Grand Tour of Italy 15 days
About This Experience
The true question in Italy is “Where not to go?” The country is teeming with history, personality and mind-blowing beauty, making the travel possibilities virtually endless. On this sweeping tour of Italy, you’ll explore legendary cities like Venice and Florence and smaller-yet-iconic towns like Assisi and Bologna.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
13 nights in hand-picked hotels
Breakfast daily, 6 three-course dinners with wine or beer
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Lake Como's tranquil scenic beauty
Seaside luxury is always afloat in Sorrento
Renaissance reminders are everywhere in Florence
Ancient ruins mingle with modernity in Rome
Romeo & Juliet come to life in Verona
Homemade pastas, pizza & gelato in abundance
Overnight Flight1 night
Lake Como Region2 nights - hotel info
Day2
La dolce vita awaits on the shores of Lake Como
Dinner, Breakfast (in flight)
Benvenuto! Welcome to Italy. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and then escorts you to your hotel in the Lake Como region. The rest of the day is free to relax or acquaint yourself with your lake district retreat. At an included dinner this evening, meet your fellow travelers.
Day3
Relaxation comes in waves by the waterfront
Breakfast
Villa Carlotta (seasonal)
Admire spectacular lake views from the elaborate gardens of an 18th-century Italian villa on our morning visit to Villa Carlotta (seasonal; in the off-season, a funicular ride to Brunate may be offered instead). The most popular attraction by Lake Como, the villa contains a copy of Canova’s Cupid and Psyche. Then your Tour Director introduces you to the sights and main square of Como before a free afternoon for shopping and discovering this scenic area. This evening, opt for our Lake Como & Bellagio excursion.
Optional Excursions
Lake Como Cruise & Bellagio $75* pp
Hop aboard a scenic cruise of Lake Como to soak in some of Italy’s most beautiful estates and gardens. Float past charming lakeside towns to Bellagio, a village whose scenery has inspired poets and young lovers for centuries. You’ll have time to take in Bellagio’s classic beauty before heading to a local restaurant, where you'll sample cuisine from a carefully chosen menu. Please note: Your included meal may be lunch or dinner. In addition, this excursion is only offered March through October, and its departure time varies by season.
Venice2 nights - hotel info
Day4
Romeo & Juliet fell in love here, soon you will, too
Dinner, Breakfast
Travel to Verona this morning. On a guided walking tour of Verona, discover the sites that served as the backdrop for one of the greatest love stories of all time. Situated by the River Adige, Verona boasts one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval town centers. Take a look at the Roman amphitheatre and Casa di Giulietta, where you’ll find Juliet’s storied balcony. Continue on to Venice where dinner is included.
Day5
Real life can be a fairytale, take Venice as proof
Breakfast
Doge's Palace
Experience the romance of “La Serenissima” during this morning’s guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Doge’s Palace, once the political heart of this powerful maritime empire. Continue on to view the 900-year-old Basilica of St. Mark, a rich mosaic of Byzantine, Romanesque and Islamic influences entombing the remains of St. Mark the Evangelist. This afternoon, consider joining an optional gondola ride on the canals, complete with music.
Optional Excursions
Gondola Ride With Music $65* pp
More than 100 waterways crisscross Venice, and boarding a sleek black gondola to explore them has become a time-honored tradition. On this memorable excursion, join your fellow travelers for a tour through the canals of Venice. A musician serenades you as your gondola cruises through the city. Please note: This excursion runs as weather permits. A private two-person gondola ride is available for an additional $100 per person.
Optional Excursions
Gondola Ride for Two $165* pp
More than 100 waterways crisscross Venice, and boarding a sleek black gondola to explore them has become a time-honored tradition. On this memorable excursion, you'll enjoy a private, serenaded gondola cruise through the canals of Venice. Please note: This excursion runs as weather permits.
Florence3 nights - hotel info
Day6
It would be wrong not to indulge in a bowl of pasta (or two)
Dinner, Breakfast
Make your way south to Florence, passing through Bologna, a hidden gem of Italy known for its pasta, mortadella sausage and for being the location of the oldest university in Europe. Take a sightseeing tour of Bologna with an expert local guide. Arrive later in the Tuscan city of Florence, center of the Renaissance. Dinner is included in Florence this evening.
Day7
From the Duomo to Santa Croce, the Renaissance lives on in Florence
Church of Santa Croce
Guided sightseeing of Florence introduces you to the city’s Renaissance splendor. Marvel at Brunelleschi’s masterpiece—Florence’s massive pink, white and green Duomo, with the adjacent Campanile by Giotto. You’ll also see the gold Baptistery doors of Ghiberti. Then discover the church of Santa Croce, where the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo, as well as the Dante Memorial are displayed. This evening, attend an optional dinner in the nearby Etruscan hill town of Fiesole. Enjoy a drive through the Tuscan hills and take in the lights and landscapes of Florence below.
Optional Excursions
Dinner in Fiesole $65* pp
Take a scenic ride to the town of Fiesole, where you'll be treated to some of the region's best cuisine over a relaxing three-course dinner. Unmatched views of nearby Florence serve as the perfect complement to your indulgent meal. Fiesole sits on a hill overlooking Florence, and its views of the city have been prized since pre-Roman times.
Day8
Masterpieces in art and wine—Florence overflows with both
Breakfast
During free time in Florence, choose to admire the world’s finest collection of Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery. Stroll through parks along the romantic Arno River. Take time to view Michelangelo’s early masterpiece, the sublime statue of David, sculpted when the artist was 26 years old. You could also join an optional excursion into the Tuscan countryside villages of Siena and San Gimignano. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the region’s finest wines. Admire Siena’s cathedral and famed Campo before continuing on to San Gimignano, where you might choose to visit the Palazzo del Popolo or the Citadel.
Optional Excursions
Siena & San Gimignano $105* pp
Discover the essence of Tuscany on a full-day excursion. In Siena, a local guide introduces you to the town and its black-and-white marble duomo, where you'll find brilliantly colored 16th-century frescoes in the Piccolomini Library. You'll have some free time to explore the Campo, the square that serves as the center of civic life in Siena. Then, journey through the countryside to the town of San Gimignano, where you'll have some free time to explore the city's medieval towers or simply admire the Tuscan hills. As the sun begins to set, you'll head to a nearby vineyard, where an included wine tasting awaits. Please note: This excursion involves moderate walking.
Assisi2 nights - hotel info
Day9
Millions make pilgrimages this beautiful, hillside town
Dinner, Breakfast
Upper and Lower Basilicas
Drive through spectacular Umbria to hillside Assisi, birthplace of both St. Francis and St. Clare. Visit Assisi’s Lower and Upper Basilicas, whose most magnificent feature is the Giotto frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis. Dinner is included tonight in Assisi.
Day10
Delve deeper into the “green heart of Italy”
Breakfast
Spend the day at your leisure in the town of Assisi or join an optional excursion to the city of Perugia, located in the heart of the Umbrian region and known for its fine chocolate.
Optional Excursions
Perugia $79* pp
Discover Perugia on a guided tour. You'll visit the Rocca Paolina, Perugia Cathedral, the Palazzo dei Priori, the Fontana Maggiore and the shops of Corso Vannucci. This excursion includes a wine tasting and lunch.
Sorrento2 nights - hotel info
Day11
Theaters, villas, temples, all stand frozen in time in Pompeii
Pompeii ruins
Travel to Pompeii, one of the world’s best archaeological sites, for a guided tour of the ruins. Discover how Roman citizens lived 2,000 years ago, before Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79, preserving the town of Pompeii in a flood of volcanic ash. View the excavated ruins of theaters, villas, temples and baths. Pompeii is located near the idyllic Bay of Naples, known for its expansive views of the area’s islands, capes and nearby Mount Vesuvius. Then continue on to Sorrento, an enchanting resort town. Dinner is included tonight.
Day12
Seek the seaside luxury enjoyed by starlets and emperors alike
Breakfast
Exult in the sun-kissed seabreezes of Sorrento with a free day today. Meander the charming streets and find a cafe to sip cappucino or limoncello as you watch the world go by. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Capri, the “Island of Dreams,” where both Roman emperors and Hollywood starlets once vacationed. Here, you can explore the island, ride to its peak by funicular or indulge in a boat ride around the island (weather permitting). Tonight, opt for an evening of mouth-watering cuisine and traditional dancing at our Tarantella Dinner & Show.
Optional Excursions
Capri $105* pp
Travel by ferry to the fabled Isle of Capri, a beloved resort since the days of the Roman Republic. Weather permitting, you’ll enjoy a mini-cruise around the island. Later, you'll enjoy free time to discover why everyone from Roman emperors to Sophia Loren wants to spend their vacation in Capri. If weather prohibits a mini-cruise, you’ll travel to the village of Anacapri, which offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery. Please note: This excursion is weather dependent.
Optional Excursions
Tarantella Dinner & Show $79* pp
Tarantella dancing is a centuries-old folk tradition in this part of Italy. Tarantella is the Italian word for tarantula, and the frenzied steps of the dance are said to be designed for sweating out the poison if one is bitten by a tarantula. Savor a locally prepared dinner at the Teatro Tasso, then watch a live performance featuring the intricate footwork of the tarantella, demonstrated by a troupe of authentic folk dancers. Please note: This optional is seasonal from March 1-November 1.
Rome2 nights - hotel info
Day13
Ancient, modern, Rome is everything all at once
Breakfast
Colosseum
Travel to Rome this morning and check in to your hotel. Then follow in the footsteps of Caesar during your guided tour of Rome. Highlights include a visit to the Colosseum, where 50,000 spectators cheered gladiators to victory, and a photo stop outside the ruins of the Forum Romanum, from where the Caesars ruled their vast empire. Opt to end the day with the Dinner with Tenors, an evening of local food and live 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!
Day14
Step inside the world’s smallest state: Vatican City
Dinner, Breakfast
Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
Today’s guided tour takes you into the world’s smallest state, Vatican City. Visit the Vatican Museums and the enormous St. Peter’s Basilica, the same cathedral in which the pope celebrates Mass. Treasures loom at every turn from Bernini’s magnificent staircase (ceremonial entrance to the Vatican Palace) to Michelangelo’s Pietà. Next, visit another timeless Roman classic: the Sistine Chapel, painted with Michelangelo’s captivating frescoes depicting the history of humankind. This afternoon, you might join an optional excursion into the ancient catacombs, where persecuted Christians once buried their popes and saints, and a visit to the Basilica of St. Paul. Dinner is included tonight in Rome.
Optional Excursions
Catacombs & St. Paul's $65* pp
Descend into Rome’s ancient catacombs, where early Christians buried saints and popes alongside commoners. A local guide will lead you through burial chambers before your visit to the Basilica of St. Paul, one of the four most important basilicas of Rome, originally founded by Constantine the Great. The Basilica also houses the tomb of St. Paul. Please note: Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted within the basilica. Also, this excursion involves extensive walking and may be inadvisable for claustrophobic travelers.
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
The Eternal City is eternally yours
Breakfast
Spend the day furthering your explorations of Rome at your leisure. Or join an optional tour of the Borghese Gallery & Museum.
Optional Excursions
Borghese Gallery & Museum $69* pp
Today, take a guided tour of the Borghese Gallery, home to one of Italy's finest art collections. Situated in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana, the gallery consists of 20 rooms spanning two floors and features major works by Bernini, Raphael, Canova, Titian and Caravaggio. Please note: This excursion requires advanced booking at least 30 days before your departure.
Day2
Escape the city life in wine country or soak in more of Rome
Breakfast
You’ll have a free day in Rome to spend however you choose. Take in all the art and architecture that greet the eye at every turn—from relics of Caesar’s reign to treasures of the Renaissance. Stroll across the Spanish Steps, or stop at the legendary Trevi Fountain, into which centuries of visitors have tossed coins to ensure their eventual return to Rome. Or you might opt to enjoy an excursion to Castel Gandolfo & Wine Tasting.
Optional Excursions
Castel Gandolfo & Wine Tasting $75* pp
Leave the city behind and enjoy an afternoon in Lazio’s wine country. Begin your excursion with a stop at Castel Gandolfo, a gorgeous village draped on the shores of Lake Albano. You’ll have the opportunity to see the Pope's summer home from across the lake. Later, you'll travel to a vineyard in nearby Ariccia for a wine tasting, where you'll sample a variety of wines as well as homemade olive oils and other specialties.
About This Experience
The true question in Italy is “Where not to go?” The country is teeming with history, personality and mind-blowing beauty, making the travel possibilities virtually endless. On this sweeping tour of Italy, you’ll explore legendary cities like Venice and Florence and smaller-yet-iconic towns like Assisi and Bologna.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
13 nights in hand-picked hotels
Breakfast daily, 6 three-course dinners with wine or beer
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Lake Como's tranquil scenic beauty
Seaside luxury is always afloat in Sorrento
Renaissance reminders are everywhere in Florence
Ancient ruins mingle with modernity in Rome
Romeo & Juliet come to life in Verona
Homemade pastas, pizza & gelato in abundance
Overnight Flight1 night
Lake Como Region2 nights - hotel info
Day2
La dolce vita awaits on the shores of Lake Como
Dinner, Breakfast (in flight)
Benvenuto! Welcome to Italy. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and then escorts you to your hotel in theLake Como region. The rest of the day is free to relax or acquaint yourself with your lake district retreat. At an included dinner this evening, meet your fellow travelers.
Day3
Relaxation comes in waves by the waterfront
Breakfast
Villa Carlotta (seasonal)
Admire spectacular lake views from the elaborate gardens of an 18th-century Italian villa on our morning visit to Villa Carlotta (seasonal; in the offseason, a funicular ride to Brunate may be offered instead). The most popular attraction by Lake Como, the villa contains a copy of Canova’s Cupid and Psyche. Then your Tour Director introduces you to the sights and main square of Como before a free afternoon for shopping and discovering this scenic area. This evening, opt for our Lake Como and Bellagio excursion.
Optional Excursions
Lake Como Cruise & Bellagio $75* pp
Hop aboard a scenic cruise of Lake Como to soak in some of Italy’s most beautiful estates and gardens. Float past charming lakeside towns to Bellagio, a village whose scenery has inspired poets and young lovers for centuries. You’ll have time to take in Bellagio’s classic beauty before heading to a local restaurant, where you'll sample cuisine from a carefully chosen menu. Please note: Your included meal may be lunch or dinner. In addition, this excursion is only offered March through October, and its departure time varies by season.
Venice2 nights - hotel info
Day4
Romeo & Juliet fell in love here, soon you will, too
Dinner, Breakfast
Travel to Verona this morning. On a guided walking tour of Verona, discover the sites that served as the backdrop for one of the greatest love stories of all time. Situated by the River Adige, Verona boasts one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval town centers. Take a look at the Roman amphitheatre and Casa di Giulietta, where you’ll find Juliet’s storied balcony. Continue on to Venice where dinner is included.
Day5
Real life can be a fairytale, take Venice as proof
Breakfast
Doge's Palace
Experience the romance of “La Serenissima” during this morning’s guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Doge’s Palace, once the political heart of this powerful maritime empire. Continue on to view the 900-year-old Basilica of St. Mark, a rich mosaic of Byzantine, Romanesque and Islamic influences entombing the remains of St. Mark the Evangelist. This afternoon, consider joining an optional gondola ride on the canals, complete with music.
Optional Excursions
Gondola Ride With Music $65* pp
More than 100 waterways crisscross Venice, and boarding a sleek black gondola to explore them has become a time-honored tradition. On this memorable excursion, join your fellow travelers for a tour through the canals of Venice. A musician serenades you as your gondola cruises through the city. Please note: This excursion runs as weather permits. A private two-person gondola ride is available for an additional $100 per person.
Optional Excursions
Gondola Ride for Two $165* pp
More than 100 waterways crisscross Venice, and boarding a sleek black gondola to explore them has become a time-honored tradition. On this memorable excursion, you'll enjoy a private, serenaded gondola cruise through the canals of Venice. Please note: This excursion runs as weather permits.
Florence3 nights - hotel info
Day6
It would be wrong not to indulge in a bowl of pasta (or two)
Dinner, Breakfast
Make your way south to Florence, passing through Bologna, a hidden gem of Italy known for its namesake meat sauce, its mortadella sausage and its 11th-century university (the oldest in Europe). Arrive later in the Tuscan city of Florence, center of the Renaissance. Dinner is included in Florence this evening.
Day7
From the Duomo to Santa Croce, the Renaissance lives on in Florence
Breakfast
Church of Santa Croce
Guided sightseeing of Florence introduces you to the city’s Renaissance splendor. Marvel at Brunelleschi’s masterpiece—Florence’s massive pink, white and green Duomo, with the adjacent Campanile by Giotto. You’ll also see the gold Baptistery doors of Ghiberti. Then discover the church of Santa Croce, where the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo, as well as the Dante Memorial are displayed. This evening, attend an optional dinner in the nearby Etruscan hill town of Fiesole. Enjoy a drive through the town and take in the lights and landscapes of this quintessential Italian village.
Optional Excursions
Dinner in Fiesole $65* pp
Take a scenic ride to the town of Fiesole, where you'll be treated to some of the region's best cuisine over a relaxing three-course dinner. Unmatched views of nearby Florence serve as the perfect complement to your indulgent meal. Fiesole sits on a hill overlooking Florence, and its views of the city have been prized since pre-Roman times.
Day8
Masterpieces in art and wine—Florence overflows with both
Breakfast
During free time in Florence, choose to admire the world’s finest collection of Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery. Stroll through parks along the romantic Arno River. Take time to view Michelangelo’s early masterpiece, the sublime statue of David, sculpted when the artist was 26 years old. You could also join an optional excursion into the Tuscan countryside villages of Siena and San Gimignano. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the region’s finest wines. Admire Siena’s cathedral and famed Campo before continuing on to San Gimignano, where you might choose to visit the Palazzo del Popolo or the Citadel.
Optional Excursions
Siena & San Gimignano $105* pp
Discover the essence of Tuscany on a full-day excursion. In Siena, a local guide introduces you to the town and its black-and-white marble duomo, where you'll find brilliantly colored 16th-century frescoes in the Piccolomini Library. You'll have some free time to explore the Campo, the square that serves as the center of civic life in Siena. Then, journey through the countryside to the town of San Gimignano, where you'll have some free time to explore the city's medieval towers or simply admire the Tuscan hills. As the sun begins to set, you'll head to a nearby vineyard, where an included wine tasting awaits. Please note: This excursion involves moderate walking.
Assisi2 nights - hotel info
Day9
Millions make pilgrimages this beautiful, hillside town
Breakfast, Dinner
Upper and Lower Basilicas
Drive through spectacular Umbria to hillside Assisi, birthplace of both St. Francis and St. Clare. Visit Assisi’s Lower and Upper Basilicas, whose most magnificent feature is the Giotto frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis. Dinner is included tonight in Assisi.
Day10
Delve deeper into the “green heart of Italy”
Breakfast
Spend the day at your leisure in the town of Assisi or join an optional excursion to the city of Perugia, located in the heart of the Umbrian region and known for its fine chocolate.
Optional Excursions
Perugia $79* pp
Discover Perugia on a guided tour. You'll visit the Rocca Paolina, Perugia Cathedral, the Palazzo dei Priori, the Fontana Maggiore and the shops of Corso Vannucci. This excursion includes a wine tasting and lunch.
Sorrento2 nights - hotel info
Day11
Theaters, villas, temples, all stand frozen in time in Pompeii
Breakfast, Dinner
Pompeii ruins
Travel to Pompeii, one of the world’s best archaeological sites, for a guided tour of the ruins. Discover how Roman citizens lived 2,000 years ago, before Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79, preserving the town of Pompeii in a flood of volcanic ash. View the excavated ruins of theaters, villas, temples and baths. Pompeii is located near the idyllic Bay of Naples, known for its expansive views of the area’s islands, capes and nearby Mount Vesuvius. Then continue on to Sorrento, an enchanting resort town. Dinner is included tonight.
Day12
Seek the seaside luxury enjoyed by starlets and emperors alike
Breakfast
Exult in the sun-kissed sea breezes of Sorrento with a free day today. Meander the charming streets and find a cafe to sip cappucino or limoncello as you watch the world go by. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Capri, the “Island of Dreams,” where both Roman emperors and Hollywood starlets once vacationed. Here, you can explore the island, ride to its peak by funicular or indulge in a boat ride around the island (weather permitting). Tonight, opt for an evening of mouthwatering cuisine and traditional dancing at our Tarantella Dinner & Show.
Optional Excursions
Capri $105* pp
Travel by ferry to the fabled Isle of Capri, a beloved resort since the days of the Roman Republic. Weather permitting, you’ll enjoy a mini-cruise around the island. Later, you'll enjoy free time to discover why everyone from Roman emperors to Sophia Loren wants to spend their vacation in Capri. If weather prohibits a mini-cruise, you’ll travel to the village of Anacapri, which offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery. Please note: This excursion is weather dependent.
Optional Excursions
Tarantella Dinner & Show $79* pp
Tarantella dancing is a centuries-old folk tradition in this part of Italy. Tarantella is the Italian word for tarantula, and the frenzied steps of the dance are said to be designed for sweating out the poison if one is bitten by a tarantula. Savor a locally prepared dinner at the Teatro Tasso, then watch a live performance featuring the intricate footwork of the tarantella, demonstrated by a troupe of authentic folk dancers. Please note: This optional is seasonal from March 1-November 1.
Rome2 nights - hotel info
Day13
Ancient, modern, Rome is everything all at once
Breakfast
Colosseum
Travel to Rome this morning and check in to your hotel. Then follow in the footsteps of the Caesars during your guided tour of Imperial Rome, which features the Colosseum, where 50,000 spectators cheered gladiators to victory, and the ruins of the Forum Romanum, from which the Caesars ruled their vast empire. Tonight, join one of our most popular optional excursions, Dinner with Tenors.
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!
Day14
Step inside the world’s smallest state: Vatican City
Dinner, Breakfast
Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
Today’s guided tour takes you into the world’s smallest state, Vatican City. Visit the Vatican Museums and the enormous St. Peter’s Basilica, the same cathedral in which the pope celebrates Mass. Treasures loom at every turn from Bernini’s magnificent staircase (ceremonial entrance to the Vatican Palace) to Michelangelo’s Pietà. Next, visit another timeless Roman classic: the Sistine Chapel, painted with Michelangelo’s captivating frescoes depicting the history of humankind. This afternoon, you might join an optional excursion into the ancient catacombs, where persecuted Christians once buried their popes and saints, and a visit to the Basilica of St. Paul. Dinner is included tonight in Rome.
Optional Excursions
Catacombs & St. Paul's $65* pp
Descend into Rome’s ancient catacombs, where early Christians buried saints and popes alongside commoners. A local guide will lead you through burial chambers before your visit to the Basilica of St. Paul, one of the four most important basilicas of Rome, originally founded by Constantine the Great. The Basilica also houses the tomb of St. Paul. Please note: Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted within the basilica. Also, this excursion involves extensive walking and may be inadvisable for claustrophobic travelers.
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
The Eternal City is eternally yours
Breakfast
Spend the day furthering your explorations of Rome at your leisure. Or join an optional tour of the Borghese Museum.
Optional Excursions
Borghese Gallery & Museum $69* pp
Today, take a guided tour of the Borghese Gallery, home to one of Italy's finest art collections. Situated in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana, the gallery consists of 20 rooms spanning two floors and features major works by Bernini, Raphael, Canova, Titian and Caravaggio. Please note: This excursion requires advanced booking at least 30 days before your departure.
Day2
Escape the city life in wine country or soak in more of Rome
Breakfast
You’ll have a free day in Rome to spend however you choose. Take in all the art and architecture that greet the eye at every turn—from relics of Caesar’s reign to treasures of the Renaissance. Stroll across the Spanish Steps, or stop at the legendary Trevi Fountain, into which centuries of visitors have tossed coins to ensure their eventual return to Rome. Or you might join an optional excursion, Castel Gandolfo and Wine Tasting.
Optional Excursions
Castel Gandolfo & Wine Tasting $75* pp
Leave the city behind and enjoy an afternoon in Lazio’s wine country. Begin your excursion with a stop at Castel Gandolfo, a gorgeous village draped on the shores of Lake Albano. You’ll have the opportunity to see the Pope's summer home from across the lake. Later, you'll travel to a vineyard in nearby Ariccia for a wine tasting, where you'll sample a variety of wines as well as homemade olive oils and other specialties.
Passport & Visa
In order to enter Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least 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 the Italian consulate for your specific entry requirements.
Health
There are no major health risks associated with traveling on your tour. Be sure to check with your doctor or health care provider for the latest updates and travel requirements.
Cuisine
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. In Italy, the cuisine varies by region. Venice and Northern Italy are known for their meats and pastries, Tuscany for its wine, oil and sauces, Rome and Southern Italy for their pizzas. For more authentic meals, try local trattorias—small restaurants set away from the main piazzas and squares. Italians tend to indulge in long, boisterous meals featuring wines and the occasional beer, followed by the requisite after-dinner drinks grappa or limoncello. Bars and pubs are less common in Italy, although they can be found in larger cities.
Transportation / Walking on tour
Round-trip flights arrive in Milan and depart from Rome. When you first arrive in Milan, a Go Ahead representative will meet you after clearing customs. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting another traveler to the bus at the time of your arrival. Included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the major cities of Venice, Florence and Rome by public transportation. In Venice, each section of the city is connected by water bus (least expensive), water taxi or gondola. You can purchase discounted bulk passes from vendors, or purchase single tickets at each dock. Venice is also a great city to explore on foot. Florence is split into two separate sections by the Arno River, with most of the 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. Rome has one of Europe’s best metro systems, serving all the major attractions, from the Roman ruins to Vatican City. Tickets can be purchased separately or in bulk and also cover bus and tram travel.
Museums in Florence
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. For more information, go to www.polomuseale.firenze.it/english/musei. The recommended time to schedule a visit is the afternoon of Day 7 or on Day 8 (if you are not joining the Siena & San Gimignano excursion; if you are, you will not have time on this day). Please note the museums are closed on Mondays.
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.
Currency
The euro is the currency you will use on tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in your destination countries, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We advise that you take a combination of bank/ATM cards and credit cards, as needed. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it is 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.
- Sort By:
- Newest
- Highest Rating
- Lowest Rating
- Photo Reviews
The Grand Tour of Italy with Go ahead tours was the trip of a lifetime for my husband and I.
Our first time to go to Europe we expected to be overwhelmed with the new culture and art however the nurturing and carefree travel experience was a bonus. Yes that's what we paid for but I never realized what a VACATION it can be to not have to be concerned about where, what and when were were to be doing whatever. All the luggage, transportation, language, shopping, eating, lodging all mapped out for us in great detail. With all the experience of others. Thank you. And special Thank you to Enrico and Louigie for making our trip so wonderful Louigie's bus was clean and comfortable at all times. His driving on switch back and highways was so smooth I could write in my journal. Enrico, well there are not enough words that ALL of us 43 could say about him. A big group to handle of people from all over the country with different agendas of what their vacation ought to be. We were ALL accommodated with whatever our needs were. We were so motivated by Enrico that we ALL would climb the highest trails, and trusted him with all decisions. Thank you. I can't wait to go on our next trip..
Grand GO AHEAD
We are home for a week now and still are talking about our tour, Our Tour Director Giuliana was the best tour director I or my friends ever had the privilage of touring with,she made the trip into the Grand Tour. I want to say, no shout that Go Ahead Tour did a wonderful job and look forward to our next adventure
Italy
Very good tour and tour director....I would put the Blue Grotto on the tour for the visit at Capri.
Overall Experience
First I want to say, thanks for such a great tour. My friend Pat had traveled on about 7 of your tours and because we used to travel all the time, I knew that this would be a good tour to go on. The tour Director, Guiliana and our bus driver were great. The food was good and the weather could not have been any better. The only day it rained was when we arrived in Milan that first day in Leco and the day we left Rome, on May 6. I am happy that I had taken the extension in Rome. We never got to take the excursion to Castel Gandolfo because not enough people had signed up, but Pat and I did enjoy the extra time in Rome. I did end up going on the Gondola ride and just loved it. I just wished I could have had more time in Venice, Sorrento, Assisi and just about every place else. As I said in my evaluation, this was the appetizer and now I will have to have the entree. I have already recommended the tour to my boss who wants to take his wife in the fall. I will send pictures. Paulette
Retired travelers
Everything was perfectly organized - We couldn't ask for anything better! We would highly recommend taking all the side excursions you can. Go Ahead Tours made these extremely memorable! We will DEFINITELY use Go Ahead Tours again. What they said would take place on their write-up - did exactly. Our tour director (Misia) obtained all of our tickets, ferry rides, excursions, dinner plans, etc. perfectly! Having an Italian guide who knows the region is indispensable. Traveling on our own would NOT have been as easy, stress free, and enjoyable as she made it. The accommodations were great - Breakfasts were all inclusive. The included dinners were all different, very enjoyable, and not to miss. We met some great people and made several friends. The weather at this time was cool enough for sweatshirts, but never hot, so the walks were comfortable. You must be able to climb stairs and walk a good deal on this trip. I would highly recommend this trip to everyone!
Ciao!
Go Ahead always does a great job and pick ups and drops off, tickets and group escorted tours. The hotels were pretty decent. Locations were good for the most part. Included breakfasts were pretty decent. The tour guide, bus drivers and daily tour guides were all very good. The one thing that has happened on every trip we have taken through Go Ahead is that the flight schedules are not good. I would recommend this trip and if you don't mind huge layovers and such you won't mind their flights that they choose.
Grand Tour of Italy
Great tour and great time. Everything was well organized and went off without a problem. Tour guide was really good and went out of his way to improve the tour as many of our optional tour excursions were not available because of the late fall/winter season in which we traveled.
Our Grand Tour of Italy
My wife and I made the "Grand Tour" in March/April 2012 and it was fantastic! Loved every minute! The tour guide Sabra (Sara) was absolutely incredible! We visited places that were breath taking, to say the least,the food was Great and the tour group we had, all came together and became a fantastic group to travel with for the two weeks! The way "Go Ahead" has the tour set up, ie starting in the Alps in the North and then going south and winding up in Rome the last three days is the best way to see the Italian sites and country side. The side trips were also fantastic and a MUST-SEE is going to Capri (from Sorrento)! Absolutely Gorgeous! From Florence going south, we stopped at the US World War II Cemetery where over 4,500 American soldiers are buried! A MUST SEE and "Go Ahead" needs to add it to the stops along the way. There wWe had one WWII veteran who flew B-17's out of Italy with us on the tour and also numerous WWII offspring whose fathers fought that war were on the bus! Very emotional stop and a MUST SEE!!! Vatican City and seeing it was tremendous! In Rome, The Coliseum, the Forum, the Roman Ruins and things we had only seen in books and photos were absolutely breath taking! We would highly recommend this trip to anybody who ever wanted to see Italy the right way! Absolutely wonderful!!!!! Thanks to Go Ahead Tours and to our FANTASTIC Tour Guide Sara!!! Regards, Barry & Toni Siegle
All the best of Italy wrapped up in 1 tour!
While Italy is full of great places to visit, this tour wraps up the best places in one quick sweep! This is a fast pace tour with lots to see, do, and taste :o) Highly recommend to anyone looking to see the most of Italy within 2 weeks. Every place has its own unique and beautiful sites, there are no words to truly describe the experience. An absolute to-do tour and Gloria, the tour director, make the experience even more enjoyable with her very upbeat, energetic, and hilarious personality! She was full of information, a walking encyclopedia :o) Would recommend for all ages, solo or multiple travelers!
The Magic of Italy
I love Go Ahead Tours...this trip was perfect from booking until the trip ended. The next trip out of country that I book with only be with Go Ahead Tours.
