Discover the most magnificent parts of France and Italy on this amazing itinerary. In Paris, see the sights in the City of Lights. Then travel to Southern France to sample the best of France's fine cuisine in Provence and Nice. In Italy, climb to the top of Florence’s historic Duomo for a view of the entire city, make your way through Tuscany's glorious hill towns and finally end this incredible journey in Rome, where you'll be captivated by history.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Paris

Fly overnight to France.

Day 2 - Paris

Arrive in Paris and meet your Go Ahead representative, who will escort you to your hotel. You’ll then have time for a stroll around Paris. This evening, get to know your tour group at an included dinner. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - Paris

Stroll through the colorful and lively Parisian markets as your tour director leads a morning walking tour. The afternoon is free to discover Paris on your own. (B)

Day 4 - Paris

This morning, join our half-day optional excursion to Giverny, where you’ll visit the studio and gardens of Monet (seasonal).This evening, enjoy a scenic cruise along the Seine on our optional Evening in Paris. (B)

$99 USD

Evening in Paris: Seine Cruise & Dinner *A Go Ahead Favorite excursion!* Take in all the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a favorite local restaurant. Then board a boat cruise along the Seine and glide past the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris — including Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower.

$85 USD

Giverny The Norman town of Giverny was home to Claude Monet from 1883 until his death in 1926. Absorb the intricate palette of colors that the "Father of Impressionism" so magically depicted in paintings such as the Water Lilies series as you stroll through Giverny's home and gardens.

Day 5 - Aix-en-Provence

Travel by high-speed TGV train to Aix-en-Provence, the picturesque town that is the birthplace of Cézanne. A guided sightseeing tour here includes a visit to the artist’s studio. This evening, add a connoisseur’s touch to the day with our optional Provençal Dinner and Wine Tasting. (B)

$99 USD

Provencal Dinner & Wine Tasting Sample a Provençal village's acclaimed vintages in a traditional wine cellar. Then sit down at a local restaurant for dinner, featuring typical Provençal dishes. Enjoy the healthful herb-accented food for which the Provence region is known.

Day 6 - Aix-en-Provence

While Aix was home to Cézanne, Arles became the spot where van Gogh painted some of his most celebrated works. An expert local guide leads a sightseeing tour of this historic town this morning, followed by our included Provençal Lunch. Spend the rest of the day exploring on your own or opt to join a trip to the bustling port city of Marseille. (B, L)

$59 USD

Marseille Voyage to Marseille, the oldest city in France, to experience its many charms and stories. Marseille is a capitol of southern Europe, cosmopolitan and exuberant, with its picturesque old port, its Bouillabaisse and its folklore.

Day 7 - Nice

Your journey south continues with a stop in the coastal village of Cassis. Here you’ll board a boat for a leisurely cruise. Arrive by evening in Nice. (B, D)

Day 8 - Florence

Cross into Italy and stop in the scenic region of Cinque Terre (Five Towns), dramatically situated in the heart of the Italian Riviera. You’ll have some free time here before continuing on to Tuscany. (B, D)

Day 9 - Florence

A professional guide leads this morning’s sightseeing tour of Florence, featuring views of the Gates of Paradise, the Ponte Vecchio, Chiesa di Santa Croce and the magnificent Duomo. Then join us for an unforgettable experience this evening at our optional Monastery Dinner. (B)

$99 USD

Monastery Dinner Venture into the Chianti hills for a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience. After a private tour of the ancient Carthusian Monastery, you'll dine on a feast of delicious traditional Tuscan fare, much of which has been grown at the monastery itself.

Day 10 - Siena

Today, take a guided tour of the Pitti Palace, a treasure-trove of Renaissance art. Later, journey into Chianti, home of the famous Gallo Nero wine route, for an exclusive tasting at a Tuscan vineyard. Arrive later in Siena, one of Tuscany’s most stunning medieval towns. (B, D)

Day 11 - Siena

On today’s guided walking tour, see the famous Piazza del Campo and the marble Duomo, dedicated to Siena’s patron saint, Catherine. You’ll learn about Siena’s rivalry with Florence and view works by Donatello. This evening, attend our optional traditional Tuscan Dinner. (B)

$69 USD

Traditional Tuscan Dinner A fascinating lesson in Tuscan culture and cuisine awaits you at this memorable dinner event. One of the region's most acclaimed restaurants, noted for its excellent food and wine cellar, serves up several courses of flavorful, culinary delights.

Day 12 - Rome

Upon your arrival in Rome this afternoon, engage in some of your own explorations of the Eternal City. This evening, enjoy traditional Italian food and live music at our optional Dinner with Tenors. (B)

$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 13 - Rome

Stay for our tour extension in Rome or board your flight home. (B)

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 France and Italy, U.S. citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend six months beyond the date of your return to the United States. No visa is required for U.S. citizens. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Health

There are no major health risks when traveling to France or 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 Paris and depart from Rome. Included transportation on The Best of France & Italy is by train and private motorcoach. When traveling by train there may be times when you will have to handle your own luggage, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage.

In your free time, you may wish to explore the major 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.

Florence is split up into two separate sections by the Arno River, with most attractions spread out around the Duomo. The city is walkable, although frequent local buses are also available. Purchase tickets at tobacconists or at vending machines.

Rome has one of Europe’s best metro systems, serving all 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

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 France and 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 withdraw 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 travelers checks outside of Europe’s major cities—both at banks and shops—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 €2 per person per day for your driver and €4 to €6 per person for your tour director. If applicable, we also recommend €1 per local guide.

Tips may only be paid in cash.