Girlfriend’s Getaway
A fabulous European getaway
with friends—old and new
One Trip, Ten Days:
Explore the glorious Swiss Alps and relax like royalty in the Italian Lake District
Big city shopping, alpine adventures, and relaxing in Italy’s lake district — this is a trip where a little of everything creates a lot of memories you’ll never forget.
From Instagram-worthy views of snow-capped Swiss alps to a heady whiff of Italy’s ancient aristocratic splendor, join a select group of girlfriends in the trip of a lifetime.
Schedule
Thursday & Friday, June 10&11
USA to Zurich, Switzerland
Depart from your home city for an overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland. We’ll meet you at the airport then wind our way along Zurich’s Gold Coast for a scenic tour on our way to the hotel and our local village just outside the city.
There’s exploring to do in our village or you can just order a Negroni, put your feet up, and watch the swans on Lake Zurich for the rest of the afternoon before our dinner with my favorite view of Lake Zurich set against the soaring peaks of the Swiss alps.
After dinner, we’ll hop a train back to our hotel, getting a lovely view of the city at night.
Saturday, June 12
Zurich, Switzerland
Have an early morning stretch or walk along the lakefront before we explore our village and all the quaint treasures it has to offer.
Next Up: A Guided (or DIY) Tour of Downtown Zurich
Just before/after lunch, we’ll head to Zurich’s downtown. Join a guided tour of Old Town, New Town, and Historic Sites; or take off on your own for for shopping or a bit of the cafe life along Zurich’s famous Bahnhofstrasse. Probably the safest major metropolitan city, Zurich’s downtown is pretty compact so you can get lost and we’ll still find you!
In the evening, we’ll do drinks and dinner downtown — or you can return to the village and I’ll share the address for my favorite typical Swiss meal near our hotel.
Sunday, June 13
Luzern, Switzerland
After breakfast, we will wind our way to beautiful Luzern, celebrated as one of the Europe’s most picturesque cities. We’ll take a gondola to the top of the mountain with a breathtaking view of Lake Luzern, nestled among the soaring alps.
When our stomachs start rumbling, we’ll have lunch in a fabulous old hotel with an outdoor restaurant with my favorite view of Switzerland — after 30 years of searching, I always return to this spot because it still takes my breath away!
Back to Zurich, where you can choose your own adventure — quiet and cost fondue dinner or, if you’re up for it, a lively night out, clubbing with the Swiss.
Lake Lucerne
Known as the most beautiful city in Switzerland, from our viewpoint above Lake Lucerne, we’ll be looking out over one of the most beautiful vistas in all of Europe!
Monday, June 14
Swiss Alps
Channel your inner Heidi because we’ll be heading to the alps stay overnight in a typical Swiss village. If you’re outdoorsy, you can opt to hike through alpine meadows or relax with a book by one of my very favorite lakes, nestled in between the mountains — your own secret hiding spot!
If you’re in for a luxury afternoon, our village is home to world-renowned spas made famous by European royalty.
Tuesday, June 15
Switzerland to Italy
Next up, we head to the famed lake district of Northern Italy, stopping at picturesque towns along the way and landing on the shores of beautiful Lago Maggiore — whose vistas have inspired Italy’s artists since the Renaissance.
We’ll be staying in one of my favorite hotels, filled with old world Italian charm — every room in the hotel is different, so everyone will get a surprise!
Late afternoon and evening I’ll have a handful of recommendations for shopping, sightseeing, and dinner — either solo, with friend, or with the group.
Wednesday, June 16
Lago Maggiore, Italy
Market Day!!!
Wednesday kicks off with a trip to the most famous market on Lago Maggiore — an Italian tradition that has been around for five centuries! A great place for gifts, souvenirs, or even better, to splurge on yourself — maybe a pair of Italian leather shoes or two.
Although bargaining isn’t the same as it was 25 years ago, I’ll teach you how to haggle like a true Italian. Who knows, you might score a couple euros off the price.
That night, we’ll have dinner at a hillside Agriturismo. Agriturismos are actual working farmhouses that started inviting guests to their traditional family dinner each night to bring in a little extra income. It’s the best way to experience an Italian family-style meal — next to meeting a handsome Italian who takes you home for his nonna’s cooking.
Lake Maggiore
Nestled between Piedmont and Lombardy, the Eden of Italy has been a popular getaway for wealthy Italian families since Napoleon.
Thursday, June 17
Lake Maggiore, Italy
I’ll help you craft a perfect day, be it relaxing by the pool or lakeside or exploring nearby towns. There’s fantastic shopping, delicious food, and sightseeing adventures in every flavor.
Beautifully ornate Italianate gardens adorned with botanical treasures. The famous church Sanctuary of the Santissima Pietà houses a “miracle” painting of Christ believed to have once shed blood and tears. And for thrill-seekers, there’s the longest zip line in Europe for a breath-taking bird’s eye view of this paradise.
No matter how you spend the day, you won’t want to miss dinner! While delicious food is a given in Italy, we’ll be dining in a charming grotto off-the-beaten-path I only discovered by getting lost in the hills — and following the delicious aromas!
Friday, June 18
Isola Bella, Italy
We’ll take a ferry Isola Bella, the crown jewel of the famed Borromean Islands, an archipelago of stunning weekend palaces built by one of Italy’s most aristocratic families during Italy’s Romantic Age.
The island’s grand palace is surrounded by a quaint fishing village where we can stay for dinner or, if you want to explore more, set off on your own to another of the lake’s beautiful nearby islands.
Saturday, June 19
Italy to Zurich, Switzerland
Departure: Sunday, June 20
On our way back to Zurich, we can stop for lunch at one of the picturesque villages along the way or, if a little more shopping is needed, travel straight to the Bahnhofstrasse.
That night, we’ll be staying close to the airport for your early morning flight — so we can either hang out in the swank Hilton Zurich bar, or enjoy a final night out at some local hangouts.
FAQs.
How much does it cost?
The cost of the trip, per person, is $3,800 (double) or $4,700 (single), which includes all hotels, breakfast, rental car/gas, and all-day concierge service. Airfare, (other) land transportation, food, drinks, spa services, solo excursions and shopping are not included.
When do I have to commit by?
The trip fills up on a first-come, first-serve basis. A non-refundable* deposit of $500 is required to reserve your space.
*In the event that borders will be closed, barring travel to Europe from USA — or back — 50% of your deposit, $250, will be returned. This determination will be made 30 days prior to the scheduled departure date.
When is the balance due?
The full balance of the cost of the trip is required by December 1, 2020. No refunds will be made after that date, with the exception of border closing.
Does it cost more for singles?
It you’d like to save a few extra dollars — and we can arrange it — two singles can share a room. If we will are able to pair you with another single for the duration of the trip, and the cost of your trip will be $3,800.
Do I have to join the group for every outing?
While you’ll need to join us for the overall itinerary, there is certainly lots of opportunities to explore wherever we are on your own. I’ll have recommendations and will be happy to help you craft a wonderful day!
Can guys join in?
Certainly! We’d also much rather go on an exciting girls’ getaway than spend a week ice-fishing with the guys — so come along! We promise you won’t always have to carry our heavy luggage (and we promise not to drag you on a shopping trip!).
How do I make my flight reservation?
While I recommend that you arrange your own flight, to ensure you get mileage and points, I am happy to assist you in booking your flight for and additional fee of $100.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is highly recommended, and I recommend you read the fine print carefully — unfortunately one never knows if a pandemic might come through.
If your travel insurance does not cover health, be sure to check in with your health insurance provider that you are covered overseas.
One note: Chase Sapphire Reserve credit cards offer excellent insurance coverage, you might want to check it out!
Passports and Visas
You will need a valid passport that will not expire fewer than six months from the date of your return. Please double check, the airline will be confirming this at check in and they give no exceptions.
If you need a new passport, it is recommended you apply prior to December 1, 2020.
Visa requirements for US citizens is changing. Please confirm with the State department at travel.state.gov.