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

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
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.

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.”

Debra, Massachusetts

Phenomenal Job

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

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
Yvette, Virginia

Super Experience

“All in all, a super experience.”

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
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!

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
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!

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
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
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
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
Lynda, Massachusetts

Humor, Knowledge and Surprises

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

Tuscany
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
Jan, Montana

Loved every minute!

Loved every minute!

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
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!

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.

Tina, Colorado

Exceeded Expectations

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

Italian Lakes
Lisa, Illinois

Fantastic

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

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
Kim, Connecticut

Fantastic!

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

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
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!”

Carol, Virginia

Wonderful!

It was a wonderful trip!

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.

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.

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
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.

Rene, New York

Renewed My Spirit

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

Florence
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.”

Italian Riviera and Florence
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.

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
Cynthia, Mississippi

Love

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

Tuscany
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, 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
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
Rita, Florida

Amazing

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

Tuscany
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.

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.

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

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