Your tour of Venice, Florence & Rome 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 end your journey in ancient Rome, where you’ll be engrossed in culture, tradition and allure of this Eternal City.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Venice

Your Italian vacation begins with an overnight flight to Venice, Italy’s magical and romantic City of Water.

Day 2 - Venice

A Go Ahead representative greets you in Venice and escorts you to your hotel. Become acquainted with the rest of your group at this evening’s included dinner. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - Venice

All the highlights of Venice await you on this morning’s guided sightseeing tour. Cross St. Mark’s Square, which Napoleon dubbed “the finest drawing room in Europe;” then visit The Doges’ Palace, and see the Bridge of Sighs, where doomed prisoners took a final look at the world. This afternoon, opt for a festive gondola ride with music. (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 4 - Venice

Buoyed in the gentle waters of the Venetian lagoon, Venice has been dubbed "La Serenissima" - the most serene. Immerse yourself in the city's soothing atmosphere with a free day to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, discover the artistic wonders to be found on the islands of Burano and Torcello. (B)

$95 USD

Burano & Torcello Travel to Torcello, where Venice's story began, then the fishing village of Burano on your tour of the Venetian lagoon and its quaint islands.

Day 5 - Florence

Cross the landscapes of Tuscany on today’s journey to majestic Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance, opera music and the Italian language itself. On your guided tour, marvel at Brunelleschi’s architectural masterpiece—the massive dome of Florence’s cathedral. Then discover the church of Santa Croce, housing the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo, as well as the Dante Memorial. Stand before Ghiberti’s legendary Gates of Paradise, and pass the Piazza della Signoria. (B, D)

Day 6 - Florence

You’ll have a full day to experience all the wonders of Florence at your own pace. If it’s your first trip to Florence, consider a visit to the Accademia to view the statue of the David and other Michelangelo works, or a stop at the ornate Uffizi Palace. Alternatively, opt for an excursion to hill towns, including the medieval city of Siena and the neighboring town of San Gimignano with its skyline of towers. The excursion includes a wine tasting. (B)

$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 7 - Florence

Enjoy another free day in Florence, or join an optional excursion to Pisa. You’ll see the iconic Leaning Tower as well as the Baptistery in the Field of Miracles. This evening, travel to the hilltop town of Fiesole for an optional dinner with lovely views of Florence at dusk. (B)

$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."

$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 8 - Rome

Journey across Umbria on today’s transfer to Rome. Along the way, stop in Orvieto, a hill town built on a stunning pedestal of volcanic rock. There, you’ll travel via funicular to the Gothic-influenced Old Town, surrounded by views of the Volscian Mountains. (B, D)

Day 9 - Rome

Walk in the footsteps of Roman emperors during today’s guided tour of Rome. View the 2,000-year-old Colosseum, built as an elaborate ellipse in the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian styles. Then stop to visit the grassy ruins of the Forum Romanum, ancient Rome’s political, commercial and religious center. (B)

Day 10 - Rome

Spend a free day in Rome, or join an optional tour of Vatican City, featuring St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, where you’ll view Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring biblical frescoes. End the day with live opera 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!

$85 USD

Vatican City *A Go Ahead Favorite excursion!* This guided tour takes you into the world’s smallest state, Vatican City, and visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum.  Please note: This excursion requires advance reservations and must be booked prior to your final payment deadline.

Day 11 - Rome

A full-day optional excursion takes you to Pompeii. Layers of volcanic ash blanketed the town when Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79, giving rise to Pompeii as one of Europe’s best-preserved archaeological sites. Here you can see how ancient Romans once lived. Alternatively, explore Rome on your own. You may wish to visit the wide array of Christian churches in Rome, containing artifacts ranging from fragments rumored to be remnants of the “true cross” to the Bocca della Veritá (Mouth of Truth), an ancient mask that is said to snap shut when you tell a lie. (B)

$165 USD

Pompeii Discover how Roman citizens lived two thousand years ago, before Mt. Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79, preserving the town of Pompeii in a flood of volcanic ash. View the excavated ruins of theaters, villas, temples and baths.

Day 12 - Rome

Board your flight home, or stay in Rome for our tour extension. (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 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.

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 €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.