Paris & Rome 8 days
About This Experience
Paris and Rome have long been worldwide capitals of culture. For centuries, world-class artists and intellectuals have flocked to these cities, leaving behind lasting impressions. Now it’s your turn to make your mark on each city, exploring the ins and outs of both with Parisian and Roman locals leading the way. And, with plenty of time to yourself, you’ll be free to discover your own niche within each of these European hubs.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
6 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 1 three-course dinner with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Lots of free time to explore your way
You’ll see Paris & Rome from the local point of view
Renaissance to Impressionist, iconic art is everywhere
The Parisian open-markets and café culture
Fresh pasta, pizza and gelato galore
Amazing architecture, from palaces to ancient ruins
Overnight Flight1 night
Paris3 nights - hotel info
Day2
Bienvenue—seize the afternoon and start discovering Paris
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Welcome to Paris. After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, a shuttle service will transfer you to your hotel (details will be sent prior to your departure). The rest of the day is free to begin exploring of the City of Light before tonight’s welcome dinner.
Day3
City of art and artists, uncover what drew Hemingway and Fitzgerald here
Breakfast
This morning’s panoramic sightseeing tour will take you past the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Place de la Concorde and much more. This afternoon, step inside Paris’ most famous art museum and centuries-old public garden our optional excursion to the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden. You’ll have the chance to stroll through Tuileries, before taking a guided tour of one of the world’s largest art museums, where you’ll have the opportunity to peek at the Mona Lisa.
Optional Excursions
The Louvre & Tuileries Garden $85* pp
The extravagant Tuileries Garden is located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. Each section of the Garden has something to offer, including majestic statues, glimmering fountains and intricate pathways. Next, make your way over to the Louvre, considered one of the world’s largest art museums. With more than 8 million visitors each year, it is also the world’s most visited museum. Once you arrive, join a museum guide for a detailed tour. You’ll find some famous, familiar pieces such as the Mona Lisa and Liberty Leading the People. After the tour, feel free to explore on your own—your all-day ticket allows you to reenter the museum at any time during the day. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
Day4
Mona Lisa, Eiffel Tower, Versailles—see what you want, when you want
Breakfast
Today is free to explore Paris on your own. Explore some of the French capital’s eclectic neighborhoods or exceptional museums; or sit down at a sidewalk cafe and take in Parisian daily life. This morning, consider joining an optional excursion to Versailles. Located a short drive from the center of Paris, Versailles was the gilded dream of Louis XIV. You’ll tour the State Apartment where Louis and his royal retinue lived, the glittering Hall of Mirrors and wander through Versailles’ enormous gardens. Tonight, cap off your time in Paris with our Evening in Paris optional excursion. Start the evening with a sumptuous meal in one of Paris’ fine restaurants and end with a boat cruise down the Seine, passing by the shimmering Eiffel Tower as you go.
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.
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.
Rome3 nights - hotel info
Day5
Day6
Walk the Eternal City inside out, through its streets and underground
Breakfast
Colosseum
This morning, follow in the footsteps of Caesar during your guided sightseeing tour of Rome. Highlights include a visit to the Colosseum, where 50,000 spectators cheered their favorite gladiators to victory, and a stop at the ruins of the Forum Romanum, from which the Caesars ruled their vast empire. This afternoon, you may wish to join our optional tour of the Roman catacombs. In the days before Christianity became the official religion of Rome, early Christians were persecuted for their faith. Rather than renounce their religion, they burrowed into the rock upon which Rome was built, creating networks of tunnels and chambers we know as the catacombs. This tour concludes at the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls.
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.
Day7
Art lovers, architecture fans and foodies, too—find your Roman
Breakfast
Today is another free day in Rome. Art lovers can find the treasures of the Renaissance at the Capitoline Museums and the Galleria Borghese. Architecture fans can gaze up at the dome of the Pantheon, while others might wish to order up a cappuccino and spend the day watching the city go past from a cafe in Piazza Navona. Alternatively, you might consider this morning’s journey to the world’s smallest state, Vatican City. You’ll visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the heart of Christendom, and Michaelangelo’s sublime Sistine Chapel. Tonight, consider joining our Dinner with Tenors for a serenaded supper on your last night in Rome.
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.
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!
About This Experience
Paris and Rome have long been worldwide capitals of culture. For centuries, world-class artists and intellectuals have flocked to these cities, leaving behind lasting impressions. Now it’s your turn to make your mark on each city, exploring the ins and outs of both with Parisian and Roman locals leading the way. And, with plenty of time to yourself, you’ll be free to discover your own niche within each of these European hubs.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
6 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 2 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Lots of free time to explore your way
You’ll see Paris & Rome from the local point of view
Renaissance to Impressionist, iconic art is everywhere
The Parisian open-markets and café culture
Fresh pasta, pizza and gelato galore
Amazing architecture, from palaces to ancient ruins
Overnight Flight1 night
Paris3 nights - hotel info
Day2
Bienvenue—seize the afternoon and start discovering Paris
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Welcome to Paris! After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, a shuttle service will transfer you to your hotel (details will be sent to you prior to your departure). The rest of the day is free to begin your exploration of the City of Light before tonight’s included welcome dinner.
Day3
City of art and artists, uncover what drew Hemingway and Fitzgerald here
Breakfast
On this panoramic sightseeing tour, move past the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Louvre, Place de la Concorde and much more. This afternoon, consider joining our optional excursion to the iconic Louvre Museum and the extravagant Tuileries Garden. Considered one of the world’s largest (and most visited) art museums, the Louvre holds famous, familiar pieces such as the Mona Lisa and Liberty Leading the People. After the tour, feel free to explore on your own—your all-day ticket allows you to reenter the museum at any time during the day.
Optional Excursions
The Louvre & Tuileries Garden $85* pp
The extravagant Tuileries Garden is located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. Each section of the Garden has something to offer, including majestic statues, glimmering fountains and intricate pathways. Next, make your way over to the Louvre, considered one of the world’s largest art museums. With more than 8 million visitors each year, it is also the world’s most visited museum. Once you arrive, join a museum guide for a detailed tour. You’ll find some famous, familiar pieces such as the Mona Lisa and Liberty Leading the People. After the tour, feel free to explore on your own—your all-day ticket allows you to reenter the museum at any time during the day. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
Day4
Mona Lisa, Eiffel Tower, Versailles—see what you want, when you want
Breakfast
Today is free to explore Paris on your own. Immerse yourself in one of Paris’ many museums. See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, delve into the works of Picasso and Rodin at museums dedicated to each man, or peruse the Impressionist masterpieces at the d’Orsay. This morning, consider joining an optional excursion to Versailles. Located a short drive from the center of Paris, Versailles was the gilded vision of Louis XIV, a grand experiment in both urban planning and royal excess. You’ll tour the State Apartment where Louis and his royal retinue lived, the glittering Hall of Mirrors and Versailles enormous gardens. Tonight, cap off your time in Paris with our optional Evening in Paris excursion. Start the evening with a sumptuous meal in one of Paris’ fine restaurants and end with a boat cruise down the Seine, passing by the shimmering Eiffel Tower as you go.
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.
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.
Rome3 nights - hotel info
Day5
Wave goodbye to Paris and say “ciao” to Roma
Breakfast
This morning, travel to the airport for your flight to Rome. After checking in at your hotel, you’re free to explore the Eternal City. This evening, indulge in food and opera at our Dinner with Tenors optional excursion.
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!
Day6
Walk the Eternal City inside out, through its streets and underground
Breakfast
Colosseum
This morning, follow in the footsteps of Caesar during your guided sightseeing tour of Rome. Highlights include a visit to the Colosseum, where 50,000 spectators cheered their favorite gladiators to victory, and a stop at the ruins of the Roman Forum, from which the emperors ruled their vast empire. This afternoon, opt to join our optional tour of the Roman catacombs. In the days before Christianity became the official religion of Rome, early Christians were persecuted for their faith. Rather than renounce their religion, they burrowed into the rock upon which Rome was built, creating networks of tunnels and chambers we know as the catacombs. This tour concludes at the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls.
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.
Day7
Art lovers, architecture fans and foodies, too—find your Roman niche
Breakfast, Dinner
Today is another free day in Rome. Art lovers can find the treasures of the Renaissance at the Capitoline Museums and the Galleria Borghese. Architecture fans can gaze up at the dome of the Pantheon, while others might wish to order up a cappuccino and spend the day watching the city go past from a cafe in Piazza Navona. Alternatively, consider joining this morning’s journey to the world’s smallest state, Vatican City. You’ll visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the heart of Christendom, and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Tonight, rehash your memories with your fellow travelers at an included farewell dinner.
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
This tour includes the following countries: France and Italy. In order to enter these countries, 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’re 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 sure to check with your doctor or health care provider for the latest updates and travel requirements.
Transportation / Walking on tour
Flights arrive in Paris and depart from Rome. After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, a shuttle service will transfer you to your hotel (details will be sent to you prior to your departure). This tour includes a flight from Paris to Rome. All other transportation on is by private motor coach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the three 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 one might work best. Often the daily passes are not actually the best deal. Rome has a very efficient transportation system, 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.
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 Paris, 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 café au lait beckon from the cafes. At restaurants, opt for the prix fixe option, which offers a set three- or four-course menu for a good price. Most of the staples of the Italian diet have already become favorites in America, but on your tour, be sure to try those less familiar pasta sauces and the vast range of cured hams, cheeses, rustic breads and desserts. Rome has especially good gelato—authentic Italian ice cream.
Currency
The euro (in both France and Italy) is the currency you’ll use on tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in your destination countries, although it is 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’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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Awesome Trip!
We recently returned from our trip to Paris & Rome...its was great! Our tour director Vellario was wonderful, very nice and very helpful. Our hotel in Paris was clean and some of the area attractions were within walking distance. The hotel in Rome was clean and very nice! We went on each optional excursion in Paris and Rome and they were well worth it. This is the 2nd trip I have taken with Go Ahead Tours and will continue to use them. I only wish that each tour we could use our same tour guide Vellario.
Paris/Rome May 2013
This was a trip of a lifetime. Having never used Go Ahead before, we really did not know what to expect, but we were extremely pleased. Our Hotel in Paris & Rome were very clean, NO BEDBUGS!!! Our Tour Director, Valerio, was great, I would love to do another tour with him. We did most of the optional excursions and loved everyone. We met some amazing people on our tour, that we will continue to keep in touch with. Thank you again Go Ahead for a wonderful time.
Paris and Rome
Go Ahead Tours is wonderful! My tour director Carmen was outstanding and I couldn't have asked for better! The overall price was wonderful and all the optional excursions were exceptional. I have nothing but great things to say about my tour, guide, and this company! I am looking forward to my next Go Ahead Tour adventure!
Great Trip
Had a fabulous time in Paris and Rome. Have been to Paris several times and never ventured to stay in the Montmatre area. The hotel was wonderful..very safe. Between the Cemetery and Moulin Rouge. Hotel staff were great. The local tour guides for Paris (Daniella) and Rome (Ioanna) were very informative and friendly. Had a great time with our tour guide Carmen DelGaudio, who went out of her way to be very helpful.
Tour great- Food not so much
I have traveled extensively but this was my first group tour ( I was helping friends and family thru it). I love good food and know there is much better food than what was offered as part of the tour package. I understand trying to keep costs reasonable and maybe others don't care as much about food (maybe they just haven't had really good food there though). I wish there had been some way for me to have an excellent traditional gourmet meal and still eat with my family/friends on the tour. Maybe pay an up charge for something special? The quality of the food was a drawback for me. I love European breakfasts but these were not as good as at other (often not quite as nice) hotels/hostels. Their coffee was terrible. Seems a shame in an area with excellent coffee.Liked the group tour more than I expected. We really got a lot of wonderful information from our tour guides. Our tour director was patient and very knowledgeable and helpful. Airline connections were almost impossibly tight. Overall, though, the tour was a lot of fun. Loved the free time available! I would recommend the tour to beginner travelers, definitely.
Paris and Rome-2012
My daughter and I made this trip as a 40th birthday celebration for her. The weather was perfect, the crowds were down...a good time to go. Our experience was memorable. Our group all got along very well and our guide, Carmen, was great. So full of information and so caring about each and every person. The hotels were well located and staffed, but the beds were so small and hard. Funny I didn't notice that on previous trips but now that I am 73, I do! We made new friends, ate wonderful food, shopped our little hearts out and made memories to last a lifetime. Interesting to be in Europe at election time in the states. Thank you for your work. You do it well...leaving us plenty of unscheduled time.
Paris and Rome
This was my first time in traveling with Go Ahead Tours. I am pleased to share that it was an amazing trip and experience. From the hotel stays to the optional excursions it was a first rate experience. Our Tour Director, Carmen, was absolutely awesome and made it all flow smoothly and enjoyably. I am already looking for our next tour to book. Go Ahead Tours is in my experience a wonderful company who focuses on their clients and makes it an adventure of a lifetime.
OK, but not great
This one didn't really meet our hopes. First, the administrative support was disorganized, slow, and (when we started reacting), just a little rude. We couldn't get the return flights we wanted, and then we couldn't get the flight class we wanted - so we wound up making the flight arrangements ourselves. The hotel for our extension was wrong, but rather than promptly fixing the error (just adding a night), we got a one-week runaround while they "forwarded" our request to some "operations group". This happened within 10 days of our departure, so we were (understandably, I think) anxious. During our third phone call, we were told we "really didn't need to call any more" and that "we would hear" when they got the hotel straightened out. They did, and we did - but by then, the vacation was already a little tarnished. When we got our final packet, three separate pieces of paper had three different confirmations of arrivals, departures, and hotels - so we had to call about that too, and got another day's delay. The trip itself was okay, but not great. The basic tour fee included just our hotels, a bus tour around each city, and a guide that accompanied us for 3 days in Paris and 3 in Rome. Two of the 6 additional excursions we booked were cancelled due to under-enrollment - other tour companies we have used would have advised us of that before the trip, rather than leave it to the guide to explain after we were already in the city. Wouldn't have changed our plans, but it would have been nice to know. Basically, we felt as though we could have done a better job just booking everything on our own.
Great!
This was just what we wanted and what we made of the whole experience. We wanted a low key tour where we could go off on our own at any time....and for the most part this is what we did! We spent time with the tour guides for basic facts and guidance...happy we did this as we have never been to Paris or Rome. The tour guides were: educated, funny, and insightful. The main tour guide, Franc...kept us on track.. we checked the board twice a day to be certain of what was to happen. We stayed in two clean simple hotels...the breakfasts were plenty and provided the start to great days ahead for us. We are looking forward to another tour...hopefully soon!
Paris Stay
My sister and I were with the tour only for the three days in Paris. Once we reached Rome, we were went our own way and extended our stay for a week. While in Paris, our tour director was unprepared, not professional and not at all helpful. She took the group to an ITALIAN RESTAURANT our 1st. evening in Paris after a 35 minute walk. She announced the "Versailles Tour " was cancelled and offered to show us where to buy train tickets. (My sister and I booked our own Versailles Tour, with no help from her, whatsover.) She showed us where to buy Metro tickets to go to the Louvre. She escorted us there, but we were own our own returning to the Hotel. When we landed in Rome, the bus was nowhere to be seen. We walked, dragging our suitcases over cobblestones, for 20 minutes. Some elderly people did not react well to this inconvenience. On the tour 's last day in Rome, she presented us with a survey sheet and since there was no time to fill it, she told us that unless we signed it, she would not be paid. We signed a BLANK survey. Our flights were excellent. The hotel in Paris left a lot to be desired. The hotel in Rome proved to be very charming and comfortable. If we had had a different (i.e. a well informed, helpful and professional guide) we would have had a much more satisfying experience in Paris. I would consider using GoAhead Tours again, only if I was assured that the tour guide was someone experienced and knowledgeable.
