One hundred places in Italy every woman should go

the long version

With passion, humor, and helpful tips 100 Places In Italy Every Woman Should Go inspires women to discover places that will appeal to their spirits, senses, and quests for adventure. Author Susan Van Allen, a former staffer for the sit com Everybody Loves Raymond, has explored Italy up and down the boot for over thirty years and written about her experiences for such places as National Public Radio, Town & Country, and Travelers' Tales anthologies. In this book, she shares intriguing details and secrets of her favorite places, along with those she's gathered from her girlfriends, writers, and actresses. Each entry steers women to spots that will fulfill their Italian fantasies—whether it's exploring the palace where Audrey Hepburn lived in Roman Holiday, making a carnevale mask in Venice, or admiring Botticelli's Birth of Venus in Florence.The cornucopia of choices to experience authentic Italy are divided into categories, so whether a woman is in the mood to "Go To The Divine" and see Venus revered in Roman Forum, "Go To A Cooking Class" and roll out pasta with a Calabrian mamma, or "Go On An Active Adventure" and ski the Dolomites, Van Allen, like a savvy girlfriend, is by their side, guiding them to unforgettable pleasures. The book also includes recommendations for relaxing spas and beaches, splendid gardens, places to taste Italy's best gelato and chocolate, and shop for treasured handicrafts. Interlaced through the prose are femme-friendly insights, like the spicy story of Nero's wife who had an eye for gladiators, and artist Raphael's mistress, a baker's daughter who he called "Fornarina" (little oven). Along with inspiration, Van Allen offers nuts and bolts info and suggestions for "Golden Days" where recommended places are matched with restaurants and hotels to fit a range of budgets and make a woman's Italian vacation dreams come true.