GOLDEN WEEK IN VENICE:

For Women Only

April 18-25, 2026
SOLD OUT – Join the Waiting List
100placesinitaly@gmail.com

Susan made this trip First Class!…Can’t wait to do it again.
–Sarah, New Mexico

Golden Week in Venice, 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go, Women's Travel to Italy

Join author Susan Van Allen (100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go) for this luxurious adventure in Venice, custom-designed with female friendly highlights. From your base in a Grand Canal Palazzo boutique hotel, you’ll experience the awe-inspiring beauty and boundless pleasures this destination has given travelers for centuries, in Golden Style–with private boats all along the way. You’ll be guided through masterpieces of architecture in Piazza San Marco, dazzling La Fenice Opera house, fascinating Murano-Island of Glassmakers, and have a day to explore Burano, the island of lacemakers. You’ll immerse yourself in the world of Venetian flavors at the bustling Rialto market, cook with a local signora in an elegant villa on the Lido, and experience a Vivaldi chamber ensemble in a Renaissance church. With a group of wonderful women, you’ll enjoy breathtaking sights, delicious tastes, and discover hidden treasures.

The week is a gift of La Dolce Vita=The Sweet Life, in one of the world’s most magical destinations, giving you an inspiring experience that will become a golden memory for a lifetime.

View Sneak Peek
Brief Itinerary


Day 1:
 Depart USA for Venice
Day 2: Welcome to Venice, with cocktails and dinner
Day 3: Discover Piazza San Marco / Backstage Tour of La Fenice Opera House
Day 4: Fun hands-on cooking class, beginning with visit to Rialto Market and moving on to class on Island of Lido / Evening Vivaldi Concert in a Renaissance Church
Day 5: Meet artisans in Murano, Island of Glassmakers / Sunset Gondola Experience
Day 6: Beautiful Day in Burano, Island of Lacemakers / Exclusive After Hours Visit to Basilica San Marco
Day 7: La Dolce Vita day in Venice / Farewell Dinner
Day 8: Arrivederci…Depart Venice with Golden Memories…

APRIL 18 – 25, 2026
Small Group – 6 max
$8020/per person / single rooms only
SOLD OUT
Join the Waiting List, email me at 100placesinitaly@gmail.com

Full Itinerary

The Palazzo Sant’ Angelo hotel inspires oohs-and-ahhs on arrival. We get the red carpet treatment with our own private dock on the Grand Canal…

Private boat rides for our excursions are a highlight of Golden Week in Venice!

And we’ll be treated to an elevator ride to the top of the Campanile (bell tower) for amazing views.

Lunch and the early afternoon are free to enjoy on your own, with my recommendations.

In the late afternoon, you’ll have an exclusive backstage tour of La Fenice, one of the most famous opera houses in the world.

We’ll hear the fascinating history of this venue, including stories of Diva Maria Callas, as we walk through dazzling halls, enjoy the view from the Royal Box, and end with an aperitivo in the Apollonian banquet room.

The evening is on your own to enjoy the pleasures of Venice.

Meals Included: B

What’s Included

  • Entertaining hosting by author Susan Van Allen, focusing on Italy’s celebration of all things female
  • 6 nights at luxurious boutique hotel, Palazzo Sant’ Angelo, with side canal or courtyard views
  • Transportation by private water taxi for group activities, including arrival and departure transfers from Venice airport or train station
  • Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel
  • 2 multi-course dinners, with wine
  • 1 cooking class including Rialto Market tour and class on Island of Lido, followed by lunch
  • 1 lunch in Burano, the Island of Lacemakers
  • Guided orientation walk of Venice, with entertaining local guide, whisper headsets included, and skip-the-line entrance to Campanile
  • Guided visit to Murano, Island of Glassmakers, with private visits to artisan studios
  • Visit to Burano, Island of Lacemakers, with entrance to Lace Museum
  • Exclusive After-Hours Guided Visit to Basilica San Marco
  • Sunset Gondola ride, with music
  • Gratuities for group activities: guides, drivers, and servers at group meals
  • Travel journal and optional writing workshops
  • $25 Donation to Save Venice

What’s Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended)
  • Everything not mentioned under “What’s Included”
Enjoy a Gondola Ride
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A Toast to Golden Weeks

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!!!

Jan, Montana

Loved every minute!

Loved every minute!

Rene, New York

Renewed My Spirit

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

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
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!

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
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
Donna, Pennsylvania

Excellent

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

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
Barbara, North Carolina

Loved

“Loved every minute.”

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.

Yvette, Virginia

Super Experience

“All in all, a super experience.”

Southern Italy
Arlyn, Connecticut

Great!

A really great trip!

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
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
Lisa, Illinois

Fantastic

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

Tuscany
Helena, New York

Trip Extraordinary

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

Southern Italy
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
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.

Florence, Pennsylvania

Total Delight!

The entire trip was a total delight! Well organized, so many different adventures, people were wonderful!

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
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
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.

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
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.

Carol, Virginia

Wonderful!

It was a wonderful trip!

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
Tina, Colorado

Exceeded Expectations

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

Italian Lakes
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.

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!

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!

Rita, Florida

Amazing

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

Tuscany
Kathie, California

Magical Time!

One cannot imagine the beautiful time spent in Italy with the delightful, knowledgeable and warmhearted Susan Van Allen. It was a magical time and I am still reveling in the Italian culture and the beauty each day provided. There were moments that touched my heart, expectations of Italian days I could never have imagined and I would do it all over again. I feel blessed to have had such a rich experience with Susan and all the preparation she took to make it the best Italian journey ever!

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
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.

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
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!

Debra, Massachusetts

Phenomenal Job

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

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
Cynthia, Mississippi

Love

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

Tuscany
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
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!

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

Say YES to this Adventure TODAY!
Space is limited and these trips Sell Out.

In Collaboration with PERILLO TOURS, America’s Leading Tour Operator to Italy for 80 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?

Would you like to arrive early or extend your Golden Week? We can arrange for discounted hotel rates and packages. Just ask!