceed to the island of Burano. The highlight of this excursion is the sights of uniquely colored buildings and fishing houses. Visit the souvenir shops selling typical stuff like handcrafted jewelry, postcards and magnets in the form of houses.

Burano is known for is the long tradition of needle-lace making. Next you will proceed to the Atelier Martina Vidal, where you see the historical laces collection in the Family Museum and the lace makers at work while they realize elegant laces, completely handmade, which will become fashion accessories, wedding favors, and inserts on household linen.
After you’ve enjoyed your visit, you will take a boat ride back to your hotel in Venice.
The rest of the evening will be at leisure.

Included: Full Breakfast at the hotel, a full day guided tour of Murano & Burano islands, roundtrip boat rides, overnight in Venice.

Day 5, May 25, 2024

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.
Later this morning, you will check out of your hotel and meet your assistant in the hotel’s lobby. Board you private boat for a ride to the mainland at Tronchetto Pier. On arrival you assistant will coordinate with your private driver and a van for a road trip to the city of Bologna.
Your road trip ends on arrival at your hotel in Bologna. Check in for 2 nights. Relax and refresh for a while or explore the neighborhood cafes for lunch on your own.
Later this afternoon, meet a local tour guide for a guided tour of historic Bologna.

At the end of the tour, you will enjoy a lovely Bolognese dinner at a local restaurant with regional wines. The rest of the evening will be at leisure.
Included: Full Breakfast at the hotel, private boat ride to Tronchetto, private van and driver to Bologna, private 2-hour guided tour of Bologna, dinner and overnight in Bologna

Day 6, May 26, 2024

Have a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel!
This morning you are in for a treat! Italy’s renowned quilter Silvia Muzzarelli and proprietress of Ritagli d’Arte will be conducting a private quilting class only for your group.
For Silvia, color is emotion, uniqueness, harmony. From her studio and shop in Bologna, she shares her knowledge on fabric combinations and color in creating unique pieces of artwork. During your full day’s class, Silvia will supply all the raw material to create a souvenir under her expertise.

The rest of the evening will be at leisure.

Included: Full Breakfast at the hotel, a full day quilting class with lunch, roundtrip transfer to the class/hotel (if applicable), overnight stay in Bologna.

Day 7, May 27, 2024

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel.
This morning you will check out of your hotel and meet your private driver in the hotel lobby.
Once you are all on board your private van, you will depart from Bologna. Before driving in the region of Tuscany, you will enjoy a very culinary immersion with a visit to Parma and in the flavors of the most famous, traditional products of the region: Parmigiano, Prosciutto and Balsamic Vinegar.
On arriving in Parma, you will meet your local foodie tour guide who will conduct this 4 -hour tour. Your first stop on this tasting tour - an authentic cheese dairy of Parmigiano-Reggiano to watch how the cheese is freshly made. The next stop is a plant where the world-famous Prosciutto is made. The day concludes with a trip to a producer of Balsamic Vinegar in Modena to see how it's made and, of course, a tasting.
The tour ends with an authentic lunch at a local restaurant.
Soon after lunch you will drive on to Tuscany. Your stay in Tuscany is arranged in an authentic 400-year-old Villa Casagrande! On arriving at Figline Valdarno village, located 20 minutes outside the city of Florence, you will be impressed with the largest building with its own olive and fruit orchards, and vineyard and kitchen gardens.
Check in for 3 nights and relax or explore the Villa and the surrounding village until dinner time.
Tonight’s dinner will be in the restaurant at the Villa that serves authentic farm to table Tuscan cuisine.
The rest of the evening will be at leisure.

Included: Full Breakfast at the hotel, private van & driver to Parma & Tuscany, full day Parma food tour and lunch, dinner and overnight at the Villa in Tuscany.

Day 8, May 28, 2024

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel.
Your day of sightseeing includes the majestic Duomo Complex built in 1296, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistery with its renowned Gates of Paradise doors.
We follow the medieval streets to the most striking square in Florence, Piazza della Signoria.
“Breathtaking” is the only word to describe one’s first view of Michelangelo’s David. Yes, it’s quite large and detailed. But the real magic is in how Michelangelo transformed a lifeless rock into a man—full of pride, wary of his adversary, yet quietly confident. All with just a hammer and a chisel!
After the walking tour, you will board your van and drive into the Tuscany countryside to an authentic Tuscan winery. Here you will enjoy wine tasting, local olive oils, olives, cold cuts and a very typical Tuscan lunch.
When you are fully satiated, you will drive back to the Villa for a siesta!
The rest of the evening will be at leisure.

Included: Full Breakfast at the hotel, roundtrip private van & driver to Florence, a winery visit , tasting & lunch, overnight at the Villa in Tuscany.

Day 9, May 29, 2024

Enjoy a full breakfast at the Villa.
Soon you will meet your driver in the Villa’s lobby for a 20-minute drive to The Museo del Tessuto located on the outskirts of Florence. It is the largest cultural center in Italy dedicated to the promotion of historical and contemporary textile production and art. The Museum represents the historical memory and the cultural interface of the Prato district, which has been identified with textile production since the Middle Ages. Today the district boasts over 7,000 companies operating in this sector.
After the tour of the Museum, you may choose to participate in knitting class. Soon you will transfer back to the Villa.

Around 4PM this afternoon, you will be attending a special cooking class at the Villa conducted by the Villa’s proprietor and head chef Countess Anna.
The home cookery course is not one of a professional nature and its aim is to provide knowledge of the alternative and, at the same time, informal way in which the Tuscans sit down for a meal. During the course, participants will gain practical knowledge of the basic principles of traditional cooking, like pasta, stews, bread, and pizza, etc. The course is held in the ancient kitchen of Contessa Anna and the active experience is delivered in the offer of a small, intimate lesson that lasts 3 hours, in which all participants are invited to work together in preparing a series of superb dishes. Then everyone will sit down for a family style dinner to relish the dishes you prepared with wines from the Villa’s private cellar. According to Contessa, the only requirement is a love for food and for our land.
The rest of the evening will be at leisure.

Included: Full Breakfast at the hotel, roundtrip private van & driver to Florence, culinary experience at the Villa for dinner and overnight at the Villa in Tuscany.

Day 10, May 30, 2024

Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at the Villa.
Early this morning, you will check out of the Villa. Meet your private driver in the hotel lobby. Once your luggage and you have boarded your private van, you will depart for lovely Milan. On the way you will stop in one of the most scenic towns on the Italian Riviera – Portofino.
In Portofino, visit the square, the famous boutiques, and admire the unique views in front of the church of San Giorgio. You will also stop at an authentic seafood restaurant for a delightful lunch with local wines. Maybe treat yourself to gelato before driving on to Milan.

On arriving at your hotel in Genoa, check in for 2 nights. The rest of the evening will be at leisure. Overnight in Milan.

Included: Full Breakfast at the hotel, private van & driver to Milan, seafood lunch in Portofino, overnight in Milan.

Day 11, May 31, 2024

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel.
This morning, meet your driver and guide in the hotel’s lobby. Today you will go further north into the Italian Alps to Como. This delightful drive is about an hour long.
On arriving in Como, you will enjoy a guided tour of the historic town of Como.
Later you will visit the Como Silk Museum. It is the only museum institution in the world capable of telling you about the entire production process, from the silkworm to the colored yarns, from hand printing to fashion collections. The Museum collects, preserves and displays evidence of the Como textile production tradition, such as machines, objects, documents, samples and work tools from the textile processes that gave rise to the golden age of silk in Como. At lunchtime, enjoy an authentic Piedmonte lunch at a local restaurant with local wines. Explore the town on your own, shop for silk etc. for a while before returning to Milan.
The rest of the evening will be at leisure.

Included: Full Breakfast at the hotel, private guide and van & driver to Como, lunch in Como, overnight in Milan.

Day 12, June 1, 2024

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel.
Accompanied by a local fashionista guide, you will have a first-hand experience of Milan’s Fashion Industry.
Milano Fashion Tour will begin in Montenapoleone, the heart of Quadrilatero: every corner of this area hides a huge number of ateliers shops and fashion boutiques, where, for decades, the best Tailor Masters in Milan have been handed down the tailoring art from one generation to another. Our Fashion Guides, having worked for years for the most famous Italian fashion brands, are knowledgeable and have access to the best boutiques and promise the best fashion tour experience possible!
OR Visit the Aurifil Thread Factory – Details for this tour will be available only if the company administration approves the visit.
Tonight, you will enjoy an authentic Milanese dinner at a local restaurant with local wines.

Included: Full Breakfast at the hotel, either of the tour, farewell dinner, overnight in Milan.

Day 13, June 2, 2024

Today we will fly home.

Prices

Prices are per person in Canadian Dollars.

Double - $7129.00

Single - $8970.00

Deposit is $450.00 at time of booking.

Balance is due February 10, 2024

What is Included 

English speaking tour manager during the whole tour
Welcome dinner & farewell dinner.
1 dinner in Bologna
1 lunch in Bologna (the day of quilting class)
1 dinner in Villa
1 lunch in Portofino
1 lunch in Como
1 Tuscan winery visit with lunch.
Deluxe motorcoach at disposal during the whole tour
English speaking local guides: Venice half day + 1 full day, Bologna half day; Florence half day; Como half day; Milan half day;
Guided visit to The Silk Museum and Prato textile Museum
Food tour in Emilia
Entrance tickets: Doge Palace, San Marco Basilica; Accademia Gallery; Prato textile museum; Silk Museum.
Private boat to Burano r/t
Private boat for transfer arrival and departure in Venice
Gondola ride 30 minutes
Mask making class in Venice.
Knitting class in Prato
Quilting class with Silvia Muzzarelli in Bologna                                                      Porterage in/out in each hotel

Not Included in the Price

Flights to and from ________
Travel Insurance which I  highly recommend.                                                                Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.                                                                                  Tips for drivers and tour guides.

Hotels

3 nights in Venice in Hotel Palazzo San Lorenzo

2 overnight in Bologna in Starhotel Excelsior

3 overnight in Tuscany in Hotel Villa Casagrande

3 overnight in Milano in Hotel Una Scandinavia