Ceridwyn Parr reviews: 100 places in Italy Every Woman Should Go, by Susan van Allen
Susan van Allen fell in love with Italy at a dining table in New Jersey, an Italy of gorgeous food, sumptuous art and bel canto , an Italy which she got to know through her Italian family.
She has been fortunate enough to make countless returntrips : her roccoco passion for Italy is evident in every word. Her delightful book is one to take to bed very night for a month before you leave, with a map alongside, to mark all the places she describes which you simply cannot miss. Read more
What a splendid holiday! I could talk about the food, or the landscape, the culture, the history or the converted mill we stayed in – but in the end, it comes down to you two: your expertise in cooking, devising great itineraries, history…..; your flexibility and good humour. Thank you both so much. Lois Cox
Doesn’t that sound like a great recommendation! I want to join one of these tours – Lyn and Chris are two New Zealand women who are passionate about Italy, and are also great chefs. They are based near Akaroa, New Zealand but spend several months a year guiding trips in Italy. You can enjoy a luxurious stay in their historic house on the Banks Peninsula in the South Island of New Zealand - The Gables Country House, but its these Italy trips which grab me.
In 2012 they are spending three weeks in Tuscany, three in Puglia and three in Piedmont, and they invite up to 6 people each week to join them. See their latest list of tours are on the Women Travel the World Tour Calendar
What bliss - if you are in any doubt, read the comments below. Read more
Guest Blog by Jennifer Williams:
Spending time in the Eternal City alone does not mean you cannot have as much fun as when you traveled to Rome with your former spouse in times past. Rome is city full of wonders for single, divorced and married alike.
When in Rome what should you do? Here are five ideas that will add up to a memorable Roman Holiday for any divorcee. Read more
Wanderlust Women Travel is another new (WordPress powered) website focused on women travellers, specialising in Italy (the author is Italian/American) and in particular has some great city guides – her tag line is Spirited travel for women with wanderlust Read more
Cost and character
I was in Europe for a few months and the idea of staying in a monastery guest house had a fascinating spiritual aura about it. And not just because the budget. In fact the cost had little to do with the desire. It was more about authentic character and immersion in history, as well as the wish to be a momentary part of a long tradition, even going into the chapel to experience the music and the silence, and the deep sense of prayer and tradition. Read more
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.
