Paris, the Riviera & Tuscany 13 days
About This Experience
France and Italy: each is celebrated for rich history, amazing museums, stunning scenery and unforgettable flavors. Discover the best of these cultural havens, from charming hamlets to bustling cities, masterful art to culinary masterpieces. On this France and Italy tour, you’ll experience firsthand two of the most sought-after destinations in the world.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
11 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 4 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach, train to Provence
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Lands that inspired Cezanne, Van Gogh & more
The French Riviera’s staggering seaside cliffs
Locals take you a little off the beaten path
From baguettes to pasta, food is art here
Jaw-dropping architecture everywhere you look
Leisure time to take in that joie de vivre
Overnight Flight1 night
Paris3 nights - hotel info
Day2
Settle in, get acquainted with your new favorite place: Paris
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Welcome to Paris! A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and then escorts you to your hotel. After check-in, you’ll have free time to orient yourself in Paris. At an included dinner this evening, meet your fellow travelers.
Day3
Let a Parisian show you all the local icons (and then some)
Breakfast
This morning, meet your local guide for a panoramic sightseeing tour of the French capital. Motor along the fashionable Champs-Élysées and view the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Opera House, the Place de la Concorde, the Louvre and the banks of the River Seine. The afternoon is free to explore Paris on your own. You might browse the wares offered along the Seine’s Left Bank or peruse the boutiques on the Rue du Faubourg St.-Honoré. Or, pay a visit to the world-famous château and gardens of Versailles on our afternoon excursion.
Optional Excursions
Versailles $99* pp
The reign of Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King,” set new standards for decadence among the crowned heads of Europe. It took 50 years and 35,000 workers to turn Versailles, once a small hunting lodge, into the most magnificent château in all of France and the envy of royalty worldwide. On this excursion, you will see the palace in all its glory. Tour the State Apartments and the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Then stroll through the lavish gardens with their fine statuary, splendid fountains and colorful flowerbeds. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 45 days prior to departure.
Day4
Explore Paris at your leisure—c’est la vie
Breakfast
This morning is free for you to explore Paris at your leisure. You might choose to visit the Louvre, shop in Galeries Lafayette or ascend Montmartre to watch the sidewalk artists. You might also wish to join an optional excursion to Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny (seasonal), where you can visit the former home and gardens of Impressionist Claude Monet. End the day at our optional Evening in Paris with dinner at a local restaurant followed by a cruise on the River Seine.
Optional Excursions
Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny $85* pp
The village of Giverny was home to Claude Monet from 1883 until his death in 1926. On a visit to Monet's home and gardens, discover the subtle palette of colors that inspired his Water Lilies series and gave rise to a new way of seeing. Please note: This excursion is seasonal and runs April through October.
Optional Excursions
Evening in Paris $99* pp
Take in the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a local restaurant. After you dine, board a boat cruise along the Seine. As you coast along the river and under Paris' bridges, you'll behold the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris glittering alongside the riverbanks. Please note: the dress code may vary depending your restaurant, and your Tour Director will advise you on what to wear, but shorts and sneakers are likely to be considered inappropriate attire. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
Aix-en-Provence2 nights - hotel info
Day5
Cezanne’s hometown paints a picture of his earliest inspirations
Breakfast
Cezanne's studio
Journey by TGV train through the French countryside to Aix-en-Provence in the heart of southern France’s Provence region. Upon arrival, you’ll have a guided tour of this Roman-influenced city, hometown of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. Stops include Cézanne’s birthplace, the school he attended and the studio where many of his famed paintings came to light.
Day6
Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings come to life in the fields of Arles
Breakfast
This morning travel to nearby Arles. Another quintessential Provençal town, Arles was also the adopted home of Vincent van Gogh, who painted some of his most celebrated works here. A local guide leads a sightseeing tour of the town and lectures on the artistic achievements. The afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. This evening, opt for a Provençal Dinner & Wine Tasting.
Optional Excursions
Provençal Dinner & Wine Tasting $99* pp
Travel to a rustic Provençal village outside of Aix-en-Provence. Start your evening with a wine tasting at a vineyard followed by dinner at a local restaurant, featuring the traditional herb-accented Provençal dishes for which the region is known.
French Riviera1 night - hotel info
Day7
Cruising right along, relax and take in the rocky inlets of Cassis
Breakfast, Dinner
As you head south along the French Riviera toward Nice, stop in the hillside town of Cassis, overlooking the Mediterranean. Enjoy a boat cruise amid the rocky inlets of Cassis’ harbor. Reach Nice this afternoon for some free time. Then, continue to your hotel on the French Riviera, arriving in time for an included dinner.
Florence2 nights - hotel info
Day8
Rising from the cliffs, Cinque Terre is a colorful world all its own
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross the border into Italy and reach magnificently beautiful Cinque Terre. Meaning “five earths,” this region of five seaside villages comprises breathtaking scenery with winding roads and rolling hills. Lunch is included in Cinque Terre. Continue on to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Dinner is included tonight in Florence.
Day9
From the Duomo to Santa Croce, Florence is an architect’s dream
Breakfast
Church of Santa Croce
A local guide introduces you to Florence. Take in the city’s massive pink, white and green duomo before entering the Basilica di Santa Croce, where the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo as well as the Dante Memorial are displayed. Later, opt to venture to the ancient Carthusian Monastery, where you’ll dine on traditional Tuscan fare, with entertainment provided by monks.
Optional Excursions
Monestary Dinner $99* pp
Venture into the Tuscan hills for a unique and unforgettable dining experience. After a private tour of the ancient Carthusian Monastery, sit down for a musical performance and feast of traditional Tuscan fare, much of which has been grown at the monastery itself.
Siena2 nights - hotel info
Day10
Art and wine—we can’t think of a better pairing
Breakfast, Dinner, Wine tasting
Pitti Palace
Continue your tour of Florence this morning with a visit to the Renaissance Pitti Palace, a complex built in the 15th century that today houses the Silver Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Palatine Gallery. This afternoon, your Tour Director leads a sightseeing tour of the Chianti wine route, and you’ll sample some regional vintages. Arrive later in Siena, one of Tuscany’s stunning medieval towns. Dinner is included this evening.
Day11
Step by step, discover more of Tuscany from your point of view
Breakfast
This morning, a local guide leads a walking tour of Siena. You’ll see its cathedral and famed Campo, where the annual Palio is held. This evening, partake of a unique event at our optional Tuscan Dinner, highlighting the culinary specialties of medieval Tuscany.
Optional Excursions
Tuscan Dinner $79* pp
A fascinating lesson in Tuscan culture and cuisine awaits you at this memorable dinner event. One of the region's most acclaimed restaurants, noted for its excellent food and wine cellar, serves up several courses of flavorful, culinary delights. After sampling the restaurant's wine collection and feasting on Pecorino cheese with honey and crostini, delicious barley soup, pici with duck sauce and beef stew à la Senese, you'll understand why Tuscany reigns as a prime destination for food-and-wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Rome1 night - hotel info
Day12
When in Rome, see (and eat) everything you possibly can
Breakfast
Continue your journey southward to Rome, the Eternal City. Opt to end the day at a Dinner with Tenors, an evening of traditional Italian dishes and live opera music.
Optional Excursions
Dinner with Tenors $79* pp
End your day with an elegant four-course dinner at one of our favorite Roman restaurants. While you dine, you’ll be treated to some of opera's best-loved arias…and you might even join the singers on stage. Don’t miss this lighthearted evening of food and fun!
Extend Your Stay
Add Rome $299*
Only in Rome can you sip cappuccino at a cafe in front of the Pantheon, buy grapes at a centuries-old market, and have an audience with the pope—all in one morning. For a mix of spectacular art, grand history and exuberant street life, no other city comes close.
Rome2 nights - hotel info
Day1
You’re free to roam in Rome
Breakfast
Stay in Rome for another two days to examine the myriad treasures of the Italian capital. Today, you might wish to join an optional excursion to Vatican City, featuring visits to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Optional Excursions
Vatican City $85* pp
This guided tour takes you inside the world’s smallest state, Vatican City. Upon arrival, you'll first visit the Vatican Museums, which recently celebrated a 500-year anniversary and hold many of the world's most important Classical and Renaissance-era sculptures. Next, you'll visit the Sistine Chapel, where you'll gaze on what is perhaps Michelangelo's greatest masterpiece. Finally, you'll visit the enormous St. Peter’s Basilica, the epicenter of the Roman Catholic faith. The artists whose efforts have contributed to its glory are some of the best Italy has ever known, including Bramante, Peruzzi, Raphael and Michelangelo. Masterpieces await at every turn, from Bernini’s magnificent bronze canopy to Michelangelo’s Pietà. Please note: This excursion is not available on Sunday. Advanced reservation and booking is required prior to your final payment deadline.
Day2
Exploring Imperial Rome is an imperative
Breakfast
Spend another day at your leisure in Rome or join an optional tour of Imperial Rome, including the Colosseum.
Optional Excursions
Imperial Rome $85* pp
Follow in the footsteps of Rome's emperors through the city's Imperial landmarks. Highlights include a visit to the Colosseum, where 50,000 spectators cheered their favorite gladiators to victory, and a panoramic bus tour of the city's Roman ruins. You might also stop to snap a photo of the ruins of the Roman Forum, from which the caesars ruled their vast empire.
About This Experience
France and Italy: each is celebrated for rich history, amazing museums, stunning scenery and unforgettable flavors. Discover the best of these cultural havens, from charming hamlets to bustling cities, masterful art to culinary masterpieces. On this France and Italy tour, you’ll experience firsthand two of the most sought-after destinations in the world.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
11 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 5 three-course dinners with beer or wine, 1 wine tasting
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach, train to Provence
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Lands that inspired Cezanne, Van Gogh & more
The French Riviera’s staggering seaside cliffs
Locals take you a little off the beaten path
From baguettes to pasta, food is art here
Jaw-dropping architecture everywhere you look
Leisure time to take in that joie de vivre
Overnight Flight1 night
Paris3 nights - hotel info
Day2
Settle in, get acquainted with your new favorite place: Paris
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Welcome to Paris. After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, a shuttle service transfers you to your hotel (details will be sent to you prior to your departure). After check-in, you’re free to acquaint yourself with Paris. Later, meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.
Day3
Let a Parisian show you all the local icons (and then some)
Breakfast
This morning, meet your local guide for a panoramic sightseeing tour of the French capital. Motor along the fashionable Champs-Élysées and view the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Opera House, the Place de la Concorde, the Louvre and the banks of the River Seine. The afternoon is free to explore Paris on your own. You might browse the wares offered along the Seine’s Left Bank or peruse the boutiques on the Rue du Faubourg St.-Honoré. Or, pay a visit to the world-famous château and gardens of Versailles on our afternoon excursion.
Optional Excursions
Versailles $99* pp
The reign of Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King,” set new standards for decadence among the crowned heads of Europe. It took 50 years and 35,000 workers to turn Versailles, once a small hunting lodge, into the most magnificent château in all of France and the envy of royalty worldwide. On this excursion, you will see the palace in all its glory. Tour the State Apartments and the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Then stroll through the lavish gardens with their fine statuary, splendid fountains and colorful flowerbeds. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 45 days prior to departure.
Day4
Explore Paris at your leisure—c’est la vie
Breakfast
This morning is free to explore Paris your way. You might choose to visit the Louvre, shop in Galeries Lafayette or ascend Montmartre to watch the sidewalk artists. Or, join an optional excursion, Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny, where you can visit the former home and gardens of the Impressionist painter. (Depending on season, a van Gogh and Auvers-Sur-Oise optional may be offered instead.) End the day with dinner at a local restaurant and a cruise along the Seine on our evening excursion.
Optional Excursions
Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny $85* pp
The village of Giverny was home to Claude Monet from 1883 until his death in 1926. On a visit to Monet's home and gardens, discover the subtle palette of colors that inspired his Water Lilies series and gave rise to a new way of seeing. Please note: This excursion is seasonal and runs April through October.
Optional Excursions
Evening in Paris $99* pp
Take in the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a local restaurant. After you dine, board a boat cruise along the Seine. As you coast along the river and under Paris' bridges, you'll behold the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris glittering alongside the riverbanks. Please note: the dress code may vary depending your restaurant, and your Tour Director will advise you on what to wear, but shorts and sneakers are likely to be considered inappropriate attire. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
Aix-en-Provence2 nights - hotel info
Day5
Cezanne’s hometown paints a picture of his earliest inspirations
Breakfast
Cezanne's studio
Journey by TGV train through the French countryside to Aix-en-Provence in the heart of southern France’s Provence region. Upon arrival, embark on a guided tour of this Roman-influenced city, hometown of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. Stops include Cézanne’s birthplace, the school he attended and the studio where many of his famed paintings came to light.
Day6
Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings come to life in the fields of Arles
Breakfast
This morning, transfer to nearby Arles, another quintessential Provençal town. Arles was the adopted home of Vincent van Gogh, who painted some of his most celebrated works here. A local guide leads a sightseeing tour of the town and lectures on van Gogh’s artistic achievements. The afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. This evening, opt for our Provençal Dinner & Wine Tasting excursion.
Optional Excursions
Provençal Dinner & Wine Tasting $99* pp
Travel to a rustic Provençal village outside of Aix-en-Provence. Start your evening with a wine tasting at a vineyard followed by dinner at a local restaurant, featuring the traditional herb-accented Provençal dishes for which the region is known.
French Riviera1 night - hotel info
Day7
Cruising right along, relax and take in the rocky inlets of Cassis
Breakfast, Dinner
As you head south along the French Riviera toward Nice, stop in the hillside town of Cassis, overlooking the Mediterranean. Cruise amid the rocky inlets of Cassis’ harbor, reaching Nice in the afternoon for some free time. Then, continue to your hotel situated on the French Riviera, arriving in time for an included dinner.
Florence2 nights - hotel info
Day8
Rising from the cliffs, Cinque Terre is a colorful world all its own
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross the border into Italy and reach the gorgeous Cinque Terre. Meaning “five earths,” this region of five seaside villages boasts breathtaking scenery, winding roads and rolling hills. Sit back and enjoy lunch here before continuing on to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Dinner is included tonight in Florence.
Day9
From the Duomo to Santa Croce, Florence is an architect’s dream
Breakfast
Church of Santa Croce
A local guide introduces you to Florence. Take in the city’s massive duomo before entering the Church of Santa Croce, where the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo are on display. Later, opt to venture to the ancient Carthusian Monastery, where you’ll dine on traditional Tuscan fare, with entertainment provided by singing waiters.
Optional Excursions
Monestary Dinner $99* pp
Venture into the Tuscan hills for a unique and unforgettable dining experience. After a private tour of the ancient Carthusian Monastery, sit down for a musical performance and feast of traditional Tuscan fare, much of which has been grown at the monastery itself.
Siena2 nights - hotel info
Day10
Art and wine—we can’t think of a better pairing
Breakfast, Dinner, Wine tasting
Pitti Palace
Continue your tour of Florence with a visit to the Renaissance Pitti Palace, a complex built in the 15th century that serves as a museum today. This afternoon, follow your Tour Director along the Chianti wine route, stopping to sample regional vintages. Later, arrive in Siena, a medieval Tuscan town.
Day11
Step by step, discover more of Tuscany from your point of view
Breakfast
Siena Cathedral, Piccolomini Library
This morning, a local guide leads a walking tour of Siena. You’ll see its cathedral (Duomo di Siena) and famed Campo. This evening, partake of a unique event at our optional Tuscan Dinner, highlighting the culinary specialties of medieval Tuscany.
Optional Excursions
Tuscan Dinner $79* pp
A fascinating lesson in Tuscan culture and cuisine awaits you at this memorable dinner event. One of the region's most acclaimed restaurants, noted for its excellent food and wine cellar, serves up several courses of flavorful, culinary delights. After sampling the restaurant's wine collection and feasting on Pecorino cheese with honey and crostini, delicious barley soup, pici with duck sauce and beef stew à la Senese, you'll understand why Tuscany reigns as a prime destination for food-and-wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Rome1 night - hotel info
Day12
Extend Your Stay
Add Rome $359*
Only in Rome can you sip cappuccino at a cafe in front of the Pantheon, buy grapes at a centuries-old market, and have an audience with the pope—all in one morning. For a mix of spectacular art, grand history and exuberant street life, no other city comes close.
Rome2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Exploring Imperial Rome is an imperative
Breakfast
Colosseum
Stay in Rome for another two days to explore the myriad treasures of the Italian capital. On a panoramic bus tour, get an overview of ancient Rome, including Piazza Venezia, Imperial Forums, Trajan’s Column and the Colosseum. Opt to end the day at our Dinner with Tenors, an evening of traditional Italian dishes accompanied by some of opera’s best-loved arias.
Optional Excursions
Dinner with Tenors $79* pp
End your day with an elegant four-course dinner at one of our favorite Roman restaurants. While you dine, you’ll be treated to some of opera's best-loved arias…and you might even join the singers on stage. Don’t miss this lighthearted evening of food and fun!
Day2
You’re free to roam in Rome
Breakfast
Spend another day at your leisure in Rome or join an excursion to Vatican City, featuring visits to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Optional Excursions
Vatican City $85* pp
This guided tour takes you inside the world’s smallest state, Vatican City. Upon arrival, you'll first visit the Vatican Museums, which recently celebrated a 500-year anniversary and hold many of the world's most important Classical and Renaissance-era sculptures. Next, you'll visit the Sistine Chapel, where you'll gaze on what is perhaps Michelangelo's greatest masterpiece. Finally, you'll visit the enormous St. Peter’s Basilica, the epicenter of the Roman Catholic faith. The artists whose efforts have contributed to its glory are some of the best Italy has ever known, including Bramante, Peruzzi, Raphael and Michelangelo. Masterpieces await at every turn, from Bernini’s magnificent bronze canopy to Michelangelo’s Pietà. Please note: This excursion is not available on Sunday. Advanced reservation and booking is required prior to your final payment deadline.
Passport & Visa
In order to enter France and Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend six months beyond the date of your return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
Health
There are no major health risks associated with traveling to France or Italy. Be sureto check with your doctor or health care provider for the latest updates and overseas travel requirements.
Transportation / Walking on tour
Round-trip flights arrive in Paris and depart from Rome. After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, a shuttle service will provide your transfer to your hotel (details will be sent to you prior to your departure). Included transportation on this tour is by train and private motor coach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the major cities by public transportation. Paris’ massive Métro is world-class, easy to navigate and efficient. Make sure to take time and look for the best deal on travel passes. Ask your Tour Director which pass might work best. Florence is split up into two separate sections by the Arno River, with most attractions spread out around the Duomo. The city is walkable, although frequent local buses are also available. Purchase tickets at tobacconists or at vending machines.
Clothing & Packing Tips
To ensure you’re comfortable while out exploring, we recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. For sightseeing, we suggest bringing a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers, as well as a lightweight sports jacket or rainwear. If you’re planning a visit to a high-end restaurant or performance, you may also want to bring dressier attire. Also, please remember that it’s preferable to avoid showing bare legs or shoulders during visits to churches or other religious sites (entrance may be denied on this basis).
Baggage Allowance
Airlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.
Cuisine
Throughout France, you’ll find endless opportunities to sample wonderful food at every price range. For a casual snack or picnic, stop at a small grocery store for cheeses, pâtés, cured meats, fresh baked bread and fruit. Sidewalk vendors are known for their steaming crêpes, filled with cheese, ham, fruit or chocolate. Flaky pastries and hot coffee beckon from the cafes. For restaurants, the prix fixe option is popular, offering a three- or four-course set menu for a good price. Most staples of the Italian diet have already become favorites in America, but on your tour, try those less familiar pasta sauces and the vast range of cured hams, cheeses, rustic breads and desserts. Tuscany is known for its subtle sauces, rich pasta and its wines, including Chianti. In Siena, be sure to try trattorias—small, family-run restaurants. Siena’s pastries are also top-notch.
Museums in Florence
Steeped in culture and history, the museums of Florence are popular attractions that you might consider visiting during your free time in the city. However, we recommend that you make reservations two months in advance if you would like to visit any of the museums in Florence, particularly the Uffizi or the Accademia. Call us or visit www.polomuseale.firenze.it/english/musei for more information.
Currency
The euro is the currency you’ll be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in France and Italy, although it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks, as needed. You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees. We suggest informing your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so they don’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.
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Hanging out in Paris, the Riviera & Tuscany
My trip started off rocky, our flight was delayed a day, but we finally got their. Our tour Guide Thierry, was awesome. he called us when we got to the hotel and updated us on timelines and what's going on in the city. He gave us ideas of what we could do and how to get their and in some cases he even went with us. Paris, Nice, Aix-en Provence, Cassis, Arles, Cique Terre, Florence, Siena and Rome were beautiful and the food was to die for. The bread in Nice, the boat ride in Cassis and the city center in Siena made the trip worth while. It was cold and rainy, but we didn't let the weather stop us from having a great time. The hotels were okay, when you go in November it is cold and rainy, and the hotels have the rooms pretty warm. It was a fun trip and we met some great people.
Paris/Tuscany/Riveria
Fun trip. Great Value, Great Company, Fun Guides!!
The Best of France and Italy
It was an awesome tour..we had 15 single gals out of the total number of 33 in our group..it was fast paced(which we expected)..and we saw and did alot..Susanne Danks, the tour director, made the trip a "step up" from the start.. The countries,cities,food,markets, and of course the weather(0ne day of rain). made the tour a trip of a lifetime!!
Best Of France and Italy
The best part of the tour was our director Ronen Raz. Went out of his way to ensure that all our needs were met and then some. Very knowledgeable and informative. People on the tour were also a delight. Monk's dinner was by far the most enjoyable. Need more "fun" evenings such as this. All went well and on schedule. Some experiences with the tour office in Boston were not 100% satisfactory.
excellent
Thought this was a good tour. Could have used a little more free time and a little more time to relax without so much history rapore. Sometimes it is nice to just absorb the ambiance of the place you are visiting. It is a holiday for most so have more time to absorb the feeling of the village/city and people watch. Optionals add up and might be included in the tour price. Overall though the tour was fabulous - maybe one less day in Paris and one more day in Rome. Our tour director was invaluable and always helpful and at times, fun!!
France, the Riviera and Tuscany
I can't use enough superlatives to describe our guide, Ronen Raz. We have had excellent guides on all three tours, but he is just amazing! Hang on to him at all cost! With a group of 40, I was expecting that we'd have to spend time waiting around for people running late, maybe having a couple of complainers in the group, etc. This was absolutely NOT the case! The trip is very well organized, with a nice balance of group and free time. The optional excursions were great for those people who were first timers, allowing plenty of free time in the evenings for those who chose to seek out adventures on their own. Just a couple of things that might be improved- The transfer by the shuttle company from the airport to the hotel in Paris was a fiasco- People from three different Go Ahead tours coming in at the same time, not enough seats on the shuttle, shuttle company representatives appeared disorganized and had very limited command of English. I was separated from my family and got to my hotel 2.5 hours after the rest of my group. Secondly( and I've mentioned this on my two previous tours as well), the quality of the included dinners when they're offered at the hotels leave much to be desired. The included dinners when offered at an independent restaurant were great. I'd suggest a small discount for those those travelers who want to opt out of the hotel dinners. Overall, I'd recommend Go Ahead to anyone from the first time traveler to a seasoned one who may not like the idea of traveling with a group. I think you do a great job of providing quality service and accommodations for a relatively affordable price.
Trip
Our tour guide ronen was very knowledgeable. He did a good job keeping track of 40 people and their individual needs. As far as I could tell, most enjoyed their experience. The local guides were marginal as usual. They just try to cram too much info into their speil and talk way to fast. Most of what they say is not important and boring. Since I had no expectations, none were not fullfilled. Overall, it was a good trip. But...The arrival at Paris was a complete mess. Rides were not properly scheduled..in fact the woman who met us actually went to the parking lot and solicited rides with various carriers. Some people waited up to 4 hours for their ride. Very poor first impression!!!
Make this your first trip to Europe
The tour was the package of flavor, culture, art, history, provided in a sampling of everything possible in one tour. There was plenty of walking with guided tours with free time to explore. Transportation was door to door of many fantastic ruins, cathedrals, museums, sea side villages,. We enjoyed picturesque experiences like the sunflowers in Tuscany and olive groves of Southern France. The evening cruise of Paris was fantastic seeing the Eiffel Tower in lights from the Seine River. The wine tasting with bread, cheese and olive oil located in a Tuscan vineyard was delicious. The tour contained everything. Mountains, rivers, the Mediterranean sea, the beach, the farmland, and the large and expansive Roma. My personal favorite was being in the very foot steps of Vincent Van Gogh and seeing through my eyes what he saw and painted. Having the works of art on a canvas to compare to the cafe's and gardens was exhilarating. The crowning in to this epicurean tour was the tour of the Vatican. The history and the art contained was overwhelming. This tour is for your intellect, your senses, and your complete enjoyment. Our Tour Guide provided a seamless tour with outstanding professionalism of a curator of art, history and fine dining.
Traveling With Family
This tour was well paced, the tour director was excellent. Go Ahead needs to deal with arrival transportation issues and accommodations for single travelers, but the overall tour met expectations.
Just amazing
The best part of this tour was what is not listed in the brochure. The tour director and tour guides are so fun, full of knowledge, and possibly the greatest asset to the actual tour. I am still in awe of the views and experiences - the boat ride in Cassis, the dinner in Paris, the views from the bullet train... Our driver, Antonio, was very safe and courteous, and Sabra, our tour guide, is one of the most amazing person we have ever had the chance to meet. So very knowledgable and fun, she defiantly was an added value to our trip!
