Sharing the Love!
“The itinerary was exactly the right mix of local food markets, architectural sightseeing, sampling local delicacies, aperitifs, eating in spectacular locations, and hiking, e-biking and walking excursions.
The highlights involved learning about new ingredients and flavour combos through expert cooking demonstrations and a hands-on session in the kitchen of our grand old Tuscan villa.
Our tour hosts, Sophie and Felicity were incredible. Always smiling, super accommodating and flexible, funny, enthusiastic, and ever ready for a spontaneous adventure.
Together they provided the secret sauce that made this trip truly outstanding. If you have the chance, seriously consider doing their 2025 Italian Tour, you will love it! “
— Julie, Gold Coast QLD
Sophie’s Northern Italy Food Tour, Oct 2024
“I loved Pink Pelican Tours so much, I did a second trip.
My trip to Venice and Slovenia was an absolute dream!
Every stop was so thoughtfully planned; from wandering the colourful streets of Burano to exploring the fairytale lakes and mountains of Slovenia. The mix of culture, food, and scenery was incredible.
Flis and Sophie made everything effortless, fun and created a wonderful group atmosphere. I’ve come home with unforgettable memories, a full camera roll and would do it again in a heartbeat!
Highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting beauty, adventure, and a bit of magic." “
— Anita, Goondiwindi QLD
Sophie’s Venice & Slovenia Tour, November 2025
Kaye booked on the tour on her own.
“What an amazing experience, all round! Initially, traveling solo in my 40s was something I was very fearful of . A dreamy thought that was tricky to see come to life. So happy i chose to travel with Pink Pelican Tours!!
Felicity, tour co oridinator, is so friendly, professional and supportive from my initial general questions about Pink Pelican tours though to anything that popped up whilst on tour. I chose the Northern Italy tour with very creative and knowledgable food writer and entour guide Sophie Hanson. 8 days and evenings of bliss, everything was already planned and tweeked efficiently, if needed ,on the spot. I just enjoyed each uneke moment experiencing the local , non tourist style and diverse intinery. From walking the streets , exploring the local fresh food markets and the exquisite palaces of Turin , An ebike tour and wine tastings through the scenic rolling hills of Alba , walking and cruising the coastline of Cinque Terre, special cooking classes with my favourite foodies Emiko Davies and sophie Hansen Tuscan style, then a spot of shopping at the leather markets, and more memories captured in Florence on my way out .
Never once did i feel alone, thanks to the likeminded friendly inclusive small group of tour members. Fun, Fun Fun . Once strangers now, friends for life. Highly reccomended . I'm already dreaming about my next venture with Pink Pelican Tours !
— Kaye, Adelong NSW
Sophie’s Northern Italy Food Tour, May 2025
Sarah booked on the tour with her mum.
“Wow!! Wow!! What an amazing, relaxing, social, hectic (in a good way!), cup filling experience!!
As a busy mum of three the idea of a holiday that I didn’t have to plan sounded too good to be true!
But it really did live up to my expectations.
No planning where to stay, shop or eat!
Just check your WhatsApp from the Tour Leader each day and enjoy the ride!!
There was also opportunity for down time.
A swim in the pool, a massage, a cocktail at the rooftop bar with a friend….tick, tick, tick!
Our Tour Leader Mel was super organised and was always checking in to ensure everyone was happy.
Mel did a wonderful job wrangling 14 women each day, keeping us on time but in a very, no pressure kind of way!
Each of us walked away from the experience with some amazing purchases, from custom made leather goods, amazing jewellery, and dresses.
I would highly recommend this trip and if the opportunity comes, I would definitely do it all over again!!
— Sarah, Wallendbeen NSW
Girls only Bali Tour, May 2025
“My experience with Pink Pelican Tours to Italy was incredible! I cannot recommend this trip highly enough.
We were incredibly fortunate to have Sophie Hansen as our tour guide. Her deep knowledge of Italian culture, food, and restaurants truly elevated the experience. Sophie’s ability to speak fluent Italian was inspiring to witness — it opened doors, created genuine connections, and added such authenticity to our time in Italy. Her insights and recommendations made every dining experience and destination even more special.
From start to finish, Felicity was an outstanding tour coordinator. Her organisation and attention to detail were second to none, and her ability to calmly and efficiently redesign plans when little bumps in the road arose was invaluable. She ensured that everything ran smoothly, allowing us to simply enjoy the journey.
This was my first overseas trip together with my mum and sister, and the memories we made will last a lifetime. The time spent exploring Italy together was unforgettable.
The restaurants and food were amazing, the accommodation was comfortable and of a high standard, and the day tours were a perfect mix of shopping, exploring, and soaking up the culture. One of our absolute highlights was visiting the Cinque Terre – such a stunning part of Italy.
We also had the pleasure of travelling with Nenad, our incredible bus driver. He went above and beyond, from carrying luggage up and down stairs to navigating tricky roads with ease. His sense of humour, warmth, and professionalism made every journey enjoyable – nothing was ever too much trouble.
Another unforgettable highlight was riding e-bikes through the Tuscan wineries. Covering 15 kilometres in a day sounded daunting at first, but with the breathtaking scenery, wonderful guides, and great company, it was an experience we’ll never forget.
The wine tastings and cellar doors we visited were truly world-class. We were welcomed with open arms, treated like VIPs, and enjoyed incredible lunches paired with outstanding wines. Every visit felt authentic and personal, showcasing the best of Italian hospitality. I’ve learned so much about Barolo and can’t wait to return to Italy one day to continue exploring and tasting their amazing wines.
The group were an absolute delight to travel with. The bus rides were comfortable and never too long, filled with laughter and new friendships.
We also loved visiting Turin, a beautiful city not always on the typical tourist trail. It felt authentic, relaxed, and full of hidden gems. Throughout the entire trip, we felt completely safe, well looked after, and privileged to stay in such lovely accommodation.
And of course – the shopping in Italy was incredible!
Overall, our Pink Pelican Tour to Italy was truly special – the perfect balance of adventure, culture, relaxation, and connection. I’m so grateful for the memories and can’t wait to book another Pink Pelican trip in the future”
— Katie, Rankin Springs NSW
Sophie’s Northern Italy Food Tour, May 2025
“What a week! We travelled all the way from our little town of Young to Bali to celebrate our beautiful friend’s 40th—and the Pink Pelican Shopping Tour made it absolutely unforgettable.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear we were in for something special. We were taken to hidden spots we’d never have found on our own: think tucked-away boutiques, incredible homewares, local artisans, and food that we’re still dreaming about. Every day felt like a new adventure, and every night was filled with laughter and that lovely kind of tired you get from a perfect day.
Our accommodation was stunning—peaceful, beautiful, and perfect for lounging poolside with a drink in hand. Our Tour Leader had thought of everything and made us feel so welcome and looked after.
It wasn’t just a shopping tour—it was the most joyful, soul-filling celebration. We came home with treasures, full hearts, and stories we’ll be telling for years.
If you’re ever thinking of doing something special with your girlfriends—this is it.”
— Liz, Young NSW
Girls only Bali Tour, May 2025
” Thank you for creating an amazing boutique food, wine, art, culture, nature filled and active tour for ladies. My daughter, Harriet who lives in Italy joined in for the Venice part of the tour and felt so welcomed and loved by the group.
We had so much fun! Made new friends …laughed so so much…learnt about local culture, food and wine… and had an unforgettable experience.
Venice is truly magnificent, and Slovenia’s nature and people made this trip so memorable. The trip was so well organised and I can’t wait to do it all over again”
— Kate, Cooran QLD
Sophie’s Venice & Slovenia Tour, November 2025
“Thank you Sophie and Felicity for a wonderful Food Tour to Italy. All your planning for the trip well and truly exceeded my expectations.
I would highly recommend any of your future tours having enjoyed 8 wonderful days and nights traveling from Turin to Tuscany.
There were so many special moments for me from the Palaces and gardens of La Venaria Reale to the historic coffee and wine bars of Turin and Genoa as well as several visits to the food markets and especially the White Truffle market.
The e-bike tour was yet another highlight cycling with ease up to the hill top towns and through the local vineyards- it was a day to remember ending with a magnificent lunch with the best view ever at the Marrone winery .
Meeting Emiko Davies and her husband Marco in the charming town on San Miniato was a fabulous insight into the local Italian cuisine, followed by a delicious tasting of breads and risotto paired with local wines was yet another of many memorable days.
I loved the fact that there was always an element of surprise each day from the accommodation to the locations we passed through. Cinque Terre- one of my dream destinations didn’t disappoint despite some arduous terrain it was worth every step of that journey to be met by unique hilltop towns .
I hope one day I can rejoin you for another tour.”
— Meriel, Sydney NSW
Sophie’s Northern Italy Food Tour, October 2024
Pip booked on the tour on her own.
“I highly recommend this very special tour through some unique and beautiful areas of northern Italy!
Accompanied by our gorgeous organiser, Flis, and delightful tour guide, Sophie, I was incredibly spoilt from Day 1. Both Flis & Sophie went above and beyond – I felt truly cared for, safe and always very well fed! The small details were all attended to and nothing was ever too much trouble. There were so many hidden gems on this tour including historic sites, fresh food markets, an early morning Bicerin mission (oh so good!), lunch in an historic palace garden and a tour of Italy’s Wine Bank – unforgettable experiences!
I have so many highlights - cooking and lunching with beautiful Emiko Davies & her husband in San Miniato, e-biking through vineyards of the Langhe region, hiking the Cinque Terre Coast trails and a cooking class with Sophie in our Tuscan villa were among my favourites, but there were so many more.
It was such a special treat to spend eight days with like-minded country women and enjoy exploring such a beautiful part of the world together – topped off with memorable meals, gelato, chocolate, wines of the regions and many laughs - heavenly!”
— Pip, Mudgee NSW
Sophie’s Northern Italy Food Tour, October 2024
Sarah booked on the tour with her mum and sister.
“My Northern Italy trip with Flis and Sophie from Pink Pelican was absolutely amazing. The e-bike ride through the countryside and the boat trip along the Cinque Terre were real highlights—beautiful, relaxed, and full of laughter.
Flis and Sophie have such a great balance—everything ran so smoothly, yet the whole trip felt easy and fun. The group was lovely too, with great people and plenty of laughs. I came home feeling refreshed, inspired, and already keen for the next Pink Pelican adventure!”
— Sarah, Orange NSW
Sophie’s Northern Italy Food Tour, May 2025
“I highly recommend this tour as it gave me the confidence to see even more of Europe, making it the trip of a lifetime.
Sophie and Felicity were a great team looking after everyone and taking us to some amazing places and experiences that just wouldn’t have happened on a larger tour.
The highlight for me was the E bike ride as we weren’t just passing through on a bus but bike riding through the Italian countryside, being able to stop and take it all in and really appreciate where we were, finishing with an amazing lunch atop a hill with beautiful views at a local winery.
Where it all came together was at the end where we watched Sophie cook after going to the local markets and selecting fresh local produce - so many great tips to now try at home.
I loved it. It was a great group of people to experience it with. Coming from the bush, this was all I could have hoped for!”
— Fleur, Ivanhoe NSW
Sophie’s Northern Italy Food Tour, October 2024
“I was lucky enough to be part of the Inaugural Bali Shopping Trip.
What a fun adventure it was!
The itinerary was a good mix of shopping and relaxation, with everyday offering something new and exciting.
Our Tour Leader did a great job of meeting everyone’s needs and keeping us organised. They were flexible when required and the attention to detail made the trip very relaxing.
Restaurants we attended where amazing, as well as finding a few local gems.
It was such a fun trip where great memories & new friendships have been made.
Have already recommended to family and friends!”
— Belinda, Barraba NSW
Girls only Bali Tour, May 2025
Annie booked on the tour on her own.
“This tour was an amazing lifetime adventure. It exceeded all my expectations, and I would advise anyone to experience it. The organisation & attention to every little detail by Sophie & Felicity made the tour so relaxing.
Every day was different and the excitement you felt as to what was next just continued on. I found the talks by Sophie on the history of each place invaluable. I could write hundreds of interesting and fun things about the tour.
See for yourself - sign up and enjoy the fun we all had!”
— Annie, Lorne VIC
Sophie’s Northern Italy Food Tour, October 2024
Sue booked on the tour with her two daughters.
“I thoroughly recommend this tour for its wonderful blend of food, culture, shopping, and stunning landscapes.
We loved Turin, with its vibrant markets and the stunning La Venaria Reale tour, which provided us with an in-depth insight into the history of the House of Savoy.
Wine tasting at The Slow Food Wine Bank was a unique experience, and of course, we liked them all!
Biking through the Langhe region and vineyards challenged some of us, but the wine tasting and local food made it all worthwhile.
Seeing the Cinque Terre from the boat was just spectacular; a great alternative due to the train strike, and Fliss being so resourceful, thank you.
Cooking in San Miniato with Emiko Davies inspired us all; she was so generous with her time and expertise. Followed by our entertaining dinner in The Butcher Shop restaurant, how unique.
A wonderful group of travellers made the whole experience so much fun.”
— Sue, Terrigal NSW
Sophie’s Northern Italy Food Tour, May 2025