Indulge yourself in the unforgettable flavors and vistas of Italy as you travel through the hill-towns and vineyards of Tuscany and Umbria. From the Renaissance treasures of Florence to the grape-laden groves of Siena and all the way to the chocolate hub of Perugia, you will encounter only spectacular scenery and decadent cuisine every step of the way.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Florence

Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Florence.

Day 2 - Florence

Go Ahead representative welcomes you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for strolling the cobbled streets and bridges of Florence. This evening, become acquainted with your fellow travelers as well as the region’s famed cuisine at this evening’s Welcome Dinner. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - Florence

Discover the timeless city of Florence, birthplace of opera and the Italian language. Today’s guided tour introduces you to the city’s Renaissance splendor. Marvel at Brunelleschi’s masterpiece—Florence’s massive pink, white and green Duomo. Then enter the church of Santa Croce, where the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo as well as the Dante Memorial are displayed. This afternoon, learn to make cuisine the Italian way at a private Tuscan cooking class. Then enjoy the freshly prepared meal with your fellow chefs. (B, D)

Day 4 - Florence

Bask in a free day to explore the Renaissance City on your own. Browse the shops of the Ponte Vecchio or simply people-watch as you sample some tasty gelato. Or opt to join a pastoral excursion to the walled city of Lucca and Colle Verde, a rural farm where olive oil is pressed. Tonight, join an optional dinner at a historic trattoria-style restaurant in the heart of Florence’s old town. (B)

$115 USD

Florentine Dinner Sit back as you sip a glass of wine and are charmed by the rustic beauty that is Florence, the Tuscan capital, on this traditional Tuscan dinner.

$99 USD

Lucca & Colle Verde This half-day excursion brings you to Lucca, an inviting Italian town, then to Colle Verde, a rural retreat and farm. During your half-day excursion, learn about the process by which olive oil is extracted and refined. Then enjoy a light lunch and an olive oil tasting session.

Day 5 - Siena

En route to the enchanting city of Siena, stop in San Gimignano, “the city of beautiful towers.” Take in views of glorious scenery before continuing to a local wine tasting, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the region’s finest wines. Arrive in Siena in time for this evening’s included dinner. (B, D)

Day 6 - Siena

Follow a local expert guide on this morning’s tour of Siena, longtime rival of nearby Florence. Visit Siena’s Romanesque Duomo, which houses major works of art by Donatello and Nicola Pisano. Walk along medieval streets to the Piazza del Campo. Each summer, daredevils race horses bareback around this main piazza during the famed Palio. This afternoon, travel through vineyards and olive groves to the hilltop town of Montalcino, famous for its Brunello di Montalcino wine. Enjoy the opportunity to taste this local treasure before continuing to the nearby Abbey of Sant’Antimo. (B)

Day 7 - Perugia

Continue your travels across the Italian landscape to reach Cortona, perched on a Tuscan hillside for panoramic views of the plains below. Meander through the steep, narrow streets and look for the remains of the original city wall before a visit to the city’s museum. After a visit to Lake Trasimeno, savor an included lunch of traditional Umbrian cuisine. Before reaching the Umbrian hub of Perugia, a town revered for its chocolate, pay a visit to the chocolate factory just outside of town. (B, L)

Day 8 - Perugia

A local guide introduces you to Perugia, the medieval town symbolized by the Etruscan Arch. See the Palazzo dei Priori, the gorgeous medieval palace begun in 1298, and the gothic Church of St. Pietro in Vincoli, which maintains its original, 10th-century layout. This afternoon, enjoy a guided sightseeing of the Eurochocolate festival where you'll indulge in a delicious chocolate tasting. (B)

Day 9 - Rome

Journey across the Umbrian valleys en route to Rome. Stop in Orvieto, where a local guide introduces you to this rustic city. Visit the town’s cathedral, then sample some of the region’s vintages during a wine tasting. Arrive in Rome in time for our Farewell Dinner. (B, D)

Day 10 - Rome

Extend your stay in Rome for two additional nights 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. and Canadian 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. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian 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 always advisable to check with your doctor or local health-care provider for the latest updates and personal travel requirements.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Most sightseeing is conducted by private motor coach. For some included visits and optional excursions, be prepared for some more walking through elaborate monuments and museums, with steps.

The pace of this tour is active, so be prepared to walk and make sure you pack your comfortable shoes.

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 it is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Be sure to visit www.travelsmith.com, official outfitter 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 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 for your tour director. If applicable, we also recommend €1 per local guide.

Tips may only be paid in cash.