Venice, Bologna, Umbria, Florence
Just Girls Italy April 27 - May 6, 2024 Summary of our Adventures
NEW EXCLUSIVE PRICING and ITINERARY !!! 4 spots left!!
Arrive in Venice - Famous for its breath-taking Gothic architecture, picturesque canals and incredible collection of Renaissance masterpieces, Venice attracts culture vultures and romantics alike. But what many visitors miss out on are the lesser-known, insider experiences in this iconic city. Just Girls Travelers look into what it is that gives Venice such timeless appeal. From boutique shopping to hand-blown glass.
Bologna, Parma and Wine oh my!
Beyond its trademark porticoes, Bologna’s exceptional flavor—quite literally—lures visitors from around the globe. Affectionately called “La Grassa” (the fat) thanks to its enviable reputation as the culinary capital of bella Italia, the city—also the capital of the enchanting Emilia Romagna region—is a foodie’s paradise. Windows packed with mortadella, tortellini, ragù, and myriad other local specialties line the bustling streets of the Quadrilatero—its ancient market district—as do lively enotecas serving Pignoletto, a Bolognese sparkling wine, and other Italian vintages. Fittingly, Bologna is also home to FICO Eataly World, the world’s largest agri-food park and a uniquely entertaining (and scrumptious) place to spend an indulgent afternoon.
We will leave Bologna early in the morning. You can see the making of the oldest cheese in Italy, the Parmigiano Reggiano and taste it! Then we visit a Balsamic vinegar producer who opens his doors just for you. A wonderful tasting experience will teach you everything about this incredible food! We complete the day trip by discovering the flavors of the regional wines. You will be back to Bologna with great memories!
Umbria
Slow down to a pace only found in Italian Hill Towns, Live the Farm to Table Life! Not a posh hotel stay but a true farm experience. You will help with the daily meals, make bread, pasta or pizza in outdoor wood oven. Feed the Animals - horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep and the chickens, collect the eggs and milk the cow when possible. Make essences, soaps and body creams. Lend a hand in the mandala gardens, in the greenhouse or in the winter garden. Includes room and all meals daily with local wines with dinner Optional day Trips to Assisi the birthplace of St. Francis, Local Winery Tours, Horseback Riding for experienced riders only
Florence - The jewel of Renaissance Italy, Florence is a city of timeless beauty and myriad artistic treasures. Full of family legacies and modern imaginings, Florence is a city to savor.
DATES: April 27 - May 6, 2024
Minimum 6 Max 13
$4591 plus airfare Approx $991 per person
Contact Sue Thompson
952-240-3180 cell
[email protected]
Local Culture - Cooking Classes - Farm- Wine - History - Gardens - Yoga
We are about to experience another amazing Italian Just Girls Travel & Tours adventure.
The following final itinerary includes all the details for our adventure Venice, Bologna, Umbria and Florence.
April 27 Minneapolis to Venice via Amsterdam or Paris Arrive April 28 Venice
Arrival Venice with private driver and water taxi to hotel CHC Continental
Leisurely Walking Tour of Venice with local guide
Early dinner together and off to bed in our lovely canal front hotel.
April 28 Venice Hotel - CHC Continental or similar
April 28 Walking and Rowing on the Cannaregio Optional tour - Experience a bit of local life of Venice as we visit the Jewish Ghetto, the gothic Church of Madonna dell'orto with some marvelous Tintoretto paintings, and to finish off the tour in an unusual way we will have a 1 hour rowing lesson onboard an historical Venetian boat with local rowing master to teach you how to row the "Venetian way" - such amazing views from the canals. $160 per person optional.
April 29 Venice - with tour of Murano islands and famous glass blowing.
April 30 Bologna - Parm and Vinegar - Sounds like a sandwich but its all the places we will visit today
Overnight in Bologna
May 1 Early breakfast and walking tour of Bologna and off to Umbria
May 1 - 4 Farm Stay in Umbertide high in the hills
Off grid experience in a 12th century farm with unique sleeping quarters small villas spread out on this beautiful farm high in the Umbrian hills optional Day trip Tour to Assisi and Orvieto plus Vineyard 11am – 1030pm
Farm Stay - Umbria Options Climb Monte Acuto or Migianella; walk to the water dam for a swim and picnic or visit the abandoned Monestevole Castle. There are also trips to the local markets, neighboring organic farms and bee-keepers. Or you can relax around the pool, in the gardens, on a terrace or in a hammock!
May 4 Our driver whisks us away from our Umbrian Farm and takes us off to explore more of Tuscany.
May 4-6 Florence Hotel - Grand Hotel Baglioni in the heart of Florence
May 4 Florence - Early afternoon walking tour of Florence with Welcome dinner
May 5 Florence - Duomo and David - explore the beautiful Duomo and see the famous David by Michelangelo
Afternoon time to Shop some of the amazing deals in Florence from silk to leather and jewels on the Pontevechio bridge or or opt to experience
May 6 Flight home - today our amazing driver will pick us up and take us to the Florence Airport for our flight home.
Say Arrivederci to this amazing Just Girls Travel Adventure. But know, we will be back exploring more of this amazing country and the rest of the world in the future.
Optional add on
Castellina in Chianti – Cooking at a Wine Estate with Chef Laura
What mysterious force drives some of us to relinquish all we know for the promise of a dream? Here is one account. In the early 90’s a Florentine family led by Laura, Giorgio and their two sons left behind the bustle of their famous city for the lure of a simple life beneath the Tuscan sun.
Laura will teach you the secrets of typical Tuscan dishes such as crostini with chicken liver, ribollita, pasta and beans, stuffed boar, or chicken cacciatore. The cooking courses are held in the morning at 9:30 a.m. and last around three and a half hours, for a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 10. Lunch will follow.
Your culinary adventure will start in the center of Castellina in Chianti with shopping at the local mercato and a visit to butcher shop with Laura.
$395 additional per person
Classes will include: • Selection of 3 antipasti
• 2 pasta dishes
• Main course & side dish
• Dessert
Morning class: 9:30AM – 1PM
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Apr 28-30, 2024 Venice CHC Continental or Similar
Apr 30, 2024 Bologna HoteI PORTICI HOTEL BOLOGNA or similar
Cl Via Iv Novembre 10 C - 40123, Bologna
May 1-4, 2024 Farm Stay Umbria
3 nights Includes Meals, Wines with Lunch and dinner
Farm Stay -Monestevole s.s.
Loc. Monestevole 492
Umbertide (PG) 06019, Italia
Tel. +39 (0)759415569
Note: Cosmetics – The farm has a supply of homemade tooth paste, shower gel and shampoo. Guests can bring their own products, though we ask that they are natural and organic, due to the water recycling system.
Monestevole is located near the town of Umbertide, Umbria, 40 minutes away from Perugia, and 2 hours from Florence and Rome.
You can help with the daily meals, make bread, pasta or pizza in outdoor wood oven. Feed the Animals - horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep and the chickens, collect the eggs and milk the cow when possible. Make essences, soaps and body creams. Lend a hand in the mandala gardens, in the greenhouse or in the winter garden. Includes room and all meals daily with local wines with dinner or even – Paint Umbrian Hills with Sue or be free to do what you please.
May 4-6 Florence Grand Hotel Baglioni
Piazza Unita Italiana 6
Florence, I-50123
011-(39)(0)(55)23-580
Breakfast included daily
Total Tour Costs: $4591.00 per person double share* Ask about single supplement rates
Airfare additional from $991.00 please advise if Delta Skymiles member as well as known traveler numbers
Airfare quote based on Minneapolis/St Paul departure. Please advise if from other cities - rates similar.
Full deposit due $950 per person.
payment due at time of booking -
Highly Recommended!! Trip Cancellation insurance required
Contact me for details - based on age and dollar amount being covered.
Will need to have copy of valid passport with expire date Nov 30, 2025 or later
Covid-19 restrictions - change daily. At this time vaccinations are required for entry and Negative Covid-19 tests 72 hours prior to departure.
Sign up below and then click on payment link to pay the land portion.
Flights will be booked once we receive payment.
We will contact you as soon as you sign up.
Must have full name and date of birth exactly as it appears on your passport.
NEW EXCLUSIVE PRICING and ITINERARY !!! 4 spots left!!
Arrive in Venice - Famous for its breath-taking Gothic architecture, picturesque canals and incredible collection of Renaissance masterpieces, Venice attracts culture vultures and romantics alike. But what many visitors miss out on are the lesser-known, insider experiences in this iconic city. Just Girls Travelers look into what it is that gives Venice such timeless appeal. From boutique shopping to hand-blown glass.
Bologna, Parma and Wine oh my!
Beyond its trademark porticoes, Bologna’s exceptional flavor—quite literally—lures visitors from around the globe. Affectionately called “La Grassa” (the fat) thanks to its enviable reputation as the culinary capital of bella Italia, the city—also the capital of the enchanting Emilia Romagna region—is a foodie’s paradise. Windows packed with mortadella, tortellini, ragù, and myriad other local specialties line the bustling streets of the Quadrilatero—its ancient market district—as do lively enotecas serving Pignoletto, a Bolognese sparkling wine, and other Italian vintages. Fittingly, Bologna is also home to FICO Eataly World, the world’s largest agri-food park and a uniquely entertaining (and scrumptious) place to spend an indulgent afternoon.
We will leave Bologna early in the morning. You can see the making of the oldest cheese in Italy, the Parmigiano Reggiano and taste it! Then we visit a Balsamic vinegar producer who opens his doors just for you. A wonderful tasting experience will teach you everything about this incredible food! We complete the day trip by discovering the flavors of the regional wines. You will be back to Bologna with great memories!
Umbria
Slow down to a pace only found in Italian Hill Towns, Live the Farm to Table Life! Not a posh hotel stay but a true farm experience. You will help with the daily meals, make bread, pasta or pizza in outdoor wood oven. Feed the Animals - horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep and the chickens, collect the eggs and milk the cow when possible. Make essences, soaps and body creams. Lend a hand in the mandala gardens, in the greenhouse or in the winter garden. Includes room and all meals daily with local wines with dinner Optional day Trips to Assisi the birthplace of St. Francis, Local Winery Tours, Horseback Riding for experienced riders only
Florence - The jewel of Renaissance Italy, Florence is a city of timeless beauty and myriad artistic treasures. Full of family legacies and modern imaginings, Florence is a city to savor.
DATES: April 27 - May 6, 2024
Minimum 6 Max 13
$4591 plus airfare Approx $991 per person
Contact Sue Thompson
952-240-3180 cell
[email protected]
Local Culture - Cooking Classes - Farm- Wine - History - Gardens - Yoga
We are about to experience another amazing Italian Just Girls Travel & Tours adventure.
The following final itinerary includes all the details for our adventure Venice, Bologna, Umbria and Florence.
April 27 Minneapolis to Venice via Amsterdam or Paris Arrive April 28 Venice
Arrival Venice with private driver and water taxi to hotel CHC Continental
Leisurely Walking Tour of Venice with local guide
Early dinner together and off to bed in our lovely canal front hotel.
April 28 Venice Hotel - CHC Continental or similar
April 28 Walking and Rowing on the Cannaregio Optional tour - Experience a bit of local life of Venice as we visit the Jewish Ghetto, the gothic Church of Madonna dell'orto with some marvelous Tintoretto paintings, and to finish off the tour in an unusual way we will have a 1 hour rowing lesson onboard an historical Venetian boat with local rowing master to teach you how to row the "Venetian way" - such amazing views from the canals. $160 per person optional.
April 29 Venice - with tour of Murano islands and famous glass blowing.
April 30 Bologna - Parm and Vinegar - Sounds like a sandwich but its all the places we will visit today
Overnight in Bologna
May 1 Early breakfast and walking tour of Bologna and off to Umbria
May 1 - 4 Farm Stay in Umbertide high in the hills
Off grid experience in a 12th century farm with unique sleeping quarters small villas spread out on this beautiful farm high in the Umbrian hills optional Day trip Tour to Assisi and Orvieto plus Vineyard 11am – 1030pm
Farm Stay - Umbria Options Climb Monte Acuto or Migianella; walk to the water dam for a swim and picnic or visit the abandoned Monestevole Castle. There are also trips to the local markets, neighboring organic farms and bee-keepers. Or you can relax around the pool, in the gardens, on a terrace or in a hammock!
May 4 Our driver whisks us away from our Umbrian Farm and takes us off to explore more of Tuscany.
May 4-6 Florence Hotel - Grand Hotel Baglioni in the heart of Florence
May 4 Florence - Early afternoon walking tour of Florence with Welcome dinner
May 5 Florence - Duomo and David - explore the beautiful Duomo and see the famous David by Michelangelo
Afternoon time to Shop some of the amazing deals in Florence from silk to leather and jewels on the Pontevechio bridge or or opt to experience
May 6 Flight home - today our amazing driver will pick us up and take us to the Florence Airport for our flight home.
Say Arrivederci to this amazing Just Girls Travel Adventure. But know, we will be back exploring more of this amazing country and the rest of the world in the future.
Optional add on
Castellina in Chianti – Cooking at a Wine Estate with Chef Laura
What mysterious force drives some of us to relinquish all we know for the promise of a dream? Here is one account. In the early 90’s a Florentine family led by Laura, Giorgio and their two sons left behind the bustle of their famous city for the lure of a simple life beneath the Tuscan sun.
Laura will teach you the secrets of typical Tuscan dishes such as crostini with chicken liver, ribollita, pasta and beans, stuffed boar, or chicken cacciatore. The cooking courses are held in the morning at 9:30 a.m. and last around three and a half hours, for a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 10. Lunch will follow.
Your culinary adventure will start in the center of Castellina in Chianti with shopping at the local mercato and a visit to butcher shop with Laura.
$395 additional per person
Classes will include: • Selection of 3 antipasti
• 2 pasta dishes
• Main course & side dish
• Dessert
Morning class: 9:30AM – 1PM
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Apr 28-30, 2024 Venice CHC Continental or Similar
Apr 30, 2024 Bologna HoteI PORTICI HOTEL BOLOGNA or similar
Cl Via Iv Novembre 10 C - 40123, Bologna
May 1-4, 2024 Farm Stay Umbria
3 nights Includes Meals, Wines with Lunch and dinner
Farm Stay -Monestevole s.s.
Loc. Monestevole 492
Umbertide (PG) 06019, Italia
Tel. +39 (0)759415569
Note: Cosmetics – The farm has a supply of homemade tooth paste, shower gel and shampoo. Guests can bring their own products, though we ask that they are natural and organic, due to the water recycling system.
Monestevole is located near the town of Umbertide, Umbria, 40 minutes away from Perugia, and 2 hours from Florence and Rome.
You can help with the daily meals, make bread, pasta or pizza in outdoor wood oven. Feed the Animals - horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep and the chickens, collect the eggs and milk the cow when possible. Make essences, soaps and body creams. Lend a hand in the mandala gardens, in the greenhouse or in the winter garden. Includes room and all meals daily with local wines with dinner or even – Paint Umbrian Hills with Sue or be free to do what you please.
May 4-6 Florence Grand Hotel Baglioni
Piazza Unita Italiana 6
Florence, I-50123
011-(39)(0)(55)23-580
Breakfast included daily
Total Tour Costs: $4591.00 per person double share* Ask about single supplement rates
Airfare additional from $991.00 please advise if Delta Skymiles member as well as known traveler numbers
Airfare quote based on Minneapolis/St Paul departure. Please advise if from other cities - rates similar.
Full deposit due $950 per person.
payment due at time of booking -
Highly Recommended!! Trip Cancellation insurance required
Contact me for details - based on age and dollar amount being covered.
Will need to have copy of valid passport with expire date Nov 30, 2025 or later
Covid-19 restrictions - change daily. At this time vaccinations are required for entry and Negative Covid-19 tests 72 hours prior to departure.
Sign up below and then click on payment link to pay the land portion.
Flights will be booked once we receive payment.
We will contact you as soon as you sign up.
Must have full name and date of birth exactly as it appears on your passport.
