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)

$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 - 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)

$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)

$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)

$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)

$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)

$105 USD

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

$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)

$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)

$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)

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 Rome. 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 another traveler to the bus at the time of your arrival. Included transportation on “The Magic of Italy” is by private motorcoach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the major cities of Venice, Florence and Rome 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. Venice is also a great city to explore on foot.

Florence is split into two separate sections by the Arno River, with most of the 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 the 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 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.

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!

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.