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Under The Tuscan Sun
Cortona, Italy

7 Nights ... October 18-25, 2025
6,950 Euro (excluding flights)
CLICK TO RSVP

Solo In Style:
Women over 50 travelling solo and loving it!

Join our Solo In Style Getaway, curated and hosted by Deborah Ives, founder of Solo In Style, and Laura Cozik, founder of Mallorca by Design.

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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 for 7 unforgettable nights ... in the very Bramasole you see in the movie.

 

Tuscany is at it's most delicious in Autumn when local markets are teeming with freshly foraged mushrooms, grapes, chestnuts, truffles, olives, and so much more.  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

Pienza

Bagno Vignoni

Montepulciano

Anghiari

Arezzo

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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 60's (18 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.  Cortona is a hill town, so think 10,000+ 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?  Solo In Style has more than 620,000 members, and Deborah Ives, the woman who caught lightning in a bottle, will be joining this experience with you.  Also looking after you will be the founder of Mallorca by Design, who has been curating travel events since 2010.  Her 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.  Laughter and curiosity will be our guides.

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10 Women are Welcome

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Itinerary...

Day 1, Saturday - October 18 - Bramasole

Driving Time:  Florence Airport 90 minutes

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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 a 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, Sunday - October 19 - Cortona

Driving Time:  0:00 hours

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Guided Tour, Hats, Jewelry...

Morning stretch, coffee and breakfast.  Today 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.  There is also a hike to see the original Bramasole villa that inspired the popular "Under The Tuscan Sun" book by Frances Mayes ... she still lives here.  Just before dinner, we embark on a fashion reconnaissance.  It begins with choosing a special hat for our final night's "Hat Party" ... this is our gift to you.  All of the hats 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 4, Monday - October 20 - Pienza / Bagno Vignoni

Driving Time:  2:20 hours​

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Romantic City, Unforgettable Spa Day...

Morning stretch, coffee and breakfast.  Today's journey begins with a guided tour of the romantic city of Pienza, with street names such as Via dell'Amore and Via Del Bacio.  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 entire village revolves around an enormous, natural hot spring that takes up the entire town square.  Guests check in for their spa services (massage or facial), then head to the geothermal pools, waterfalls, Roman sauna, steam room, and light therapy room, for a soothing renewal of energy.  You may even choose to disappear into nature where Mother Nature has natural hot pools waiting to be experienced.  Enjoy the silence.  A light lunch will be provided.  In the late afternoon, enjoy a walk around the square to discover the book store, mother and daughter owned clothing shop, local home goods store, woman owned herbal shop.  This place is truly miraculous.  Dinner is in the village.​

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Day 5, Tuesday - October 21 - Montepulciano

Driving Time:  1:20 hours​

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Guided Tour, Wine Tasting, Underground Wineries...

Morning stretch, coffee and breakfast.  Today we visit another hilltop town, full of history and works of art, surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, and chestnut forests ... Montepulciano.  We begin with what is perhaps the best sandwich you will ever have.  After, Valeria takes us on a guided tour of everything that makes this place special.  Then, 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 before we head back for an exquisite dinner at Bramasole. 

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Day 7, Wednesday - October 22 - Cortona

Driving Time:  30 minutes

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Farm Visit, Cheese Making Course...

Morning stretch, coffee and breakfast.  A short drive down the hill takes us to the most beautiful farm with an abundance of animals ... ponies, sheep, chickens, hens, geese, ducks, turtledoves and more.  Here we learn the "Art of Pecorino" via a cheese making class with Ilaria.  We will produce three types of cheese - raveggiolo, pecorino, and ricotta.  The ricotta from this farm is actually mentioned in the Under The Tuscan Sun Cookbook by Frances Mayes.  The experience ends with a wonderful tasting of Tuscan bruschetta, pecorino cheese, pasta, and ricotta with jam ... all accompanied by good wine.  We then head back to Bramasole for some relaxation, before a picturesque walk takes us to dinner at one of the best restaurants in our village. 

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Day 8, Thursday - October 23 - Anghiari / Arezzo

Driving Time:  2:00 hours

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Two Ancient Villages...

Morning stretch, coffee and breakfast.  Our first stop today is in Anghiari, rated "one of the most beautiful villages in Italy".  Here we visit the incredible Busatti Linen Factory, which has been in operation since 1842.  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.  The official weaving mill is recorded to have begun in 1842.  Their high quality, organic linens can be found in the bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms of our Bramasole Villa.  Anghiari itself is stunning.  After a guided tour with Valeria, we then head to the city of Arezzo for lunch.  In Arezzo, 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.  A long and wonderful day ends back at Bramasole where Chef Francesco prepares dinner.  

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Day 9, Friday - October 24 - Cortona 

Driving Time:  0:00 hours​

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Watercolor Art Class, Hat Party...

Sleep in, coffee and breakfast.  Today our time is spent enjoying Bramasole with a watercolor paint class in the garden, a dip in the pool or hot tub, a game of Bocce Ball.  In the late afternoon, take a beautiful walk in nature to commit this precious place to memory.  Lunch is in the village.  Then in the evening, our "Hat Party" begins!!  Wear your festive best along with the new hat you chose in Cortona.  We kick off the festivities with an authentic Italian Negroni cocktail making class, a bit of music and dancing, lots of fun photos, and all the while ... Chef Francesco prepares our final, celebratory dinner at Villa Bramasole.  A big thank you to Frances Mayes for writing such a beautiful book full of dreams and possibilities.  It's never too late to move, change, or simply add the most wonderful experiences to your life.  We find it's best to always follow your heart.

 

 

   

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Day 12, Saturday - October 25 - Home Sweet Home

Driving Time:  Florence Airport 90 minutes

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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 Airport will be arranged.

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Accommodations

Villa Bramasole 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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The private property includes 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.

Your Hosts

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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 64, continues to expand Solo In Style globally to encourage and support as many women as possible to fulfill their solo travel ambitions.

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Laura Cozik

Founder, Mallorca by Design

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 57 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.

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Pricing and Details

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Pricing Per Person - 7 Nights - October 18 thru 25, 2025

This intimate event welcomes just 10 spectacular women.

6,950 euro per person - Private room and en-suite bath for 7 nights.

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1,500 Euro deposit due at the time of registration – Payment due in full by July 1, 2025

Rooms are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.  The earlier you book, the more options to choose from.​

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Included â€‹

  • 7 nights accommodation 

  • All transportation in Italy​

  • All meals 

  • Activities...​​

    • Blissful morning stretch sessions â€‹

    • 4 private tours - art, history, architecture, culture

      • Cortona 

      • Montepulciano

      • Arezzo

      • Anghiari

    • Cheese making class 

    • Wine tasting tour

    • Pizza making class

    • Jewelry experience

    • Watercolor art class

    • Hikes

    • Hat Party

  • 2 dedicated hosts to look after you and celebrate with you

  • Solo In Style gifts

 

Not Included 

  • Flights

  • Alcohol - other than where indicated

  • Tips and gratuities

 

Questions and Information

Please contact Laura for more information…  laura@mallorcabydesign.com

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Cancellation Policy

  • 1,500 euro penalty if cancelled prior to July 1, 2025 

  • No refund if cancelled on or after July 1, 2025

  • 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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Subject To Change

  • 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 hills and stairs and cobblestones, and it is entirely possible that we may walk 5 or more miles per day or 10,000+ steps, spending many hours on our feet.  We require all guests to have an appropriate 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 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. 

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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, also in EURO.

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Cancellation Policy

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  • 1,500 euro penalty if cancelled prior to July 1, 2025. 

  • No refund if cancelled on or after July 1, 2025. 

  • 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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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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Fall is so lovely in Tuscany, as wildflowers bloom and temperatures average 60-70 during the day (16-20 celcius), and 50-60 in the evenings (10-16 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.  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, 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.

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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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There are two transfers on arrival day and two on departure day.  One is always earlier, while the other is later.  We will do our best to plan around everyone's choice of flight.  We will 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 Mallorca by Design 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 itineraries means that they may be subject to minor changes, updates 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.

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RSVP, THEN SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION WITHIN 24 HOURS

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YOU ARE THEN INVITED TO SUBMIT YOUR DEPOSIT

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SCHEDULE YOUR PRIVATE CALL TO VIRTUALLY MEET

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INTRODUCTION TO YOUR FELLOW TRAVELERS

CLICK TO RSVP
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