my feet don't want to go to sleep

Over the past 10 years I have found myself regularly in Italy. Outside of a brief break during the pandemic, I have always made an effort to visit. Normally visiting means crashing at Francesca’s house in Milan or Ian’s house wherever he is living in Italy. I have visited by train and plane and car. None of the times I have gone would ever be considered luxurious. It is always a dollar, a spare space to crash, and a dream.

This time was different. I had the immense pleasure to plan the incentive trip for the Armani Beauty fragrance sales winners. The hard working people who had increased sales of certain fragrances were invited to Italy on an all expenses paid trip. My client called me, presented the budget, and said my favorite words, “what do you think we can do?” I was off into planning. We were researching cities, islands, flight patterns. Could we go to Pantelleria, the island where Mr. Armani has a house? We had to visit Milan as the fashion house came from there. After many presentations and much fun searching we landed on Milan for 2 nights and Venice for 2 nights, plus the fly in and out days making it 6 days to arrange.

Here was our itinerary, feel free to replicate but know this is not one of my personal trips. Expect $$$$.

Milan

Stay

As employees of Armani, the Armani Hotel offered us an extremely reduced rate. This 5 star hotel sits in the fashion district and screams quiet luxury. It is in the shape of an A from above. Nothing seems to have a door, all seamless. The black marble and custom scent greets you with the cream and dark browns creating this soothing atmosphere.

We hosted the welcome reception and dinner in their restaurant with views of the Duomo. The black and white marble, warm sunset, and tall mirrors plus a 3 piece jazz band welcomed my group to the week. I could almost cry. If I could guess a dream event, planning a trip to Italy for Armani would have to be it.

Explore

Our group could choose two excursions, one on a bus ride to Lake Como for a walking tour and time at a gorgeous lakeside restaurant, the other in the city with a fashion history walking tour and lunch in a vine covered grotto. My manager took the group to Lake Como. I was just there last summer and was excited to join my main client in Milan and learn more about the fashion heritage of this city.

The tour I took included an incredible lunch, a walk around the fashion district to learn the history of all the Italian houses, Gucci, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana. We then toured the Duomo itself. In all the times I have walked by that overpowering structure I have never paid for a ticket to go inside. The marble, the columns, and the stained glass, the art Italians put into everything is so intentional.

We walk through the mall that sits next to the duomo and see all the high fashion stores. The tour ends at the theatre, but no extra ticket for me. Worth touring if you have time as it is historic and gorgeous.

I walk back in the summer heat and pack the gift bags we are room dropping. We had silk ties and scarves for everyone as a surprise. We had our two main clients write a thank you note that we put in. Luxury hospitality is all about the little touches that make a difference.

Eat

Now there is no way I can outline what you should be eating in Italy. My other posts about Italy have some restaurant recommendations from local friends.

One we went to was Don Lisander, in a gorgeous grotto of vines with insane pesto.

Train

To get from Milan to Venice we hired a private train car. I didn’t even know you could do that! So much better than flying as you can really enjoy the Italian country side. Plus the train rolls right into Venice exiting into the city itself surrounded by water. We had a private bus pick us up and manage our luggage. Door to door service is the lux way! From the private bus we walked through the gorgeous but notorious train station. Everyone sat down, enjoyed each others company, and watched the Italian landscape roll by. A little time later a plate was delivered with a small breakfast and Prosecco. Everyone was exclaiming, first how much we were eating, and second, how incredible this has been! I sat there smiling, sipping my Prosecco with my manager enjoying their delight.

The train rolls into the station, our contact meets up with me and shows me the private water taxis waiting for us. The porters take the bags and I follow her out to the sun. I literally catch my breath. The beauty is astounding. The water truly sparkles blue green, the buildings sit across the water, and the most handsome taxi drivers you have ever seen stand there in well tailored Italian clothes. I tear up. This is success.

Venice

Stay

After reviewing so many options the JW Marriott being the chief competitor, we decided with the Gritti Hotel. Located right in the middle of it all so people could eat at their leisure and explore without worrying about grabbing a water taxi. This hotel is one of the oldest in the area. The gaudy style is on full display. There are marble busts, loud carpets, and wallpaper decorated with colors and designs changing in each room. I have planned a welcome reception as we have arrived a little before the rooms will be ready.

We have the kitchen to ourselves to enjoy little breads, cheeses, and pizzas or approaching the Aperol Spritz bar. We have a bottle of Prosecco in everyone’s room along with a fruit plate also so there is no plan to stop eating!

We sit down and our two main clients gush on what a trip this has been. This has been an event planners dream so I am ecstatic they are as happy with it as I am. Everyone leaves feeling overly full but happy to arrive.

Explore

We had two tours available, one a city tour and the other to see the 3 islands. I really wanted to experience the islands here, each having a specific skill and talent. Danielle said she would take the city tour group. Back on the water in the gorgeous boats we slowly exit the city and then speed towards the islands. Little wooden posts show the way and make the route like mile markers. Morano, Burano, and finally Torcello are the 3 included. Morano for glass blowing, Burano for lace, and Torcello for Cipriani the famous Italian restaurant.

Morano has been blowing glass since the 1300s. We follow the tour through and watch them live blow glass into the shape of a horse. The talent is astonishing. My wallet is itching but there is not anything calling me.

Burano is a colorful island with each house a different bright color. We are told from our guide that this is so the fisherman can find their way home after sunset. We are taken to a store where there is an older woman creating lace. She tells us the history and how many of the young people are not interested in the work. A woman looks at the most beautiful veil I have ever seen and considers it for her daughter. It is $300, I am single and not even remotely thinking about marriage but I will buy it if she doesn’t.

Torcello is our final destination and a relief to be back on the water to escape the heat. In this ivy covered grotto we sit down to a large table for lunch. There is a garden behind and a fan blowing the hot air around. A variety of fish dishes greet us one after another. We all leave incredibly full and ready for a nap. The breeze of the speed boat on the way back is a welcome wake up call.

Danielle had maneuvered for us to take the spare gondola ride. We had a couple have to leave because of a family emergency. I dropped everyone off at the hotel and went to meet her. Danielle and I carve through the water streets of Venice appreciating leaving the loud harbor where Italians were fighting to get people onto boats. It is surprising how quiet it is down these water streets.

Travel

We exited the city the most picturesque way imaginable. The water taxi took us on the hidden water highway towards the airport. Planes flying overhead as we zipped underneath on the water. Our destination was Sicily to celebrate a successful program. I would love to not have to cater to someone for a day and just lay seaside.

If you are like wow that is amazing but I am not expensing this, take a look at these ways to explore Italy.