GOLDEN WEEK IN TUSCANY:
For Women Only

September 15-22, 2024
Susan made this trip First Class!…Can’t wait to do it again.
–Sarah, New Mexico
Based in the lovely town of Lucca, highlights of this Golden Week include
— Countryside Cooking Class
— Spa Time in San Giuliano Terme
— Chic Forte dei Marmi on Market Day
— Visit a sculptor’s workshop in Pietrasanta
— Discover Pistoia, aka “Little Florence”
— Belle Epoque Wonders of Montecatini Terme
— Pisa’s Leaning Tower and Campo dei Miracoli at Sunset
— Evening Puccini concert in Lucca
— Tuscany at Harvest Time…Fabulous Food and Wine all along the way!
A Toast to Golden Weeks

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.

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.”

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.”

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

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

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!”

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!”

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.”

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!”

Tina, Colorado
Exceeded Expectations
“Susan exceeded my expectations! Would love to tour with her (and the ladies) again!”

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!”

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.

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.

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!!”

Helena, New York
Trip Extraordinary
“Susan Van Allen is amazing, she went above and beyond to make this trip extraordinary.”

Diana, Oregon
Perfection
“Perfection! You gave us what you promised and then some. I think the biggest compliment was that I didn’t want to leave”

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.

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.”

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!

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!”

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!

Patti, Florida
Fabulous

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…”

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!”

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.

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.

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!”

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.

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

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.”

Debra, Massachusetts
Phenomenal Job
“Susan Van Allen did a phenomenal job as our leader. The group of women was delightful.”

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.”

Carol, Virginia
Wonderful!
It was a wonderful trip!

Rene, New York
Renewed My Spirit
“The trip renewed my spirit on so many levels…Susan was a wonderful tour host.”

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.

Deanna, New York
Dream Come True
“My dearest Susan, My deepest appreciation for making our trip to Southern Italy a dream come true. Although I had been there some time ago, nothing compared with the wonderful time we had with you. Not only as our guide, but as a new dear friend, you made the entire trip an experience I will never forget. Each one of the girls became like sisters. Your beauty, charm, humor, and kindness was more than I ever expected. I haven’t stopped talking about our trip.”

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.”

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.

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!

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!!!!”

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.”

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.”
Say YES to this Adventure!
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 Van Allen at 100placesinitaly@gmail.com
Would you like me to custom-design a Golden Week in Italy for you and your family or friends?
