Vintage Italy New Year

Thursday 28th December 2023

Meet and greet at the airport before transferring to the Villa, depending on traffic it's about 1 hour 20 minutes. 

Meet and greet welcome at Villa Lomellini with the Villa Director Eduart and his brother and number one helper Elvis, many of you may have meet them on other adventures to Italy and Albania. Here in the Villa, it’s your first evening meal and the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.

Please note the timing of the first evening meal will depend on flight arrivals. 

Friday 29th December 2023

Genova  

After breakfast we depart to the coastal region of Liguria and the thriving city of Genova. You will have a full day at this historical seaport, birthplace to Christopher Columbus, also visiting the Genova Palazzo Reale. Built in 1643, becoming a Royal Palace in 1824 when it was bought by the Savoy family. The Palace is one of the largest architectural complexes of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in Genova with reception rooms, frescoes, stuccoes, paintings, sculptures, furnishings t belonging to the noble and royal families who lived there.

Full day in Genova with lots to see and explore, returning to Oltrepo Pavese for your second evening dinner.

Saturday 30th December 2023  

Visit the famous town of Gorgonzola just outside of Milan, here you will learn about the history of Gorgonzola town and the famous cheese before a private tour of the town, followed by wine and gorgonzola! 

Vintage Tram Magical Fine Dining Evening

Rewind, to the 1920, a hundred years ago, the war had ended, the Spanish Influenza pandemic was over and now comes the Charleston, the first TV is invented, movies talk, and airships are flying around the world, travel is on the move, apparently Scott Fitzgerald once quoted it was “the most expensive orgy in history” so now a hundred years later, you can return to the Roaring Twenties, riding and dining on a vintage tram, a ride through history across Milan’s historical sites. 

Dress up in your finest 1920 attire, long cigarettes holders, please note fancy dress is completely optional, as this is all about having fun and fine dining like it's 1928!  

Come on this magical journey through time aboard an elegant vintage trams. We have have 2 trams for exclusive use (numbers permitting). Menus to be defined later, with choices of Meat, fish or vegetarian and includes wines, our chefs are on board as we go. 

History 

In the 1920s, the trams were called Cars with trolleys”, Milan like many cities was going through great investment and reform, Milan wanted to increase its transport capacity, and these are all still in operation today! 

At the end of 1927 two more elegant prototypes were made and delivered to the Tranviaria Milan Company. The success was immediately clear, they were luxurious and such a big hit with the locals, travelling in style and in comfort, in the summer of 1928, 500 more were ordered and completed. To date, over a hundred "1928" still provide regular service on the Milanese tramway.

Flappers  

Between 1938 and 1939, major revamps took place, wider doors, and elegant rear sitting with padded sofas covered in red velvet.

2 of the vintage restaurant trams have been brought back to their original state with the restoration of the yellow and cream colours, internal refurbishment and the wood refurbishment, and yes there is a bathroom on board too!

So if you wish, dress up in your finest attire, long cigarettes holders, “Flappers “ as the new movement was called, get ready to fine dine like it's 1928! Claire says be careful, whilst wines will be flowing, uhm will there be Prohibition violations this night, be careful!

Sunday 31st December 2023

The last day of the year and welcome in the New Year, Italian style. 

After breakfast we will take the short transfer (10 minutes) to the small nearby town of Casteggio. Sunday is market day, shops are open and lots of bars and cafes, pop into Bar La Roma for an Aperitivo, maybe a sing along with the Casteggio Choir, or the local Museum, and then it’s back to Villa Lomellini to prepare for the New Year’s Eve Gala. 

Enjoy an aperitivo Spumante Reception, 4 Course Meal with Wines of Oltrepo Pavese, water and music. Another unique evening of delicious food, festive cheer and entertainment. 

Monday 1st January 2024

Lake Como, here you will the opportunity to have a mini boat tour on the lake, tour of Como town, followed by lunch in a local restaurant. Please note we cannot confirm the exact times of the Como boat trip as the timetables have not yet been finalised.  

Lake Como is an upscale resort known for its dramatic scenery, set against the foothills of the Alps. The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y, with 3 slender branches that meet at Bellagio.  At the bottom lies the city of Como, home to Renaissance architecture and a funicular that travels up to the mountain town of Brunate.  

This famous funicular has operated since 1894 and was originally operated using a steam engine. It’s now electrical taking you up to the top of the city for amazing views! 

Please note the funicular ride is optional and payable on the day.

Time to explore followed by lunch then returning to the Villa for a night of farewell games and a light buffet. 

Tuesday 2nd January 2024  

After breakfast it’s time to say goodbye to Villa Lomellini, Eduart and Elvis, as we transfer you to the airport for your flights home.