EXTRA GOLDEN DAYS IN THE VENETO:
For Women Only
SPRING 2026
led by Author Susan Van Allen
Susan exceeded my expectations! Would love to tour with her (and the ladies) again!
-Tina, Colorado
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Depart from Venice / Welcome to Abano Terme
Day 2: Bliss Out in Abano Terme Spa / Discover Treasures of Padua
Day 3: Palladio’s Marvelous Villas in Vicenza
Day 4: Enchanting Verona
Day 5: La Dolce Vita in Abano Terme or Beyond / Farewell Dinner
Day 6: Arrivederci
For More Information,
contact Susan at 100placesinitaly@gmail.com
(Photo: Tiepolo fresco in Vicenza)
Join Susan Van Allen, author of 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go, for a rejuvenating and beautiful adventure, to discover treasures of the Veneto region. Our base is a glamorous 5-star hotel and spa in Abano Terme, a town beloved for its mineral-rich healing waters since the days of the Roman Empire. There will be plenty of time for soaking and state-of-the-art treatments in the hotel spa to make you feel marvelous. From that bliss we’ll venture off to discover 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Padua and its masterpiece frescoes, marvelous Palladian villas in Vicenza, and enchanting Verona. The balance of spa time, immersing ourselves in Veneto’s treasures, and delicious food and wine all along the way, will truly rejuvenate and inspire you.
This 5-night itinerary blends wonderfully as an extension to Golden Week in Venice, or can be booked as “a vacation from a vacation” to slow down and enjoy what many travelers miss: a European spa tradition and beauties of the Veneto.
Full Itinerary
Golden Day 1: Depart from Venice / Welcome to Abano Terme
This morning, guests will meet at Piazzale Roma in Venice for a private ride through the serene countryside to the first treasure of the trip: Villa Foscari. The villa, designed by superstar Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, is part of a collection of Veneto masterpiece buildings that have been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We’ll enjoy the fabulously frescoed interior and gardens of this property, set on the Brenta Canal.
A short ride from the villa takes us to our Golden Days home base: the 5-star Grand Hotel Trieste and Victoria in Abano Terme.
Roman emperors soaked in Abano Terme’s mineral rich waters, famous for their rejuvenating effects. We’ll enjoy a welcome lunch at the hotel and then check into our Junior Suites.
There will be time to relax, enjoy the indoor/outdoor thermal pool, and have an introduction to the state-of the-art spa.
In the evening, we’ll have dinner in the hotel’s elegant dining room, enjoying a delicious menu featuring the region’s specialties, accompanied by live piano music. And for those who want to end the day with more live music, every night the hotel bar features a singer and piano player, to enhance our happy experiences. Or you may enjoy an evening soak – the hotel’s thermal pools stay open until 11:00 pm…
MEALS: L, D
Golden Day 2: Bliss Out in Abano Terme Spa / Discover Treasures of Padua
This morning is your time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast from the hotel’s abundant buffet, and then indulge in pleasures of your choice. You may enjoy thermal pools, relaxing time on your suite’s balcony or in the hotel garden, or a massage, facial, or mud treatment—3 spa treatments are included for you to choose from on this itinerary.
After lunch in the hotel, we’ll venture off to the beautiful town of Padua. We’ll meet our local entertaining guide and begin our experience with a medieval masterpiece: Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel.
The 14th-century frescoes that cover the walls of this chapel were breakthroughs in the art world—bringing true emotions to biblical scenes for the first time and paving the way for Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.
We’ll move on to Padua’s stunning Gothic Basilica of Saint Anthony…
And then the pedestrian-only historic center, stopping for an aperitivo at Caffe Pedrocchi, one of Italy’s most famous historic caffes, from 1831.
There will be free time for strolling, shopping, and dinner on your own (with Susan’s suggestions). The evening scene in Padua’s piazzas is lively, and you’ll have a buona sera joining in with the town’s students, locals, and tourists.
Meals Included: B, L
Golden Day 3: Palladio’s Marvelous Villas in Vicenza
Today we’ll discover the town of Vicenza, where superstar Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio created architectural masterpieces. We’ll begin with our guide on the outskirts of town for a private tour of Palladio’s famous Rotonda, which inspired Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.
Nearby we’ll enjoy the charming Villa Valmarana ai Nani, featuring mythological frescoes by Gianbattista Tiepolo and gardens with beautiful countryside views.
Moving on to Vicenza’s centro storico, we’ll have lunch together in a beloved-by-gourmets restaurant to enjoy local specialties. There will be more Palladio wonders to enjoy, including the Teatro Olimpico with a breathtaking stage set…
AND in Vicenza’s main Piazza dei Signori. we’ll experience a centuries-old tradition of the town: artisan goldsmiths. There will be time on your own to visit dazzling shops and stroll amidst many more architectural beauties.
We’ll be back in Abano Terme by late afternoon, giving you time to return to “take the waters” and spa treatments, before dinner at your leisure at the hotel.
Meals: B, L, D
Golden Day 4:
Enchanting Verona
After breakfast, today’s adventure takes us to Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage city, made famous by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. With our local guide, we’ll begin our day in Piazza Bra, overlooking Verona’s awe-inspiring Roman Amphitheatre, one of the largest in Italy.
Next will be a leisurely guided walk through the historic center, with its gorgeous mix of ancient Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance architecture, including a stop at Casa di Giulietta=Juliet’s House, where one of literature’s most romantic heroines is honored. There will be lunch at a traditional trattoria, and free time to stroll and enjoy Verona’s vias and boutiques.
Back in Abano Terme, there will be time for pools and spa, before dinner at the hotel.
Meals: B, L, D
Golden Day 5: La Dolce Vita in Abano Terme or Beyond / Farewell Dinner
Today you may choose to stay and complete your blissful soak/spa regimen at the hotel or venture off to discover more of the Veneto.
Some options
(For additional costs, depending on number of sign-ups)
Discover Bassano della Grappa
(1 hour away)
This charming town, with Roman roots, is famous for its covered wooden bridge, designed by Andrea Palladio, and also for the production of grappa liquer and a distinctive style of artisan ceramics. You can enjoy strolling cobblestoned streets, with mountain views in the distance, and stop in a caffe or osteria near the bridge. Also, Thursday is Market Day, so you’ll be amidst lively local action in the piazzas, with stalls selling food, clothing, and artisan crafts.
Discover Treviso
(1 hour away)
Nicknamed “little Venice”, this pretty, walled, medieval town is crisscrossed by canals, and delightful to wander amidst Medieval and Romanesque architecture, fountains and porticoes, with a stop to enjoy prosecco from the nearby vineyards. There are also small museums where you can admire diverse beauties–from a 14th century fresco cycle to displays of Italian advertising posters from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Tonight we’ll gather for our Farewell Dinner, to celebrate our Golden Days, inspired and refreshed.
Meals: B, L, D
Golden Day 6: Arrivederci
You’ll transfer to Venice airport or train station by private driver, with happy memories of your Golden Days.
Meals Included: B
*If you’d like to extend your vacation in Venice 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 towns we visit are pedestrian only. Also be advised that there are rides of 30 minutes to an hour to reach our destinations, 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
- 5 nights at 5* Grand Hotel Trieste and Victoria in Abano Terme in Junior Suites with garden-view balconies
- Free use of thermal pools and gym
- 3 Spa Treatments to choose from a menu that includes a variety of massages, thermal mud treatments, and facials
- Transportation by private minibus, including roundtrip transfers from Venice to Abano Terme and to Venice airport or train station from Abano Terme
- Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel
- 3 multi-course lunches at hotel (with menu choices)
- 4 multi-course dinners at hotel (with menu choices)
- 1 multi-course lunch in Vicenza
- 1 multi-course lunch in Verona
- Wine included with all lunches and dinners
- Guided tours of Padua, Vicenza, and Verona, with whisper headsets
- Entrance fees to Villa Foscari, Scrovegni Chapel, Palazzo Rotonda, Villa Valmarana ai Nani, Teatro Olimpico, Juliet’s Balcony
- Gratuities for all group activities
- Charitable donation of $25 to UNICEF
What’s Not Included
- Airfare
- 1 dinner
- Gratuities for private transfer drivers and hotel staff
- Optional travel insurance
- Extra spa treatments
- 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 days are expertly designed and hosted by Susan Van Allen, with a balance of planned group and free-time independent experiences.
A Toast to Golden Weeks
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.”
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, 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 Days in the Veneto…or beyond? Christine can arrange for discounted hotel rates and packages. Just ask!
