GOLDEN WEEK IN THE ITALIAN LAKES:
For Women Only
May 2027
email me at
100placesinitaly@gmail.com
for more info and to sign up
led by Author Susan Van Allen
Susan exceeded my expectations! Would love to tour with her (and the ladies) again!
-Tina, Colorado
Join Susan Van Allen, author of 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go, for an inspiring springtime adventure in Italy’s beautiful Lake region. We’ll immerse ourselves in this wonderland that’s inspired poets and painters, fully experiencing three diverse lakes: Maggiore, Como, and Orta. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of snow covered alps, sparkling waters, and vibrant gardens bursting into bloom, we’ll discover gorgeous palazzos, quaint villages, and meet wonderful locals. Highlights include 7 nights in lake view rooms at a historic 5-star luxury hotel, a hands-on cooking class, day in marvelous Milan, artisan shopping, private boat excursions, as well as extraordinary wine and food every step of the way.
This is a gift of La Dolce Vita=The Sweet Life, custom-designed and led by Susan so that wonderful women like you can fully enjoy the rejuvenating pleasures of the Bel Paese.
Brief Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart from USA
Day 2: Welcome to Stresa with Cocktails and Dinner
Day 3: Delicious Tastes of The Lakes
Day 4: Lake Maggiore’s Splendid Islands
Day 5: Marvels of Milan
Day 6: Mystical Lake Orta
Day 7: Wonders of Lake Como
Day 8: La Dolce Vita/ Farewell Dinner
Day 9: Arrivederci Stresa
May 2027
Contact Susan at 100placesinitaly@gmail.com
Full Itinerary:
Golden Day 1: Depart from USA
Today you will take the overnight flight to Milan, full of joyful anticipation
Golden Day 2: Welcome to Stresa
Benvenuta! You’ll be met by our driver at the Milan airport and transported to the enchanting town of Stresa, on the shore of Lake Maggiore, a spot that’s been beloved by travelers since the days of the Grand Tour. Your home for the week is the 5-star Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees, a masterpiece of Belle Epoque architecture. The awe-inspiring view from your lake view room will set the tone for this magical adventure, and you’ll have time to relax, perhaps enjoy the hotel’s spa or pool, a stroll on the lakeside promenade, or shopping in the village.
In the evening, we’ll gather to toast the week ahead.
Susan will give you tips for keeping a travel journal, so you can create a treasured souvenir of your week. You’ll dine at the elegant Borromees restaurant, to enjoy local specialties, the first of many memorable meals.
Meals Included: D
Golden Day 3: Delicious Tastes of The Lakes
Wake up and smell the caffe. An abundant breakfast awaits you in the hotel’s dining room. Get used to this lovely start to all your Golden days.
We’ll take a short ride to the charming town of Vezzo, for a hands-on cooking class at the home of a wonderful cooking couple: Angelica and Jharvari. Class will include learning the secrets of making the perfect risotto. The class ends with us enjoying the fruits of our labors, dining al fresco on the dishes we’ve created, and toasting with local wines, that are praised as the best in Italy.
We’ll return to Stresa by late afternoon and you’ll have the rest of the day at leisure. There will be an optional journal writing workshop at cocktail time, and you can explore the town’s lovely shops and have dinner on your own, with Susan’s recommendations.
Meals Included: B, L
Golden Day 4:
Lake Maggiore’s Splendid Islands
Today we’ll have an amazing adventure discovering the Borromeo Islands, jewels set in the middle of Lake Maggiore. We’ll begin with a private boat ride to Isola Bella—a baroque masterpiece.
A passionate guide will lead us through the island’s opulent palazzo, telling us entertaining stories about the Borromeo family and the guests who’ve stayed here, including Napoleon Bonaparte and his sweetheart Josephine. Surrounding this glamorous place are extraordinary gardens, which appear like an “Alice in Wonderland” vision has come to life.
Then we’ll boat to the folksy Isola dei Pescatori (Fisherman’s Island), to have lunch together, followed by free time to explore this island’s charming shops.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Stresa at your leisure. I’ll guide you to the most delicious restaurants in the lovely historic center.
Meals Included: B, L
Golden Day 5: Marvels of Milan
This is our day to discover treasures that abound in the marvelous city of Milan. We’ll travel by private bus from Stresa and meet our Milanese guide at the city’s heart: Piazza del Duomo. There we’ll visit the glamorous 19th century Galleria (world’s first shopping mall), and take a break at an elegant caffe. Next we’ll tour Milan’s stupendous Gothic Duomo, the largest church in Italy, adorned with stunning stained glass and sculptures. Afterwards you’ll have time on your own to enjoy lunch and shopping in the Fashion Capital of the World.
The day’s finale will be a visit to one of the world’s most acclaimed masterpieces: The Last Supper. A viewing with a small group will give you time to truly appreciate the genius of Leonardo da Vinci.
We’ll return to Stresa inspired and have the evening to relax and dine on our own.
Meals Included: B
Golden Day 6: Mystical Lake Orta
After breakfast, we’ll begin a day that takes us off the average tourist path to Lake Orta, a mystical gem, that’s affectionately called the “Little Sister of the Italian Lakes”, for its small size and secluded location. We’ll travel by private mini-van to the town of Orta San Giulio, discover its lovely historic center, with its pretty palazzi, and then take a short ferry ride to Isola San Giulio, nicknamed the Island of Silence.
The island’s centerpiece is a twelfth century Basilica, adorned with superb frescoes. We’ll stroll serene paths of the island, accompanied by the sounds of birdsongs and sweet aromas of spring blooms. There will be free time for lunch and shopping in Orta’s craft and antique shops, before we board a historic train for a short ride up to Sacro Monte, (Sacred Mountain), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views and visit sixteenth century chapels, decorated with sculptures and painting, that tell stories from the life of Saint Francis.
We’ll head back to Lake Maggiore, and land in the quaint lakeside village of Arona, to visit the Guffanti Cheese Cellar. This humble family run operation has been praised as one of Europe’s best cheese cellars. We’ll be guided through to learn about the process of aging cheeses, and be treated to a delicious tasting with wine.
Back in Stresa by early evening, we’ll enjoy the night on our own.
Meals Included: B
Golden Day 7: Wonders of Lake Como
Today we’ll enjoy the enchantments of Lake Como, a playground for aristocrats since the days of the Roman Empire. We’ll begin in at the glamorous Villa Carlotta, that’s surrounded by exquisitely manicured gardens.
We’ll also enjoy the 17th century villa, with fascinating stories of Carlotta and her family, as we discover sumptuously decorated rooms and gorgeous Canova sculptures.
From there, we will boat to Bellagio, aka The Pearl of Lake Como. This village is beloved for its enticing lanes lined with luxury boutiques, wonderful restaurants, and perfect setting for views of the sparkling lake.
We’ll enjoy lunch together there, explore, and shop. (BTW, Lake Como has been famous for centuries for its fine silk production, so bella-bella souvenir shopping awaits you!).
We’ll depart Bellagio for a cruise along the lake, admiring amazing villas–YES, George Clooney’s is included!
Back in Stresa, after this exhilarating day, you’ll have the evening to enjoy at your leisure.
Meals Included: B, L
Golden Day 8: La Dolce Vita/Farewell Dinner
This is your day to immerse yourself in La Dolce Vita, and experience Lake Maggiore according to your desires. You may want to enjoy the hotel pool and have a spa treatment, shop for souvenirs in Stresa’s pretty boutiques, ferry off to a different village or enjoy the gardens of Isola Madre. Susan will help you customize your day’s adventure.
In the evening, we’ll gather for our Farewell Dinner at a restaurant perched dramatically above Stresa, toasting as we take in a glorious sunset view, grateful for new friends, inspired, and rejuvenated from our week together.
Meals Included: B, D
Golden Day 9: Arrivederci Stresa!
You’ll transfer to Milan airport by private driver, with happy memories of your Golden Week.
Meals Included: B
*If you’d like to extend your vacation in Stresa, Milan, or any other Italian location, Italy Vacations will be happy to help with hotel arrangements.
*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: We explore at a leisurely pace, always leaving time to stop and taste the prosecco. Comfortable walking shoes are necessary, as the villages we visit and the historic center of Milan are pedestrian only, and we will be touring gardens that are terraced and have steps. Also be advised that there are ferry and private boat rides, so precautions should 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
- 7 nights at 5 Star Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees & Spa in Stresa in lake view rooms
- Transportation by private minibus, including roundtrip transfers from Milan Malpensa airport, shared with other group members arriving or departing at similar times
- Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel
- 2 multi-course dinners, with wine
- 1 cooking class followed by lunch
- 2 lunches at local restaurants, including wine
- Private Boat tour of Borromeo Islands on Lake Maggiore, including guided visit to villa and gardens of Isola Bella, and lunch on Isola Pescatori
- Guided tour of Milan, including visit to the Last Supper, Galleria and Duomo, with charming local expert. Whisper headsets included
- Guided tour of Lake Orta
- Cheese tasting in Arona
- Private Boat tour of Lake Como, including visits to Villa Carlotta gardens and Bellagio
- Entrance fees to museum and monuments
- Travel journal and optional writing workshops
- Gratuities for all group activities
- Charitable donation of $25.00 to UNICEF
What’s Not Included:
- Airfare
- Meals not specified in itinerary
- Gratuities for private transfer drivers and hotel staff
- Optional travel insurance
- Everything not mentioned under “What’s Included”
La Dolce Vita!
What a wonderful week. Susan’s attention to detail, expertise and genuine love for Italy was infectious and made the week so special…”
–Diane, South Carolina
The week is expertly designed and hosted by Susan Van Allen, with a balance of planned group and free-time independent experiences.
[testimonial_pro id=”13098″]
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, and to sign up for this adventure, 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?
Would you like to arrive early or extend your Golden Week in Stresa or Milan? Christine can arrange for discounted hotel rates and packages. Just ask!
