8. November 2025

Vortrag von Dorothy Armstrong

Threads of Empire 

PRE ICOC TOUR TO LOMBARDIA

10 - 15 September 2014

Pavia, Como, Milan, Torino, Sartirana,

stefano_ionescu@yahoo.it

www.transylvanianrugs.com

• WED 10 SEPT - DAY 1 ARRIVAL TO MILAN AIRPORT

Transfer* from Milan airports Malpensa (MPX) or Linate (LIN) to the

relaxing Agriturismo Sant’ Espedito on the outskirts of Mortara (PV).

In the afternoon: visit Italy’s most spectacular square in Vigevano (opt).

8.00 pm - Presentation meeting and welcome dinner; (D)

• THUR 11 SEPT - DAY 2 PAVIA & SARTIRANA

8.30 am - Depart by private bus to Pavia (50 km); visit the famous Certosa.

12.00 am - Private visit to a carpet connoisseur, Edoardo Concaro,

who will present his collection: Anatolian rugs, kilims and fragments;

Brunch with local specialities and a glass of Oltrepò Pavese.

2.30 pm - Return to Mortara for a short rest (60 km).

5.00 pm - Depaart for Sartirana Textile Show www.lapilasrl.it

The show is held at La Pila, an ancient rice mill close to the medieval

Castle of Sartirana (20 km from Mortara), built towards the end of the

15th century. This event, now in it’s 10th year, organised by the

Florentine scholar and dealer Alberto Boralevi, has become the most

important collector’s show in Europe. It is also a great occasion to meet

Italian and international carpet dealers and collectors. (B, L, D)

• FRI 12 SEPT - DAY 3 COMO - LENNO

9.00 am - Depart by private coach to Como (100 km) where we will learn

about the top Italian silk makers; Visit Antonio Ratti Foundation and

examine precious Italian and Oriental silk velvets, cachemirs and textiles;

1.30 pm - Gourmet lunch with funghi porcini and trufles; stunning view of

Lake Como; visit the historical Villa Balbianello at Lenno; Time

permitting we can make some shopping at Mendrisio: www.foxtown.ch.

Return to Mortara (130 km). (B, L)

• SAT 13 SEPT - DAY 4 MILANO

9.00 am - Depart by private coach to Milan (70 km). Guided visit to the

Poldi Pezzoli Museum: the carpet collection and general tour;

Visit premier Milanese rug dealers who will showsome of the best carpets.

Free time for shopping or for visiting the Duomo or La Scala. Return to

Mortara; Dinner with Alberto Boralevi at Sartirana Textile Show. (B, D)

• SUN 14 SEPT - DAY 5 TURIN

8.30 am - Depart by private coach to Turin (120 km). Meet Taher Sabahi

who will guide us through his fascinating museum-gallery, the result of his

lifetime of collecting; www.taher-sabahi.org. Light lunch.

2.30 pm - guided tour of the Egyptian Museum were some of the earliest

textiles are on display. Return to Mortara; farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

• MON 15 SEPT - DAY 6 DEPART FOR VIENNA

Transfer* to Malpensa or Linate airports in connection to your flight.

Suggested flight from Milano - Malpensa to Vienna: Airberlin 8:35 - 9:55.

Tour Cost pp: €1.050 in double room. Single room supplement € 200.

*Transfer from/to Linate or Malpensa airports costs €100 (2 pax).