This adventure of a tour does more than just walk you through Tuscany, known for its landscapes and its artistic legacy. Through wine tastings, walks and explorations, you'll experience this beautiful countryside at its best, discovering cities and towns that have cemented Tuscany’s reputation as one of the world's most breathtaking destinations. End your journey in ancient Rome, where you’ll be engrossed in culture, tradition and allure of the Eternal City.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Montecatini

Your vacation begins with an overnight flight to either Florence or Pisa.

Day 2 - Montecatini

Meet your Go Ahead representative after clearing customs and then transfer via private motorcoach to Montecatini. Meet your fellow walking enthusiasts at this evening’s included dinner. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - Montecatini

Journey to nearby Florence for a guided sightseeing tour. See the many Renaissance treasures of the city, including Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise, Santa Croce, the Duomo and the Piazza della Signoria, home of the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery. (B)

Day 4 - Montecatini

Today is free to indulge in the famous spas of Montecatini, located in the healing Valdinievole, or “Valley of Mists.” Or join an optional excursion and light lunch in Colle Verde, a typical Tuscan farm in the hills above Lucca where olive oil is produced. (B)

$99 USD

Colle Verde Visit a charming olive farm for a lesson and lunch!

Day 5 - Montecatini

This morning’s one-hour walk takes place in the Chianti region. Strolling near the vineyards where the renowned Chianti wine is produced, you’ll stop in Vinci, hometown of artist Leonardo. Then set off on another scenic walk (1.5 hours) this afternoon, passing valleys, rivers and private country homes along the route. Afterwards, sample some Tuscan vintages at a wine tasting. (B, D)

Day 6 - Siena

Take in panoramic views of the sun-warmed Tuscan countryside on your transfer south to Siena. Along the way, stop in Monteriggioni, one of Tuscany’s best-preserved medieval towns, for a 1.5-hour walk from the 13th-century ramparts. Arrive later in Siena for an afternoon guided tour. Stop at the impressively ornate Duomo for a visit to the Piccolomini Library, where you can view the frescoes depicting the life of Pope Pius II. (B, L)

Day 7 - Siena

Begin the day with an invigorating one-hour walk in San Gimignano, considered by many the loveliest of the Tuscan hill towns. Fourteen towers remain standing out of the original 70, bearing testament to the medieval rivalry between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines that shaped history in this region. Then stop in the nearby town of Volterra, which has yielded rich stores of alabaster since Etruscan times. This evening, join a special optional dinner, featuring traditional Tuscan cuisine. (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 8 - Chianciano

Enjoy a one-hour walk this morning amid the orchards, vineyards and groves of Cortona. Then pass by Lake Trasimeno as you transfer to Chianciano, a spa town whose waters are reputed to have restorative properties. (B, D)

Day 9 - Chianciano

Today’s series of walks (2.5 hours) begins in Montalcino, famed for its fine red wine, Brunello di Montalcino. Explore the 14th-century walls before departing for Pienza. After exploring the Duomo and Gothic churches, continue to Montepulciano for a walk uphill to reach the last breathtaking view of the day. Savor authentic local dishes at our optional Country Evening tonight.(B)

$79 USD

Country Evening Feast on a traditional menu of grilled meats, roasted potatoes and local Chianti wine, topped off with tiramisu, during your Tuscan dinner at the Ristorante al Casale.

Day 10 - Rome

Transfer to the Monte Amiata region, where you’ll have time to explore the charming old town of Abbadia San Salvatore before continuing on to Rome for the night. Attend this evening’s optional Dinner with Tenors, featuring fine food and live opera music. (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 11 - Rome

Board your flight home, or remain 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. Travelers should be in reasonable health to take our scheduled walks, although we will make every effort to accommodate those who chose to stay behind. It is alwaysadvisable to check with your doctor or local health-care provider for the latest updates and personal travel requirements.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Round-trip flights arrive in either Florence or Pisa and depart from Rome. Upon arrival in Italy, a Go Ahead representative escorts you via private motorcoach to Montecatini. When you first arrive at the airport in Italy, 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.

All other included transportation on “Walking through Tuscany” is by private motorcoach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the major cities of Florence and Rome by public transportation. Florence is split up 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

Shorts are comfortable to walk in, but they might deny you access to churches. Hiking boots are recommended. If you don’t have them, then sturdy, comfortable athletic shoes will do. A change of footwear is also essential. A plastic water bottle is handy for staying hydrated on your walking tours, and a pair of binoculars enhances your enjoyment of the scenery. Insect repellent, a sun hat, sunscreen, bandages, lip balm and a flashlight are also a good idea. It’s always key to be prepared for any eventuality—so a lightweight sports jacket, rainwear and light, loose-fitting clothing that can be layered 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. 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 per day for your tour director. If applicable, we also recommend $1 per local guide.