Raves for Golden Weeks…
Bonnie, Texas
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, 2019)
December 27, 2019
Tina, Colorado
Susan exceeded my expectations! Would love to tour with her (and the ladies) again! (Italian Lakes, 2019)
Lake Cumo December 27, 2019
Rebecca, Oklahoma
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 exceptionsal experience!! I Highly Highly Recommend Golden Week! -- (Southern Italy 2019)
July 6, 2019
Jolene B. – California
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, 2015)
February 6, 2017
Debbie, Connecticut
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, 2019)
July 6, 2019
Mary, Florida
Susan was just the best. She did a super job. I look forward to taking another trip with her. - (Southern Itay, 2019)
July 6, 2019
Liz, New Jersey
"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 2018)
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 2016)
***Liz has come along on THREE Golden Weeks
November 20, 2018
Deanna, New York
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 2018)
November 14, 2018
Sarah, New Mexico
"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, 2018)November 20, 2018
Helena, New York
"Susan Van Allen is amazing, she went above and beyond to make this trip extraordinary." (Southern Italy 2018)
**Helena has come along on TWO Golden Weeks
November 14, 2018
“Susan Van Allen is a treasure. Her enthusiasm and love of Italy really shine through and she just curates each trip with such care (like the sunset aperitivo, etc.). The pacing is really good; busy, but always a little down time. I learned so much on this trip!” — Liz, California (Venice 2018)
Sheree, West Virginia
"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!"
(Southern Italy 2018)November 14, 2018
“Loved every minute.” — Barbara, South Carolina (Southern Italy 2018)
Denise, New York
"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 2018)
November 20, 2018
Dee, New York
"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 2017)
*****(Dee has come along on FIVE Golden Weeks)November 20, 2018
“All in all, a super experience.” — Yvette, Virgina (Golden Week in Southern Italy 2018)
Diane, South Carolina
"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 2018)
November 14, 2018
“Susan is warm and accommodating and knowledgeable. It was a pleasure spending time with her.” — Judy, New York
Christina, Massachusetts
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, 2017)
**Christina has joined in for TWO Golden Weeks
October 24, 2017
Maureen, New Jersey
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, 2017)
October 24, 2017
Kim, California
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, 2017)
October 24, 2017
Kay, Chicago
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!! Kay, Chicago, Illinois (Southern Italy 2016, Italian Riviera 2016)
**Kay has come along on TWO Golden Weeks
January 17, 2018
Peggy, Ontario, Canada
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 and Florence, 2017)
***Peggy has joined in for THREE Golden Weeks
October 25, 2017
Nancy, Texas
I will recommend this trip to anyone and would love to join Susan again for a trip....it was great! (Southern Italy 2017)
**Nancy has joined in for TWO Golden Weeks
October 24, 2017
Melinda, California
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, 2017)
October 24, 2017
Joyce, Virginia
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.” — Joyce Riley, Virginia (Florence, 2016)
March 10, 2017
Christine, California
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 expierience with all. (Italian Riviera and Florence, 2017)
October 24, 2017
Laura, Alabama
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, 2015)
March 11, 2017
Deb, New Jersey
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, 2016)
March 11, 2017
Debra, Massachusetts
Susan Van Allen did a phenomenal job as our leader. The group of women was delightful. (Florence, 2016)
**Debra has come along for TWO Golden Weeks
March 11, 2017
Helen, Maryland
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, 2016)
March 11, 2017
Julie, Canada
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, 2016)
***Julie has come along for THREE Golden Weeks
March 11, 2017
A marvelous trip from start to finish.”– Carole V, New York (Southern Italy, 2014)
Diana V, Oregon
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, 2015)
March 11, 2017
Lisa – Illinois
Fantastic! A great combination of busy and relaxing. (Tuscany, 2012)
February 6, 2017
The trip renewed my spirit on so many levels…Susan was a wonderful tour host.” — Renee, New York (Florence, 2016)
Gale O, Vermont
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, 2014)
March 11, 2017
Helen S. – San Francisco, California
This trip was clearly designed by an artist--everything flowed along beautifully, a delicious transformational experience of La Dolce Vita! (Tuscany, 2012)
Helen has come along for EIGHT Golden Weeks!
February 6, 2017
Susan was terrific throughout. Thanks to everyone for a wonderful, memorable experience.”– Jo, Alabama (Florence, 2015)
Lynda, Massachusetts
Susan's humor, knowledge and surprises really made this vacation one of my very favorites! (Tuscany 2013)
March 11, 2017
Everything was fantastic! Susan was a great tour leader and we all loved her enthusiasm. I would go back in a minute…” Gloria L, New York, New York (Southern Italy, 2014)
Cynthia- Madison, Mississippi
Italians really know how to enjoy life. I would love to do this once a year! (Tuscany, 2013)
**Cynthia has come along for TWO Golden Weeks
February 6, 2017
Rita, Florida
Amazing...All my passions were enlightened at each breathtaking step...I recommend it highly. (Tuscany 2012)
March 11, 2017
Gayle, Arizona
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, 2013)
March 17, 2017
ANDIAMO!
CLICK HERE FOR 10 REASONS WHY WOMEN LOVE GOLDEN WEEKS.
Click HERE for Video of Golden Week in Southern Italy
In Collaboration with Perillo Tours, America’s Leading Tour Operator to Italy for 70 years.
To reserve your space, or for more information:
100placesinitaly@gmail.com