Fashion, Jewelry and Thermal Spa Waters in Cortona, Italy (Europe), for Eight Days & Seven Nights in a Charming Two-Bedroom Apartment for Four, Including One Day Shopping with a Personal Shopper, a Visit to a Jewelry Boutique, and a Facial or Massage at a Spa (Land Only)

Escape to Cortona, one of Tuscany's oldest hill towns, where strolls down the narrow medieval streets reward you with glimpses of impressive churches and incredible views of the countryside. With accommodations in a charming two-bedroom apartment, you're perfectly poised to explore the romance of Tuscany, and with its breathtaking scenery, historic cities, medieval art, impeccable wines and divine cuisine, an enviable proximity to Florence and Rome, not to mention its renown as an excellent shopping destination, you and your friends may never want to leave! Indulge in the ultimate girls' trip experiences, including shopping with a personal shopper, entering the world of jewelry-making (with a gift for yourself on the way out), and a pampering spa treatment.

Treat yourself, Tuscan style, when you go shopping for a day with a personal shopper, exploring the best of Italian fashion! Since Florence is the capital of Tuscany, both for fashion and geographically, it is home to some of the world's most famous and beloved designers, excellent stores, and some amazing fashion museums. In the morning you will visit The Space, which offers the world of Prada, including the mainline collection, skincare, lingerie, sunglasses, shoes, and bags; you'll also find Miu Miu, Helmut Lang, and Jil Sanders among other brands! In the afternoon you will explore the Mall, an Italian luxury outlet near Florence with the world's most influential brands set in one location. Browse top designer names including Gucci, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and many more!

Italy produces more different kinds of sparkling wine than any other country in the world, but that's not the only sparkle you'll find in Tuscany! Visit a unique artisanal jewelry boutique, where you will explore the showroom while you learn the intricacies of the art of jewelry making, before spending 30 minutes with the stylist for a hands-on guide on how to wear jewelry, as well as how to match it with your specific style and occasions. Your visit to the store includes a glass of - what else? - Prosecco! And of course, a 100-Euro voucher to use at the boutique.

Shopping is hard work, so for some pampered relaxation with your best friends, spend a day at the spa, built around natural thermal springs in the breathtaking Tuscan countryside. Soak in the warm therapeutic waters and treat yourself to a little self-care. The spa experience includes entrance to the thermal spa and a choice of a 30-minute facial or a 30-minute body massage.

Just one hour drive from arguably the most beautiful city in the world, Florence, and less than two hours' drive to historic Rome, Tuscany hosts innumerable astounding localities, many of which are also named UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the Etruscans to the Romans to the Renaissance, Tuscany is possibly the greatest repository of art in the world, from extraordinary paintings and sculptures to frescoes and architectural masterpieces. Cortona, with its medieval walls still intact, sits in a strategic position overlooking the valley that leads south into Umbria and towards Rome. Spend some time exploring the landmarks of this historic city, such as the Piazza della Republica, the 13th-century town hall and clock tower that is now one of Cortona's main plazas, or the Duomo, the Renaissance cathedral featuring an 11th-century facade and gorgeous 16th and 17th-century paintings inside. Fra' Angelico lived and worked in Cortona during the late 14th century, and artists Luca Signorelli and Pietro da Cortona were both born within the city's walls. You can now find all three artists' works in the Museo Diocesano.

Your trip for four includes:
8 days/7 nights accommodations in a two-bedroom apartment
1-day shopping trip to The Space and The Mall with a personal shopper, including transportation
A visit to a jewelry boutique, including a glass of prosecco and a 100-Euro voucher to use at the boutique
A 30-minute facial or massage at a Tuscan countryside spa
Room-related taxes (including VAT)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Travel package is non-refundable and subject to availability. Certificates/gift cards cannot be replaced. Passport required for travel outside the U.S. Apartment may be substituted with equal or similar accommodations. A minimum 45-day advance reservation is required. Please contact us at auction@stmaryhs.org to find out deadline to travel.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellation prior to arrival will be subject to forfeiture of reservations and funds.