We so much enjoy touring in Tuscany, Umbria, Lombardy and the Veneto and to our delight our passengers want more ! So, last year after one of our Tuscany tours Rose Tomassini travelled north to scout out new and wonderful places for our clients to visit. Our Shopping & Spa in Northern Italy program is just one of the new programs we will be offering in 2003. This tour starts off in Acqui Terme which is in the 'High Monferrato' region of Piedmont offering a unique scenery where woods alternate with vineyards and is accentuated with antique medieval castles. Acque Terme itself is a gracious spa town and as it happens Rose discovered some really great fashion factory outlets to visit and where we can buy up to the minute European fashions at excellent prices all within easy distance of Acqui Terme. (Did I mention that wonderful spa treatments are available here too!) After 4 nights in Acqui Terme we will move to Milan (be still my heart !) the mega shopping capital of Europe where we will stay right in the centre of this magnificent city and power shop the biggies (Versace, Feragamo, Gucci, etc.) or whatever – Milan is our oyster. Read on for the detailed itinerary then get in touch with us to come along (this tour is limited to a maximum of 12 persons so don't miss out !

INTINERARY

October 11
Meet in Milan (Malpensa airport) and transfer by private coach to Acqui Terme where we will check into our hotel for 4 nights. Acqui Terme, situated in Piedmont, and has been a flourishing spa town due to its therapeutic waters from the Roman times. The surrounding area is scattered with hot springs, with the main one in Piazza della Bollente. Here the water gushes out at a constant temperature of 167F. During the "Belle Epoque" Acqui became one of the most frequented spas of Europe, hosting the likes of Winston Churchill and the European Royal families. The town has retained the atmosphere of a gracious and cultural centre bringing its charm and sophistication into the 21st century. You will have the afternoon to relax and settle into our charming hotel before our welcome dinner.

October 12
Morning orientation walk through the ancient Roman spa town of Acqui Terme, followed by a visit and wine tasting of Piemontese wines at the "Marenco" vineyards. Piedmont is home to the “Big Reds” –Barolo, Barbera and Barbersco. The afternoon is free to indulge in the beauty spa. Evening free.

October 13
Morning excursion to our first outlet offering factory prices on up to the minute fashions in clothing and shoes for men, women and children. After this visit, we will proceed to the charming little town of Asti, home of the world- famous "Asti Spumante" wines. Here we will have free time for lunch, then a visit of the town's Cathedral and the "Arazzeria Scassa", where you can admire famous works of art reproduced on tapestries which can be purchased at very reasonable prices. Return to Acqui Terme. Evening free.

October 14
Excursion to our next outlet complex comprising of 60 designer factories offering fantastic end-of-season prices. There will be free time for lunch. On route back to Acqui Terme, we will visit the "Enoteca Regionale" a wine library housing the region's top wines. Tonight, dinner is included in Acqui Terme.

October 15
On to Milan - one of the top fashion capitals of the world. Enroute, we will stop at a town famous for its artistic gold jewelry production. Here we will visit one of their "laboratori orafi" with the opportunity to shop. We will then continue on to Milan where we will check into our centrally located hotel in the heart of the city within walking distance to the "Golden Quadrangle", the shopping district of Milan. Afternoon: guided walk from La Scala to the Duomo through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Evening free.

October 16
Your guardian angel, Chiara, an ex model and resident of Milan,will take you under her wing and introduce you to the shopping district of Milan. You will have a chance to discover, among others, Versace,Vuitton, Armani, Gucci, Valentino, Missoni, Ungaro and many more.... Evening free.

October 17 & 18
Free days to shop and/or visit the famous landmarks of the city. Assistance will be available for organizing any special activities (i.e. opera, concerts, theatre, museums etc.)

October 19
We will be happy to assist in making your onward connections.

INCLUDED FEATURES

• 8 nights accommodation in First Class centrally located hotels
• 4 nights in Acqui Terme, 4 nights in Milan
• Transportation throughout itinerary (except airport departure transfer)
• 3 dinners in Acqui Terme(complimentary wine at welcome dinner)
• Guided sightseeing in Acqui
• A wine tasting in the famous Piedmont region
• Visits to 3 shopping outlets
• Guided shopping orientation in Milan
• Escorted throughout by bilingual guide

COST: $2575.00 CAD / 1779.00 USD , land only based on sharing twin accommodation.