Some people are pioneers, others of us are always looking for recommendations – a story from someone else who have “been there – done that”, so we can fine tune a trip, rather than start from scratch. That is what travel blogs are about and it is also what Susan Van Allen’s book offers this for Italy – she must have had a wonderful time researching it, what stories we weave when we travel.
Susan Van Allen’s new travel book 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go is a celebration of Italy’s sensual and feminine best ~from a historical, cultural and travel perspective. Van Allen offers a treasure hunt of delightful destinations, charming stories and practical information which bring a unique richness to visiting bell’Italia! Amazon link to buy the book
Italian Language Classes
An excerpt from 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go
- Amazon link to buy the book
Good Tastes of Tuscany is run by Elizabeth Morris & Meaghan Barr as a female family run business that caters to mixed groups but also womens groups for travel in Tuscany. They have a very successful cooking school that provides classes for single, multi day & 7 day culinary & cultural programs. Newly listed on the networking website Women Travel the World, Elizabeth and Meaghan are living the dream – join in one of their fabulous cooking schools, Here is what one client says:
Hi Meaghan and Elizabeth!!
I hope your are all well! I just wanted to say thank you for making my experience in Tuscany Cooking a very deliciuos one!!
I truly enjoyed the classes with your 3 different chefs, and I took home with me all their varied ways and little tricks they use to make the menu a little extra special.tsc
I will certainly reccomend your school to all my clients. I plan on returning with my girlfriends next time so they can share tha calories with me.
Take good care !!! Give little Julia a kiss for me!!
Antonietta
Joan LaCroix wanted to visit the great cities of Italy – Rome, Venice, Florence, Pisa,Verona. So rather than siting around, she decided to see if she can organise a trip herself and gather some people to join it. So she has organised an itinerary, a price, and now needs others to join her in April 2010.
15 October 2009 – Change of plans My trip changed I am going on a tour with women if anyone wants to come call up my tour director. It is a short stay for 9 days. From March 26 to April 3rd 2010. Call Dave Sklar at 18009411664 and tell him Joan LaCroix sent you.
$2450.00 includes transfers and fees See my Blog for more info Read more
Picture yourself swilling wine in a hot tub at the end of an invigorating day’s bush hike, or relaxing in a country pub having biked the classic Otago Rail Trail, or taking a dip in the turquoise waters of the glorious Abel Tasman after sea kayaking to a golden beach…
do these things sound like something you would like to experience? Well, read on, because your prayers have finally been answered!
As busy women we often have a myriad of (often feeble) excuses why we don’t do things for ourselves. But let’s face it: there is never an excuse good enough for not doing something positive for yourself – like taking a well-deserved short break somewhere!
Venus Adventures – Trips for Women – is now offering a range of short breaks within New Zealand (and Europe) for women who, well, just need a break! The breaks include anything from culture to adventures, and are always a lot of fun, and the website is a one-stop shop for short breaks for women.
The idea behind women-only trips is to help women escape their everyday roles and routines as busy mums, wives or workers, and to get away with the girls and have some fun!
“More and more women are realizing the importance of getting away from it all and letting someone else do all the organizing for a change”; says Julie Paterson, founder and owner of Venus Adventures Trips for Women. “Women naturally bond and network easily. Doing a trip which gets you out of your comfort zone a little is easier in a supportive women’s group. It’s a great environment in which to try new things. But, depending on the trip, we also indulge in fun things like spas and a little retail-therapy! Age also doesn’t matter as long as the spirit is there!”
All you have to do is get yourself to the trip starting point and all the rest is taken care of. So what are you waiting for? Your next adventure is just a mouse click away…for more information visit www.shortbreaksforwomen.com.
By Julie Paterson
Venus Adventures – Trips for Women
www.venusadventures.travel
www.shortbreaksforwomen.com
The Luminara di San Ranieri
Un incantesimo di luce si riflette su tutta la citta’ per il Patrono
The Pisans celebrate their patron saint, Saint Ranieri, with more than 70,000 candles which light up the palazzi, bridges, and towers along the Arno. Antique illuminations are placed on the Leaning Tower and along the crenellations of the city walls around Piazza dei Miracoli. The reflections of the candles in the Arno River is enhanced by floating candles which are lit on its surface.
location: Comune di Pisa
town: Pisa
period: 16 June 2009 – 16 July 2009
I have been sent this notice by a great network in Tuscany, Italy – Tuscany Welcomes Women – my friend Rosanna Capitani who runs Eliotropica tours for women is one of the key people in the network – and of course there is the world famous Women’s B&B in Florence to enjoy as well. Rosanna can find you a fabulous apartment in any area in Tuscany and has some great local information and networks.
Article about Tuscany Welcomes Women
“Where are the men?” This was clearly the unspoken thought of many who watched the five of us toss the ropes and maneuver our Barge through the locks on the Canal du Midi in Southern France. We were the only crew of women on the canal and when on the last day we steered our way through the famous seven locks at Beziers, the crowds that come to watch this spectacle gave us a round of applause for our efforts. Read more
Ceridwyn writes: Florence is visual overload! I needed an antidote, and found it on the streets of Oltrano, on the ‘other side’ of the river.
The huge brick workrooms of the Antico Setificio Fiorentino, the ancient Florentine silk factory are just along from the best lunch we ate. Trattoria Sabatini , via Pisana 2/r , is a family run restaurant where the Buccioni family served us with pollo arrosto, patates arrosto, cavolo crude roast chicken, potatoes and coleslaw) and creamy stracchino cheese , and the usual glass of red wine, very cheaply . For once we were the only tourists in amongst local business people and artisans. Read more
Cinque-Terre
Sunshine in the morning let us explore the fabled colours and cleverness of the Cinque Terre. From Manarola we took a walk along Lover’s Lane, or Via dell’Amore- a paved, gentle walk for twenty minutes to the next village, Riomaggiore. Far below the sea promised excellent kayaking and snorkelling on its emerald water, fringing the rocks with clean white foam. The walkway had seats to admire the view, a couple of cafes in the summer and some picnic spots. Apparently it is so crowded in the season that the ticket numbers are limited. Read more
Rosanna Capatini is the owner of Eliotropica - a travel company focused on women travellers to Italy. When I made contact with Rosanna about Women Travel the World, she was very interested and when I said we were coming Italy, she said “You must come and stay in Lucca – the most beautiful town in Tuscany”. Of course – how could we refuse?
Danielle, Rosemary and Ceridwyn in Florence
I have been travelling for six weeks with good friends from New Zealand Ceridwyn Parr and Danielle Melton. We have spent the time in Spain, Portugal and Italy. It has been a fantastic opportunity to explore these places which I would not have seen in such depth without them. Each of us fell into particular roles on the trip – Ceridwyn was the tour leader/planner, Danielle was the driver (we hired a car in Spain) and I was the personal chef when we had an apartment we could cook in. We formed a great team which enabled us to each have a great travel experience but within the security of companionship along the way.
It is why Women’s Tours are popular and growing – a small group of women, with an experienced guide – exploring a country, its a great way for women on their own to travel.
