Your tour of Oberammergau, Rome, Florence & Venice will lead you through three of Italy’s greatest cities. Experience the majesty and romance of Venice, get swept away in the history and art of Florence, the Renaissance city, and then travel to ancient Rome, where you’ll be engrossed in the culture, tradition and allure of this Eternal City. Finally, end your journey in the German village of Oberammergau, where you'll witness one of the most powerful and moving Passion Plays ever performed on stage.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Rome

Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Rome aboard an internationally recognized airline.

Day 2 - Rome

Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City! A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and then escorts you to your hotel. If you have taken our pre-tour extension to Rome, join the rest of your tour today. The rest of the day is free to begin your explorations of Rome. At tonight’s included dinner, meet your fellow travelers.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner

Day 3 - Rome

Follow in the footsteps of Caesar during your guided sightseeing tour of Rome. Highlights include the Colosseum, where 50,000 spectators cheered their favorite gladiators to victory, and the ruins of the Forum Romanum, from which the Caesars ruled their vast empire. In the afternoon, opt to join an optional excursion to explore the Basilicas of Rome, renowned for their religious importance.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: the Colosseum 

$49 USD

Basilicas of Rome Embark on a guided sightseeing excursion of Rome’s great patriarchal basilicas.

Day 4 - Rome

Spend a free day in Rome 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. See Bernini’s captivating Fountain of the Four Rivers and stop at the legendary Trevi Fountain, into which centuries of visitors have tossed coins to ensure their eventual return to Rome.
You might also wish to join a morning optional excursion to Vatican City, featuring visits to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. In the afternoon, you can take an optional tour of the Basilicas of Rome, noted for their religious importance. This evening, opt to end the day at a Dinner with Tenors, an evening of food and live opera music.
Included meals: breakfast

$79 USD

Dinner with Tenors End your day with a delicious four-course dinner in the heart of Rome. While you dine on a savory meal, you’ll be entertained by talented singers performing some of opera’s most beloved masterpieces.

$85 USD

Vatican City This tour takes you into the world’s smallest state, Vatican City. Treasures loom at every turn, from Bernini’s magnificent staircase (ceremonial entrance to the Vatican Palace) to Michelangelo’s Pietà. Next, visit the Sistine Chapel, painted with Michelangelo’s captivating frescoes depicting the history of humankind from Creation to The Last Judgment. Please note: This excursion requires advance reservations and must be booked prior to your final payment deadline.

Day 5 - Florence

As you journey to Florence, stop at the ancient Etruscan stronghold of Orvieto. Situated on a pedestal of volcanic rock, the lovely town of Orvieto boasts one of the finest Romanesque cathedrals in the country. Travel to this impressive Gothic city by funicular and take in views of the surrounding Volscian Mountains. Continue on to the timeless city of Florence, birthplace of the Italian language, the Renaissance and opera. Guided sightseeing of Florence introduces you to the city’s medieval and Renaissance splendor. Marvel at Brunelleschi’s masterpiece—Florence’s massive pink, white and green Duomo, next to Giotto’s Campanile. Then discover the church of Santa Croce, where the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo as well as the Dante Memorial are displayed. You’ll also see the Palazzo Vecchio, Piazzo San Lorenzo and the Pitti Palace, home of the Medici rivals, and housing work by Raphael and Veronese. Dinner is included tonight.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Funicular ride, Santa Croce

Day 6 - Florence

During free time in Florence, choose to admire the world’s finest collection of Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery. Stroll along the romantic Arno River or visit the Accademia Galleria to view Michelangelo’s early masterpiece, the statue of David, sculpted when the artist was 26 years old. (Please see the “Museums in Florence” section of the Pre-Departure Information page for information about how to make reservations for museum visits.) You could also join an optional excursion to San Gimignano and Siena in the Tuscan countryside. You’ll begin in Siena with a guided sightseeing tour of Siena’s glorious scenery and landmarks, including the cathedral and the famed Campo. Next, journey to San Gimignano, where you might choose to visit the Palazzo del Popolo or the Citadel.?On your way back to Florence, enjoy a tasting of some of the region’s finest wines. Tonight, opt to travel to the hilltop village of Fiesole for a drive through town and dinner at a local restaurant.
Included meals: breakfast

$105 USD

Siena & San Gimignano In Siena, a local guide shows you the city’s marble cathedral and stunningly adorned baptistery, as well as the famous Campo. Next, journey through the countryside to the town of San Gimignano with its unusual skyline of huge, medieval towers. End today’s excursion with a sampling of the region’s finest wines. Please note: This excursion involves extensive walking.

Day 7 - Venice

Cross the sprawling plains of Po’ Valley to the city of Venice. Take advantage of free time to begin exploring the city’s streets and canals before this evening’s included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 8 - Venice

Experience the romance of Venice during this morning’s guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Gothic Doges’ Palace, once the political heart of this powerful maritime empire. Next, visit Frari Church, a magnificent basilica built by the Franciscans in the 14th century, and the maze-like streets surrounding it. This afternoon, consider joining an optional gondola tour of the canals, including music.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Doges’ Palace, Frari & School of S Rocco

$65 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. Please note: A private two-person gondola ride is available for an additional $100 per person. Advanced reservations are required.

Day 9 - Oberammergau

This morning you’ll cross the Italian and Austrian Alps on your way to Oberammergau, a German village where the townspeople have been performing the Passion Play every ten years since 1632 in gratitude to God for delivering them from the plague. Along the way, you’ll stop to visit the beautiful Alpine city of Innsbruck, known for its majestic mountain views. Upon arrival in Oberammergau, settle into your hotel and join your group for an included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 10 - Oberammergau

Enjoy a free morning to visit the town church and learn about the art of woodworking from Oberammergau's many artisans. Rejoin your group for an included lunch. Then get ready to watch Oberammergau’s 40th Passion Play. One of the most evocative and emotionally powerful plays you'll see in your lifetime, this seven-hour play gives you the feeling of actually stepping back in time to witness the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, complete with intermission for an included dinner. 
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 11 - Munich

A Go Ahead representative escorts you to the Munich airport for your return flight home.
Included meals: breakfast (In case of early departures, breakfast may not be included.)

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

• Trip cancellation & interruption protection
• Medical & accident protection
• Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 USD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 USD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

• Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
• Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
• Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
• Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
• In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
• The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
  • Medical & Accident: $70 USD
  • Baggage & Property: $60 USD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

Passport & Visa

In order to enter Italy and Germany, 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 and German consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Health

There are no major health risks when traveling to Italy.

It is always advisable to check with your doctor or health-care provider for the latest updates and overseas travel requirements.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Round-trip flights arrive in Venice and depart from Rome. When you first arrive in Venice, 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.

Included transportation on Venice, Florence & Rome is by private motorcoach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the three cities on foot or 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.

Florence is walkable, although frequent local buses are also available. Purchase tickets at tobacconists or at vending machines.

Rome offers both underground transportation and bus service to the city’s major attractions. Subway and bus tickets may be purchased separately or in bulk.

Venice, Florence & Rome does involve a moderate amount of walking.

Clothing & Packing Tips

Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing.

It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised.

If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable with something more formal to wear.

Also, remember that bare legs and shoulders are officially not allowed in churches or other religious sites. Entrance may be denied on this basis.


Be sure to visit www.travelsmith.com, official outfitters for Go Ahead Tours. Please enter JY9220 in the field for Catalog Key Code when creating your account!

Currency

The euro is the currency you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in Italy rather than in the United States, although it is 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 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.

Please note: With the conversion to the euro, it has been increasingly difficult to exchange traveler’s checks outside of Europe’s major cities and they often attract higher fees.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Go Ahead 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.