Milan
Thursday, December 4th - You winter wonedrland vacation will start in Milan (Milano), the financial and fashion heart of Italy. Milan is New York of Italy, known for its excellent shopping districts, bustling streets, entertainment, and an overall fast-paced atmosphere. Still, Milan, as most Italian cities, features an immense cultural heritage and the traces of the country's tumultuous past can be encountered almost everywhere. Milan boasts a multitude of historic structures including monuments, museums and cathedrals. It is also home to fashion designers, such as Giorgio Armani, Valentino , Garavani, Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace, Prada, Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce, along with the houses of Pucci and Gucci, Milan is a haute couture powerhouse, where fashions jump from catwalk to clothes racks within weeks. When it comes to Italian fashion there is no place like it. Where there are Fashionistas, there is money! The Borsa Italiana (Italian stock exchange) has companies listed on its system worth over $880 billion, and the city is home to over 40 foreign banks. Milan is the only city in Italy where you will see an abundance of large Luxury cars, and wide streets to accommodate them.
Upon arriving at the airport you will board our private transfer buses to the hotel. While wating for our rooms to be ready, get you first taste of Italian cuisine at the orientation brunch (included). After checked-in, you will have time for a QUICK shower and change before meeting for cultural walk and some designer shopping. Milanese culture is also mirrored in the city's Quadrilatero d'Oro (Golden Quadrilateral) four adjoining streets, where the most glamorous European shopping and events occur. Along with cutting-edge designer shops, the area is filled with trendy cafés and bars to see and be seen in. Bring your fashion "A" game!
After shopping, drop off your bags and head out to a special FlyGirl dinner (included). For those that can hang, continue on to a chic lounge for a little mxing and mingling with the locals. ;-) Return to the hotel by taxi on your own or in small groups.
Friday, December 5th - After breakfast you are off for a 1/2 day city tour of Milan. The final stop will be the Duomo di Milano, a huge Gothic cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria Nascente that took nearly six centuries to complete. One of the highlights of the interior of the church is a statue which depicts Saint Bartholomew. He was skinned alive, so is often shown in religious artwork he is depicted holding his own skin. In this case, he stands with his skin draped around him. After your tour inside the Duomo, you will visit the famed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest shopping malls in the world.The impressive five story arcade covered with a glass and iron roof. The Galleria was constructed during the turbulent era of Italian unification and for its architect Giuseppe Mengoni, the Galleria symbolized Italian unity and self-confidence. The day before its completion, Mengoni fell to his death from the top of the triumphal arch. While in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II do not forget to Spin on the Bull's Balls. Why you ask? Well, the tile floor at the center of the gorgeous Emanuele II bears the insignia of four prominent northern Italian cities. The bull represents nearby Turin, and for some reason the tradition developed that spinning on the Turin bull's balls would give the spinner good luck. The practice persists to this day, and you can't walk through the Galleria without stopping for a spin. The hightlight of the mall is the newly expanded Prada store where you can find items not sold in the United States. Later have dinner with the group or on your on before meeting for drinks at sea veiw lounge. You will have some free time to shop and explore on your own or in small group before returning to the hotel to change for a night of partying like a rock star at a posh night club. Return to the hotel by taxi on your own.
Verona /Lake Como / Bormio
Saturday, December 6th - - Today after breakfastboard our private coach for the town of Verona an UNESCO World Heritiage site and home of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Verona was founded in the 1st century B.C. It particularly flourished under Roman rule. In its its historical architecture, Verona is an outstanding example of a town that has developed progressively yet uninterruptedly over 2,000 years. The history of Romeo and Juliet took place while in Verona under the Scaligeri family reign. Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House) is one of the main attractions of Verona with the most famous balcony in the world. While at Casa di Giulietta do not forget to touch the right breast of the bronze statue of Giulietta in the small courtyard which is said to will bring luck to all who are trying to find their true love. After a walking tour, you will have time for lunch and exploring Verona on your own or in small groups.
Next up ... Lake Como to see why George Clooney has made this magical resort area home. For those whose idea of heaven is palatial villas, rose-laden belvederes, hanging wisteria and bougainvillea, lanterns casting a glow over lakeshore restaurants, and majestic Alpine vistas, heaven is Lake Como. In his Charterhouse of Parma, Stendhal described it as an "enchanting spot, unequaled on earth in its loveliness. You will have a little time to wander the tiny streets and unique shops. After visiting Lake Como, we are off to Bormio for a wine tasting before a late hotel check-in and evening in the beautiful medieval Ski town in the Italian Alps. Along with being known world wide for amazing skiing, Bormio is a famous for its thermal baths. Members of the Roman aristocracy travelled to Bormio in order to enjoy warm baths in the mountainous scenery. Most of these thermal baths are still in use today.
Sunday, December 7th - After Breakfast, grab your 2-day ski pass because ... it time to hit the slopes! They say one pictures is worth a thousand words so check out what waits you in Bormio.
Monday, December 8th - Day #2 to play in the snow in Bormio. Bormio has hosted the Alpine Skiing World Cup several times. Its pistes were the stage for the 1985 and 2005 World Cup, the annual men's downhill World Cup, the 1995 Alpine Skiing Finals and the Fis World Cup 2000 and 2008 Finals. It is indeed no coincidence that the jet men of the White Circus meet in Bormio every December... yep we will be there during that time. ;-) The most experienced skiers can also put their skills to the test on the Valbella and Betulle slopes, while anyone looking for a long, but more leisurely panoramic piste to ski down should try the Bimbi al Sole, which is a good 6 km in length. There is a wide choice of slopes also for beginners, with easy pistes both at the valley bottom and higher up. It is also possible to ski down one of the greatest drops found anywhere in the Alps: without ever needing to take your skis off, it is possible to descend from 3000 to 1225 meter, form the Valletta peak, right into the center of town. How cool is that! After exciting two days of Ski, it is time for a little R&R BlackGirlTravel Style! 
In the early evening, board our priavte bus to the Bagni Vecchi Spa, where you will received a robe and towel then step back in time with a visit to the ancient Roman Baths. Nestled at the base of Mount Reit at the foot of the Braulio Valley, Bagni Vecchi is the the oldest thermal complex in the area, known as far back as the middle ages when it was referred to as the "Hospitium Balneorum" (home bath). Dive into more than two thousand years of history, from the Roman baths to the centuries-old grottos which lead from the hot water spring to the panoramic open air pool, overlooking the valley of Bormio. Six sectors with different spa treatment: relaxing, purifying, regenerating and toning, in an exciting context, unique in the world. The Roman baths which have been famous from the first century B.C., the Medieval baths, the Imperial baths and the Saint Martin Grotto that leads to one of the springs right in the heart of the mountain, offer incomparable timeless emotions. After some time to relax in the Roman bath. Return to the hotel for a good night sleep be for taking off for Switzerland.
St Moritz, Switzerland
Tuesday, December 9th - They said if you want the meet the wealthy, you must go where the wealthy go! When it some so skiing, that would be ST MORITZ ... even the name has RITZ in it. From royal polo matches on the frozen lake to abundant five star hotels and Russian money flying directly into the local airstrip, St. Moritz’s posh credentials are impeccable. Before heading to the hotel, you will tour the town but most of the action takes place behind the doors of the massive five star hotels, leaving others out in the cold. Because you will be traveling with BlackGirlTravel.com, you will have BENEIFITS. We been invited to stay at the 5-Star Badrutt's Palace, the "Grande Dame" of Swiss hotels and home to royalty, stars and sport lovers who value quality. Badrutts Palace Hotel is renowned for its exquisite luxury, first class service and limitless indulgence – a gem amongst world-class hotels which is constantly changing but still preserves its historical inheritance. It has been an icon of hospitality since its opening in 1896; high expectations are the yardstick for innovation and change. It is here where sophistication, lifestyle, high altitude and the champagne-climate meet the genuine St. Moritz flair bursting with exclusivity and style. Make sure you plan to arrive in style. Upon arrival, check in and explore the hotel, a site within its self. Remember, glamour is required even when just moving abound the hotel. Later in the evening meet the girls for a glass of Glühwein (mulled wine).
Wednesday, December 10th - Feel the sun on your face and the powder under your feet the whole day long with your two day Ski Pass. St Moitz can lay claim to 350 km (217 miles) of ski pistes. Not to mention fantastic weather – the Upper Engadin is truly blessed with an abundance of sunshine. Thanks to its altitude of between 1,800 and 3,303 metres (5,906−10,837 ft) above sea level, snow is guaranteed. Moreover, the highly modern ski lifts ensure a minimum of waiting time and a maximum of efficiency in a region that is renowned for its variety – after all, it was here that winter tourism was born almost 150 years ago. Carving paradises, freeride slopes, spacious nursery slopes, ski huts and snowbars, all bursting with ambiance and promising lively après-ski fun. When it comes to snow fun, St. Moritz has it all. Later return to the hotel for a special Fondue party with wine before heading down to the lounge.
Thurday, December 11th - Carpe diem ... seize the day! Join you new friends (you met in the lounge) for your final day on the slopes. If you are done with sking and snow boarding, how about trying out optional Parasailing, bob sledging or riding an old fashion horse drawn sledge. Now, it would not be a BlackGirlTravel.com tour without a themed party night and this time we are doing it BIG. The Badrutt's Palace is know for its "timeless" elegance. This night we will take a step back to a time of glitz and glamor ... the 50's. Tonght channel your inner Dorothy-Dandridge, the look will be vintage 50's Hollywood glamour. A time when woman understood ultra feminine sex appeal was both empowering and strong.
Some of our Favorite places for 50's inspired dresses are www.stopstaringclothing.com and www.bettiepageclothing.com. Don't underestimate ow much make-up and hair add to your look. Think bright red lips, head-scarf, killer heels, and wavy or curly hair, which really complement this retro chic, whereas heavily lined eyes and stick-straight hair would be completely out of place. It is all bout GLAMOUR! All the men will pause, when we walk into the room. That is how WE DO IT!
Friday, December 12th - Depart for the United States.
As with all travel international travel local changes sometimes happen that can effect plans. We reserve the right to make minor changes in the itinerary if necessary due to weather conditions and/or other factors beyond our control or to enhance your travel experience.
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