A fun time

I had a great time on this tour, but mainly because of the people who were on it. I love GoAhead and would recommend almost every tour I've taken, but not this one simply because there are so many other great tours of Italy to take instead. Two of our city guides were duds, which is not usually true with GoAhead. Also, there were too many changes to the itinerary I had originally signed up for, but again, not GoAhead's fault, just not as great as it could have been.

Great trip.

Great trip. I never imagined there would be so much good wine and great food. Visiting the countryside villa of the descendants of Dante Aligueri was a special treat - bruschetta at its best.

Our first tour

We were hesitant to travel on a tour - we had heard stories about how "rushed" everything was. This trip has certainly changed our views on that! Even though we stayed in 4 different hotels we rarely felt hurried. We were fortunate to have only 9 people on our tour - and we all got along superbly. The excursions - 4 wineries, a cooking class, and the boat trip to Cinque Terre were the highlights. They were relaxing, educational, and allowed us to be immersed in the Italian culture. The only suggestion for improving this tour would be for the tour guide to offer suggestions on how to best spend our "free" time. Our city guide in Torino was very helpful and we truly enjoyed our visit there. On the other hand, we felt a little like "wanderers" during our time in Florence. We did see the art gallery (thanks to our guide who got us reserved tickets) but missed out on the Michelangelo display because we didn't realize that it also required advance tickets.

A Taste of Northern Italy and the Italian Riviera

Wonderful trip. Would have liked an extra day in the Italian Riviera.

a taste of northern italy and the italian rviera

poorly planned tours. traveling from one part of the country to another part were a couple of hours, which was fine, but to bring the tour on a walking tour upon arrival before going to the hotel was nonesense. after we arrived in Florence we went on a walking tour for 5 hours in 100 degrees weather, before arriving at our hotel. And mostly all the walking tours were before arriving at our hotel. poor planning. Last october we went to Ireland,and that tour was beautiful, thats why I chose go ahead again. Our tour director did a good job following the directions he was given, and it was no fault of his. the food was excellent, and the choice of resturants was excellent. the winery tours were very good and the lunches were presented beautiful. my only objection to this tour was the walking. In Florence we were very far from the resturants and the shopping area. I realize there was a change in our iterinary as we did not go to Bolonga because of the earthquake, buy florence was tough, because tour buses were not allowed in the historical areas.

The Mix of Everything Perfect on a Tour

This tour was the perfect mix of everything that is quintessentially Italy- beautiful cities and towns, fabulous food and incredible wine tastings and experiences at wineries. Our tour director, Raf, did a fabulous job of taking care of every detail so that the tour ran smoothly, his great sense of humor and hs excellent commentaries and insight enhanced the experience!

Active, walking, wonderful food and wine tour

I love Italy ! This tour was so wonderful and informative. It gave cooking classes, wine and olive oil demonstrations for the novice listener and participant. All accommodations were excellent, exception of one in Lido, due to most of the staff being curt and rude. The included meals were exceptionally wonderful and at the top of the line restaurants. However, the hotel in Florence was far from the main attractions. In one day my friends and I had to walk 5 miles for that day. ( And not at a leisure stroll at that). We didn't mind, but a few of the others had to take taxis due to existing age and health. Go ahead would be the only group I would travel with.......they have been exceptional in picking wonderful tour guides who teach the areas well, so well in fact, that my friends and I will probably travel on our own to the same locations ( it's our 4 th time) in the future. Just please make sure that you know the people who will be traveling under you and check into their health and physical capabilities, and have total descriptions of the amount and type of walking itinerary.

a great tour, great tour company, great tour guide

Now, how could anyone go wrong with all that 'greatness' extended to them over a 12 day food and wine tour? You cant, it's just too fabulous to describe. I experienced some of the best food tastings I've ever had, the most varied and top of the line special vineyards, off the beaten path tours where you are the only touring company present, not one of 30 others all crammed in, a tour director who not only knew her profession and all about the geographics better than some of the natives, hotels that were super friendly and always clean and well located, a tour bus that practically makes you want to live on it's luxe appointments and even with all the above trappings, the people who were a part of my tour group were so very special, came from so many different cities that after even one day, we started making one large family. This was my 4th trip to Italy but i must say, this was the first time I truly saw Italy, it's people, it's culture and through the expertise of the Go-Ahead family and a true dedication to customer satisfaction, i saw Italy through 35 other sets of eyes, for the first time. It was more than memorable, I am planning my next trip to France around my most favorable first tour with Go Ahead. You should too, just trust, i am well travelled and this was the absolute best of the best!!

Foodie or Not - delightful tour!

I'm not such much of a foodie or wine connoisseur, but went along with 14 friends who were. We had a fabulous time!! I was able to pick and choose among the food offerings, and everyone on the tour seemed to have a wonderful time. Our tour director, Sabra, was a gem! Her knowledge of the region and its history and beauties enhanced the trip. Our coach driver, Marco, was a delight. I will definitely choose Go Ahead for my next tour experience, and I highly recommend the Taste of Northern Italy tour.

Taste of Northern Italy and Italian Riveria

Enjoyed it very much. Excellent hotels, food Guide and bus driver went out of their way to accommodate tour We had fun, learned a lot and ate well!