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
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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!”
Kim, Connecticut
Fantastic!
Susan Van Allen was fantastic! Loved every day on the tour! Thank you!!!
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.”
Debbie, Connecticut
Thoughtful Planning
“Thank you for such a wonderful and memorable trip. The tour far exceeded my expectations and that was primarily due to your thoughtful planning and meticulous execution. You took care of every detail and I just loved that you made sure everyone was always taken care of. The women on the trip were all lovely and, of course, that added to the positive experience.”
Yvette, Virginia
Super Experience
“All in all, a super experience.”
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.”
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!”
Lynda, Massachusetts
Humor, Knowledge and Surprises
“Susan’s humor, knowledge and surprises really made this vacation one of my very favorites!”
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.
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!”
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.”
Debra, Massachusetts
Phenomenal Job
“Susan Van Allen did a phenomenal job as our leader. The group of women was delightful.”
Patti, Florida
Fabulous
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.”
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!
Jan, Montana
Loved every minute!
Loved every minute!
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.”
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.
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!
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!!!
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!
Chris, Massachusetts
Inspirational Guide
“Susan is an inspirational guide who creates an aura of beauty and joy in some of the most beautiful places in Italy! Truly fell in love with Florence—so much so that began to plan a return trip with Susan almost as soon as we returned. Highest of recommendations only!”
Rita, Florida
Amazing
“Amazing…All my passions were enlightened at each breathtaking step…I recommend it highly.”
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!”
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!”
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.
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.”
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.”
Rene, New York
Renewed My Spirit
“The trip renewed my spirit on so many levels…Susan was a wonderful tour host.”
Lisa, Illinois
Fantastic
“Fantastic! A great combination of busy and relaxing.”
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.
Helena, New York
Trip Extraordinary
“Susan Van Allen is amazing, she went above and beyond to make this trip extraordinary.”
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!
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!
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…”
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!
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!”
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?