GOLDEN WEEK IN SOUTHERN ITALY:
For Women Only
OCTOBER 17-25, 2026
led by Author Susan Van Allen
SOLD OUT!
Join the Waiting List
100placesinitaly@gmail.com
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…
-Gale, Vermont
Join Susan Van Allen, author of 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go, for her most popular Golden Week. This is an inspiring adventure in southern Italy, based in a historic Sorrento hotel, where the elegant soul of Bell’Italia bursts forth, with the sparkling Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop. Discover marvels of Capri, vibrant Naples, fascinating ancient ruins of Pompeii, blissful thermal springs of Ischia, and the magical Amalfi coast towns of Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi. Shop for artisan treasures, toast with robust local wine, and enjoy delicious, world-famous cuisine.
This is a Gift of La Dolce Vita=the Sweet Life, custom-designed for a small group experience (maximum 10) and led by Susan so that women can fully experience Italy’s rejuvenating pleasures.
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Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Depart USA
Day 2: Welcome to Sorrento, with Cocktails and Dinner
Day 3: Fun Cooking Class in a Sorrento Family Villa
Day 4: Bliss out in a Thermal Park Spa and Beach on the island of Ischia
Day 5: Discover the treasures of Bella Napoli, pizza included
Day 6: Explore fascinating ruins of Pompeii / Positano at Sunset
Day 7: Delightful day in enchanting Capri
Day 8: Amalfi Coast Drive: Amazing Amalfi Spectacular Views from Ravello’s Gardens / Farewell Dinner
Day 9: Transfer to Naples for your Flight Home
OR stay an extra 4 nights for
Extra Golden Days on the Island of Ischia
October 17-25, 2026
SOLD OUT – Join the Waiting List
$6590 per person sharing a double room
$7590 per person in single room
Contact Susan at 100placesinitaly@gmail.com
Read WHY these trips are ideal for Mother-Daughters / Aunts-Nieces
Full Itinerary:
Golden Day 1: Depart USA: ANDIAMO!
Today you will transfer on your own to the airport, to catch the overnight flight to Italy, full of joyful anticipation…
*Or consider arriving a day early to enjoy time in Naples or Sorrento, so you’ll have time to relax before the Golden Week begins. Italy Vacations will be happy to help you make hotel arrangements.
Golden Day 2: Welcome to Your Golden Week
Benvenuta! You’ll be met by our driver at the Naples airport or train station, then transported along a dreamy route to your home for the week: the Imperial Hotel Tramontano.
The view of the Bay of Naples from here is breathtaking, and you’ll have time to settle into your room, ooh-and-ahh on the hotel terrace, enjoy the pool or elevator down to the beach. Or if you’re feeling curious, a short walk away is Sorrento’s vibrant historic center.
In the evening, we’ll gather for an aperitivo to toast the week ahead. I’ll give you tips about keeping a travel journal, so you can create a treasured souvenir of your week through journaling. We’ll dine in sophisticated style at the hotel’s restaurant, enjoying the view of the stars sparkling over the sea, and extraordinary local flavors–the first of many memorable meals.
Meals Included: D
Golden Day 3: Taste Campania
Wake up and smell the caffe. A delicious, abundant breakfast awaits you in the hotel dining room. Get used to enjoying this elegant start to all your Sorrento days.
Then we’re off to a nearby family villa, where a local signora will lead us in a cooking class–a chance to immerse ourselves in the region of Campania’s extraordinary flavors, including classic Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, and a wine tasting. Lunch, enjoying the fruits of our labors, will follow, along with time to enjoy the gardens of this lovely property.
We’ll be back at the hotel by late afternoon, so you may enjoy a dip in the pool or a leisurely stroll, before dinner on your own, with my recommendations. Choices nearby range from cozy pizzerias to chic upscale restaurants.
Meals Included: B, L
Golden Day 4: Spa Day on the Island of Ischia
Spa in Latin stands for, Salas Per Aqum=Health through Water. We’ll do as the Greeks and Romans did: immerse ourselves in the curative waters of Ischia that have been rejuvenating visitors since ancient times. A ferry ride takes us to the lush, volcanic island, that’s famed for its thermal springs. We’ll head to Poseidon Park, where we’ll soak in warm pools, steam in the Roman sauna, relax under umbrellas at the private beach. There will be time for optional spa treatments, or you may wish to simply bliss out amidst fragrant gardens, staring out into the mesmerizing Mediterranean Sea.
Back in Sorrento, those who would like to have a Dutch Treat group dinner, may follow me to Sorrento’s Marina Grande, to enjoy the folksy scene and a meal of fresh caught seafood.
Meals Included: B
Golden Day 5: Discover Bella Napoli
Our day in Bella Napoli is an inspiring mix of rich history, artisan shopping, and wonderful food. We’ll ferry over there from Sorrento, meet our entertaining local guide Fiorella, and start off in the elegant historic center, to see the Galleria and San Carlo Opera House, and enjoy caffe and delicious Neapolitan pastries–sfogliatelle and baba. Next we’ll visit the Naples’ Archaeological Museum, to see how women have been glorified in art since ancient days–from the sculptures of Goddess Venus to stunning mosaics.
From the museum we’ll walk to Spaccanapoli, the city’s soulful historic center, and have lunch at a traditional pizzeria, indulging in The Best Pizza in the World! There will be time to shop and enjoy the artisans on Via Gregorio Armeno (famous for their Nativity figures), and visit the Cloisters of Santa Chiara, a wonderland from Naples’ Baroque heyday.
We’ll return to Sorrento by early evening, giving you time to enjoy an aperitivo or shopping in the historic center, followed by a relaxing dinner on your own.
Meals Included: B, L
Golden Day 6: Guided Tour of Pompeii / Positano at Sunset
We’ll begin the day with one of the world’s most fascinating places: the ruins of ancient Pompeii. On our entertaining guided walk, we’ll focus on the treasures of its feminine history–including the House of Venus, the Temple of Isis, (Egyptian Mother Goddess and Enchantress), and the Building of the Priestess Eumachia, (Patron of Launderers).
You’ll have the afternoon to relax and shop in Sorrento. In the early evening, we’ll have a private bus transfer for a 45-minute ride to Positano, a jewel of the Amalfi Coast.
This former fishing village, with candy-colored stone homes set into the cliffs, is especially tantalizing at sunset. You’ll have time to wander its winding pathways, see the Duomo, shop for ceramics, sandals, and Positano’s famous flowing fashions. We’ll dine together by the beach, with a stunning sunset view, at the oldest restaurant in Positano.
Meals Included: B, D
Golden Day 7: Discover Capri
This day is dedicated to one of the most magical places on earth: the island of Capri. We’ll take a 20-minute ferry ride from Sorrento to get there, then a private boat excursion to marvel over the Blue Grotto. Up in the Capri town center, we’ll enjoy caffe in the famous piazzetta, have an orientation walk, and then lunch on our own…perhaps a Caprese salad?
There will be free time to experience Capri’s luxurious shopping scene and explore the quieter paths on the outskirts of town, where The Gardens of Augustus and amazing views await.
Enchanted, we’ll ferry back to Sorrento, and have dinner on our own.
(Please note: In case of bad weather, the Blue Grotto may not be accessible, and we’ll have a boat ride along the coast of Capri instead, which is also BEAUTIFUL!)
Meals Included: B
Golden Day 8: Awesome Amalfi Coast: Ravello / Amalfi – Farewell Dinner
Our morning will take us along the world-famous Amalfi Coast Drive. Our first stop will be Amalfi, to immerse ourselves in the Medieval atmosphere of this former Maritime Republic, with colorful pathways and its stunning Arab-Sicilian marble cathedral. You’ll enjoy exploring Amalfi’s artisan boutiques, including traditional shops that sell handmade paper and ceramics, and perhaps stop for caffe and sfogliatelle at the historic Pasticceria Pansa, that’s been around since 1830.
Next, we’ll drive above the coast to the town of Ravello, set high on the cliffs, with stupendous views, which inspired such greats as Virginia Wolff, DH Lawrence, and Wagner. We’ll have time to wander in the Villa Cimbrone gardens, with its legendary statue-flanked belvedere, opening to the best panorama on the coast and/or the Villa Rufolo with its grand colorful terraces. Ravello is also a wonderful town for ceramic shopping, so there will be time to meet artisans, have a caffe in the piazza, and visit the Duomo.
We’ll return to Sorrento by afternoon, giving you time for your final shopping and packing.
In the evening, we’ll gather for our Farewell Dinner at a traditional restaurant in the historic center, to celebrate our Golden Week, refreshed and inspired.
Meals Included: B, D
Golden Day 9: Arrivederci!
Our driver will transport you to the airport or train station, where you’ll depart with Golden Memories of our week together.
OR stay an extra 4-nights for
Extra Golden Days on the Island of Ischia
Meals Included: B
*Most flights from Naples to the USA/Canada depart in the early morning. This means that your departure time from Sorrento could be as early as 3am. For a more relaxing departure, you may choose to extend the trip and spend your pre-flight night in Naples or have a relaxing day in Sorrento after the Golden Week ends. Italy Vacations will be happy to help you with extra 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: Bring comfortable walking shoes! The historic centers of Naples and Capri 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 if you wish. Positano, nicknamed “The VeriticalTown”, because of all its steps, will be the most challenging workout. Touring Pompeii involves walking along uneven, rocky pathways–you can opt for the 1.5 hour tour there or continue on for a total 2.5 hour tour. There are also ferry rides to Naples, Capri, and Ischia, as well as a smaller boat excursion to Capri’s Blue Grotto, which require those with motion sickness to take precautions.
What’s Included:
- Entertaining hosting by author Susan Van Allen, focusing on Italy’s celebration of all things female
- 7 nights at 4-star Hotel Imperial Tramontano in Sorrento, in rooms with garden views
- Transportation by private minibus, including roundtrip transfers to/from Naples airport or train station
- Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel
- 3 multi-course dinners, with wine
- 1 cooking class followed by lunch
- 1 pizza lunch in Naples
- Guided tours of Capri, Naples Historic Center, Archaeological Museum, Santa Chiara Cloisters, and Ancient Ruins of Pompeii, with whisper headsets
- Private boat excursion to Capri’s Blue Grotto
- Thermal park entrance fees in Ischia, with access to 22 warm pools, sauna, private beach, and restaurants
- Entrance fees to museums and Pompeii
- Sunset visit to Positano, with seaside dinner
- Visit to Ravello’s Villa Cimbrone or Villa Rufolo Gardens
- Visit to Amalfi
- Gratuities for all group activities, to guides and service providers
- Travel Journal
- Pre-Trip Booklet with packing list and other helpful information
- Charitable donation of $25.00 to the Pompeii Sustainable Preservation Project to support the excavation work of this historic treasure
What’s Not Included:
- Airfare
- Meals not specified in itinerary
- Spa treatments, such as massages or facials
- Everything not mentioned under “What’s Included”
La Dolce Vita!
Perfection! You gave us just want you promised and then some.
–Diana, Oregon
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 80 years.
Contact Info:
TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE FOR GOLDEN WEEKS, or for more information, contact Susan at 100placesinitaly@gmail.com
Would you like me to custom-design a Golden Week in Italy for you and your family or friends?
We can also arrange for early arrivals or later departures, at hotels in Sorrento, Naples, or other locations in Italy — Just ask when signing up!
