Join a curated tour of Milan, Como and Florence with Dennita Sewell, from the School of Art, and Enrico Minardi, from the School of International Letters and Cultures at Arizona State University.

Seven days of exploring luxury fashion with exclusive visits to designer studios, archives, and museums while delving into Italy's rich culture and cuisine. Experience luxurious accommodations as we tour the Gucci Archive, Pucci Palace, Ferragamo Museum, Gianfranco Ferre Foundation and Taroni silk mill in Como and more.

Highlights

  • Curated stores, the best of archives and museums, delicious meals and fine wines and time to explore the best of Milan shopping and engage with local artisans.
  • Destinations include Museo del Tessuto, Gucci Gardens, the showroom of shoe designer Benedetta Boroli in Milan's fashion district, a private cocktail reception at the Stibbert Museum in Florence, and a guided tour of the Taroni silk mills in Como are just a few highlights.
  • Expert ASU professors share their knowledge in a series of pre-trip salons to prepare travelers for an outstanding educational and fun experience.

Cost

Double Occupancy: 

  • $4,375 (20 travelers) 
  • $4,075 (25 travelers)
  • $3,875 (30 travelers)

This program supports our student scholarship funds. The suggested donation to ASU Foundation is $1,500.

Rates are inclusive of hotel accommodations, six dinners, DeLuxe coach transportation, and admission. Rates do not include roundtrip airfare. A single traveler supplement may be required.

Make your donation

*If you are making a donation by check, please write out the check to ‘ASU Foundation’ and kindly put ‘Italian’ in the memo line and mail your check to: 
 
Attn: Mark Brantley
Arizona State University
School of International Letters and Cultures
Durham Hall, Ste 318
851 S Cady Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287-0202

**Your gift will be deposited with the ASU Foundation for a New American University, a separate nonprofit organization that exists to support ASU. Gifts in support of ASU are subject to foundation policies and fees. Please consult with your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of charitable contributions.

Itinerary

Saturday May 28: Arrival in Milan Malpensa airport and transfer to the hotel in Milan

  • Arrival in Milan airport and meet and greet with English speaking assistant to accompany the clients during the transfer.
  • Deluxe bus transfer to Milan hotel and check-in.
  • Welcome dinner at local restaurant (4-course dinner, water and 1/4 liter local wine) and overnight stay.

Saturday May 28 to Tuesday May 31: 3 nights at Grand Hotel Cavour

  • Executive double/twin rooms, including tax, service and buffet breakfast.
  • 2 single rooms for the tour leaders (Enrico and Dennita).

The hotel offers spacious rooms with LCD TV and soft slippers. The hotel is 1,000 feet from Montenapoleone Metro Station, 2,300 feet from La Scala theater and a 15-minute walk from Milan Cathedral.
Air-conditioned rooms feature both high-speed wired and WiFi internet access. Hypoallergenic rooms with parquet floors are available. The hotel serves a large and varied breakfast buffet, with a good selection of gluten-free food. Conte Camillo restaurant specializes in classic Italian cuisine. 4*

(City visitor tax included in the hotel price)

Sunday May 29: Fondazione Prada and Fondazione Ferre’ – Shoes laboratory

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Bus at disposal for the day for:
    • Morning visit to the Fondazione Prada (tickets included) and Fondazione Ferre’ (tickets included) with a local guide. Lunch on own.
    • Afternoon visit to shoe laboratory in Pavia (arranged by the ASU professor).
    • Transfer back to the hotel and dinner at leisure and overnight stay.

Monday May 30: Taroni Setifio - Como Silk Museum guided visit

  • Breakfast at the Hotel.
  • Bus transfer to Como for a self-organized visit to Taroni Setificio.
  • Lunch at leisure and transfer to the Silk Museum in Como for a guided visit.
  • Bus transfer back to Milan. Dinner in Milan restaurant (3 courses and water and wine). Overnight stay.

Tuesday May 31: Guided tour of Milan fashion district and Transfer to Florence

  • Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
  • 3 hour guided visit of Milan fashion district.
  • Lunch on own and afternoon bus transfer to Florence hotel and hotel check-in.
  • Dinner at a local restaurant (4-course meal, water, wine coffee). Overnight stay.

Tuesday May 31 to Friday June 03: 3 nights at Hotel Palazzo Castri 1874

Superior double/twin rooms, including VAT tax, service and daily breakfast 2 single rooms for the tour leaders

The hotel interiors and exteriors seamlessly merge traditional and modern, elegance and comfort, to create a sophisticated ambiance. The rooms offer sophisticated hospitality, and the designer interiors, magnificent view of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the fragrance of lemon and magnolia from the exclusive inner garden and smart modern spa are the perfect ingredients for an unforgettable escape from everyday life. This boutique hotel combines the culture of hospitality with Italy’s traditional trademark elegance. 4*sup

(City visitor tax included in the hotel price)

Wednesday June 1: Gucci Gardens and Gucci Archive – Ferragamo Museum

  • Breakfast at the Hotel.
  • 3-hour guide at disposal for visit to the Gucci Gardens and the Ferragamo Museum.
  • Lunch at leisure and afternoon guided visit at the Gucci Archive inside Palazzo Settimanni.
  • Dinner on own and overnight stay.

Thursday June 02: Palazzo Pitti and Villa Stibbert

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Morning guided visit of Palazzo Pitti – Galleria del Costume (tickets included).
  • Lunch at leisure.
  • Transfer to Villa Stibbert for a guided visit with a local guide and a 7:00 pm aperitif with salty snacks served inside this beautiful property.
  • Transfer to Fiesole for dinner at a local restaurant (4 courses, water, 1⁄4 wine and coffee).
  • Transfer back to the hotel and overnight stay.
     

Friday June 03 : Silk Foundation - Museo del Tessuto – Transfer to Rome

  • Breakfast at hotel and hotel check out.
  • Bus transfer to Prato for morning guided visit to Silk Foundation Lisio and lunch on own.
  • Guided visit to the Fabric Museum and bus transfer to Rome airport hotel.
  • Dinner at the hotel restaurant (3 courses and water wine).
  • Overnight stay.

Friday June 03 to Saturday June 04: 1 night at Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Rome Airport

Hilton guest double/twin rooms, including tax, service and buffet breakfast 2 single rooms for the tour leaders
(City visitor tax included in the hotel price)

Saturday June 04: Departure

  • Breakfast and check out.
  • Bus transfer to the Rome FCO terminal with local assistant to help with check-in and departure.

Tour Price per Person (based on double/twin rooms to be shared)

Tour Price per Person:

  • $4,375.00 based on double occupancy – 20 paying travelers
  • $4,075.00 based on double occupancy – 25 paying travelers
  • $3,875.00 based on double occupancy – 30 paying travelers

The price includes:

  • 3 nights Executive rooms at GRAND HOTEL CAVOUR in Milan - BB accommodation
  • 3 nights Superior rooms at PALAZZO CASTRI 1874 in Florence - BB accommodation
  • 1 night Hilton guest room at HILTON GARDEN INN ROME AIRPORT - BB accommodation
  • DeLuxe coach at disposal for the entire trip (checkpoint fees and driver's expenses included)
  • Dinners, lunches and tastings per itinerary
  • Tours, experiences and entrance tickets per itinerary
  • Gratuities through the itinerary
  • City taxes at each hotel
  • Porterage of bags throughout the trip
  • Our 24/7 remote assistance throughout the trip

The price does not include:

  • Airfare to Italy
  • Travel Insurance
  • Everything not listed above

Our Policies
This quote is based on the current exchange rate with Euro. Any fluctuations could affect the price of the proposal. The exchange rate is NOT GUARANTEED until final payment is made.

No reservations have been made at this time and space is subject to availability. Hotel rates may vary due to special events or trade fairs in the cities. These surcharges will be advised once reservations are made. Unfortunately, we are not aware of these surcharges until the time of booking.

To proceed with the booking we require a deposit of $1,000 per traveler, payable by cash, check, or credit cards (American Express, Visa, Mastercard).