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Grand Tour of Italy (Southbound)

15 Days from $3,079 USD

Your magical tour of Italy will lead you through six of Italy’s most beautiful, historic, and memorable cities. you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle Italy is known for as you explore ancient cathedrals and cities of ruin, thriving economies and majestic and romantic vistas. Renowned for its embrace of la dolce vita, your sojourn in Italy will introduce you to the way life should be.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Lake Como

Board an overnight flight to Italy.

Day 2 - Lake Como

Touch down in Milan, where a Go Ahead representative greets you and escorts you to your hotel. Meet the rest of your group at tonight’s dinner. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - Lake Como

Admire spectacular lake views from the elaborate gardens of an 18th-century Italian villa on our morning visit to Villa Carlotta. Then your tour director introduces you to the sights and main square of Como before a free afternoon for shopping and discoveries. This evening, you might opt for a boat tour of the Como region and a special lakeside dinner. (B)

Lake Como Cruise $75 USD

Lake Como Cruise

This evening excursion begins with a scenic cruise of Lake Como then brings you the charming town of Bellagio.

Day 4 - Venice

Return to Milan for an introduction to the city’s highlights. A local guide takes you to attractions like the Duomo, the world’s fourth-largest church, and the precincts of Castello Sforza. Then continue on to Venice in time for this evening’s included dinner. (B, D)

Day 5 - Venice

On an expertly guided sightseeing tour of Venice, cross St. Mark’s Square, see the landmark Bell Tower and visit The Doges’ Palace. You’ll then have a free afternoon to explore the Floating City. Opt this evening for a gondola ride with music. (B)

Gondola Ride with music $75 USD

Gondola Ride with music

Gliding along the canals aboard a black gondola is a timeless and romantic tradition. This memorable excursion includes a scenic gondola ride with music.

Day 6 - Florence

En route to Florence, stop in Bologna, famous for its pasta, mortadella sausage and university, the oldest in Europe. A local guide takes you on a sightseeing tour of the city. Arrive later in Florence. (B, D)

Day 7 - Florence

View the many Renaissance treasures of Florence on your guided tour. See Ghiberti’s stunningly ornate Baptistery doors, the Chiesa di Santa Croce, and the immense Duomo (cathedral). This evening, attend an optional dinner in the Tuscan hill town of Fiesole. (B)

Dinner in Fiesole $59 USD

Dinner in Fiesole

Explore Fiesole, a hill town which features panoramic views of Florence. It was also where Leonardo da Vinci experimented with his "flying machine."

Day 8 - Florence

With a free day in Florence, you could tour the Accademia or the Palazzo Pitti. Or join our optional excursion to the medieval hill towns of Siena and San Gimignano with an included wine tasting at Palagio Castle. (B)

Siena & San Gimignano $105 USD

Siena & San Gimignano

Journey through the countryside to the town of San Gimignano, with its unusual skyline of huge, medieval towers. In Siena, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Siena’s glorious scenery and landmarks, including the cathedral and the famed Campo. On your way back to Florence, stop at the Tenuta Torciano, where you will have the opportunity to sample some of the region’s finest wines.

Day 9 - Assisi

Travel south into Italy’s beautiful Umbria region. Your destination is the hilltop town of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Tour the Basilica of St. Francis (both Upper and Lower), and view Giotto’s famous frescoes, which depict the saint’s life. (B, D)

Day 10 - Assisi

Explore Assisi on your own today, or join an optional excursion to the medieval town of Perugia, known for its fine chocolate. (B)

Perugia $75 USD

Perugia

Travel to Perugia, the hub of the Umbrian region. A local guide introduces you to the vibrant streets and landmarks of this enticing medieval city.

Day 11 - Sorrento

Reach Pompeii, whose ruins were perfectly preserved in volcanic ash for nearly two millennia. An expert local guide leads an extensive sightseeing tour of the various temples, palaces, and streets. Continue on to seaside Sorrento, a favorite resort area. (B, D)

Day 12 - Sorrento

Linger in Sorrento or join a full-day optional excursion to the Isle of Capri. A favorite with Roman emperors, the rich and famous, artists, and writers, it's still one of the Mediterranean's must-see places. You'll also have the chance to explore Anacapri, the higher town, where lemon trees and flowers flourish. Tonight, opt for our Tarantella Dinner. (B)

Capri $105 USD

Capri

Take in the beautiful Isle of Capri, where ancient Romans used to get away from daily life.

Tarantella Dinner $79 USD

Tarantella Dinner

Savor a locally prepared dinner at a charming Sorrento restaurant, followed by a live Tarantella performance at Teatro Tasso.

Day 13 - Rome

On a guided tour through Imperial Rome, stop at the grassy ruins of the Forum Romanum and visit the Colosseum, built in the 1st century A.D. Then enjoy an evening of music at our optional Dinner with Tenors. (B)

Dinner with Tenors $79 USD

Dinner with Tenors

End your day with an elegant four-course dinner in the heart of Rome. While you dine, you’ll be entertained by talented singers performing some of opera’s most beloved masterpieces. Don’t miss this festive evening, sure to leave you with wonderful memories of Italian hospitality!

Day 14 - Rome

Today’s guided tour introduces you to the Vatican’s treasures, including St. Peter’s Basilica, Michelangelo’s Pietà and the Sistine Chapel frescoes. Afterwards, join an optional excursion into the catacombs. Bid arrivederci to Italy at tonight’s dinner. (B, D)

Roman Catacombs $65 USD

Roman Catacombs

Descend into Rome’s ancient catacombs, underground labyrinths where 2nd-century Christians buried their dead, including saints.

Day 15 - Rome

Extend your stay in Rome or board your flight home. (B)

Extend Your Stay

Rome
Add 2 nights in Rome for only $299 USD (Single room: add $90 USD)

Only in Rome can you sip cappuccino at a café in front of the Pantheon, buy grapes at a centuries-old market, and hear the pope's weekly address at his window overlooking St. Peter's Square—all in one morning. For a mix of spectacular art, grand history and exuberant street life, no other city comes close.

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