PREMIUM GOLDEN WEEK IN THE ITALIAN RIVIERA
AND FLORENCE:

For Women Only

MAY 2 – MAY 11, 2025
SOLD OUT!
Join the Waiting List:
info@italyvacations.com

led by Author Susan Van Allen

Susan Van Allen infuses her tours with enthusiasm, engagement and enchantment! She is exceptional in her knowledge of the area we visited and ensured we felt both part of a group yet individually independent. We had the trip of a lifetime…
-Christina, Massachusetts

Join Susan Van Allen, author of 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go, for an inspiring Premium Golden Week in two extraordinary locations, the Italian Riviera and Florence. You’ll have an insider’s experience of these beauties — meeting my friends–from our cooking class chef to artisans who craft jewelry and ceramics and guides who are entertaining and passionate. We’ll have fun staying in luxury hotels, dining in my favorite traditional restaurants, and experience a range of beautiful places: enchanting coastal villages of the Italian Riviera, including chic Portofino, stunning Cinque Terre, the beautiful Tuscan town of Lucca, and masterpieces of art and architecture in Florence. The joys of Italy will be with us every step of the way, bonding us with laughs, discoveries, and heartfelt toasts.

This is a Gift of La Dolce Vita=the Sweet Life, custom-designed so that you can be fully immersed in Italy’s inspiring, delicious, and rejuvenating pleasures. AND it’s a PREMIUM Golden Week — featuring 8 nights, instead of our traditional 7.

A Peek at Golden Weeks Past…

Brief Itinerary:

Day 1: Depart USA to Genoa, Italy
Day 2: Welcome to your Golden Week
Day 3: Taste the Italian Riviera – Cooking Class and Aperitivo Time in Portofino
Day 4: Full Day in Extraordinary Cinque Terre
Day 5: Free Morning in Santa Margherita Ligure / Experience Magical San Fruttuoso / Sunset in Camogli
Day 6: Discover Lucca / Welcome to Florence
Day 7: Discover Florentine Treasures, including Michelangelo’s David
Day 8: Masterpieces of the Uffizi Galleries / Ceramic Painting Workshop
Day 9: La Dolce Vita Day in Florence / Farewell Dinner
Day 10: Arrivederci – Depart from Florence

May 2-11, 2025
Small Group Tour – 16 max
$8490/per person in double room
$9490/per person in single room
$350 Deposit to Reserve
Final Payment due March 1, 2025
SOLD OUT!
Join the Waiting List —
info@italyvacations.com



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! Florence and the lovely towns of the Italian Riviera are mostly pedestrian only, and our time there will include 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. There are also ferry rides and drives on curvy roads, which require precautions to be taken for those with motion sickness.

What’s Included:

  • Entertaining hosting by author Susan Van Allen, focusing on Italy’s celebration of all things female
  • 8 nights at First-Class Hotels, 4 nights Hotel Continental in Santa Margherita Ligure and 4 nights Plaza Hotel Lucchesi in Florence
  • Transportation by private minibus, including arrival transfers from Genoa airport or train station and departure transfers to Florence airport or train station.
  • Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel
  • 4 multi-course dinners, with wine
  • 1 cooking class in Chiavari, followed by lunch
  • 1 lunch in Lucca
  • Excursion to Portofino, with shopping and aperitivo
  • 1 ceramics painting class
  • Guided tours by charming local experts, with whisper headsets in Florence Historic Center, Santa Maria Novella Basilica and Cloisters, Skip-the-Line at Uffizi Gallery, Cinque Terre, San Fruttuoso Abbey, and Camogli
  • Entrance fees to museum and monuments, including Accademia (Michelangelo’s David)
  • All gratuities for group activities: guides, drivers, and servers at group meals
  • Travel journal
  • Pre-Trip Booklet with helpful packing information
  • $25 Donation to Friends of Florence, for art restoration projects

This week is expertly designed with a balance of planned group and free-time independent experiences

What’s Not Included:

  • Airfare
  • Meals not specified in itinerary
  • Optional Travel Insurance
  • Everything not mentioned under “What’s Included”

La Dolce Vita!

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

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

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.

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
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.

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!

Kim, Connecticut

Fantastic!

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

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
Debra, Massachusetts

Phenomenal Job

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

Florence
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.”

Florence
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
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
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.

Barbara, North Carolina

Loved

“Loved every minute.”

Southern Italy
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
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
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.”

Southern Italy
Rene, New York

Renewed My Spirit

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

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.”

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
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!

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!

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.

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!

Donna, Pennsylvania

Excellent

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

Lisa, Illinois

Fantastic

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

Tuscany
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
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
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.

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
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!!!

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
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!”

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
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
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
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.”

Southern Italy
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!

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.

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.

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
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
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

Ready to Experience La Dolce Vita?

Say YES to this Adventure TODAY!
Space is limited and this tour Sells 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 Christine at 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, with discounted rates at hotels in Genoa, Florence, or any Italian destination