PREMIUM GOLDEN WEEK IN UMBRIA AND ROME:

For Women Only

May 7 – 17, 2025
Details and Prices Coming Soon!

led by Author Susan Van Allen

Susan Van Allen infuses her tours with enthusiasm, engagement and enchantment! She is exceptional in her knowledge of the area we visited and ensured we felt both part of a group yet individually independent. We had the trip of a lifetime…
-Christina, Massachusetts

Join Susan Van Allen, author of 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go, for an inspiring Premium Golden Week in two beautiful locations, Umbria and Rome. You’ll have an insider’s experience —meeting my friends—from chefs to truffle hunters to weavers and artisans who craft ceramics and stained glass, along with guides who are passionate about sharing their hometowns. We’ll have fun staying in historic luxurious hotels, enjoying enchanting hill towns, breathtaking sunsets, splendors of Baroque Rome, and experiencing a range of masterpieces—from Giotto’s
Renaissance frescoes in Assisi to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel in Rome. All along the way will
be delicious food, the very best wines, and joyful toasts.

This is a Gift of La Dolce Vita=the Sweet Life, custom-designed to fully immerse you in Italy’s
inspiring, delicious, and rejuvenating pleasures. AND it’s a PREMIUM Golden Week — featuring 8 nights, instead of our traditional 7.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA to Rome
Day 2*: Welcome to Rome and Your Golden Week
Day 3: Travel to Perugia with stop at Bomarzo, Garden of Dreams
Day 4: Taste Umbria – Truffle Hunt and Cooking Class
Day 5: Treasures of Perugia, Chocolate Included / Amazing Assisi
Day 6: Discover Deruta, Town of Ceramics / Splendors of Spello, with Olive Oil Tasting
Day 7: Fairytale Town of Gubbio / Women’s Weaving Workshop in Perugia
Day 8: Dazzling Orvieto / Welcome to Rome
Day 9*: Rome Historic Center Orientation / Sunset on the Appian Way
Day 10*: La Dolce Vita in Rome / Roman Forum at Sunset / Farewell Dinner
Day 11: Arrivederci Roma

* On these days there are free afternoons, where we can pre-arrange a tour of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, or the Colosseum

May 7-17, 2025

For more information, Contact Susan Van Allen @: 100placesinitaly@gmail.com

Full Itinerary:

*Itinerary subject to change. If changes need to be made because of weather or unforeseen circumstances, replacement events will be equally as awesome as above.

*Activity Level: Bring comfortable walking shoes! The hill towns of Umbria and historic center of Rome are mostly pedestrian only, and our time there will include 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 if you wish. There are also bus rides, some on curvy country roads, which require those with motion sickness to take precautions.

What’s Included:

  • Entertaining hosting by author Susan Van Allen, focusing on Italy’s celebration of all things female
  • 8 nights at First-Class Hotels, 5 nights Brufani Palace Hotel in Perugia and 3 nights Hotel Ponte Sisto in Rome
  • Transportation by private minibus, including arrival transfers from Rome airport to Perugia and departure transfers to Rome airport or train station.
  • Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel
  • 5 multi-course dinners, with wine
  • 1 cooking class in Umbria, including truffle hunt, followed by lunch
  • 1 olive oil tasting in Spello, followed by lunch
  • Chocolate tasting in Perugia
  • 1 lunch in Gubbio
  • Guided visits to artisan workshops: stained glass, ceramics, and weaving
  • Guided tours by charming local experts, with whisper headsets in Perugia Historic Center, Assisi, Deruta, Spello, Gubbio, Orvieto, Rome’s historic Center, Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel), and Roman Forum at sunset
  • Entrance fees to museum and monuments, including Skip-the-Line entrances to Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi and Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel)
  • Gratuities for group activities: guides, drivers, and servers at group meals
  • Pre-Trip Booklet with Packing List
  • Travel journal
  • $25 Donation to UNICEF

This week is expertly designed with a balance of planned group and free-time independent experiences.

What’s Not Included:

  • Airfare
  • Meals not specified in itinerary
  • Optional Travel Insurance
  • Everything not mentioned under “What’s Included”

La Dolce Vita!

Perfection! You gave us just want you promised and then some.
–Diana, Oregon

The week is expertly designed and hosted by Susan Van Allen, with a balance of planned group and free-time independent experiences.

Interior Saint Peter’s, Rome
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A Toast to Golden Weeks

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!”

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!

Kim, Connecticut

Fantastic!

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

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!

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
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
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
Yvette, Virginia

Super Experience

“All in all, a super experience.”

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!

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
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!

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.

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.

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
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.

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
Tina, Colorado

Exceeded Expectations

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

Italian Lakes
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
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
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
Florence, Pennsylvania

Total Delight!

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

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.

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
Debra, Massachusetts

Phenomenal Job

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

Florence
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
Lynda, Massachusetts

Humor, Knowledge and Surprises

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

Tuscany
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
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
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.”

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.

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
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.

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
Barbara, North Carolina

Loved

“Loved every minute.”

Southern Italy
Carol, Virginia

Wonderful!

It was a wonderful trip!

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
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
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.

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.

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.

Ready to Experience La Dolce Vita?

Say YES to this Adventure TODAY!
Space is limited and this tour Sells Out.

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 at 100placesinitaly@gmail.com

Would you like me to custom-design a Golden Week in Italy for you and your family or friends?

Irene can also arrange for early arrivals or later departures, with discounted rates at the Brufani Palace Hotel or Hotel Ponte Sisto