MILAN

Welcome to Italy! And welcome to Milan, the fashion and design capital of the world. After you settle into our lovely hotel, we will gather for a delightful welcome dinner where you'll meet fellow travelers and toast to the beginning of our Italian adventure. We will kick off our fiber-filled adventure the next day with a visit to a wonderful yarn shop in Milan known for its vibrant selection of high-quality yarns and warm, welcoming atmosphere. After a hands-on workshop and a delicious lunch, we'll embark on a walking tour to experience the stunning Duomo di Milano, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with breathtaking spires and intricate details. Next stop, La Scala opera house, a historic and cultural gem. And for the cherry on top, we’ll indulge in a gelato-tasting session to satisfy that sweet tooth!

GENOVA

Upon arrival in Genova, we'll dive into the vibrant local market and learn the art of making authentic Genovese pesto. Enjoy the fresh, aromatic flavors and take home the recipe. After a busy day, we will have time to soak up the beauty of our hotel (loved by Alfred Hitchcock, and whose spiral staircase was an inspiration for his film Vertigo) and gather for some knitting time.

GENOVA-CANDIA CANAVESE

Our morning begins with a guided walking tour of Genova, showcasing its rich history and stunning architecture. In the afternoon, we'll visit Lanivendole, a charming fiber studio where you'll meet adorable cashmere goats and shop their luxurious yarns. Enjoy a hosted aperitivo before we drive on to our next destination, Candia Canavese.

CANDIA CANAVESE

We will start our morning with a visit to a Ducal Palace - a castle with rich history, stunning gardens, and opulent interiors. After a scenic lakeside lunch, we'll head to mYak, known for its ethically sourced and luxurious yarns. We will hear about mYak’s inspiring beginnings and have time to shop their beautiful yarns along with a cheese tasting featuring local varieties.

VERONA

On Friday we will head east towards Trento and Verona with a delightful lunch stop in Bergamo. A longer driving day today will be rewarded by our arrival at our beautiful hotel, Balis Crema, where we will unwind with some relaxing wine and knitting time in the picturesque surroundings. The next two days will be the ultimate Italian holiday with plenty of time to explore or simply relax in our lovely surroundings. A walking tour of Verona to soak in the romantic atmosphere of this historic city, a vibrant food and wine festival showcasing local crafts and delicacies, and a wine-tasting at a stunning villa will all allow us to savor the rich flavors of the region and allow us to discover that sense of place.

VERONA-MILAN

Our last day will be spent delving back into the local fiber scene!  We will visit the La Brogna Sheep and Alpacas of Lana al Pascolo owned and operated by Cristina Ferrarini who sells her yarn from a charming storefront in the quaint village of Molina. She will demonstrate her indigo dyeing techniques and we will have plenty of time to shop her lovely yarns. We'll enjoy lunch on our way back to Milan, where we'll spend our final night.

HOMEWARD BOUND

After a leisurely  breakfast, we'll transfer to the airport, bidding farewell to new friends and the beautiful memories of La Bella Italia. Until next time, arrivederci!

Sydney is a knitter, spinner, crocheter, dyer, and felter. She loves to explore how different local cultures work with fiber.  At one time Sydney managed Quail Hill Farm including sheep for fiber and meat as well as pigs, goats, horses, donkeys, too many cats and dogs, plus various types of poultry. She took her sheep wool from shearing to dying, using her own dye plants, to spinning to knitted garments.  Sydney grew up in NYC and Switzerland and is fluent in French, Italian, and German. She worked for many years as a French teacher and mentor in Waldorf Schools. Before that she worked as a financier on Wall Street and she now uses those skills for strategic planning at Rowan Tree.

Hailey, a professor of studio art, specializes in painting, printmaking, drawing, knitting, and crochet, and is currently based in Florence, Italy. From childhood, her artistic journey has been intertwined with the tactile allure of yarn crafts, working with yarn since she was 7 years old. Her true passion lies in transforming intricate designs into wearable pieces of art, crafted with simplicity and ease. She grew up in the United States, but has found her home in Tuscany. She is fluent in English and Italian, and she loves to share the rich and historic Italian culture around yarn and fabrics with others. When she’s not working or knitting/crocheting, she enjoys being in the outdoors, and exploring Italy in an attempt to try all of the different local cuisines.