Susan Van Allen's wonderful book 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go will fuel your desires for Italy. Written in a refreshingly breezy style, this is a book to savor and enjoy as well as a fine guide for travel.
It begins with the women who have shaped the Italian psyche--Venus and the Virgin Mary--reminding women that they are rightly adored.
Susan offers 20 places where you can see the evidence of this admiration, ranging from paintings in Florence depicting the Annunciation to the Archeological Museum in Naples with its Callipygian Venus (that's Venus of the Beautiful Buttocks).
After that fine beginning, Susan shares her favorite villas and palaces, gardens and beaches. Some are well known, but others will be new even to the experienced Italophile.
For instance, I am intrigued by the Tarot Garden, a contemporary art park in Tuscany with Niki de Sant Phalle's sculptures of Tarot deck figures, and plan to visit on my next trip.
Like a fabulous girlfriend offering ideas for your trip to Italy, Susan tells you about the important things-- like where to find the best gelato, coffee and wine, and of course, where to shop for leather, jewelry, lingerie, and other delights.
Want to experience an Italian spa or get a stylish haircut? Susan tells you where. Or maybe you prefer skiing, hiking, biking or yoga? Or cooking classes, language study, mask-making, or a night at the opera? You'll discover all that and more in 100 Places.
Of course, you'll find addresses, hours, and other practical information here, but I especially like how Susan ends each chapter with a suggestions for a "Golden Day." Like this one for Fiesole, just twenty minutes by bus from Florence (and one of my favorite places):
Golden Day: See the Villa Medici Gardens and explore the other treasures of Fiesole--the Roman Theater and Duomo. Lunch at the loggia of Villa San Michele (Via Doccia 4), a former convent with a facade designed by Michelangelo, that has become a romantic luxury hotel. Views from the restaurant are transcendant; the food refined and delicious.
Whether you dreaming of Italy, planning your first trip, or returning for the 15th time, I recommend you read this marvelous book: 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go.
Want more? Check out Susan's blog Golden Days in Italy or this About page with information about Susan and links to interviews.
I'd love to hear about your favorite places in Italy. What 3 things would you tell your girlfriends not to miss?
