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10 Women are Welcome
Under The Tuscan Sun...
Under The Tuscan Sun is an exceptional book that was turned into a beloved film. The story represents freedom, change, a new chapter in life, foreign exploration, and a leap of faith. Although it is a work of fiction, the author Frances Mayes based it upon her own experience of traveling to Cortona, Italy, buying a beautiful villa, and fixing it up. She still lives in that Villa Bramasole today! The movie itself was filmed in a different villa, as the story required a property that was in need of serious repair. They found the perfect place just 2 kilometers away in the same village, and this became the "Bramasole" that you see in the movie. This Bramasole was purchased by an American woman after the movie was released, and she became the driving force behind the exceptional renovation we see today. Incredible frescoes and other original artifacts were revealed, and the entire space, including 3 separate buildings, was transformed into a precious display of comfort and luxury. This is where you will sleep ... in the very Bramasole you see in the movie.
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Enhancing this luxurious experience even more is spending the next 3 nights in a village where the town square is an astonishing 50 by 30 meter stone basin into which hot spring water has been gushing since Etruscan times. At sunset, when the water vapor begins to rise and envelop the stone edges of the pool, the spectacle is truly fascinating, creating a timeless atmosphere. Unquestionably, one of the most evocative places in all of Italy.
Tuscany is at it's most delicious in Spring when local markets are teeming with freshly foraged ingredients, and the landscape is sumptuously blooming with iris, wisteria, baby pomegranates, walnuts, tiny olives and grapes, and the fuzzy young quince. The weather is also very pleasant for daily explorations in nature and nightly meals al fresco.
Villages You Will Explore...
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Cortona
Montepulciano
Anghiari
Arezzo
Bagno Vignoni
Pienza
Montalcino
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This Getaway Is For You If...
You think it would be dreamy to sleep in the villa from the movie "Under The Tuscan Sun" and to imagine you live in Italy. You prefer a more local experience. The desire to embrace freedom and change resonates with you. Historic walks through the past awaken your curiosity. You love dining al fresco and you're enamoured by actual frescoes. Visiting local shops to taste everything in season rocks your socks. Temperatures in the 70's (22 celcius) are your comfort zone. You adore nature. You prefer to mingle with locals and immerse yourself in their way of life. Visiting medieval villages is irresistible to you. And travelling with an intimate group of like-minded women, with more time on foot and less in a vehicle is your jam. There will be a good amount of walking, so comfortable shoes and an appropriate level of fitness is required. Tuscany is full of hill towns, so think 10,000-15,000 steps per day with steep hills, stone stairs, and beautiful cobblestones.
Your Hosts...
How often is it that you go on holiday with the founder of your chosen travel tribe? One or both, Deborah and Laura, will be on board to manage every planned experience. There are unplanned moments as well, giving guests the freedom to explore and to follow their hearts. Solo In Style's focus is always on the most unique experiences ... you’re in for an unforgettable adventure.
Join Us...
This Under The Tuscan Sun Getaway is limited to just 10 amazing women. Everyone has their own room with private bath. Rooms are first come, first served ... the sooner you submit your deposit, the more choices you have. Join us as we enjoy each other’s company, share our stories, forge new friendships, and have an insane amount of fun to boot.
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10 Women are Welcome
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Itinerary...
Day 1, Sunday - April 25 - Bramasole
Total Driving Time: 90 minutes from Florence Airport
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Under The Tuscan Sun...
Arrive to Florence Airport, meet your driver, and check in to the actual Bramasole villa from the movie Under The Tuscan Sun. We have private use of the entire property, with expansive gardens, a swimming pool, a hot tub, and a bocce ball court. For your pleasure, there is a private chef and daily cleaning staff. Chef Francesco will surprise you with the most incredible selection of local foods ... picked from our garden and sourced from local farms. Our welcome dinner is under the stars.
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Day 2, Monday - April 26 - Cortona
Total Driving Time: 10 minutes
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Guided Tour, Hats, Jewelry...
Morning stretch, coffee and breakfast. After lunch we visit our village of Cortona, a medieval hilltop town whose soaring position offers 360° views of the incredible Val di Chiana. Spend the day surrounded by beanstalk-like cyprus trees, sunflower fields, and the most intriguing history and architecture. An ancient tour with Valeria teaches us about the Etruscan civilization that founded this walled town. Discover the stories, art-filled spaces, palaces, churches, and monuments. Just before dinner, we embark on a fashion reconnaissance. It begins with choosing a hat for our Solo In Style "Hat Party" ... this is our gift to you. All of the hats in this shop are made by women, and fun fact ... Lady Gaga has one! Next is a private tour of the most stunning jewelry showroom, in one of the oldest and most beautiful buildings of Cortona. In this ancient space, glasses of Cava are laced with flakes of silver, and the owners tell their story. Dinner is served at the famous La Loggetta Restaurant.
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Day 3, Tuesday - April 27 - Arezzo / Anghiari
Total Driving Time: 2:00 hours
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Two Ancient Villages...
Morning stretch, coffee and breakfast. Our first stop today is in Arezzo, the biggest city nearest to Cortona. Valeria will show us Piazza Grande, The Cathedral, the green park of Il Prato, Il Corso with it's many stores, the Parish Church of the 13th Century, and the well preserved medieval walls. Lunch and shopping are solo in Arezzo, as we give you a bit of time to chart your own course. Next stop is Anghiari, rated "one of the most beautiful villages in Italy". Here we visit the incredible Busatti Linen Factory. The first store was actually opened in 1795, but it wasn't until 1797 when Napolean's army was stationed at the Busatti house in Anghiari, that they began making blankets, uniforms and clothing for the soldiers. Their high quality, organic linens, can be found in the bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms of our Bramasole villa. Anghiari itself is stunning so we encourage a walking exploration. Aperativos and dinner are served back home by Chef Francesco.
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Day 4, Wednesday - April 28 - Le Celle / Montepulciano
Total Driving Time: 90 minutes​
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Wondrous Hike, Shopping, Underground Winery...
Morning stretch, coffee and breakfast. The day begins with a 5km hike to see Le Celle - the hermitage of Saint Francis of Assisi, a place of immense spirituality. Landscape views reminiscent of an ancient nativity scene, complex architecture carved into the rock, and bridges suspended over flowing mountain streams. Finding peace of mind here is not a difficult task. Along the way we pass the original Bramasole Villa, where Frances Mayes still resides. Transport then takes us back to our villa for lunch. In the afternoon, we head to Montepulciano, another hilltop town, full of history and works of art, surrounded by olive trees and chestnut forests. An escort leads us through secret passages along the monumental path of the fifteenth century "Underground City". Through spectacular brick vaults and tunnels dug into the tuff, we find gigantic oak barrels in which the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Rosso di Montepulciano reside. Enjoy a tasting of these most exceptional wines with an explanation of their characteristics. There will be time for wandering and popping in and out of local shops on your own. The shopping in this ancient village is spectacular. We all meet for a scrumptious dinner to end a perfect day.
Day 5, Thursday - April 29 - Cortona
Total Driving Time: 30 minutes
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Cooking Class with Silvia Baracchi...
Morning stretch, coffee and breakfast. Today, lunch is a magical cooking class with Michelin Chef Silvia Baracchi. Silvia is the head chef of a stunning Michelin restaurant located inside the luxurious Il Falconiere Hotel. The cooking school is located in the ancient farm and is a bright and spacious environment, created to share the history, culture, and knowledge of Italian food and wine through experiential training in a fun and convivial environment. The culmination of each course is an authentic Italian dish paired with the great wines of Cantina Baracchi. Cook, eat and drink as Silvia shares stories about the territory and its culinary traditions. We then head back to Bramasole for a game of bocce ball, before dinner in the garden is served.
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Day 6, Friday - April 30 - Cortona
Total Driving Time: 20 minutes​
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Hike, Gin...
Morning stretch, coffee and breakfast. Today we have a beautiful hike to discover more of the surrounding landscapes of Cortona, followed by a visit to the most authentic olive mill, where the freshest oil is produced. Lunch is at the mill. In the evening, our first stop is Sabatini Gin. A love of Tuscany and a love of fine gin is the philosophy behind the first London Dry Gin with a Tuscan spirit. Next, we walk the village of Cortona on a festive Friday night. All of the shops are open for business, and the locals come out to play. We meet for dinner at the famous Osteria del Teatro.​​​​
Day 7, Saturday - May 1 - Solo In Style Celebration
Total Driving Time: 10 minutes​
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Clay Lab, Professional Photos, Hat Party...
Morning stretch, coffee and breakfast. Today is spent enjoying Cortona and Bramasole. A fun pottery class with Prosecco. Pizza lunch by Chef Francesco. Then in the evening, our hat party begins. Wear your festive best along with the new hat you selected in Cortona. We kick off the festivities with an authentic Italian Negroni, a bit of music and dancing, and a professional photographer to capture you living your best life. All the while, Chef Francesco prepares our celebratory dinner. Thank you to Frances Mayes for writing such a beautiful book full of hopes and dreams. It's never too late to move, change, or simply add the most wonderful elements to your life. The adventure continues tomorrow as we head to our spa village - Bagno Vignoni.
Day 8, Sunday - May 2 - Bagno Vignoni
Total Driving Time: 1:15 hours
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The Wonders of Nature...
Sleep in, coffee and breakfast. Then ... prepare to be blown away by the wonders of Bagno Vignoni, a tiny hamlet with a population of just 17 year-round residents. The village revolves around an enormous natural hot spring that takes up the entire town square. There are hiking trails and more geothermal pools to be found within short walking distances. Guests check in, then head to the spa where you'll find warm pools, waterfalls, a Roman sauna, steam room, light therapy and more. Enjoy a massage, facial, or Ayurvedic skin treatment. Just before dinner, guests have the opportunity to leisurely visit all of the unique shops in the village. Fatamorgana is a magical clothing and accessories shop, owned by a mother/daughter duo. Erba Mistica contains endless options for gifts to bring home to friends and family, owned by local resident Sara. You will also find a book store, perfume shop, plus locally made ceramics and home goods. Dinner is served al fresco, overlooking the thermal pool, by the fourth generation family who owns our beautiful hotel.
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Day 9, Monday - May 3 - Montalcino
Total Driving Time: 1:10 hours
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Women Owned Winery...
Morning stretch, coffee and breakfast. Today's journey begins when we arrive to a hilltop village, crowned by the Rocca which was erected by the Sienese in 1361. Montalcino is a medieval, walled village that has it's centre overlooking the Palazzo dei Priori with the high tower and the portico and the Gothic loggia. The town itself is surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills of grapes. The views are spectacular! After a bit of exploration and shopping in one of a kind stores, we visit a women owned and run winery where we taste one of the most famous wines in the world ... Brunello di Montalcino. You will adore the story of how Donatella inherited two small vineyards from her mom, but could not convince any of the men in the wine industry to help her run the farm. She decided to go all-female and the business is thriving. We selected this winery in particular as it is truly unforgettable. After the wine tasting, a delicious lunch is served. Dinner is solo tonight as we give you the freedom to choose.
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Day 10, Tuesday - May 4 - Pienza / Mother Nature
Total Driving Time: 45 minutes
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Romantic Village, Farm Lunch, Shopping...
Morning stretch, coffee and breakfast. Today's journey begins with a walking exploration of the romantic city of Pienza, with street names such as Via dell'Amore (love) and Via Del Bacio (kiss). Considered a Renaissance Utopia, Pienza will enchant you with its charming stone architecture, narrow cobblestone lanes, and picture-perfect landscapes. We then make our way to a beautiful farm that overlooks Pienza. Here they produce an array of products such as wine, cheese, pasta, bread. They even hunt for truffles on the property. After a brief tour of the facilities, our farm to table lunch is served as you immerse yourself in the rhythm of nature. Back at our host village, perhaps you will disappear into nature where Mother Nature has a warm foot massage waiting ... bring a book or enjoy the silence. At sunset, our farewell dinner is served at a restaurant that boasts an outstanding menu as well as a passionate team. We think it's the best in the village.
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Day 11, Wednesday - May 5 - Home Sweet Home
Total Driving Time: 90 minutes to Florence Airport
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Until Next Time...
Bid a reluctant yet grateful farewell to Tuscany. You leave with the most exceptional memories, a Solo in Style outlook on the future, and an all new set of FANTASTIC FRIENDS to boot! Transport to Florence and Rome airports will be arranged.​
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Accommodations
We arrive to Villa Bramasole, which dates back to 600 AD. The main house is what was featured in the movie ... a light-yellow home with green shutters and terracotta roof tiles. As soon as you walk through the front door, you recognize the faucet from scenes in the movie. Wander through the living room, expansive dining room, kitchen, and one bedroom on the main floor, before heading upstairs to discover four more bedrooms. The lower level of the house has a billiards room, movie room, wine cellar and chapel. The farmhouse is an adjacent building, which was originally where the farmworkers and animals lived. It now has a spacious main floor with dining and seating areas, plus a large kitchen where your private chef prepares the most delicious meals. Upstairs there are four beautiful bedrooms. The limonaia is the final structure on the property. Originally the citrus conservancy, this final bedroom still has its domed 17th-century fresco ceiling. Perfect for a solo guest who enjoys a more private space.
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Villa Bramasole has a swimming pool, hot tub, several fountains and lounges, an edible garden where we collect ingredients for our farm to table meals, a baci ball court, and there are even paths built by the Medici family that lead to Lake Trasimeno.
Next we check in to a thermal springs spa hotel, in a village situated high above the Val d'Orcia. Bagno Vignoni was a healing and refreshment point for numerous pilgrims who traveled the Via Francigena on their way to Rome ... one of the main destinations for the Christian pilgrimages. The small village is home to just 17 residents, and the family who owns the hotel has been welcoming guests for four generations.
The creators of your experience in Tuscany...
Deborah Ives
Founder, Solo In Style
Deborah has always loved to travel and when she found herself suddenly divorced at age 50, her response was to go it alone. It was scary, fabulous, and empowering, in equal measure, and she was instantly hooked. As a solo female traveler over the age of 50, a huge and growing demographic, Deborah felt ignored by the travel industry. This prompted her to create Solo In Style with the idea of connecting like-minded women through their solo travels. Alongside a successful 30-year career in marketing, fine wine and culinary arts, Deborah, now aged 65, continues to expand Solo In Style globally to encourage and support as many women as possible to fulfill their solo travel ambitions.
Laura Cozik
Founder, Team Lipstick
Laura has always been passionate about encouraging women to push their boundaries in order to become powerful. She truly believes this can only be done when you align yourself with other capable women who are willing to support each other. Laura is 58 years old, a group fitness instructor, a nationally ranked ballroom dance champion, a triathlete, an entrepreneur, and an extroverted introvert who loves to travel solo. She has been published in Cosmopolitan, Competitor, Shape, Triathlete, and New York Magazine for her accomplishments in the fitness and travel industries. Her celebrity clients include Nicole Kidman, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Keith Urban and Soledad O'Brien.
Pricing and Details
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Pricing Per Person - 10 Nights - April 25-May 5, 2027
This intimate event welcomes just 10 spectacular women.
€9,850 per person - Private room and en-suite bath for 10 nights.
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€2,000 euro deposit due at the time of registration – Payment due in full by December 1, 2026.
Rooms are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. The earlier you book, the more options to choose from.
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There are a handful of higher level suites. To secure these, we will ask for an additional fee. If where you sleep is an element you like to splurge on, you will have the opportunity once full payment is due.
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Included ​
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10 nights accommodation
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All transportation in Italy except return to the airport​
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All meals except three lunches and one dinner
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Activities...​​
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Blissful morning stretch sessions ​
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Village tours - art, history, architecture, culture​
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Cortona
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Arezzo
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Montepulciano
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Cooking class
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Wine tasting tour
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Lunch on a farm
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Linen factory tour
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Jewelry experience
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Hikes
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Pottery class
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Hat Party
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Spa access - geothermal pools, waterfalls, Roman sauna, steam room, and light therapy room.
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2 dedicated hosts to look after you and celebrate with you
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Solo In Style gifts to brighten your spirit
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Tips and gratuities, except for villa and hotel staff
Not Included
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Flights
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Return transportation to the airport (we will help you to arrange the most comfortable option)
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Three lunches and one dinner
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Alcohol (other than where indicated - there is quite a bit indicated!)
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Spa services
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Tips and gratuities for villa and hotel staff
Questions and Information
Please contact Laura for more information… laura@mallorcabydesign.com
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Cancellation Policy
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€2,000 penalty if cancelled prior to December 1, 2026
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No refund if cancelled on or after December 1, 2026
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We will assist you in re-selling your spot to another Solo In Style member, but this is not guaranteed. If we manage to re-sell your spot, there is a €500 cancellation fee.
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If you decide to switch to a different event after registering for this one, there is a €250 fee.
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If payment is not received on time, or if Solo In Style deems a client may disrupt the experience of others, we reserve the right to refund payment in full with no penalties at any time.
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Subject To Change
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All details are subject to change, in order to enhance the client experience
Terms and Conditions
There is some important information to note before we get to the fun part. Please read our terms and conditions below, as it is your responsibility to be entirely aware of our policies and what to expect.
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Physical Ability and Health Requirements
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Our events have a great deal of walking to best explore and enjoy each location. There will be rocky dirt trails, steep hills, stone stairs and ancient cobblestones. It is entirely possible that we may walk 5+ miles per day, spending many hours on our feet. We require all guests to have a base level of fitness that allows them to do that. We will provide plenty of downtime for rest and recovery and you are welcome to skip a day. However, we ask that you be cognizant of the itinerary and all that you will experience prior to registering for our event.
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If you have special health issues, mobility issues, or take medications, we ask that you advise us prior to registering for our event so that we can ensure there are no red flags and that you are a good fit for the planned itinerary. Failure to do so could result in a diminished experience as we may be unable to accommodate your needs.
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Respecting Our Community
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To protect the wonderful community of women who are coming together to share in this exceptional experience, we will avoid all talks of religion and politics. Additionally, tolerance will always reign supreme as we accept and respect the different cultures, opinions and lifestyle choices of others.
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Booking Flights
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Flights should not be booked until we approve your registration and application, and until we officially host our meet and greet on Zoom with your fellow travelers. This is when we discuss the best options.
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Methods of Payment
We accept bank transfers in EURO €. Credit cards will be accepted with a 4% fee added.
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Cancellation Policy
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€2,000 euro penalty if cancelled prior to December 1, 2026.
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No refund if cancelled on or after December 1, 2026.
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We will assist you in re-selling your spot to another Solo In Style member, but this is not guaranteed. If we manage to re-sell your spot, there is a €500 euro cancellation fee.
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​If you decide to switch to a different event after registering for this one, there is a €250 euro fee.
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If payment is not received on time, or if Solo In Style deems a client may disrupt the experience of others, we reserve the right to refund payment in full with no penalties, at any time.
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Application Process
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Our goal is always to ensure the best possible experience for our guests. Because of this, our process is to ask you to be very sure that the itinerary is suited to your preferences. You then RSVP, fill out our application form, pay your deposit, and schedule a one-on-one call so we can get to know you better. This process is not only FUN, it is also designed to ensure that every guest has a spectacular experience.
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Weather
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Spring is so lovely in Tuscany, as wildflowers bloom and temperatures are just perfect, averaging 70-75 during the day (21-24 celcius), and 55-60 in the evenings (13-16 celcius). Global warming may have something to say about this as the years tick by. A light sweater or jacket is recommended for evenings.
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Maximum Group Size
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We are accepting just 10 women for this event.
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Eligible to Attend
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This trip is exclusively for Solo in Style members ... women 50+ years of age with a brilliant outlook on life, who love to travel and want to meet like-minded as well as diverse women.
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Pack List
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A pack list will be sent to every guest prior to travel. Casual clothing throughout, comfortable walking footwear, swimwear for the pool and spa, and workout gear if participating. The pack list will be much more detailed.
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Room Selection
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All rooms are private with private bathroom, for maximum comfort and a bit of solo time. They are each uniquely beautiful in layout and decor ... reserved on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED basis. The earlier you reserve your spot and pay your deposit, the more choices you’ll have. If there are any higher category suites, these will be offered for an additional fee. The selection process begins once full payment has been received by every guest.
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High Level Suites
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All of our rooms are stunningly beautiful, as this is where Solo In Style stands out. We select exceptional accommodations. However, for some events there are a handful of high level suites that go above and beyond. If this is important to you, you may request these rooms for an additional fee when full payment is due.
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Room Sharing
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Solo In Style is exactly that ... your room is just for you. All rooms are solo occupancy with private bathrooms. Some are on the ground floor, some are on the top floor, some have balconies, some have bathtubs, etc.
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Mandatory Travel Insurance
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Solo in Style requires each guest to purchase full personal travel insurance for the duration of the trip. It's the safest and best way to travel. We will ask for proof of insurance prior to the event and reserve the right to deny any participant who has not obtained this. Any fees paid towards the event will be non-refundable. Below is a list of what Solo In Style requires...
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→ Trip cancellation
→ Trip delay
→ Trip interruption
→ Baggage delay
→ Baggage loss
→ Medical expenses and emergency evacuation
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Dietary Requirements
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Most requirements are possible, although pure vegan and gluten free may be limited. When booking restaurants, we will be sure to give them a heads up with regard to your preferences.
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Photos and Videos
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One of the most fun aspects of any travel event is the photos and videos taken. We provide a shared folder where everyone can drop and download media. Guests are welcome to post these images on social media. You may not sell or otherwise use any of the images taken by us or our photographers or other guests for commercial purposes. When registering for our event you agree and acknowledge that your image and likeness may be used in future promotional material, both by Solo In Style, and our partner companies. We only use the "good ones" where everyone looks great! If you prefer not to be photographed or to appear in any videos, simply let us know.
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Waiver
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Please be prepared to sign a ‘Waiver of Responsibility’ form before you begin your tour. This form is an understanding that all guests need to exercise judgement and care at all times to ensure their own safety and that of their fellow travelers.
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Airport Transfers
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The airport is Florence - Amerigo Vespucci. There are two transfers on arrival day at 3:00pm (one from the airport and one from the city of Florence), and two transfers on departure day at 6:00am and 10:00am. We do our best to plan around everyone's schedule. We discuss flights during our first meet and greet Zoom call.
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Luggage Limitations
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Each guest is permitted one suitcase and one carry-on bag or backpack. You must be able to transport and carry your own luggage at all times, as there is no guaranteed assistance. This may very well mean up flights of stairs.
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Alcohol and Other Substances
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If you plan to drink, we ask you to do so responsibly. The idea is to enjoy, but not to become inebriated. Drugs and illegal substances will never be tolerated.
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Force Majeure
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In case of a Force Majeure event, we are not responsible for performing our obligations and will not be responsible for any resulting damages. A Force Majeure Event is any circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including without limitation acts of nature, terrorist activities, insurrection, explosion, flood, earthquake, tempest, forceful wind, fire or accident, war or threat of war declared or undeclared, sabotage, civil disturbance, labor strikes, requisition, pandemics, sickness, quarantine, government intervention, weather conditions, and unforeseen circumstances. If we, and/or our partners or agents, are affected by a Force Majeure Event, we, and/or our partners or agents, may vary or cancel any itinerary or activity without any obligation or liability.
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Disclaimer
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Solo In Style along with Team Lipstick and all our representatives, act only in capacity as agents for the guest in all matters connected with travel, sight-seeing journeys and transportation. You agree that we are held free of responsibility for any damage occasioned by any cause. These causes will be laid out more fully in our waiver, which you are required to sign prior to travel. Additionally, we reserve the right to alter our itinerary ​in order to provide the best experience for each and every guest. The bespoke nature of our program means that there may be changes, subtractions and additions as we get closer to departure.
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The Process...
RSVP, fill out the application, pay your deposit, then schedule a private Zoom chat so that we can get to know you, and so that we can strive to meet and exceed your expectations. After that, we invite everyone to a Zoom meet and greet. Solo In Style events are about travel, but we also want to share our stories and forge new friendships with like-minded women.