Your tour of Venice, Como & the Italian Riviera will prove to be the perfect mix of history and culture. From the Floating City, Venice, to the fashion capital of the world, Milan, your journey will be filled with learning through sight, smells, and tastes.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Lake Como

Your Italian vacation begins with an overnight flight to Milan.

Day 2 - Lake Como

Touch down in Milan. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport and assists you with your transfer to your hotel in the region of Lake Como, probably the best known of Italy's lakes due to its mountain views and magnificent villas. The rest of your afternoon is free. Meet your fellow travelers at this evening's included welcome dinner. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - Lake Como

Your tour director introduces you to the spectacular sights of Como this morning. You'll also enjoy an included visit to Villa Carlotta (seasonal) - the most popular attraction by Lake Como. Anchored by lovely gardens and flowers, the 19th-century villa contains a copy of Canova's artistic rendering of the love between Cupid and Psyche. Later, you might opt for our Lake Como cruise and dinner. A stop in Bellagio, a breahtaking resort, is included. (B)

$75 USD

Lake Como Cruise *A Go Ahead Favorite excursion!* This evening excursion begins with a scenic cruise of Lake Como then brings you the charming town of Bellagio.

Day 4 - Italian Riviera

Travel south to Italy's coastline and the region officially called Liguria - but better known as the Italian Riviera. Here, artists from Byron to Shelley, and celebrities from Bogart to Bacall, adopted il dolce far niente, italian for "the sweet art of idleness." Like the French Cote d'Azur, the Italian Riviera blends old-fashioned, intimate luxury with grand views and modern facilities. Arrive in Liguria this afternoon,  with time to settle in before tonight's included dinner. (B, D)

Day 5 - Italian Riviera

Today, set off on a full-day excursion to the Cinque Terre, a collection of five isolated Riviera villages: Monterosso, the largest of the group; Vernazza, with forts dating from the Middle Ages; vineyard-laden Corniglia; pastel-colored Manarola; and Riomaggiore, with its dramatic sheer cliffs. Each of the villages clings to the rocky coastline and is connected only by small footpaths, trains and, of course, water. Travel to two of the villages (by boat or train, depending on the weather) with free time included for exploring and shopping on your own. (B)

Day 6 - Italian Riviera

Relax by the warm blue waters of the Mediterranean with a free day on the Riviera. Or opt to visit Pisa and its Field of Miracles, including the Basilica and the Leaning Tower. (B)

$69 USD

Pisa Travel through the Tuscan countryside for a visit to Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) where you can view the 12th-century Leaning Tower.

Day 7 - Milan

Leaving the Riviera, travel north to Milan, the 2,500-year-old gateway to the Italian Alps. After hotel check-in, you'll have free time to discover the city. Through the years, Milan has developed into a cutting-edge metropolis famous for its chic fashion, nightlife and arts. (B, D)

Day 8 - Milan

Fortunately, some of the most precious artifacts and artwork in Italy have survived in Milan. On a fully guided sightseeing tour of the city, see masterpieces like the Gothic Duomo and the Galleria. The latter was the inspiration for many modern shopping malls. Then visit Castello Sforzesco, an imposing Renaissance castle. With a free afternoon, you might see La Scala Museum, dedicated to the famous theatre that made both Verdi and Maria Callas world-class stars. Or visit the small convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie to view Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper. (B)

Day 9 - Venice

Prepare for two days of enchantment and wonder as you travel to Venice. After some free time to begin exploring the Floating City's winding waterways, gather with your group for this evening's included dinner. (B, D)

Day 10 - Venice

This morning, an expert local guide leads you on a sightseeing tour of Venice. This fascinating city was born as a village of small, interconnected rafts, collected together in the 5th and 6th centuries A.D., laying the groundwork for the floating palaces of today. Your tour finishes at St. Mark's Square for views of the famous 11th-century Basilica, where the saint's remains were supposedly carried from Alexandria, Egypt. Included is a visit to the Doges' Palace, a Giovanni-designed masterpiece dating from the 9th century. For a true Venetian grand finale, opt for a festive gondola ride with music on your last night in Italy. (B)

$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 11 - Venice

A Go Ahead representative helps you transfer to the airport for 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 Italy, U.S. citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least 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 the Italian 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 Milan and depart from Venice. When you first arrive in Milan, 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, Como & the Italian Riviera” is by private motorcoach (and by boat—weather permitting—on the excursion to Cinque Terre). In your free time, you may wish to explore by public transportation or on foot.

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. Venice is great city to explore on foot. Arm yourself with a map and pay attention to the signs pointing to the major attractions.

“Venice, Como & the Italian Riviera” does involve a moderate amount of walking. For more information, please see the “Walking on Tour” section.

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.

Currency

The euro is the currency you will use on 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 exchanged for cash at local banks. You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the Cirrus and Plus networks, 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—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.