Women Only Small Group Northern Italy Tour
Join us as we travel though Venice, Verona, Bologna and Lake Garda!
October 11th to October 20th 2026
Travel Northern Italy with a small group of women who love food, wine and those one of a kind experiences with the locals of Italy.
We will start our trip in Verona, where we will get to unpack and relax for 7 nights! From here we will do various day trips to places like Lake Garda and Bologna.
Then we will move on for our final two nights in the magical canals of Venice! But don’t worry, we aren’t staying in the overcrowded areas known as the “tourist trap.”

Why You’ll Love Our Tours
I’ve done the big group tour thing, being just another face in a crowd, hopping on and off buses, rushing from one stop to the next. You end up more tired than when you left.
It took me a while to figure out what makes a tour actually enjoyable, especially in Europe where options are endless.
This is a completely different experience. We travel at a slower pace, with time built in for real connection and personal space.
You can join in when you want or have time on your own when you need it.
We also avoid constant hotel changes so you can actually unpack, settle in, and relax.
This tour is for women who love:
- Food! Select meals are included on this trip at some of the best restaurants in Verona and Venice!
- Wine! Love a little vino tasting? This tour is for you!
- Slow Travel! We prioritize taking our time in a destination.
- Free time! While there is an organized activity every day, we have also built in free time for you to relax!
How it works
Reserve
To secure a spot on this tour, a non-refundable deposit of 20% is required at the time of booking. We accept all major credit cards.
Pay
Set up your payment installements or pay in full. Trip must be paid in full 45 days prior to departure.
Bon voyage!
Prepare for your trip! We will send you travel details and add you to our group chat and private group webpage.
Hotel Selection
Where We Are Staying
We will spend seven nights in the Indigo Grand Hotel Des Arts.
This stylish boutique hotel is located in the heart of Verona, just steps from the Arena and Piazza Bra. Blending classic Italian charm with modern design, this elegant hotel offers cozy rooms, an inviting courtyard, and a refined on-site bar.
This hotel makes for the perfect base for exploring the city in comfort and style.
In Venice, we will spend two nights at the charming Hotel Al Codega.
Tucked away in a quiet courtyard between St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, this hidden gem offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.
With classic Venetian décor, comfortable rooms, and a warm, welcoming vibe, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring the canals.


















Our Itinerary
Sample Itinerary:
- Day One: Arrival in Verona, afternoon bike tour with aperitivo, and welcome dinner in a local restaurant.
- Day Two: Guided walking tour of Verona’s highlights, followed by a hands-on Italian cooking class with dinner.
- Day Three: Full-day Lake Garda excursion including free time in Sirmione and Garda with a scenic boat ride.
- Day Four: Free morning in Verona, afternoon wine tasting tour in the Valpolicella wine region.
- Day Five: Full-day excursion to Mantua and the Sigurtà Gardens with a guided city tour and garden visit.
- Day Six: Explore Vicenza’s historic center and visit two iconic Palladian villas with guided tours.
- Day Seven: Day trip to Bologna including a food tasting walking tour with local specialties.
- Day Eight: Train to Venice, check-in at hotel, afternoon bacaro tour with cicchetti and wine tastings.
- Day Nine: Morning walking tour of Venice’s highlights, gondola ride in the afternoon, farewell dinner.
- Day Ten: Private boat transfer to the airport from your hotel in Venice. Arrivederci!
What’s Included
Pricing
Inclusions
- Arrival & Departure Day Airport Transfers
- 9 Nights Accommodation
- 3 Dinners
- Breakfasts
- Local Guides
- Ground Transportation
- Entry Fees & Tickets
- Wine Tours
Exclusions
- International Airfare
- Travel & Medical Insurance (Required)
- Tips for Guides
- Alcohol
- Meals Unless Mentioned
- Gifts
Pricing
- €5,999 for Single Occupancy
- €4,850 for Double Occupancy
- Includes 20% Non-Refundable Fee
- Payment Plans Available
ITINERARY DISCLOSURE
THE PUBLISHED ITINERARY FOR NORTHERN ITALY IS A SAMPLE ITINERARY. ACCOMMODATION, ACTIVITIES, AND EXPERIENCES MAY BE MODIFIED BASED ON WEATHER, AVAILABILITY, OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.
TRAVEL INSURANCE DISCLOSURE
A TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICY THAT COVERS MEDICAL EXPENSES, TRIP CANCELLATION, AND OTHER TRAVEL-RELATED ISSUES IS REQUIRED FOR ALL TOURS. POLICIES OFFERED BY TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS DO NOT MEET THIS REQUIREMENT FOR COVERAGE.
Travel medical insurance is mandatory for all participants. To join us, your insurance policy must include at least $100,000 USD coverage for medical emergency evacuation and repatriation.
Credit Card insurance will not be accepted as valid travel insurance for our tours. Therefore, we strongly advise securing a travel insurance policy BEFORE you make any payments towards the trip.
While many of our guests prefer Faye, it’s important to find a policy that aligns with your specific needs. Other reputable providers include Allianz Travel Insurance, Nationwide Travel Insurance, and John Hancock Travel, among others.
Keep in mind, all payments made towards the tour are non-refundable. Travel insurance typically covers cancellations only for covered reasons, which may include unexpected illness (yours or a family member’s), severe weather conditions, or job loss.
For those interested in “cancel for any reason” coverage—which is pricier but can reimburse you for 50-75% of the trip’s total cost—consider options like John Hancock’s “Gold” Travel Insurance or Nationwide’s “Prime” Travel Insurance. Note that these policies often need to be purchased within 14 days following your initial trip deposit.
IMPORTANT: When arranging your travel insurance, please account for any extra days you might be traveling outside our official tour dates, such as arriving a day early or staying an additional night at our suggestion. For instance, if you plan to fly out on October 2nd to ensure your timely arrival for the tour’s start, make sure your insurance coverage begins from October 2nd.
NON-REFUNDABLE PAYMENT DISCLOSURE
ALL PAYMENTS MADE TOWARD THE NORTHEN ITALY TRIP ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND PURCHASING COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL INSURANCE TO PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT AGAINST ANY UNEXPECTED EVENTS OR CIRCUMSTANCES.
COVID-19 VACCINATION DISCLOSURE
FOR OUR NORTHERN ITALY ISLANDS TOURS, PARTICIPANTS WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO BE FULLY VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19. OUR PRIMARY GOAL IS TO SAFEGUARD THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF OUR TOUR PARTICIPANTS WHILE ALSO PROTECTING THE COMMUNITIES WE VISIT. ALTHOUGH MANY DESTINATIONS HAVE RELAXED THEIR VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS, WE ADVISE ALL TRAVELERS TO STAY INFORMED OF AND COMPLY WITH LOCAL HEALTH GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS. PARTICIPANTS MUST UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO FOLLOW ANY DESTINATION-SPECIFIC COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM OUR GENERAL POLICY.
What They’re Saying…
Greece had long been at the top of my travel bucket list, and without a travel partner at the time, I went way out of my comfort zone and decided to go anyways. Besides the idyllic scenery and spectacular food, my trip exceeded my expectations because of Melissa’s diligent planning. The entire trip was a perfect balance of tours and excursions, immersive experiences, and free time, and everything was seamless. The bonus was the friendships formed. Melissa’s personable character effortlessly fostered a community of women whom I instantly felt comfortable with and who made it hard to say “See you later” at the end. I am so grateful for the experience A Solo Woman Traveling provided me!
Meghan c. Greece 2025Melissa is a pro at planning trips! I joined her and 9 other women in Greece in June 2025, and had a blast! Melissa did a great job planning – from the hotels to the activities (beaches, boats, food – what more can a girl want!). We unfortunately couldn’t go to Mykonos due to a wind advisory, but Melissa quickly pivoted and organized a great beach day and cheese/wine tasting in the evening. Most importantly, she ensured we got back to Athens and switched our ferry to guarantee the smoothest ride possible during the higher-than-normal winds. I would definitely recommend a trip with Melissa!
Katie r. Greece 2025Melissa, thank you for an amazing trip to Greece. You out performed in all aspects. I loved the small group, the destinations, and the overall organization. I will be travelling with you again in the future for sure.
Linda P. Greece 2025Melissa did a great job on planning a wonderful trip for us. She had all our accommodations made, which were prefect. Day trips were planned and were all amazing. Melissa was very easy to communicate with and responded quickly to any questions I had. The trip was seamless. Meet some wonderful women that I now can say are friends. Would absolutely book another trip with Melissa in a minute, actually planning one for next year. Best discission I could have made. Thank you, Melissa, you’re truly amazing!
Sue r. Greece 2025Melissa reminds me of a “duck” because she appears to be gliding beautifully across the top of the water, but underneath the water, her feet are working extra hard, behind the scenes, to make sure every aspect of our trip is perfect! My trip to Greece and a few of the Greek Isles was just perfect. I truly enjoyed Melissa’s company as well as the company of the other five ladies on our trip! I’m looking forward to joining Melissa on a future small group tour as soon as possible.
Birgit G. Greece 2025There aren’t enough words to describe this incredible trip to Greece! Melissa made this so seamless and easy! All we had to do is show up! The hotels were top notch, the tours, food , beach days ..everything was just so magical! I only wish I could go back next week! Thank you Melissa for making this an unforgettable trip for my girls and myself!
Pam W. Greece 2025I had a wonderful time. Melissa was the epitome of a fantastic guide, great organiser and happy travelling companion. Everything ran so smoothly, the accommodation was lovely and the organised activities and free time were perfectly balanced. Melissa could not have been more accommodating, she is very knowledgeable about the areas we travelled to. I can one hundred percent recommend a trip with Melissa and look forward to travelling with her in the future.
Trudy Z. Portugal 2025Traveling with Melissa Byron of A Solo Woman Traveling was an absolute dream. From the moment the tour began, every detail was taken care of with care and precision. The only decision I had to make was what to order from the menu—everything else was flawlessly handled. What made this women-only tour truly unforgettable: • Stress-free logistics: Accommodations, local transportation, daily schedules—completely taken care of. I never had to think about what was next or how we’d get there. • Incredible excursions: Each day brought a new adventure—jeep tours through stunning landscapes, breezy boat rides along the coast, tastings at local wineries, and guided walks through remarkable historical sites. Every experience felt curated just for us. • Beautifully chosen accommodations: Every hotel and guesthouse felt like a hidden gem—comfortable, charming, and perfectly located. • Supportive group atmosphere: There’s something special about traveling with a group of women. The camaraderie, laughter, and shared curiosity made it even more meaningful. • Impeccable planning: Every element felt intentional and seamless. I was able to be fully present, knowing everything was in good hands. I can’t recommend Melissa enough. If you’re looking for a worry-free, inspiring, and joy-filled way to explore the world—this is it. I’m already looking forward to my next trip!
Cindy C. Greece 2025I don’t even know where to begin to write a review about Melissa and her “A Solo Woman Traveling” trip planning. My mother, sister, and I booked the Greece 2025 trip with Melissa after a friend recommended her. Before the trip Melissa walked us through everything we needed to know to be completely prepared for our trip. Our travel to Greece was very smooth and once we landed there the pickups and hotel we checked into were PERFECT.. and that was how the rest of the trip was. PERFECT. Melissa thinks of every detail so that you don’t have to. She knows the area, knows what to see and what to skip. On our trip, we had a total group number of 10 women.. and I can say that I left this trip with friends I will have forever. I do not think that we will ever travel again to a place overseas without going with Melissa. The attention to detail, the flexibility, and the group of women accompanied by Melissa’s knowledge, professionalism, fun personality were the recipie for what will (for the rest of my life) be one of the greatest experiences of my life.
Vivian Portugal 2025I would give this trip ten stars if I could. Everything was so well organized. It was the perfect balance of planned activities and free time. We stayed at boutique hotels that had personality. We dined at a number of great restaurants. We were spoiled with boat trips, wine tastings and jeep tours. I can’t say enough wonderful things about how Melissa conducted this trip. It was the vacation of my dreams.
Lisa B. Greece 2025This was my second trip with Melissa, and once again, she exceeded all expectations. Every detail—from the beautiful accommodations to the amazing food and curated experiences—was perfectly planned and effortlessly executed. When unexpected weather rolled in, Melissa quickly adjusted our itinerary without missing a beat. What could’ve been a washout turned into one of the most memorable days of the trip, thanks to her flexibility and thoughtful planning. Her restaurant recommendations were fantastic, and her deep knowledge of the islands added so much richness to the experience. There’s a reason I keep coming back—Melissa makes travel easy, enjoyable, and truly unforgettable. This won’t be my last trip with her!
Katherine S. Greece 2025This was a fabulous trip. Melissa was a great host and planned the best itinerary. I think I saw the high points and intend to return.
Sara p. Portugal 2025I had the pleasure of joining the Portugal tour in May, and it was truly an unforgettable experience! Melissa has a real gift for curating unique, meaningful travel moments that go beyond the typical tourist path. Every detail felt intentional and special. I’m already looking forward to the next one!
Ana M. Portugal 2025I had the pleasure of being on Melissa’s Portugal trip September 2024. It was OUTSTANDING. The value for the money beyond exceeded my expectations. First of all, Melissa takes all the stress, planning, booking and things you don’t think of out of your mind. Second, everything she selected and booked was beyond perfect. There is an excellent balance of tours and free time. The tours Melissa hand picks are not mainstream and “touristy”, they are a blend of seeing all the right things and the hidden treasures. She is so well connected and focused in on creating a community with the local people that she has developed a unique, boutique style of travel. I can’t say enough about my experience. I wish I could give more than five stars. The amount of work that she puts in and takes away from you is mind blowing. WELL, WELL worth the money. I can’t wait for my next tour!!!
Tania r. Portugal 2024I had a better time than I could ever imagine! It was a wonderful experience. All of the women in our group were so fun and inspiring. I can’t wait to travel on another solo woman trip . Melissa thought of everything and made everyone feel special.
Cassie H. Greece 2024I had the pleasure of traveling to Greece with Melissa and eleven other amazing women during the first week of October, and I can’t say enough good things about the experience. Every day felt like the best day ever, but my absolute favorite was the day Melissa rented a private, ten-hour boat trip for island hopping. Everything was perfect, from the stunning scenery to the seamless organization. Melissa’s attention to detail and dedication to ensuring everyone had a fantastic time was evident throughout the trip. Anytime someone had an issue or needed assistance, Melissa was right there to help. Her enthusiasm and passion for creating memorable experiences made this trip truly unforgettable. I highly recommend Melissa for anyone looking to have an incredible travel experience. She goes above and beyond to make sure everything runs smoothly and that everyone has the time of their lives. Thank you, Melissa, for an extraordinary adventure in Greece!
Liz s. Greece 2024This trip was fantastic. Melissa did a wonderful job planning such that I just had to show up! I would not have been able to organize this kind of a trip by myself and been able to experience all that we did, yet the pace was relaxed. The chosen accommodations were excellent, the small group of ladies were a pleasure to travel with and I just loved Portugal! So many great memories and friendships made. Thanks A Solo Woman Traveling!
Cindy O. Portugal 2024I recently went on a tour of Portugal (Lisbon, Cascais and Sintra) with Melissa that she organized and it was amazing!!! The communication leading up to the trip and during was clear and concise. My time was being pulled in various directions before the trip and never once did I have to worry about a thing. During the trip the tours, restaurants, activities and recommendations were thoroughly thought out with care and thought about each of us on the tour. I will be looking forward to new trips and will join again in a heartbeat.
Katherine S. Portugal 2024The trip was amazing and for a first timer doing a group trip I could not have expected that I would have enjoyed it as much as I did.
Melissa organized this to perfection, from the arrival pick up at the airport to the last day. The hotels were perfect and the locations of each suited all of our needs and easy access to the ferries, boat rides and central to where we needed to go.
The organization of all the tours, trips and the extra special ones like the sunset cruise and taking photos of the most amazing sunsets! A day on the Aegean Sea with a private boat that included a few stops to swim in the Sea, a cave experience, traditional Greek lunch and even some dancing. The most beautiful sunsets on the boats that one could ask for! read more
Ana Marie p. Greece 2024This experience exceeded all my expectations. To meet some of the most amazing woman and to experience this journey together was life changing. From authentic Greek cuisine to historical sites to sunset sails and some of the most beautiful accommodations. Melissa(A solo woman traveling) our host beautifully crafted the perfect itinerary combining leisure time with historical site seeing and fun activities. Her seamless planning and attention to details showed in every way possible. Melissa provided us with experiences beyond my expectations and I cannot thank her enough. I would highly recommend A Solo Woman Traveling to anyone wanting a fun, relaxing and educational journey with great company.
Lauren p. Greece 2024I joined the trip to Athens, Naxos, Paros and Mykonos. I was an amazing trip and experience. Melissa is the most patient person and best travel guide I could ever imagine. She had everything planned out for transportation, lodging, activities and places to go for meals. This was my first trip out of the country and Melissa made me so comfortable knowing that she had thoroughly planned and researched everything down to all the smallest details. She left us with free time but also planned activities that made me feel like I got to experience a lot of what Greece has to offer. I would love to join another trip lead by Melissa. I appreciate her so much and think she is great at what she does.
Lauren T. Greece 2024We had an amazing, seamless trip. Everything was more than we ever expected. All the tours, hotels, and restaurants were top notch. Will definitely book another trip with Melissa in the future.
Ashely B. Greece 2024The trip was perfect. All the excursions were well planned and appealed to all the different individuals in our group. Our travel guide, Melissa, even added a personal touch by planning the naming ceremony/activity. The day on a private boat was magical. I never imagined myself swimming in caves and exploring quaint seaside villages. The trip exceeded my expectations.
Pat K. Greece 2024A Transformative Journey Through Greece: Embracing New Experiences and Lifelong Friendships Travel has always been a pathway to self-discovery and personal growth, and my recent adventure to Greece exemplified this truth. On October 1, 2024, I embarked on a journey that would take me deeper into both the waters of the Adriatic Sea and the rich cultural tapestry of Greece. This trip, inspired by following the blog of A Solo Woman Traveling – Melissa Leigh, was not only a tribute to my late husband, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 63, but also a leap towards reclaiming my independence and zest for life. read more
Coco M. Greece 2024I stumbled upon Melissa’s blog in early 2024, then joined her FB page and saw she had a female group trip to Greece in October 2024. I had no expectations, other than just wanting to explore a new country that I had not been to before without having to plan the trip myself. Been there, done that and takes a lot of time to do if you’re not familiar with the area/country. So I loved the idea that it was all planned out and all I had to do was book my flight and pack my bags! The trip was beyond anything I could have imaged. From the excursions, tours, dinners, etc., I could not have asked for a better trip. Some of the things that drew me in to her trip was that you had group and alone time to explore, stayed at boutique hotels and a variety of different tours/excursions. I loved the trip so much, that I am going on my second trip through A Solo Woman Traveling to France in August 2025!
Kristina A. Greece 2024What a fabulous experience! I can’t say enough about traveling on one of “Melissa’s Tours.” Exceeded my expectations. The hotels were gorgeous, restaurants impressed my foodie soul, excursions were a good combo of “there is a reason thousands flock here” and going totally off the beaten path. And completely stress free. All you have to do is get to your airport and then just sit back and enjoy. The best part though is the personal touch – getting to know both Melissa and travel mates in such a small group – you will walk away with a newfound family. It is both professional and personal at the same time. This truly is Melissas special sauce. I will be planning the next one shortly!
Liz Portugal 2025I don’t even know where to begin to write a review about Melissa and her “A Solo Woman Traveling” trip planning. My mother, sister, and I booked the Greece 2025 trip with Melissa after a friend recommended her. Before the trip Melissa walked us through everything we needed to know to be completely prepared for our trip. Our travel to Greece was very smooth and once we landed there the pickups and hotel we checked into were PERFECT.. and that was how the rest of the trip was. PERFECT. Melissa thinks of every detail so that you don’t have to. She knows the area, knows what to see and what to skip. On our trip, we had a total group number of 10 women.. and I can say that I left this trip with friends I will have forever. I do not think that we will ever travel again to a place overseas without going with Melissa. The attention to detail, the flexibility, and the group of women accompanied by Melissa’s knowledge, professionalism, fun personality were the recipie for what will (for the rest of my life) be one of the greatest experiences of my life.
Megan Greece 2025
Got Questions?
Each trip can vary, but typically we see participants between their mid 30’s to mid 60’s. Anyone over 18 years old is welcome to join.
We typically recommend you arrive 1 day early depending on where you are traveling from. In this case, you will need to arrange for your own accommodations for that early arrival date.
YES! Each day there is almost always time for you to explore on your own! We prioritize balancing time for yourself along with an organized activity!
All shared rooms will have twin mattresses.
Food in Italy is pretty reasonably priced. You can find the average price of an entree around 12 to 15 euros.
Generally, I have experienced:
Fine dining: €40+ per person for a meal at upscale restaurants.
Budget meals: €10-€15 per person at casual or street food places.
Mid-range restaurants: €20-€30 per person for a meal with a drink.
Our itineraries are pretty relaxed, but if you’ve got any concerns about mobility, just shoot me a message—I’m happy to chat about it!
Arrival: Fly into Verona Villafranca Airpor (VRN). The airport transfer is included. If you arrive early and are staying in the vincinity or at the hotel from the trip your transfer will still be included.
Departure: You will fly out of Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). The airport drop off is included. If you are not leaving on the last day of the trip your transfer can only be included if you are leaving from the same vincinity of the hotel from the trip.
Travel insurance is required. Your travel insurance plan must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, and evacuation expenses.
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, personal property, and COVID-19-related quarantine costs. While we’re here to support you during your trip, A Solo Woman Traveling LLC does not cover these expenses.
Please note: we do not accept credit card travel insurance, as it often lacks the comprehensive coverage our trips require.
It’s your responsibility to fully understand your travel insurance policy. Make sure it covers all activities listed in your itinerary (both included and optional) and that there are no exclusions that could affect your coverage. By agreeing to our Booking Terms & Conditions at checkout, you’ve confirmed that you alone are responsible for verifying your policy’s details and ensuring it meets our requirements.
When to Buy
Ideally, purchase your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. Some policies only cover trips booked within a specific time frame after payment. At the very latest, we require proof of coverage no later than 75 days before your trip departs.
Most nationalities—including travelers from the USA, Canada, the UK, and Australia—don’t need a visa for trips under 90 days in the Schengen Area.
To be safe, double-check your country’s official travel site or contact the nearest embassy for the most up-to-date entry requirements.
All tour payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. We require travel insurance to ensure you are protected in the event of a medical or family emergency. If you need to cancel for a covered reason, you can file a claim with your travel insurance.
Meet Your Host!
I’m Melissa
Your go-to girl for all things travel
I’ve traveled to over 40 countries solo! And I’m passionate about helping you explore the world.
My favorite part about traveling is trying the local cusine, taking photographs and making new friends!
I’m a big believer that anyone can achieve their goals if they are willing to work at it!.


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