GOLDEN WEEK IN TUSCANY:
For Women Only
September 15-22, 2024
Susan made this trip First Class!…Can’t wait to do it again.
–Sarah, New Mexico
Based in the lovely town of Lucca, highlights of this Golden Week include
— Countryside Cooking Class
— Spa Time in San Giuliano Terme
— Chic Forte dei Marmi on Market Day
— Visit a sculptor’s workshop in Pietrasanta
— Discover Pistoia, aka “Little Florence”
— Belle Epoque Wonders of Montecatini Terme
— Pisa’s Leaning Tower and Campo dei Miracoli at Sunset
— Evening Puccini concert in Lucca
— Tuscany at Harvest Time…Fabulous Food and Wine all along the way!
A Toast to Golden Weeks
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!
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.
Christine, California
A Great Time
“A great time traveling with Susan Van Allen, she takes great pride with her groups. I loved traveling with all the ladies and sharing this experience with all.”
Patti, Florida
Fabulous
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.”
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!”
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!!!!”
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!”
Debra, Massachusetts
Phenomenal Job
“Susan Van Allen did a phenomenal job as our leader. The group of women was delightful.”
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.”
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.”
Lynda, Massachusetts
Humor, Knowledge and Surprises
“Susan’s humor, knowledge and surprises really made this vacation one of my very favorites!”
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.
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.”
Sarah, New Mexico
First Class
“Susan made this trip First Class! My adventure to Venice this year was a solo trip. I met all the women along with Susan the first night. It was like Susan had hand picked each one of us to enjoy this experience together. We all became friendly right away. Each day sharing a meal, walking together, shopping, getting to know each other had created a special bond. We cared for one another, we watched out for one another throughout the whole week. By how the week unfolded, it was apparent that Susan had gone to great lengths to ensure our comfort, safety, and entertainment. I had an opportunity to learn to row a gondola. After the rowing lesson, I got off the boat taxi near the hotel- there was Susan- waiting for me. She was there making sure I was safe and interested to know my experience. I think I read on Susan’s website that when you take a tour with her you will feel like you’re traveling with your best friend. That’s a true statement. Can’t wait to do it again.”
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.
Joyce, Virginia
Wonderful Trip
“What a wonderful trip. Susan made it all so enjoyable and fun – and always with the exclamation point to finish each day. Our group managed to mesh very well. It is always nice to let people go at their own pace.”
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.
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.”
Helen, Maryland
Wonderful Adventure
“Dear Susan, I can never thank you enough for that wonderful adventure we got to share with you. It is right at the top of my favorites…it was just so beautiful there you simply have to see it to believe it. This is the only time in my traveling life that I really wanted to stay. I think I should quit traveling now because I have seen the best with the best.”
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”
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.”
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!”
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.
Kim, Connecticut
Fantastic!
Susan Van Allen was fantastic! Loved every day on the tour! Thank you!!!
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!
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.”
Tina, Colorado
Exceeded Expectations
“Susan exceeded my expectations! Would love to tour with her (and the ladies) again!”
Barbara, North Carolina
Loved
“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!
Helena, New York
Trip Extraordinary
“Susan Van Allen is amazing, she went above and beyond to make this trip extraordinary.”
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!”
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.”
Lisa, Illinois
Fantastic
“Fantastic! A great combination of busy and relaxing.”
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.
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…”
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!”
Mary, Florida
The Best
“Susan was just the best. She did a super job. I look forward to taking another trip with her.”
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!”
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!”
Cynthia, Mississippi
Love
“Italians really know how to enjoy life. I would love to do this once a year!”
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!!!
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!!”
Say YES to this Adventure!
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?