GOLDEN WEEK IN TUSCANY:
Based in Lucca
For Women Only
June 5-13, 2027
Susan Van Allen infuses her tours with enthusiasm, engagement and enchantment!…
–Christina, Massachusetts
Attention All You Wonderful Women!
It’s time to treat yourself to the Beauties and Deliciousness of Tuscany
Boutique Hotel in Lovely Lucca / Countryside Cooking Class with Truffle Hunt
Blissout at San Giuliano Terme Spa / Marvelous Montecatini /
Chic Forte dei Marmi on Market Day / Fabulous Artisans
Pisa’s Campo dei Miracoli with Tower at Sunset
Sample Brief Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart USA or Canada to Florence, Italy
Day 2: Welcome to Lovely Town of Lucca
Day 3: Countryside Cooking Class with Truffle Hunt
Day 4: Treasures of Lucca / San Giuliano Terme Spa
Day 5: Chic Forte dei Marmi on Market Day / Pietrasanta’s Artisans
Day 6: Discover Pistoia, aka “Little Florence” / Marvelous Montecatini
Day 7: Enchanting Villa Reale / Pisa at Sunset
Day 8: La Dolce Vita in Lucca / Farewell Dinner
Day 9: Arrivederci!
Sample Full Itinerary
Golden Day 1: Buon Viaggio!
Today you will transfer on your own to the airport, to catch the overnight flight to Florence, full of joyful anticipation…
OR if you’d like to arrive early for Golden Week, pre-hotel nights in Florence or Lucca can be arranged.
Golden Day 2: Welcome to Your Golden Week
Benvenuta! You’ll be picked up at the Florence airport or train station by your private driver and the beautiful adventure will begin with a ride past rolling hills of vineyards, olive groves, and
cypress trees.
The lovely town of Lucca is your home base for the week, at the boutique Palazzo di Pinto, perfectly located in the historic center.
You’ll have time to settle in, and perhaps step out the door to discover Lucca’s charming atmosphere of piazzas, caffes, boutiques, and Romanesque churches.
In the evening we’ll gather for an aperitivo to toast the week ahead. Susan will give you tips about keeping a travel journal, so you can create a treasured souvenir of your week through journaling. We’ll dine nearby in a cozy restaurant, enjoying delicious flavors of the season—the
first of many memorable meals.
Meals Included: D
Golden Day 3: Taste Tuscany
Buongiorno! Wake up and smell the caffe. An abundant breakfast awaits you in the hotel dining room. Get used to this dreamy start to all your Tuscan days.
Then we’re off to a countryside wine estate on the outskirts of San Miniato, a village famous for its truffles.
We’ll have fun in the nearby forest, following a truffle hunter and his dogs to watch them dig up tubular treasures.
Back at the farmhouse, signora Maria will lead us in a cooking class—a chance to roll up our sleeves for pasta-making and immerse ourselves in Tuscany’s culinary traditions.
Lunch, enjoying the fruits of our labors, will follow, along with time to enjoy
stunning vineyard views.
We’ll be back in Lucca in the afternoon, giving you time to relax, wander, and perhaps enjoy an aperitivo and people-watching in a piazza. Dinner is on your own, with Susan’s recommendations.
Meals Included: B, L
Golden Day 4: Treasures of Lucca / San Giuiliano Spa
This morning we’ll meet our entertaining local guide for a Lucca orientation walk to discover the town’s treasures and hear stories about powerful women who lived here, such as Elisa Bonaparte
(Napoleon’s sister) who ruled Lucca in the early 19th century.
Along the way, we’ll see beauties
such as the Renaissance masterpiece tomb of Ilaria del Carretto in Lucca’s Duomo…
AND have a
caffe break to taste buccellato, a sweet Lucchese bread flavored with raisins and anise.
The walk ends at the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, a former Roman amphitheater, now a delightful circle of caffes and shops.
There will be free time for lunch on your own and shopping, with Susan’s suggestions.
In the afternoon, we’re off to the town of San Giuliano Terme for a blissful spa experience.
From the days of the Roman Empire, waters from mineral-rich springs here have been praised for their health benefits. We’ll be welcomed to the former villa of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, now an elegant 5-star spa/hotel.
We’ll enjoy soaking in the spa’s thermal pools and there will be time for spa treatments of your choice.
We’ll finish the experience in the beautifully frescoed bar, for an aperitivo and view of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the distance.
Back in Lucca, dinner is on your own with Susan’s suggestions.
Meals Included: B
Golden Day 5: – Chic Forte dei Marmi on Market Day / Pietrasanta’s Artisans
Today’s adventure takes us to the seaside to discover the chic resort town of Forte dei Marmi. It’s a total change of scene, with wide sandy beaches, sparkling ocean, backdropped by the Apuan Alps, where Carrara marble is quarried.
We’ll be in Forte dei Marmi for the town’s famous weekly market, where designer Italian clothing and luxury housewares are sold at discount prices. Lucky for us, a local guide will lead us through the wide assortment of stalls to find the best selections.
(An optional Jeep Tour of Carrara Marble Quarries can be arranged, at additional cost, for travelers who would prefer that to the Forte dei Marmi experience)
Then we’ll move on to nearby Pietrasanta, a medieval town nicknamed “Little Athens,” as it has long attracted international artists, many who work with the local marble.
The historic center is an open-air museum, with sculptures, boutiques, and churches such as the Misericordia, where frescoes by the Colombian artist Botero can be admired.
We’ll have lunch together in the midst of this fascinating spot and take a private tour of an artisan workshop for an insider’s experience of the town.
We’ll be back in Lucca by late afternoon and the evening is yours to enjoy dinner on your own.
Meals Included: B, L
.
Golden Day 6: – Discover Pistoia, aka “Little Florence” / Marvelous Montecatini
Today we’ll take a ride through the countryside to Pistoia–nicknamed Little Florence–for its historic center of beautiful Medieval and Renaissance architecture.
Our guide will show us around her hometown’s daily market and central piazza, where great artists such as della Robbia and Brunellescchi contributed their artistry to Pistoia’s Duomo. We’ll also stop by a traditional confetteria, to sample the town’s beloved sugared almonds.
For lunch with a panoramic view, we’ll move on to Montecatini Alto, a hilltop medieval village, with a charming historic center.
Down the hill is marvelous Montecatini Terme, awarded by UNESCO as one of The Great Spa Towns of Europe. Here we’ll enjoy Art Nouveau architecture, stepping back to the 1800s, when the town’s mineral springs attracted visitors from all over Europe.
We’ll visit the gracious Terme Tettuccio pavillion for a taste of healing waters served from a gorgeous bar, surrounded by fountains and vibrant murals.
Back in Lucca there will be free time before we gather for a special early evening event: a concert honoring Puccini, who was born in Lucca. Singers will perform arias and duets from his operas that include such masterpieces as La Boheme and Madame Butterfly. It’s a profound experience to hear his music in the town that inspired him.
The concert ends at Italian dinner time (8:00pm) and dinner is on your own, with Susan’s suggestions.
Meals: B, L
.
Golden Day 7: Enchanting Villa Reale / Pisa at Sunset
This morning we’ll take a short drive to the outskirts of Lucca to visit the enchanting Villa Reale di Marlia.
The property is surrounded by impressively landscaped gardens, featuring artful topiary, fountains, and sculptures.
As we tour the dazzling interior of the villa, our guide will tell stories of fascinating women who lived here over the centuries, including such characters as Anna “Mimi” Pecci Blunt, who turned the villa into a fashionable salon in the mid-1900s, welcoming such guests as Salvador Dali and Jean Cocteau.
Back in Lucca, near our hotel, we’ll visit female artisans.
We’ll meet weavers at the Palazzo Mansi, carrying on a craft that began here in the Middle Ages and brought wealth and prestige to Lucca.
In an atelier housed in a glamorous 16th- century palazzo, we’ll meet a clothing designer who carries on her family’s highly praised business, and promotes work from other local artisans, including jewelry makers and leather crafters.
After this inspiring morning, there will be free time for lunch and exploring Lucca on your own.
In the afternoon, we’ll gather for a ride to nearby Pisa.
Beginning with our guide on the banks of Arno River, we’ll soon discover that this medieval town has beauty and charms beyond its famous tower. Our guided walk will take us into the mini-Gothic masterpiece Santa Maria della Spina
church, to “Knight’s Square” to admire Renaissance designs of Giorgio Vasari, and finally, as the sun sets, to what is called The Field of Miracles.
This is the grand expanse where Pisa’s Duomo, Baptistry, Camposanto (Holy Ground) cemetery, and Leaning Tower have inspired awe in travelers for centuries.
After our tour, we’ll enjoy an aperitivo nearby to savor the Field of Miracles view for a while longer. Then we’ll have dinner at one of Pisa’s most beloved traditional restaurants.
Meals Included : B, D
Golden Day 9: – La Dolce Vita Day / Farewell Dinner
This is your day to immerse yourself in La Dolce Vita, and experience Lucca according to your desires. You may want to enjoy the park that tops Lucca’s wide wall, and circle it on foot or with a bike rental.
There are more museums to explore, and Lucca’s monthly Antique Market, with loads of vendors right outside the walls. Susan will help you customize your day’s adventure.
In the evening, we’ll be driven to a countryside villa for our Farewell Dinner, where we’ll celebrate our Golden Week—grateful for new friends, inspired, and rejuvenated from our shared adventures.
Meals Included: B, D
Golden Day 10: Arrivederci…
You’ll depart by private transfer to the Florence airport or train station, with Golden Memories of our week together.
Meals Included: B
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! The historic centers of Lucca and the villages we visit are pedestrian only, and our time there will include some 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 on foot if you wish. Also be mindful that some days will include 30 minute to one- hour private bus rides, so precautions should be taken for motion sickness, if necessary.
What’s Included
- Entertaining hosting by author Susan Van Allen, focusing on Italy’s celebration of all things female
- 7 nights at 4* hotel in Lucca (Hotel Palazzo Dipinto) in Superior rooms
- Transportation by private minibus, including roundtrip transfers from Florence airport or train station to Lucca
- Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel
- 3 multi-course dinners
- 2 lunches
- 1 cooking class and truffle hunt, follow by lunch
- Wine and mineral water included with all meals
- Guided tours of Lucca, Pistoia, Montecatini Terme, Villa Reale, and Pisa, with whisper headsets
- Entrance fees to Lucca’s Duomo, Terme Tettuccio, Palazzo Mansi, Pisa’s Campo dei Miracoli
- Puccini Concert Tickets
- Entrance to Bagni di Pisa Spa with access to thermal pools and sauna
- Gratuities for all group activities
- Pre-Trip Booklet with packing list, itinerary, and other helpful trip information
- Charitable donation of $25 to UNICEF
What’s Not Included
- Airfare
- Meals not listed in “what’s included”
- Spa treatments
- Gratuities for private transfer drivers and hotel staff
- Optional travel insurance
- Everything not mentioned under “the itinerary includes”
The week is expertly designed and hosted by Susan Van Allen, with a balance of planned group and free-time independent experiences.
A Toast to Golden Weeks
Cynthia, Mississippi
Love
“Italians really know how to enjoy life. I would love to do this once a year!”
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.
Arlyn, Connecticut
Great!
A really great trip!
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!
Jan, Montana
Loved every minute!
Loved every minute!
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.”
Debra, Massachusetts
Phenomenal Job
“Susan Van Allen did a phenomenal job as our leader. The group of women was delightful.”
Sarah, New Mexico
First Class
“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.”
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!
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!”
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!!”
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.”
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…”
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!
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!”
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.
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!”
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.
Helen, California
Designed By An Artist
“This trip was clearly designed by an artist–everything flowed along beautifully, a delicious transformational experience of La Dolce Vita!”
Florence, Pennsylvania
Total Delight!
The entire trip was a total delight! Well organized, so many different adventures, people were wonderful!
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.
Marion, Maryland
A Joy!
Susan is the hostess with the mostest. Her great personality and her great organization of our trip made it a joy, I feel that I made a new friend. She is the best! Kind, professional, friendly knowledgeable. I am thinking of joining her for another trip next year.
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.
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.”
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!
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.”
Alison, New York
Relax and enjoy “La Dolce Vita”
Susan’s enthusiasm and the genuine friendships and connections that she has with all of her tour guides, drivers, artisans, restaurant staff and hotel staff makes it so easy to relax and enjoy “la dolce vita”… her love of Italia is contagious.
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.”
Pamela, Boston
Exceptional
I’ve been to Venice many times and wanted to experience it again on this trip with my sister. Susan created an exceptional itinerary that gave me a deeper, insiders’ experience of Venice — meeting her friends, including chefs, artisans, and a passionate local guide. The baroque hotel and private boat rides added to the beautiful fun.
Yvette, Virginia
Super Experience
“All in all, a super experience.”
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!”
Patti, Florida
Fabulous
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.
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!
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.”
Liz, New Jersey
Love Traveling With Her
“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.”
Rene, New York
Renewed My Spirit
“The trip renewed my spirit on so many levels…Susan was a wonderful tour host.”
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.
Barbara, North Carolina
Loved
“Loved every minute.”
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.
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.”
Dawn, Massachusetts
Made us Feel Like Goddesses
Susan out did herself once again showing us Sicily and everything it has to offer. The hotels to restaurants made us feel as if we were goddesses!
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.”
In Collaboration with PERILLO TOURS, America’s Leading Tour Operator to Italy for over 80 years.
Contact Info:
TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE FOR GOLDEN WEEKS, or for more information, contact Susan
100placesinitaly@gmail.com
Would you like me to book a Golden Week in Italy for you and your family or friends?
You can gather a group of 10, and we’ll do it!
OR I can custom-design an itinerary for your group—Let’s Talk!
Would you like to arrive early or extend your Golden Week, in Tuscany or Beyond? Discounted hotel rates and packages can happily be arranged. Just ask!
