GOLDEN WEEK IN SOUTHERN ITALY:

For Women Only

OCTOBER 18-26, 2025
SOLD OUT!
Join the Waiting List
100placesinitaly@gmail.com

led by Author Susan Van Allen

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…
-Gale, Vermont

capri_susan_van_allen_pinkhat_Southern_Italy-Tour2015

Join Susan Van Allen, author of 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go, for her most popular Golden Week. This is an inspiring adventure in southern Italy, based in a historic Sorrento hotel, where the elegant soul of Bell’Italia bursts forth, with the sparkling Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop. Discover marvels of Capri, vibrant Naples, fascinating ancient ruins of Pompeii, blissful thermal springs of Ischia, and the magical Amalfi coast towns of Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi. Shop for artisan treasures, toast with robust local wine, and enjoy delicious, world-famous cuisine.

This is a Gift of La Dolce Vita=the Sweet Life, custom-designed for a small group experience (maximum 10) and led by Susan so that women can fully experience Italy’s rejuvenating pleasures.

View Sneak Peak

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA
Day 2: Welcome to Sorrento, with Cocktails and Dinner
Day 3: Fun Cooking Class in a Sorrento Family Villa
Day 4: Bliss out in a Thermal Park Spa and Beach on the island of Ischia
Day 5: Discover the treasures of Bella Napoli, pizza included
Day 6: Explore fascinating ruins of Pompeii / Positano at Sunset
Day 7: Delightful day in enchanting Capri
Day 8: Amalfi Coast Drive: Amazing Amalfi Spectacular Views from Ravello’s Gardens / Farewell Dinner
Day 9: Transfer to Naples for your Flight Home
OR stay an extra 4 nights for
Extra Golden Days on the Island of Ischia

October 18-26, 2025
$6490 per person / sharing a double room
$7490 per person / single room
$350 deposit to reserve
Final Payment due August 1, 2025
Small Group Tour – 10 guests max
SOLD OUT!
To Join the Waiting List,
Contact Susan at 100placesinitaly@gmail.com

Read WHY these trips are ideal for Mother-Daughters / Aunts-Nieces





Full Itinerary:

*Itinerary subject to change. If because of weather or unforeseen circumstances changes need to be made, replacement events will be equally as awesome as above.

*Activity Level: Bring comfortable walking shoes! The historic centers of Naples and Capri 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 if you wish. Positano, nicknamed “The VeriticalTown”, because of all its steps, will be the most challenging workout. Touring Pompeii involves walking along uneven, rocky pathways–you can opt for the 1.5 hour tour there or continue on for a total 2.5 hour tour. There are also ferry rides to Naples, Capri, and Ischia, as well  as a smaller boat excursion to Capri’s Blue Grotto, which require those with motion sickness to take precautions.

What’s Included:

  • Entertaining hosting by author Susan Van Allen, focusing on Italy’s celebration of all things female
  • 7 nights at 4-star Hotel Imperial Tramontano in Sorrento, in rooms with garden views
  • Transportation by private minibus, including roundtrip transfers to/from Naples airport or train station
  • Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel
  • 3 multi-course dinners, with wine
  • 1 cooking class followed by lunch
  • 1 pizza lunch in Naples
  • Guided tours of Capri, Naples Historic Center, Archaeological Museum, Santa Chiara Cloisters, and Ancient Ruins of Pompeii, with whisper headsets
  • Private boat excursion to Capri’s Blue Grotto
  • Thermal park entrance fees in Ischia, with access to 22 warm pools, sauna, private beach, and restaurants
  • Entrance fees to museums and Pompeii
  • Sunset visit to Positano, with seaside dinner
  • Visit to Ravello’s Villa Cimbrone or Villa Rufolo Gardens
  • Visit to Amalfi
  • Gratuities for all group activities, to guides and service providers
  • Travel Journal
  • Pre-Trip Booklet with packing list and other helpful information
  • Charitable donation of $25.00 to the Pompeii Sustainable Preservation Project to support the excavation work of this historic treasure

What’s Not Included:

  • Airfare
  • Meals not specified in itinerary
  • Spa treatments, such as massages or facials
  • Everything not mentioned under “What’s Included”
capri_susan_van_allen_Tour_Italy2015

La Dolce Vita!

Perfection! You gave us just want you promised and then some.
–Diana, Oregon

Women Travel Italy, Italy Travel, Italy Tours

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

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!

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
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
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!

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!

Barbara, North Carolina

Loved

“Loved every minute.”

Southern Italy
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
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
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
Carol, Virginia

Wonderful!

It was a wonderful 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!”

Southern Italy
Jan, Montana

Loved every minute!

Loved every minute!

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
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
Tina, Colorado

Exceeded Expectations

“Susan exceeded my expectations! Would love to tour with her (and the ladies) again!”

Italian Lakes
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
Rita, Florida

Amazing

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

Tuscany
Debra, Massachusetts

Phenomenal Job

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

Florence
Lynda, Massachusetts

Humor, Knowledge and Surprises

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

Tuscany
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
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.”

Southern Italy
Kim, Connecticut

Fantastic!

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

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
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.

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!

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
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.

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
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.”

Italian Riviera and Florence
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
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!”

Florence
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.”

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
Helena, New York

Trip Extraordinary

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

Southern Italy
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.

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
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.”

Venice
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.

Yvette, Virginia

Super Experience

“All in all, a super experience.”

Southern Italy
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!!!

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!

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

Ready to Experience La Dolce Vita?

Say YES to this Adventure TODAY!
Space is limited and this tour Sells Out.

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

Italy Vacations can also arrange for early arrivals or later departures, at hotels in Sorrento, Naples, or other locations in Italy — Just ask when signing up!