“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.”

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.

“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.”

“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.”

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.

A really great trip!

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.

“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!”

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!

***
Susan is such a delight to travel with and includes so many special extra touches!

“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.”

“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!!”

“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.”

“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!!!!”

“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!”

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!

While some of the excursions were not perfect, for me, this was a trip of a lifetime. I truly enjoyed the women I met and hope that I have made some new, lifelong friends! (and future travel mates). Stresa and the hotel were absolutely magnificent! Susan is a gem!

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!!!

“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.”

“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…”

“Susan exceeded my expectations! Would love to tour with her (and the ladies) again!”

Great trip led by Susan! The group of women were diverse and fun to be with. We had a lot of laughter!

“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!”

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!

“Love the personal service all along the way…Susan takes us all on a journey that brings every aspect of Italy to life!”

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!

“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.”

“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!”

“Loved every minute.”

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.

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

“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.”

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

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.

“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.”

“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.”

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.

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

Loved every minute!

“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.”

“All in all, a super experience.”

“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!” 

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

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