GOLDEN WEEK IN TUSCANY

For Women Only

SEPTEMBER 14 – 22, 2024
SOLD OUT!
Join the Waiting List

led by Author Susan Van Allen

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

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!

September 14 –22, 2024
$5890 / per person in double room
$6890 / per person in single room
$350 deposit to reserve
Final Payment Due July 12, 2024
Small Group Tour: 14 guests maximum

SOLD OUT
To join the Waiting List, 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: 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.

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A Toast to Golden Weeks

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
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!

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!

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
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!

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.

Nancy, Texas

It Was Great

“I will recommend this trip to anyone and would love to join Susan again for a trip….it was great!”

Southern Italy
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.

Jan, Montana

Loved every minute!

Loved every minute!

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
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.

Kim, Connecticut

Fantastic!

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

Christina, Massachusetts

Trip of a Lifetime

“Susan Van Allen infuses her tours with enthusiasm, engagement and enchantment! She is exceptional in her knowledge of the areas we visited and ensured we felt both part of a group yet individually independent. We had the trip of a lifetime last year, (Florence 2016), and this year was even better!!!! Hard to believe our first experience could be topped, but since it was—already saving up for the next trip with Susan!!!!”

Italian Riviera and Florence
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
Rene, New York

Renewed My Spirit

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

Florence
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.

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!

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!!”

Southern Italy & Italian Riviera
Helena, New York

Trip Extraordinary

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

Southern Italy
Donna, Pennsylvania

Excellent

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

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
Gail, Toronto, Canada

Five-Star – Inspiring!

This was my fifth trip to Italy travelling independently and with other companies and by far the most memorable. Susan sets the bar high for other companies to come up to. It’s five-star all the way from accommodation to meals to outings with guides. Her joy and love of adventure are inspiring! Read her book!

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.

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
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
Debbie, Connecticut

Thoughtful Planning

“Thank you for such a wonderful and memorable trip. The tour far exceeded my expectations and that was primarily due to your thoughtful planning and meticulous execution. You took care of every detail and I just loved that you made sure everyone was always taken care of. The women on the trip were all lovely and, of course, that added to the positive experience.”

Southern Italy
Laura, Alabama

Perfect

“Susan made me feel like every detail of this week was planned for me personally. I did have reservations about going on a scheduled tour, but was delighted to see the activities were not rigidly dictated by time constraints. I was not rushed through to keep to a strict schedule, but allowed enough time to enjoy each activity. I also appreciated the amount of free time that was built into the schedule. It allowed me to personalize my experience in this beautiful city. Perfect.”

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
Cynthia, Mississippi

Love

“Italians really know how to enjoy life. I would love to do this once a year!”

Tuscany
Rita, Florida

Amazing

“Amazing…All my passions were enlightened at each breathtaking step…I recommend it highly.”

Tuscany
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.”

Italian Riviera
Carol, Virginia

Wonderful!

It was a wonderful trip!

Barbara, North Carolina

Loved

“Loved every minute.”

Southern Italy
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!

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.

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
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
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
Bonnie, Texas

Unforgettable Memory

“It was an incredible experience to see Italy through our awesome host Susan Van Allen. The work behind the scenes that takes place to ensure an unforgettable memory for me was etched in my journal and heart. So thankful I said Yes to this trip!” 

Golden Week in Florence and the Italian Riviera
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
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
Beth, New York

Wonderful!

This trip was unlike any trip I’ve ever been on. From the booklet that Susan sent prior to the trip to our daily text messages, everything was organized and well-planned — plus Susan kept us informed every step of the way. Even when the weather upended our plans, Susan pivoted and provided wonderful alternatives. Being able to stay in one hotel — and what a wonderful hotel it was! — provided us with a familiar home base from which to set out on our daily adventures.

But the best was spending a week in the company of a group of compatible women — we came from different backgrounds and perspectives but we blended into a group of women who enjoyed each others’ company. Plus, it was a perfect number of travelers — not too many and not too few. Thank you, Susan, for creating this experience and for such great memories! I hope I can join you on another trip in the future!

Ready to sign up?

In Collaboration 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, 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!