GOLDEN WEEK IN VENICE:

For Women Only

SPRING 2026

led by Author Susan Van Allen

Susan made this trip First Class!…Can’t wait to do it again.
–Sarah, New Mexico

Golden Week in Venice, 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go, Women's Travel to Italy

Join author Susan Van Allen (100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go) for this luxurious adventure in Venice, custom-designed with female friendly highlights. From your base in a Grand Canal Palazzo boutique hotel, you’ll experience the awe-inspiring beauty and boundless pleasures this destination has given travelers for centuries, in Golden Style–with private boats all along the way. You’ll be guided through masterpieces of architecture in Piazza San Marco, dazzling La Fenice Opera house, fascinating Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and have a day to explore Burano, the island of lacemakers. You’ll immerse yourself in the world of Venetian flavors at the bustling Rialto market, cook with a local signora in an elegant villa on the Lido, and blend with Venetian tradition as you paint a mask in an artisan workshop. With a group of wonderful women, you’ll enjoy breathtaking sights, delicious tastes, and discover hidden treasures.

The week is a gift of La Dolce Vita=The Sweet Life, in one of the world’s most magical destinations, giving you an inspiring experience that will become a golden memory for a lifetime.

View Sneak Peek
Brief Itinerary


Day 1:
 Depart USA for Venice
Day 2: Welcome to Venice, with cocktails and dinner
Day 3: Fun hands-on cooking class, beginning with visit to Rialto Market and moving on to class on Island of Lido
Day 4: Discover Piazza San Marco / Backstage Tour of La Fenice Opera House
Day 5: Discover Dorsoduro area and Peggy Guggenheim Museum / Fun Mask Painting Workshop
Day 6: Beautiful Day in Burano, Island of Lacemakers / Sunset Gondola Experience
Day 7: La Dolce Vita day in Venice / Farewell Dinner
Day 8: Arrivederci…Depart Venice with Golden Memories…
or stay 5 nights longer for
Extra Golden Days in the Veneto

MAY 26 – JUNE 2, 2024
$6690 / Per Person for a Double Room
$7690 / Per person for a Single Room
$350 deposit required for a reservation
Total Payment Due March 15, 2024


Small Group – 14 maximum

Read WHY these tours are great for Mother/Daughters – Aunts’Nieces


For more information, and to sign up for this adventure, Contact Susan Van Allen at 100placesinitaly@gmail.com

Full Itinerary

The Palazzo Sant’ Angelo hotel inspires oohs-and-ahhs on arrival. We get the red carpet treatment with our own private dock on the Grand Canal…

Perhaps end the Golden Day with music…

Private boat rides for our excursions are a highlight of Golden Week in Venice!

Our stop at the Caffe Florian, in our private salon, with a live orchestra playing in the piazza, is stepping into a dream world…

What’s Included

  • Entertaining hosting by author Susan Van Allen, focusing on Italy’s celebration of all things female
  • 6 nights at luxurious boutique hotel, Palazzo Sant’ Angelo, with side canal or courtyard views
  • Transportation by private water taxi for group activities, including arrival and departure transfers from Venice airport or train station
  • Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel
  • 2 multi-course dinners, with wine
  • 1 cooking class including Rialto Market tour and class on Island of Murano, followed by lunch
  • 1 lunch in Burano, the Island of Lacemakers
  • Mask painting workshop with Venetian artisans
  • Guided tour of Piazza San Marco, with entertaining local guide, whisper headsets included
  • Entrances to Basilica San Marco, Campanile, Santa Maria Glorioso dei Frari, and Burano Lace Museum
  • Sunset Gondola ride, with music
  • Gratuities for group activities: guides, drivers, and servers at group meals
  • Travel journal and optional writing workshops
  • $25 Donation to Save Venice

What’s Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Optional Travel Insurance
  • Everything not mentioned under “What’s Included”
Enjoy a Gondola Ride
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A Toast to Golden Weeks

Peggy, Ontario, Canada

Personal Service

“Love the personal service all along the way…Susan takes us all on a journey that brings every aspect of Italy to life!”

Italian Riviera & Florence
Ellen, Montana

Great Trip

Great trip led by Susan! The group of women were diverse and fun to be with. We had a lot of laughter!

Jolene, California

Enjoyed Ever Moment

“My thanks to Susan Van Allen for making her book come to life!!! I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this Golden Week. Susan’s heartfelt desire for everyone to enjoy their time was evident each and every day.”

Florence
Ginny, Connecticut

Loved

I loved how Susan blocked coffee breaks into the day, as well as aperitivi! I think the pacing is good on these trips—a nice balance.

Diane, South Carolina

Wonderful Week

“What a wonderful week. Susan’s attention to detail, expertise and genuine love for Italy was infectious and made the week so special. We made new friends and had amazing experiences.”

Southern Italy
Gale, Vermont

Warm As The Sun

“After spending several days with Susan I came to realize her love for Italy is as deep as the Mediterranean, she is as warm as the sun that sets in Capri…”

Southern Italy
Lynda, Massachusetts

Humor, Knowledge and Surprises

“Susan’s humor, knowledge and surprises really made this vacation one of my very favorites!”

Tuscany
Florence, Canada

Wonderful!

This was my first trip to Italy & I’m so glad it was with Susan Van Allen. It was so great to go to a different place each day. Whether we went by ferry or bus each trip was an unforgettable experience. I was sad when the trip was over, but our farewell dinner was absolutely delicious and a great ending to a wonderful tour. The trip was well organized, informative, and totally enjoyable.

Laurie, California

Great!

Susan was a great tour director! She was very organized, took care of us, and was very interested in getting to know each of us.

Jan, Montana

Loved every minute!

Loved every minute!

Helena, New York

Trip Extraordinary

“Susan Van Allen is amazing, she went above and beyond to make this trip extraordinary.”

Southern Italy
Denise, New York

Wonderful/Awesome Experience

“Susan Van Allen made my first trip to Europe a wonderful/awesome experience. She had everything planned out to the smallest of details. I didn’t have to think or worry about anything because everything was done for me. I can now say that I am spoiled for all future trips. I cannot wait to take another trip with her.”

Venice
Sheree, West Virginia

Best Travel Guide Ever

“Susan Van Allen is the BEST Travel Guide ever! Her expertise and knowledge was the key to everything! Susan takes you to places you would never find on your own! I would absolutely refer her to anyone! And I myself would travel with her again!”

Beth, New York

Wonderful!

This trip was unlike any trip I’ve ever been on. From the booklet that Susan sent prior to the trip to our daily text messages, everything was organized and well-planned — plus Susan kept us informed every step of the way. Even when the weather upended our plans, Susan pivoted and provided wonderful alternatives. Being able to stay in one hotel — and what a wonderful hotel it was! — provided us with a familiar home base from which to set out on our daily adventures.

But the best was spending a week in the company of a group of compatible women — we came from different backgrounds and perspectives but we blended into a group of women who enjoyed each others’ company. Plus, it was a perfect number of travelers — not too many and not too few. Thank you, Susan, for creating this experience and for such great memories! I hope I can join you on another trip in the future!

Bonnie, Texas

Unforgettable Memory

“It was an incredible experience to see Italy through our awesome host Susan Van Allen. The work behind the scenes that takes place to ensure an unforgettable memory for me was etched in my journal and heart. So thankful I said Yes to this trip!” 

Golden Week in Florence and the Italian Riviera
Lisa, Florida

Great trip!

Susan did an excellent job planning and executing the trip. Her extensive knowledge of the area and the people made this a memorable experience. Susan provided us with very knowledgeable local guides that enriched our experience. We also had plenty of time to do some exploring on our own. This was a great trip.”

Laura, Alabama

Perfect

“Susan made me feel like every detail of this week was planned for me personally. I did have reservations about going on a scheduled tour, but was delighted to see the activities were not rigidly dictated by time constraints. I was not rushed through to keep to a strict schedule, but allowed enough time to enjoy each activity. I also appreciated the amount of free time that was built into the schedule. It allowed me to personalize my experience in this beautiful city. Perfect.”

Florence
Nancy, Texas

It Was Great

“I will recommend this trip to anyone and would love to join Susan again for a trip….it was great!”

Southern Italy
Susan, Virginia

Outstanding!

On a Golden Week with Susan, her love of Italy shines through in each activity. The guides she chooses are outstanding and their passion for Italy is contagious. The trips are worry free from the moment you land in this beautiful country until it is time to say goodbye to new friends. I highly recommend Golden Weeks in Italy.

Gayle, Arizona

Feast For Our Senses

“I absolutely adored every enthralling, enlightening aspect of my Golden Week experience in Tuscany–a glorious time of female bonding and fun, as well as a feast of our senses absorbing it all!”

Tuscany
Maureen, New Jersey

Wonderful

“My Golden Week experience was wonderful…more than I had anticipated. Everything was so well planned, including all of my transportation arrangements. Susan helped to make our experience pleasurable as well as memorable. I would recommend this tour to anyone looking for a cultural experience while the enjoying the full flavor of Italy.”

Italian Riviera and Florence
Kim, Connecticut

Fantastic!

Susan Van Allen was fantastic! Loved every day on the tour! Thank you!!!

Homa, Maryland

Amazing!

This was my first tour and I was a little worried. But this trip was soooooo good and I am going to book Sicily in 2024. Our group was amazing! Fun fun fun!

Sheri, Texas

Fantastic

This was my first time in Italy, and the sites, activities and food were fantastic. The tour guides were incredibly knowledgeable. I would definitely take other trips with Susan — Bravo!

Pamela, Boston

Exceptional

I’ve been to Venice many times and wanted to experience it again on this trip with my sister. Susan created an exceptional itinerary that gave me a deeper, insiders’ experience of Venice — meeting her friends, including chefs, artisans, and a passionate local guide. The baroque hotel and private boat rides added to the beautiful fun.

Joye, New Hampshire

Magical

Susan Van Allen’s warm, friendly and very personable manner was spread amongst each of us. Her unfailing enthusiasm and personal attention made my Golden Week in Venice unforgettable. I will always remember my magical trip to Venice.

Deanna, New York

Dream Come True

“My dearest Susan, My deepest appreciation for making our trip to Southern Italy a dream come true. Although I had been there some time ago, nothing compared with the wonderful time we had with you. Not only as our guide, but as a new dear friend, you made the entire trip an experience I will never forget. Each one of the girls became like sisters. Your beauty, charm, humor, and kindness was more than I ever expected. I haven’t stopped talking about our trip.”

Southern Italy
Florence, Pennsylvania

Total Delight!

The entire trip was a total delight! Well organized, so many different adventures, people were wonderful!

Kim, California

Trip Was Fabulous

“The BEST way to begin retirement was to be with Susan and two of my close friends from childhood in Italy!! Overall the trip was fabulous!! Susan is the BEST, so knowledgeable, so helpful, so gracious, and immediately a close friend!”

Southern Italy
Melinda, California

Appreciated Her Work

Great group of women. Fun to get to know one another. Susan Van Allen knows how to lead a tour. I appreciated her work to keep us informed, engaged, moving, with plenty of time for relaxation. I’m sure each tour participant had different expectations regarding the overall experience, and Susan knew how to cater to each so everyone felt included.

Italian Riviera and Florence
Janice, Massachusetts

Incredible Planning and Attention to Detail

I thought the trip was fabulous! Susan’s planning and attention to detail were incredible. Her desire to help each of us feel welcome, included, and safe was evident in everything she did.
I also appreciated the choice of places and activities that would appeal to women, including opportunities to shop. Each of the restaurants was excellent and the choice of menu for our meals together was varied and delicious.

While I really enjoyed all the sites and the fabulous guides that you hired, what I valued most was my times at meals and walking and talking with all the wonderful women whose company I so enjoyed.
The plate that I painted has a place of honor in my home as it reminds me of all the fun we had. And I love wearing the gloves and the jewelry that I purchased. Thank you so much for taking me shopping! I loved the trip.

Christina, Massachusetts

Trip of a Lifetime

“Susan Van Allen infuses her tours with enthusiasm, engagement and enchantment! She is exceptional in her knowledge of the areas we visited and ensured we felt both part of a group yet individually independent. We had the trip of a lifetime last year, (Florence 2016), and this year was even better!!!! Hard to believe our first experience could be topped, but since it was—already saving up for the next trip with Susan!!!!”

Italian Riviera and Florence
Debra, Massachusetts

Phenomenal Job

“Susan Van Allen did a phenomenal job as our leader. The group of women was delightful.”

Florence
Liz, New Jersey

Excellent Trip

“The Golden Week in Santa Margherita Ligure was terrific. Susan put an excellent trip together, filled with many interesting tours seasoned with a variety that everyone would enjoy. Her shopping, dining, and other recommendations were always to perfection. It was like we all become a family during our stay.”

Italian Riviera
Mary, Florida

The Best

“Susan was just the best. She did a super job. I look forward to taking another trip with her.”

Southern Italy
Rene, New York

Renewed My Spirit

“The trip renewed my spirit on so many levels…Susan was a wonderful tour host.”

Florence
Barbara, North Carolina

Loved

“Loved every minute.”

Southern Italy
Denise, New Jersey

One in a Million

Susan Van Allen is truly “One in a Million”!! Susan puts her all into designing the most creative itineraries with exceptional attention to every detail. She cares so much about her clients’ individual needs and makes every woman feel like an Italian Princess. Warm, Caring, Funny, Intelligent… a true expert on everything Italy. My Mother and I have taken two trips with her so far and cannot express how much we loved everything about them! I would recommend Susan to everyone who wants the best experience of Italy and to have those memories to cherish forever.

Julie, Canada

Loved Our Golden Week

“I loved our Golden Week! Susan goes above and beyond to make sure everyone is having a good time and does her best to accommodate every need however necessary. The group size is ideal and having Fiorella as our guide was excellent. I hope to do another tour with Susan and would not hesitate to recommend these tours to friends.”

Southern Italy
Edie, Pennsylvania

Spectacular

“Dear Susan, My compliments to you on our tour of Southern Italy. Your knowledge of Southern Italy, your gifts, meals, just you Susan, you planned it well. The tour was nothing short of spectacular!! You are the Jewel  of Southern Italy.”

Southern Italy
Dee, New York

Awesome, as Always

“Awesome, as always! (Venice 2018)
I’d go on vacation with Susan anytime. She really works hard to make sure everyone is safe and having a good time. The food, the shopping… wish I was still there.”

Italian Riviera and Florence
Yvette, Virginia

Super Experience

“All in all, a super experience.”

Southern Italy
Rita, Florida

Amazing

“Amazing…All my passions were enlightened at each breathtaking step…I recommend it highly.”

Tuscany

Say YES to this Adventure TODAY!
Space is limited and these trips Sell Out.

In Collaboration with PERILLO TOURS, America’s Leading Tour Operator to Italy for over 70 years.

Contact Info:

TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE FOR GOLDEN WEEKS, or for more information, contact Susan Van Allen at 100placesinitaly@gmail.com

Would you like me to custom-design a Golden Week in Italy for you and your family or friends?

Would you like to arrive early or extend your Golden Week? We can arrange for discounted hotel rates and packages. Just ask!