GOLDEN WEEK IN SICILY

For Women Only

September 27 – October 6, 2025
4 spots Left – Reserve Today!
100placesinitaly@gmail.com



led by Author Susan Van Allen

Susan Van Allen infuses her tours with enthusiasm, engagement and enchantment!…
–Christina, Massachusetts

Susan Van Allen, 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go, Women's Travel Italy, Small Group Tours for Women Only in Italy

Attention All You Wonderful Women!

It’s Time to Treat Yourselves To The Pleasures of Sicily

Delicious Tastes of Palermo / Dazzling Monreale /
Valley of the Temples at Sunset / Mount Etna Wine Tasting /
 Ceramic Artisans in Caltagirone / Bella Taormina/ Awesome Siracusa
5 Star Hotels
 

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA to Palermo, Italy
Day 2: Welcome to Palermo, with Cocktails and Dinner
Day 3: Fun Cooking Class in Palermo
Day 4: Splendid Monreale / Welcome to Agrigento
Day 5: Discover the Scala dei Turchi and Historic Agrigento /
Sunset in the Valley of the Temples
Day 6: Caltagirone, City of Ceramics / Bella Taormina
Day 7: Delights of a Mount Etna Winery
Day 8: Discover Siracusa
Day 9: La Dolce Vita / Farewell Dinner in Taormina
Day 10: Transfer to Catania, Flight Home 

September 27 – October 6, 2025
$7990 per person sharing a double room
$8990 per person in a single room
$350 Deposit for Reservation
Full Payment Due July 15, 2025
To Sign Up, or for more info, Contact Susan at
100placesinitaly@gmail.com
4 spots Left – Reserve Today!
Small Group Tour – 14 max

Full Itinerary

Itinerary subject to change. If changes must be made because of weather or unforeseen circumstances, replacement events will be equally as awesome as above.
 
Activity Level: Bring comfortable walking shoes! The historic centers of the towns and villages we visit and stay in are pedestrian only, and our time there will include some walking together to discover their treasures and time for you to go at your own pace–which may range from settling into a caffe to people watch or exploring further on foot if you wish. You should also be prepared for rocky paths at the ancient sites we visit in Agrigento and Siracusa, which are basically flat, but require attention when walking. Also be mindful that some days will include 2 to 3 hours of private bus rides, so, if necessary, precautions should be taken for motion sickness.

What’s Included

  • Entertaining hosting by author Susan Van Allen, focusing on Italy’s celebration of all things female
  • 2-night hotel accommodation at a 5* hotel in Palermo (Grand Hotel Et Des Palmes)
  • 2-night hotel accommodation at a 5* hotel in Agrigento (Doric Boutique Hotel)
  • 4-night hotel accommodation at 4* hotel in Taormina (Villa Taormina)
  • Transportation by private minibus, including roundtrip transfers from Palermo airport and to Catania airport
  • Daily buffet breakfast at the hotels
  • 4 multi-course dinners, with wine
  • 1 cooking class followed by lunch
  • 1 lunch at a winery
    1 lunch in Ortigia
  • Guided tours of Monreale, Valley of Temples, Taormina and Siracusa
  • Private boat excursion around Ortigia island
  • Entrance fees to Monreale’s Cathedral, Valley of Temples, Archeological park in Siracusa, Duomo in Ortigia
  • Option to take a “Godfather Tour” to see where scenes of the movie were filmed
  • Travel Journal
  • Gratuities for all group activities
  • Charitable donation of $25 to UNICEF
What’s Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Meals not specified in itinerary
  • Gratuities for private transfer drivers and hotel staff
  • Optional travel insurance
  • Everything not mentioned under “the itinerary includes”
Women Only Tours, Italy Tours, Italy Travel

The week is expertly designed and hosted by Susan Van Allen, with a balance of planned group and free-time independent experiences.

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A Toast to Golden Weeks

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.

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
Patti, Massachusetts

Extraordinary

This is an extraordinary tour. You feel like a privileged Venetian insider when you spend a Golden Week in Venice with Susan Van Allen, visiting both the must-see sights and the hidden treasures of this beautiful city. And Susan, an extraordinary guide, makes everyone feel relaxed, as she shares her love and deep knowledge of Italy with the group.

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.

Kim, Connecticut

Fantastic!

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

Lynda, Massachusetts

Humor, Knowledge and Surprises

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

Tuscany
Gail, Toronto, Canada

Five-Star – Inspiring!

This was my fifth trip to Italy travelling independently and with other companies and by far the most memorable. Susan sets the bar high for other companies to come up to. It’s five-star all the way from accommodation to meals to outings with guides. Her joy and love of adventure are inspiring! Read her book!

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!

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
Kay, Chicago

Changed My Life

“Dear Susan, Your zest for Italy and life and independence for women traveling, changed my life and led me onto more amazing travels and new friendships world wide!!”

Southern Italy & Italian Riviera
Barbara, Rhode Island

Spectacular

I’m still tingling from our amazing trip to southern Italy! I prayed it would be a wonderful experience and I got an amazing dream experience! The PLACE, the WONDERFUL WOMAN in our group, the perfect location of our hotel, my perfect travel companion–my niece Lori, all allowed for a spectacular and beautiful memory. Only Susan Van Allen could have made it all possible! She brought it all together for an Amazing Week! Thank you Susan!!!

Rita, Florida

Amazing

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

Tuscany
Lisa, Illinois

Fantastic

“Fantastic! A great combination of busy and relaxing.”

Tuscany
Jan, Montana

Loved every minute!

Loved every minute!

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!

Joyce, Virginia

Amazing

Susan is an amazing guide, and by the end of the week she is a good friend. I believe I would follow her anywhere. She sees to the needs of each person with care and makes sure that nothing is overlooked. She provides the best kind of unique travel experience. Sign me up for another!

Deb, New Jersey

Surpasses My Expectations

“My week far surpassed my expectations. I can’t imagine a more beautiful place to visit and will definitely go back. The group was wonderful. Susan was terrific and I had tears in my eyes saying goodbye to Fiorella. A truly wonderful experience for me.”

Southern Italy
Cynthia, Mississippi

Love

“Italians really know how to enjoy life. I would love to do this once a year!”

Tuscany
Debra, Massachusetts

Phenomenal Job

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

Florence
Yvette, Virginia

Super Experience

“All in all, a super experience.”

Southern Italy
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
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
Diana, Oregon

Perfection

“Perfection! You gave us what you promised and then some. I think the biggest compliment was that I didn’t want to leave”

Southern Italy
Rebecca, Oklahoma

Experience of a Lifetime

“This has been an Experience of a Lifetime!!! Susan’s knowledge, her previous experience, and most especially the relationships that she has developed in Italy are priceless and invaluable to the overall exceptional experience!! I Highly Highly Recommend Golden Week!”

Southern Italy
Barbara, Tacoma, Washington

Highlight of My Life

That week will always be one of the highlights of my life. It was special in so many ways–being in beautiful Italy again, sharing it with my daughters and friends and Susan making it so special. Susan’s warm hospitality and love and knowledge of Italy is what makes it special and memorable.
I hope I can join another Golden week with you again in the future.

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
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
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.

Patti, Florida

Fabulous

This was a fabulous trip with a lovely group of women. The pace was perfect and the tours were amazing. I wouldn’t change a thing and would highly recommend any of the Golden Weeks with Susan – she thinks of everything and makes your week an awesome journey full of wonderful memories!

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
Donna, Pennsylvania

Excellent

A tremendous learning experience at each site. Guides were excellent.

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.

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.

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
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
Carol, Virginia

Wonderful!

It was a wonderful trip!

Mickey, Massachusetts

My Dream Vacation

This has been my dream vacation. Susan Van Allen is the most thoughtful, caring and warm individual. She made all of us feel at home and was there to assist us in every way. I cannot praise her enough.

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
Liz, New Jersey

Love Traveling With Her

“It doesn’t get any better than traveling with Susan Van Allen. Her choices and talents are so appreciated. She goes out of her way for each of the guests personal needs. I love traveling with her and feel very spoiled now to travel with anyone else.”

Venice
Helen, California

Designed By An Artist

“This trip was clearly designed by an artist–everything flowed along beautifully, a delicious transformational experience of La Dolce Vita!”

Tuscany
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!

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

Ready To Sign Up?

In Partnership 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 Christine at Perillo’s Italy Vacations, info@italyvacations.com

Would you like me to book a Golden Week in Italy for you and your family or friends?
You can gather a group of 10, and we’ll do it!
OR I can custom-design an itinerary for your group—Let’s Talk!

Would you like to arrive early or extend your Golden Week, in Palermo or Taomina? Discounted hotel rates and packages can happily be arranged. Just ask!