GOLDEN WEEK IN THE ITALIAN LAKES:

For Women Only

May 30 – June 7, 2026
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

Susan Van Allen, 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go, Women's Tours Italy, Small Group Tours Italy

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 30 – June 7, 2026
$7790 per person in Double Room
$8790 per person in Single Room
4 Rooms Still Available!
Contact Susan at 100placesinitaly@gmail.com


Full Itinerary:

*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.

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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.”

Italian Riviera and Florence
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!

Chris, Massachusetts

Inspirational Guide

“Susan is an inspirational guide who creates an aura of beauty and joy in some of the most beautiful places in Italy! Truly fell in love with Florence—so much so that began to plan a return trip with Susan almost as soon as we returned. Highest of recommendations only!”

Florence
Arlyn, Connecticut

Great!

A really great trip!

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!”

Italian Riviera & Florence
Lisa, Illinois

Fantastic

“Fantastic! A great combination of busy and relaxing.”

Tuscany
Jan, Montana

Loved every minute!

Loved every minute!

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.”

Venice
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!

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.

Kim, Connecticut

Fantastic!

Susan Van Allen was fantastic! Loved every day on the tour! Thank you!!!

Florence, Pennsylvania

Total Delight!

The entire trip was a total delight! Well organized, so many different adventures, people were wonderful!

Barbara, Rhode Island

Spectacular

I’m still tingling from our amazing trip to southern Italy! I prayed it would be a wonderful experience and I got an amazing dream experience! The PLACE, the WONDERFUL WOMAN in our group, the perfect location of our hotel, my perfect travel companion–my niece Lori, all allowed for a spectacular and beautiful memory. Only Susan Van Allen could have made it all possible! She brought it all together for an Amazing Week! Thank you Susan!!!

Rene, New York

Renewed My Spirit

“The trip renewed my spirit on so many levels…Susan was a wonderful tour host.”

Florence
Helen, Maryland

Wonderful Adventure

“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
Donna, Pennsylvania

Excellent

A tremendous learning experience at each site. Guides were excellent.

Barbara, Tacoma, Washington

Highlight of My Life

That week will always be one of the highlights of my life. It was special in so many ways–being in beautiful Italy again, sharing it with my daughters and friends and Susan making it so special. Susan’s warm hospitality and love and knowledge of Italy is what makes it special and memorable.
I hope I can join another Golden week with you again in the future.

Patti, Florida

Fabulous

This was a fabulous trip with a lovely group of women. The pace was perfect and the tours were amazing. I wouldn’t change a thing and would highly recommend any of the Golden Weeks with Susan – she thinks of everything and makes your week an awesome journey full of wonderful memories!

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.

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.

Mary, Florida

The Best

“Susan was just the best. She did a super job. I look forward to taking another trip with her.”

Southern Italy
Edie, Pennsylvania

Spectacular

“Dear Susan, My compliments to you on our tour of Southern Italy. Your knowledge of Southern Italy, your gifts, meals, just you Susan, you planned it well. The tour was nothing short of spectacular!! You are the Jewel  of Southern Italy.”

Southern Italy
Debra, Massachusetts

Phenomenal Job

“Susan Van Allen did a phenomenal job as our leader. The group of women was delightful.”

Florence
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.”

Italian Riviera and Florence
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.

Italian Riviera and Florence
Gayle, Arizona

Feast For Our Senses

“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
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!”

Tuscany
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.

Joyce, Virginia

Wonderful Trip

“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.”

Florence
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!”

Southern Italy
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.”

Southern Italy
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.

Florence, Canada

Wonderful!

This was my first trip to Italy & I’m so glad it was with Susan Van Allen. It was so great to go to a different place each day. Whether we went by ferry or bus each trip was an unforgettable experience. I was sad when the trip was over, but our farewell dinner was absolutely delicious and a great ending to a wonderful tour. The trip was well organized, informative, and totally enjoyable.

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.”

Florence
Janice, Massachusetts

Incredible Planning and Attention to Detail

I thought the trip was fabulous! Susan’s planning and attention to detail were incredible. Her desire to help each of us feel welcome, included, and safe was evident in everything she did.
I also appreciated the choice of places and activities that would appeal to women, including opportunities to shop. Each of the restaurants was excellent and the choice of menu for our meals together was varied and delicious.

While I really enjoyed all the sites and the fabulous guides that you hired, what I valued most was my times at meals and walking and talking with all the wonderful women whose company I so enjoyed.
The plate that I painted has a place of honor in my home as it reminds me of all the fun we had. And I love wearing the gloves and the jewelry that I purchased. Thank you so much for taking me shopping! I loved the trip.

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.”

Venice
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.

Helena, New York

Trip Extraordinary

“Susan Van Allen is amazing, she went above and beyond to make this trip extraordinary.”

Southern Italy
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!”

Southern 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…”

Southern Italy
Lynda, Massachusetts

Humor, Knowledge and Surprises

“Susan’s humor, knowledge and surprises really made this vacation one of my very favorites!”

Tuscany
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!”

Julie, Canada

Loved Our Golden Week

“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

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!