A Taste of Tuscany & Umbria 10 days / Food & Wine Tours
About This Experience
Eat and drink your way through the legendary cities, charming hill towns and expansive vineyards that make Italy a foodie mecca. Tuscany and Umbria bring their own unique flavors to the table, competing for both your heart and stomach. But delectable cuisine and fine wines are just the beginning of this food and wine tour. You’ll also get a taste for the history, hospitality and undeniable beauty that make this region so enticing.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
8 nights in hand-picked hotels
Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 4 three-course dinners with wine or beer, 3 wine tastings
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
You’ll experience Tuscan cooking in a small class
Striking Italian scenery complements your wine
Rolling hills, quaint vineyards & serene olive groves
Florence’s cobbled streets & Renaissance treasures
Tucked-away towns and villas
Perugia’s flourishing art scene & medieval castles
Overnight Flight1 night
Florence3 nights - hotel info
Day2
Benvenuto and buon appetito—let’s get started
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Welcome to Italy! A Go Ahead representative welcomes you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for strolling along the cobbled streets and stone bridges of Florence or just relaxing in your hotel. This evening, become acquainted with your fellow travelers as well as the region’s famed cuisine at this evening’s Welcome Dinner.
Day3
Learn to cook like a Tuscan, from a Tuscan
Breakfast, Dinner
Tuscan cooking class, Church of Santa Croce
Discover the timeless city of Florence, birthplace of opera and the Italian language. Today’s guided tour introduces you to the city’s Renaissance splendor. Marvel at Brunelleschi’s masterpiece— Florence’s massive pink, white and green Duomo. Then enter the church of Santa Croce, where the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo as well as the Dante Memorial are displayed. This evening, learn to make cuisine the Italian way at a private Tuscan cooking class. Then enjoy the freshly prepared meal with your fellow chefs.
Day4
Explore the local flavors of the Renaissance city
Breakfast
Bask in a free day to explore the Renaissance City on your own. Browse the shops of the Ponte Vecchio or simply people-watch as you sample some tasty gelato. Or opt to join a pastoral excursion to the walled city of Lucca and Colle Verde, a rural farm where olive oil is pressed. Tonight, join an optional dinner at a historic trattoria-style restaurant in the heart of Florence’s old town.
Optional Excursions
Florentine Dinner $89* pp
Enjoy a traditional meal at a bustling trattoria in the heart of Florence, the capital of Tuscany. Sit back as you sip a glass of wine, charmed by the rustic restaurant's atmosphere and warm Italian hospitality. Enjoy a delectable and satisfying meal beginning with antipasto or soup. Then, enjoy a main course featuring pork, beef, veal or lamb, as well as seasonal vegetables. Finish with a dish of creamy gelato or biscuits and a glass of sweet dessert wine. This evening promises to be not only an exceptional dinner, but an authentic Tuscan experience.
Optional Excursions
Lucca & Colle Verde $119* pp
Visit the gorgeous Tuscan town of Lucca, famous for its Renaissance-era city walls, medieval churches and awe-inspiring towers. Then travel to Colle Verde, a farm where some of Italy’s highest-quality olive oil is pressed. During your excursion, learn about the process by which olive oil is extracted and refined. Then, enjoy a light lunch and an olive oil tasting session.
Siena2 nights - hotel info
Day5
Wine tastes best surrounded by friends and stunning scenery
Breakfast, Dinner
Tuscan wine tasting
En route to the enchanting city of Siena, stop in San Gimignano, “the city of beautiful towers.” Take in views of glorious scenery before continuing to a local wine tasting, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the region’s fine wines. Arrive in Siena for this evening’s included dinner.
Day6
Through vineyards, beyond olive groves, on to Montalcino
Breakfast, Light lunch
Brunello wine tasting, Siena Cathedral, Piccolomini Library
This morning, travel through vineyards and olive groves to the hilltop town of Montalcino, famous for its Brunello di Montalcino wine. Enjoy the opportunity to taste this local treasure, as well as an included light lunch. Follow a local expert guide on this afternoon’s tour of Siena, longtime rival of nearby Florence. Visit Siena’s Romanesque Duomo, which houses major works of art by Donatello and Nicola Pisano, along with the famous Piccolomini Library. Walk along medieval streets to the Piazza del Campo. Each summer, daredevils race horses bareback around this main piazza during the famed Palio.
Perugia2 nights - hotel info
Day7
Meander among steep, narrow streets in the Tuscan hillsides
Breakfast, Dinner
Museum of the Etruscan Academy of Cortona
Continue your travels across the Italian landscape to reach Perugia. Stop for lunch near Lake Trasimeno to indulge in regional specialties. Continue on to Cortona, perched on a Tuscan hillside for panoramic views of the plains below. Meander through the steep, narrow streets and look for the remains of the original city wall before a visit to the Museum of the Etruscan Academy of Cortona, home to an impressive collection of Etruscan artifacts. Cross over the Tuscan border into the Umbrian region, and arrive in Perugia.
Day8
Let a local show you the true Perugia and all its charms
Breakfast
A local guide introduces you to the vibrant streets and landmarks of Perugia, the medieval town symbolized by the Etruscan Arch. See the Palazzo dei Priori, the gorgeous medieval palace begun in 1298, and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Enjoy a free afternoon by wandering along the stately Corso Vannucci, an avenue reserved for pedestrians, to visit some of the cafés and shops. You might also wish to visit the Duomo, with its elaborately carved choir stalls, or the renowned Archaeological Museum. Or join an optional excursion to the beautiful Assisi, a pilgrimage site and home to the church of St. Francis, and the lesser-known but equally-picturesque Spello.
Optional Excursions
Assisi & Spello $65* pp
Embark on an afternoon tour of Assisi, a hilltop medieval town and the birthplace of Saint Francis. Marvel at the restoration of the Basilica of St. Francis, which was damaged by twin earthquakes in 1997 and painstakingly restored to its original form. After a guided tour of the basilica, take some free time to explore on your own. Afterward, you'll head to the town of Spello for a guided walking tour. Enter through one of the town's three Roman arches and explore the cobblestone streets that wind through Spello. Listen in during a commentated visit to the 12th-century Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, including the Cappella Baglioni. Before heading back, enjoy some free time to indulge in gelato or coffee. Please note: This excursion includes some walking uphill.
Rome1 night - hotel info
Day9
Cin cin—toast your trip at a wine tasting before arriving in Rome
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Funicular ride, Orvieto wine tasting
Journey across the Umbrian valleys today en route to Rome. Stop along the way in Orvieto, which you’ll reach via funicular, for a wine tasting followed by lunch. Arrive in Rome, the Eternal City, in time for this evening’s farewell dinner.
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
Ruins, museums or people-watching from a café, it’s all up to you
Breakfast
Stay in Rome for another two days to examine the myriad treasures of the Italian capital. With a free day to explore on your own, you might linger over a sumptuous meal at a sidewalk café in Piazza Navona. Or experience the grandeur of the Roman empire on our optional Imperial Rome tour.
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.
Day2
Soak in more of the Eternal City with another day to explore
Breakfast
Spend another day at your leisure in Rome or take an optional tour of Vatican City, with visits to the Vatican Museum, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Tonight, enjoy a festive evening at our optional Dinner with Tenors.
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
Eat and drink your way through the legendary cities, charming hill towns and expansive vineyards that make Italy a foodie mecca. Tuscany and Umbria bring their own unique flavors to the table, competing for both your heart and stomach. But delectable cuisine and fine wines are just the beginning of this food and wine tour. You’ll also get a taste for the history, hospitality and undeniable beauty that make this region so enticing.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip air transportation with a major airline and airport trasfers
The services of a bilingual Tour Director
A professional local guide in Florence, Siena and Perugia
8 nights accommodations in well-located hotels, including baggage handling
Buffet breakfast daily; 3 lunches; 4 three-course dinners, including wine or beer; 3 wine tastings
Select entrance fees
Private deluxe motor coach
Personal audio headset and entrance fees to select sites
Why You'll Love It
You’ll experience Tuscan cooking in a small class
Striking Italian scenery complements your wine
Rolling hills, quaint vineyards & serene olive groves
Florence’s cobbled streets & Renaissance treasures
Tucked-away towns and villas
Perugia’s flourishing art scene & medieval castles
Overnight Flight1 night
Florence3 nights - hotel info
Day2
Benvenuto and buon appetito—let’s get started
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Welcome to Italy! A Go Ahead representative welcomes you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for strolling along the cobbled streets and stone bridges of Florence or just relaxing in your hotel. This evening, become acquainted with your fellow travelers as well as the region’s famed cuisine at this evening’s welcome dinner.
Day3
Learn to cook like a Tuscan, from a Tuscan
Breakfast, Dinner
Tuscan cooking class, Church of Santa Croce
Discover the timeless city of Florence, birthplace of opera and the Italian language. Today’s guided tour introduces you to the city’s Renaissance relics. Marvel at Brunelleschi’s masterpiece—Florence’s massive pink, white and green Duomo. Then, enter the church of Santa Croce, where the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo and the Dante Memorial are displayed. This evening, learn to make cuisine the Italian way at a private Tuscan cooking class. Then, enjoy the freshly prepared meal with your fellow chefs.
Day4
Explore the local flavors of the Renaissance city
Breakfast
Bask in a free day to explore the Renaissance City on your own. Browse the shops of the Ponte Vecchio or simply people-watch as you sample some tasty gelato. Or, opt to join an excursion to the walled city of Lucca and Colle Verde, a rural farm where olive oil is pressed. Tonight, join an optional dinner at a historic trattoria-style restaurant in the heart of Florence’s old town.
Optional Excursions
Florentine Dinner $89* pp
Enjoy a traditional meal at a bustling trattoria in the heart of Florence, the capital of Tuscany. Sit back as you sip a glass of wine, charmed by the rustic restaurant's atmosphere and warm Italian hospitality. Enjoy a delectable and satisfying meal beginning with antipasto or soup. Then, enjoy a main course featuring pork, beef, veal or lamb, as well as seasonal vegetables. Finish with a dish of creamy gelato or biscuits and a glass of sweet dessert wine. This evening promises to be not only an exceptional dinner, but an authentic Tuscan experience.
Optional Excursions
Lucca & Colle Verde $119* pp
Visit the gorgeous Tuscan town of Lucca, famous for its Renaissance-era city walls, medieval churches and awe-inspiring towers. Then travel to Colle Verde, a farm where some of Italy’s highest-quality olive oil is pressed. During your excursion, learn about the process by which olive oil is extracted and refined. Then, enjoy a light lunch and an olive oil tasting session.
Siena2 nights - hotel info
Day5
Wine tastes best surrounded by friends and stunning scenery
Breakfast, Dinner
Tuscan wine tasting
En route to the enchanting city of Siena, stop in San Gimignano, “the city of beautiful towers.” Take in views of the scenery before continuing to a local wine tasting, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the region’s fine wines. Arrive in Siena for this evening’s included dinner.
Day6
Through vineyards, beyond olive groves, on to Montalcino
Breakfast, Light lunch
Brunello wine tasting, Siena Cathedral, Piccolomini Library
This morning, travel through vineyards and olive groves to the hilltop town of Montalcino, famous for its Brunello di Montalcino wine. Enjoy the opportunity to taste this local treasure and an included light lunch. Follow a local guide on this afternoon’s tour of Siena, longtime rival of nearby Florence. Visit Siena’s Romanesque Duomo, which houses major works of art by Donatello and Nicola Pisano, along with the famous Piccolomini Library.
Perugia2 nights - hotel info
Day7
Meander among steep, narrow streets in the Tuscan hillsides
Breakfast, Lunch
Museum of the Etruscan Academy
Continue your travels across Tuscan landscape to reach Lake Trasimeno, the historic location of the battle between Hannibal and the Romans. After a lunch of Umbria specialties, transfer to the hillside town of Cortona, where there will be time to meander through the steep, narrow streets and look for the remains of the original city wall, before a visit to the Museum of the Etruscan Academy of Cortona, home to an impressive collection of Etruscan artifacts. Cross from Tuscany into Umbrian and arrive in Perugia by nightfall.
Day8
Let a local show you the true Perugia and all its charms
Breakfast
A local guide introduces you to the vibrant streets and landmarks of Perugia, the medieval town symbolized by the Etruscan Arch. See the Palazzo dei Priori, the gorgeous medieval palace dating back to 1298, and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Enjoy a free afternoon wandering along the stately Corso Vannucci, an avenue reserved for pedestrians, to visit some of the cafes and shops. You might also wish to visit the Duomo, with its elaborately carved choir stalls, or the renowned Archaeological Museum. Or, join an optional excursion to the beautiful Assisi, a pilgrimage site and home to the church of St. Francis, and the lesser-known but equally picturesque Spello.
Optional Excursions
Assisi & Spello $65* pp
Embark on an afternoon tour of Assisi, a hilltop medieval town and the birthplace of Saint Francis. Marvel at the restoration of the Basilica of St. Francis, which was damaged by twin earthquakes in 1997 and painstakingly restored to its original form. After a guided tour of the basilica, take some free time to explore on your own. Afterward, you'll head to the town of Spello for a guided walking tour. Enter through one of the town's three Roman arches and explore the cobblestone streets that wind through Spello. Listen in during a commentated visit to the 12th-century Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, including the Cappella Baglioni. Before heading back, enjoy some free time to indulge in gelato or coffee. Please note: This excursion includes some walking uphill.
Rome1 night - hotel info
Day9
Cin cin—toast your trip at a wine tasting before arriving in Rome
Breakfast, Light lunch, Dinner
Funicular ride, Orvieto wine tasting
Journey across Umbrian valleys en route to Rome. Stop along the way in Orvieto, which you’ll reach via funicular, for a wine tasting followed by a light lunch. Arrive in Rome, the Eternal City, in time for this evening’s farewell dinner.
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
Ruins, museums and cafés—you can do it all in Rome
Breakfast
Colosseum
Start the day with a guided tour of Imperial Rome, where a local guide will show you around Piazza Venezia, the Forum and the Colosseum. With the rest of the day to explore on your own, you might linger over a sumptuous meal at a sidewalk cafe in Piazza Navona.
Day2
Soak in more of the Eternal City with another day to explore
Breakfast
Spend another day at your leisure in Rome or take an optional tour of Vatican City, with visits to the Vatican Museum, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Tonight, enjoy a festive evening at our optional Dinner with Tenors.
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!
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 to Italy. Travelers should be in reasonable health to take our scheduled walks, although we will make every effort to accommodate those who chose to stay behind. Be sure to check with your doctor or local health care provider for the latest updates and personal travel requirements.
Transportation / Walking on tour
Round-trip flights arrive in Florence and depart from Rome. When you first arrive at the airport in Italy, a Go Ahead representative will meet you after clearing customs. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival. All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the major cities of Florence and Rome by public transportation. Florence is split up 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.
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
This tour is specifically designed to highlight the celebrated cuisine of the Italian countryside. Nevertheless, the itinerary also allows for plenty of free time for you to explore the Italian fare on your own. Be sure to try those less familiar pasta sauces and the vast range of cured hams, cheeses, rustic breads and desserts. Tuscany is known for its wine, oil, sauces and pasta, favoring subtle, lighter pastas and desserts (mostly cookies and breads) made with nuts, fruit and honey. For authentic meals, try local trattorias, small restaurants often with only a couple of open tables and hand-printed menus. Italians tend to indulge in long, often boisterous meals featuring wines and the occasional beer, followed by the requisite after-dinner drinks, grappa or limoncello.
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, Go Ahead recommends 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. For more information about the museums, go to www.polomuseale.firenze.it/english/musei. Recommended times to visit are 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. on Day 2, or after 4 p.m. on Day 4 if you are joining the Lucca & Colle Verde excursion. Please note that the museums are closed on Monday.
Currency
The euro is the currency you’ll be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in Italy, although it’s 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 access 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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Fantastic tour, great sights, fantastic tour director, and of course, the food!
This was our first GoAheadTour. The "Taste of Italy" tour was absolutely wonderful and my husband and I enjoyed every moment of it. The food was amazing. Everything tasted so fresh and delicious. There were several instances that I got so full, but everything was so good that I pushed myself to finish the meal and actually get to try everything. The wine: Surprisingly wonderful. I had never been able to drink a sip of red wine before coming on this tour, which was incredibly frustrating being married to a husband who loves red wines. But on our first wine tasting, I'm not sure what happened, but I was very surprised to find that every wine I tried, I was able to enjoy. I'm sure it was just something going on with me, but in any case, all of the wines that we tried were fantastic. The wine tastings were especially fun. The sights were just amazing. Every city we visited were filled with cobblestone streets, stone buildings, art, and scenery. Tuscany in particular, was better than any painting I had previously seen. The small wall-enclosed city of Lucca was also an amazing day-trip. Lucca was featured in one of my favorite book series, so it was fantastic to set foot in that city and draw some comparisons, not just from the book, but from all of the history that was there. Another two reasons this tour was fantastic: Our tour director, Katia, and our tour group as a whole. Katia was so knowledgeable, fun and took care of everything so we didn't have to worry about a thing, which was greatly appreciated. Katia also gave us a LOT of free time to explore on our own, which was perfect for those who wanted to look into additional sights, food and/or shopping. There were plenty of shops that were willing to ship anything home that were breakable or too big to travel with, and I think anyone would be able to find just about anything they wanted to bring home. Lastly, our tour group was made up of 19 people of varying age-groups and we all got along great. I truly think that part of what makes any vacation great is the people that you share it with, and while I don't think GoAheadTours can take the credit in putting us all together, the timing of everyone participating in this one tour couldn't have been better. My husband and I would totally recommend this tour for anyone who enjoys any of the items I mentioned, especially anyone who hasn't traveled outside of the U.S. and/or on a group tour. My husband in particular stated that it was the most relaxing vacation he's had in a long time, and considering his work-schedule, that's saying something. We're hoping to attend another GoAheadTour soon!
eat, drink, you, italy
i loved the emphasis on food and not just wine. it was also interesting that besides florence, we had totally different and very informative tours of many towns we had been to before, so it became a new experience, not just deja vu
If you get Ariana you'll really enjoy it
I had been thinking of not taking anymore trips with Go Ahead because I was tired of the forced march feel and the constant taking us to places to spend money, yes I know that some tour directors get kick backs from places that throw you into. This tour however, was small only 11 people and the tour director, Arianna was a great director. Willing to work with the group to give us more time in one place if the group asked and not shoving us into places to try to get us to buy things so she could line her own pocket. She was very knowledgeable and was just responsive to us
A Taste of Tuscany and Umbria
The tour we took in March of Tuscany and Umbria was wonderful. We enjoyed the side trips, the cooking class, the wineries, and the company of our other tour companions. The tour director was exceptional. She was accomadating,flexible, and always positive.
wonderful trip
MY husband and I had wanted to travel to Italy for a long time. I was looking for a tour that would have a combination of experiences. This tour did that. Our tour director Dina was great and the guides for tours in all different cities were very versed in the history of each city. We also enjoyed the wine tours. We were also pleased with the size of our group which was 24 in all. Everyone seemed to enjoy the trip. We would definitely go on another tour with go ahead. I only wish there had been more time spent in some of the smaller towns but overall a good mix of guided time and free time on your own.
A great first trip to Italy!
This tour was my first trip to Europe, and what a wonderful experience it was! It was a lifelong dream to visit Italy (Tuscany in particular), and I am so glad I chose this tour. Our tour director Katia was great - she shared so much knowledge and passion for her country and its fascinating history. I enjoyed visiting all of the cities and towns, especially San Gimignano, Cortona, and Assisi. The optional trip to Colleverde olive oil farm was one of my favorite days, as were the tours of Assisi and Spello. This tour is packed with activities, even though the rating is a 2/5 (I believe), and a lot of walking - much of it up/down hills and stairs, and on uneven cobblestone streets; I would have probably rated this tour a 3 or 3.5/5. I welcomed all the walking (helped keep me from gaining 10 pounds in gelato!), but proved difficult to some of my fellow travelers. While I loved seeing so many hilltop towns in addition to the big cities of Florence, Perugia and Rome, I wish we could have spent more time exploring them. There were several days we went to 2 and even 3 towns...just too rushed in my opinion. Also, the hotels we stayed in in Florence and Rome were VERY far out of the city, which was very disappointing. There was an identical tour that left 2 days prior to ours, and apparently they stayed in the first choice hotels while we were not so lucky. Too much time and money was spent traveling to/from the cities; I hope Go Ahead makes connections with other hotels closer to the action. Make sure you plan ahead and make museum reservations for any museum/gallery you want to visit, especially in Florence. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this tour and the Rome extension, and would recommend it to anybody wanting to get an overview of the Tuscany region and it's food and wine. Ciao!
Taste of Italy
What a wonderful tour! Our group of 10 was paired with 14 others for the tour + Rome extension. We had 3 great wine tastings and an unforgettable cooking class. The hotels were very nice. All had hair dryers, and all but one had free internet. The only hotel problem was the one in Rome. Because of narrow streets, our bus had to park 3 blocks away, which meant we had to drag our luggage 3 blocks through the pouring rain. Our guide was very knowledgable and easy to work with. The villages between Florence and Rome were the highlight of the tour. The only meals that were not that great were the dinner by the lake in Perugia (long drive out of the city) and Rome (American hotel food). But I would highly recommend this tour. I felt I got a real taste of Italy, food, wine & culture.
Lots of food and wine!
This is my 5th tour with Go Ahead and this tour had more included meals and in more voluminous amounts than other tours I've taken with Go Ahead or any other tour company. I had lost a lot of weight before this trip and had it not been for the extensive walking our group did, I would have gained back a significant amount of weight. Kudos to Stephania, our tour director, for walking us extensively to burn off calories from the heavy meals we consumed. The only thing I didn't like about this tour was that there were too many events crammed into such a short schedule and not enough time allotted for us to enjoy some of the places we visited, especially for excursions where we had to pay additional fees.
A Dream Realized
This tour was everything I dreamed of and more. Our tour director Stefania was exceptionally knowledgable and exceedingly generous about sharing the history and culture of her country. She was also generous of spirit with an exuberance that made each day an adventure to be treasured. Though traveling alone, I was fortunate that others on my tour were congenial inviting me to join them on their free time expeditions and at meals, but the highlights were the time I spent roaming the tour cities (especially Rome and Florence) on my own. The few words of Italian I knew were enough since everyone I met was gracious about trying to understand me. Each corner we turned offered wonders of beauty...and the food...WOW! I'm already dreaming of going back.
A Superb Taste of a Special Part of Italy
We just returned from taking this wonderful tour which offered us a "taste" of the Tuscany/Umbria regions in two key ways: The first taste was of several cities and towns, and the second taste was of the great wines and cuisine of the area. This tour is well suited for first time travelers to Italy (like us) as well as prior visitors (there were several people on our tour who had been to Italy before). The tour is well planned and generally well-paced, although a few days were somewhat jammed with tours. There are, however, ample opportunities for free time as well as planned activities. There is a considerable amount of walking, primarily because of the hill towns, but the unique charm of each locale and the spectacular views make it worth it. A number of wine tastings, lunches, and dinners are included, and most every one is special in its own right. One wine tasting in particular was a rare experience because the vineyard owner put on a show that was both highly amusing and educational. The first multi-course dinner at "Memmo" in Florence was outstanding -- it was a lovely place, the service was excellent, the food was plentiful and of high quality, and the family style dining was a great way to get the group to become familiar with one another. This tour is sure to give anyone a superb introduction to this region of Italy, especially if you have a tour director like ours, Gabriella Graziotti. She was extremely knowledgeable, organized, personable, and delightful to be with. She kept the group moving along using both her charm and her spunk. Remarkably, she managed to meet everyone's individual needs. Her sense of humor provided just the right touch to keep everyone happy and engaged. Gabriella is one of the reasons this tour was so enjoyable and special. All of the hotels were fine, although the Sangallo Palace in Perugia was far and away the best (truly four star), while Gabriele D'Annunzio in Florence was merely adequate. We highly recommend this tour in particular, and Go Ahead in general. Everything was handled professionally and it was a real plus to have all details taken care of, including airport transfers and baggage delivery to the rooms. In fact, Go Ahead was able to make a last-minute adjustment to two tours in Rome that were affected by a one-day strike so that guests were not inconvenienced. Go Ahead is a first-class operation and this tour is a great choice for travelers who want to truly experience this part of Italy.
