GOLDEN WEEK IN VENICE:

For Women Only

April 18-25, 2026
SOLD OUT – Join the Waiting List
100placesinitaly@gmail.com

Susan made this trip First Class!…Can’t wait to do it again.
–Sarah, New Mexico

Golden Week in Venice, 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go, Women's Travel to Italy

Join author Susan Van Allen (100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go) for this luxurious adventure in Venice, custom-designed with female friendly highlights. From your base in a Grand Canal Palazzo boutique hotel, you’ll experience the awe-inspiring beauty and boundless pleasures this destination has given travelers for centuries, in Golden Style–with private boats all along the way. You’ll be guided through masterpieces of architecture in Piazza San Marco, dazzling La Fenice Opera house, fascinating Murano-Island of Glassmakers, and have a day to explore Burano, the island of lacemakers. You’ll immerse yourself in the world of Venetian flavors at the bustling Rialto market, cook with a local signora in an elegant villa on the Lido, and experience a Vivaldi chamber ensemble in a Renaissance church. With a group of wonderful women, you’ll enjoy breathtaking sights, delicious tastes, and discover hidden treasures.

The week is a gift of La Dolce Vita=The Sweet Life, in one of the world’s most magical destinations, giving you an inspiring experience that will become a golden memory for a lifetime.

View Sneak Peek
Brief Itinerary


Day 1:
 Depart USA for Venice
Day 2: Welcome to Venice, with cocktails and dinner
Day 3: Discover Piazza San Marco / Backstage Tour of La Fenice Opera House
Day 4: Fun hands-on cooking class, beginning with visit to Rialto Market and moving on to class on Island of Lido / Evening Vivaldi Concert in a Renaissance Church
Day 5: Meet artisans in Murano, Island of Glassmakers / Sunset Gondola Experience
Day 6: Beautiful Day in Burano, Island of Lacemakers / Exclusive After Hours Visit to Basilica San Marco
Day 7: La Dolce Vita day in Venice / Farewell Dinner
Day 8: Arrivederci…Depart Venice with Golden Memories…

APRIL 18 – 25, 2026
Small Group – 6 max
$8020/per person / single rooms only
SOLD OUT
Join the Waiting List, email me at 100placesinitaly@gmail.com

Full Itinerary

The Palazzo Sant’ Angelo hotel inspires oohs-and-ahhs on arrival. We get the red carpet treatment with our own private dock on the Grand Canal…

Private boat rides for our excursions are a highlight of Golden Week in Venice!

And we’ll be treated to an elevator ride to the top of the Campanile (bell tower) for amazing views.

Lunch and the early afternoon are free to enjoy on your own, with my recommendations.

In the late afternoon, you’ll have an exclusive backstage tour of La Fenice, one of the most famous opera houses in the world.

We’ll hear the fascinating history of this venue, including stories of Diva Maria Callas, as we walk through dazzling halls, enjoy the view from the Royal Box, and end with an aperitivo in the Apollonian banquet room.

The evening is on your own to enjoy the pleasures of Venice.

Meals Included: B

What’s Included

  • Entertaining hosting by author Susan Van Allen, focusing on Italy’s celebration of all things female
  • 6 nights at luxurious boutique hotel, Palazzo Sant’ Angelo, with side canal or courtyard views
  • Transportation by private water taxi for group activities, including arrival and departure transfers from Venice airport or train station
  • Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel
  • 2 multi-course dinners, with wine
  • 1 cooking class including Rialto Market tour and class on Island of Lido, followed by lunch
  • 1 lunch in Burano, the Island of Lacemakers
  • Guided orientation walk of Venice, with entertaining local guide, whisper headsets included, and skip-the-line entrance to Campanile
  • Guided visit to Murano, Island of Glassmakers, with private visits to artisan studios
  • Visit to Burano, Island of Lacemakers, with entrance to Lace Museum
  • Exclusive After-Hours Guided Visit to Basilica San Marco
  • Sunset Gondola ride, with music
  • Gratuities for group activities: guides, drivers, and servers at group meals
  • Travel journal and optional writing workshops
  • $25 Donation to Save Venice

What’s Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended)
  • Everything not mentioned under “What’s Included”
Enjoy a Gondola Ride
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A Toast to Golden Weeks

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
Dawn, Massachusetts

Made us Feel Like Goddesses

Susan out did herself once again showing us Sicily and everything it has to offer. The hotels to restaurants made us feel as if we were goddesses!

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
Debra, Massachusetts

Phenomenal Job

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

Florence
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!

Tina, Colorado

Exceeded Expectations

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

Italian Lakes
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.

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
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
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.

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.

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
Maria, New Hampshire

Magnificent!

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!

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.”

Southern Italy
Jan, Montana

Loved every minute!

Loved every minute!

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
Rita, Florida

Amazing

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

Tuscany
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
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
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
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!

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
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
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.

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!”

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
Yvette, Virginia

Super Experience

“All in all, a super experience.”

Southern Italy
Maureen, New Jersey

Wonderful

“My Golden Week experience was wonderful…more than I had anticipated. Everything was so well planned, including all of my transportation arrangements. Susan helped to make our experience pleasurable as well as memorable. I would recommend this tour to anyone looking for a cultural experience while the enjoying the full flavor of Italy.”

Italian Riviera and Florence
Kathie, California

Magical Time!

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!

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.”

Southern Italy
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
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!

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

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”

Southern Italy
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
Kim, Connecticut

Fantastic!

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

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.

Rene, New York

Renewed My Spirit

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

Florence
Lisa, Florida

Great trip!

Susan did an excellent job planning and executing the trip. Her extensive knowledge of the area and the people made this a memorable experience. Susan provided us with very knowledgeable local guides that enriched our experience. We also had plenty of time to do some exploring on our own. This was a great trip.”

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.

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.

Carol, Virginia

Wonderful!

It was a wonderful trip!

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

Say YES to this Adventure TODAY!
Space is limited and these trips Sell Out.

In Collaboration with PERILLO TOURS, America’s Leading Tour Operator to Italy for 80 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?

Would you like to arrive early or extend your Golden Week? We can arrange for discounted hotel rates and packages. Just ask!