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Join Carolyn Forster on this retreat to northern Italy, staying at the stunning Villa Quaranta. Enjoy three full-day hand stitching workshops and fantastic included excursions to Verona, renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture and cultural heritage, and Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, as well as enjoying a guided tour of remarkable Padua, a treasure trove of history, culture and academia.
Please choose your preferred 8 day itinerary
Workshop information: On this holiday, you will sew a hand pieced Caesar's Crown or Full Blown Tulip block, reflecting the colours and architecture of the area. This can be made into a cushion or table centre, or expanded upon and used to create a patchwork classic quilt!
With our flight-inclusive package, today you will meet your expert and tour manager at London airport for your flight to Verona Airport. From here, you will be transferred to the hotel.
If you have booked our join direct package, meet us at the hotel.
Join your expert and tour manager this evening for a welcome drink and dinner at the hotel.
Verona is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural heritage. As the setting of Shakespeare's timeless tragedy 'Romeo and Juliet', it captivates visitors with its romantic allure and medieval charm. The city boasts an array of well-preserved Roman monuments, including the majestic Verona Arena, an ancient amphitheatre still in use today for operatic performances. We’ll enjoy a guided tour with our English-speaking local guide, including a visit to the Arena, followed by some free time for you to explore at your own pace.
Time for an early dinner in Verona before returning to the hotel.
Enjoy your first hand stitching workshop with your expert in the hotel.
Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake, seamlessly blends natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters and diverse landscapes, from rolling vineyards to rugged mountains, Lake Garda offers a picturesque venue for our excursion today.
Our coach will take us to Malcesine, where we’ll board a boat and sail across to Limone Sul Garda. The heart of Limone’s old town is centred around its beautiful little harbour and the quaint narrow streets around the port are filled with gorgeous boutiques and shops. Enjoy free time to explore and have lunch.
We return to Malcesine by boat. This small, picturesque town with its cobbled lanes and castle is nestled between the blue lake waters and the massive mountain ridge of Monte Baldo. Enjoy some free time to explore or relax with a drink or an ice cream.
Time for an early dinner before returning to the hotel.
Enjoy your second hand stitching workshop with your expert in the hotel.
Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Padua is a treasure trove of history, culture, and academia. Renowned for one of the world's oldest universities, the University of Padua, founded in 1222, the city has been a beacon of learning and innovation for centuries. The rich architectural heritage is showcased in stunning medieval structures, including the iconic Basilica of Saint Anthony and the Scrovegni Chapel, adorned with Giotto's renowned frescoes. The city's vibrant atmosphere is further enhanced by its bustling piazzas, such as the historic Prato della Valle, one of Europe's largest squares.
Our English-speaking local guide will show us the highlights of the city, followed by free time for lunch and for you to explore at your own pace. Return to the hotel early afternoon.
Enjoy your final hand stitching workshop with your expert.
Tonight’s evening meal will be a special treat from the chef in the hotel restaurant, a 4-course dinner with local specialities.
If you have booked our join direct package, your tour ends after breakfast.
With our flight-inclusive package, we include your transfer to Verona Airport. From here, you will board your return flight home.
Tour notes: You will need to have a reasonable level of fitness to get the most out of this holiday. On excursion days, you will need to walk a short distance from the hotel to the coach and you should be able to board the coach unaided. On arrival at the excursion destination, you should be able to alight the coach unaided and there may be a walk between the coach drop off point and the excursion venue. By their nature, walking tours, museum visits etc involve being on your feet for a significant amount of time. Whilst our excursions are taken at a leisurely pace, for the enjoyment of everyone in the group you should be able to keep up with your fellow travellers.
You will stay for seven nights at the 4-star Villa Quaranta.
This family run 4-star hotel combines history and modernity in the very heart of the Valpolicella wine producing region. Along with the 76 bedrooms, the hotel also offers a thermal spa and Borgo Antico Restaurant, housed in a 17th-century villa.
Single Room Supplement from £495.00