Venice, Florence & Rome 12 days
About This Experience
Three legendary cities. One incredible tour. Try as you may, it’s impossible to choose a favorite among Venice, Florence and Rome. Each city is unique by its own right, with distinctive flavors, sights and sounds. Float along Venice’s meandering canals. Gain new respect for the Renaissance masters in Florence. Walk in the footsteps of the ancients in Rome. And eat like a king (or queen) no matter where you are. Everywhere you go, watch the Italy you’ve always envisioned spring suddenly and surprisingly to life.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
10 nights in hand-picked hotels
Breakfast daily, 3 three-course dinners with wine or beer
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Romantic strolls take new meaning in Venice
Florence is home to not just art, but masterpieces
You’ll follow Caesar’s footsteps in Rome
Wine, pasta, pizza—dining is an art form here
Tranquil countryside escapes between cities
Lots of free time to explore Italy on your terms
Overnight Flight1 night
Venice3 nights - hotel info
Day2
Welcome to Venice, postcard-perfect and ready to be explored
Dinner, Breakfast (in flight)
Welcome to Venice! A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and then escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to begin exploring Venice. At tonight’s included dinner, meet your fellow travelers.
Day3
By land or by gondola, uncover the romance of Venezia
Breakfast
Doge's Palace
Experience the romance of Venice during this morning’s guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Gothic Doges’ Palace, once the political heart of this powerful maritime empire. Wind through the maze-like streets and view several important churches. This afternoon, opt to join a gondola tour of the canals, complete with music.
Optional Excursions
Gondola Ride With Music $65* pp
More than 100 waterways crisscross Venice, and boarding a sleek black gondola to explore them has become a time-honored tradition. On this memorable excursion, join your fellow travelers for a tour through the canals of Venice. A musician serenades you as your gondola cruises through the city. Please note: This excursion runs as weather permits. A private two-person gondola ride is available for an additional $100 per person.
Optional Excursions
Gondola Ride for Two $165* pp
More than 100 waterways crisscross Venice, and boarding a sleek black gondola to explore them has become a time-honored tradition. On this memorable excursion, you'll enjoy a private, serenaded gondola cruise through the canals of Venice. Please note: This excursion runs as weather permits.
Day4
Leisure is a Venetian way of life, so go on and savor the day
Breakfast
You’ll have free time today to explore the city on your own. Find a hidden trattoria and enjoy a delicious Venetian lunch. Stroll across the Rialto Bridge or follow alleyways lined with boutiques of handblown glass treasures. Alternatively, enjoy an optional tour of the beautiful islands of Burano and Torcello.
Optional Excursions
Burano & Torcello $65* pp
Visit the islands of the Venetian lagoon, a favorite day trip for locals and travelers alike. First travel by water taxi to Torcello, where the story of Venice began. It was here that mainlanders sought a safe haven from invading barbarians. Step inside the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, whose famous mosaics depict The Last Judgement. The next stop is the tiny fishing village of Burano, where brightly colored homes greet visitors. Wander as you please throughout Burano, and be sure to stop in at the island's bakeries.
Florence3 nights - hotel info
Day5
Beyond the Apennines and under the Tuscan sun, waits Florence
Dinner, Breakfast
Chiesa di Santa Croce
Cross the Apennines Mountains to the timeless city of Florence, birthplace of the Italian language, the Renaissance and opera. A guided sightseeing tour of Florence introduces you to the city’s Renaissance splendor. You can marvel at Brunelleschi’s masterpiece—Florence’s massive pink, white and green Duomo, complemented by Giotto’s Campanile. Then discover the church of Santa Croce, where the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo as well as the Dante Memorial are displayed. You’ll also see the Palazzo Signoria, which serves as an open-air gallery of ancient and Renaissance statues. This Romanesque, crenellated fortress-palace is among the most impressive town halls of Tuscany. Dinner is included tonight.
Day6
Renaissance art or a glass of red, the choice is yours
Breakfast
During free time in Florence, choose to admire the world’s finest collection of Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery. Stroll along the romantic Arno River or visit the Accademia Galleria to view Michelangelo’s early masterpiece, the sublime statue of David, sculpted when the artist was 26 years old. You could also join an optional excursion to San Gimignano and Siena in the Tuscan countryside. You’ll begin in Siena, where you’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Siena’s glorious scenery and landmarks, including the cathedral and the famed Campo. Continue on to San Gimignano, where you might choose to visit the Palazzo del Popolo or the Citadel. On your way back to Florence, stop to sample some of the region’s finest wines.
Optional Excursions
Siena & San Gimignano $105* pp
Discover the essence of Tuscany on a full-day excursion. In Siena, a local guide introduces you to the town and its black-and-white marble duomo, where you'll find brilliantly colored 16th-century frescoes in the Piccolomini Library. You'll have some free time to explore the Campo, the square that serves as the center of civic life in Siena. Then, journey through the countryside to the town of San Gimignano, where you'll have some free time to explore the city's medieval towers or simply admire the Tuscan hills. As the sun begins to set, you'll head to a nearby vineyard, where an included wine tasting awaits. Please note: This excursion involves moderate walking.
Day7
Which are you leaning toward: Pisa, Fiesole or Florence?
Breakfast
Enjoy another free day in Florence. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Pisa, where you’ll see the 12th-century Leaning Tower and visit both the adjacent cathedral and the Baptistery. Tonight, travel to the hilltop town of Fiesole for an optional dinner and views of Florence.
Optional Excursions
Pisa $69* pp
Travel through the Tuscan countryside for a visit to Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles). You'll see the famed Leaning Tower and enjoy a tour of the adjacent cathedral and the Baptistery of St. John.
Optional Excursions
Dinner in Fiesole $65* pp
Take a scenic ride to the town of Fiesole, where you'll be treated to some of the region's best cuisine over a relaxing three-course dinner. Unmatched views of nearby Florence serve as the perfect complement to your indulgent meal. Fiesole sits on a hill overlooking Florence, and its views of the city have been prized since pre-Roman times.
Rome4 nights - hotel info
Day8
Ascending volcanic rock, enter the medieval city of Orvieto
Dinner, Breakfast
Funicular ride
As you journey to Rome, stop at the ancient Etruscan stronghold of Orvieto. Situated on a pedestal of volcanic rock, the lovely town of Orvieto boasts one of the finest Italian Gothic cathedrals in the country. Travel to this impressive Medieval city by funicular and take in views of the surrounding Volscian Mountains. Arrive in Rome, where dinner is included tonight.
Day9
Stand where Caesar ruled and gladiators fought
Breakfast
Colosseum
Follow in the footsteps of Caesar during your guided sightseeing tour of Rome. Highlights include the Colosseum, where 50,000 spectators cheered their favorite gladiators to victory, and the ruins of the Forum Romanum, from which the Caesars ruled their vast empire. This afternoon is free to further your explorations of ancient Rome. Visit the Pantheon, or tour one of Rome’s many important churches.
Day10
If you like what you see, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain
Breakfast
Spend a free day in Rome however you choose. Take in all the art and architecture that greet the eye at every turn—from relics of Caesar’s reign to treasures of Renaissance and Baroque art. Stroll across the Spanish Steps. See Bernini’s captivating Fountain of the Four Rivers and stop at the legendary Trevi Fountain, into which centuries of visitors have tossed coins to ensure their eventual return to Rome. You might also wish to join an optional excursion to Vatican City, featuring visits to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Opt to end the day at a Dinner with Tenors, an evening of food and live music.
Optional Excursions
Dinner with Tenors $79* pp
End your day with an elegant four-course dinner at one of our favorite Roman restaurants. While you dine, you’ll be treated to some of opera's best-loved arias…and you might even join the singers on stage. Don’t miss this lighthearted evening of food and fun!
Optional Excursions
Vatican City $85* pp
This guided tour takes you inside the world’s smallest state, Vatican City. Upon arrival, you'll first visit the Vatican Museums, which recently celebrated a 500-year anniversary and hold many of the world's most important Classical and Renaissance-era sculptures. Next, you'll visit the Sistine Chapel, where you'll gaze on what is perhaps Michelangelo's greatest masterpiece. Finally, you'll visit the enormous St. Peter’s Basilica, the epicenter of the Roman Catholic faith. The artists whose efforts have contributed to its glory are some of the best Italy has ever known, including Bramante, Peruzzi, Raphael and Michelangelo. Masterpieces await at every turn, from Bernini’s magnificent bronze canopy to Michelangelo’s Pietà. Please note: This excursion is not available on Sunday. Advanced reservation and booking is required prior to your final payment deadline.
Day11
Relax in the Eternal City or discover a city in ruins
Breakfast
Enjoy another free day in Rome or join a full-day optional excursion to excavated Pompeii, an ancient Roman city buried in volcanic ash in A.D. 79. Lunch is included on this optional excursion.
Optional Excursions
Pompeii with Lunch $165* pp
Travel to Pompeii for a guided tour of the famous ruins. Discover how Roman citizens lived 2,000 years ago, before Mount Vesuvius erupted in and smothered the town of Pompeii in a flood of volcanic ash. Visit the excavated ruins of theaters, villas, temples and baths. Lunch is included. Please note: Travel time to Pompeii is approximately 2.5 hours each way.
Extend Your Stay
Add Rome $299*
Only in Rome can you sip cappuccino at a cafe in front of the Pantheon, buy grapes at a centuries-old market, and have an audience with the pope—all in one morning. For a mix of spectacular art, grand history and exuberant street life, no other city comes close.
Rome2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Gelato in hand, you’re ready to take on Rome
Breakfast
Today is free to explore Rome’s plethora of piazzas and cafes. You might search for the city’s best gelato or people-watch at the Trevi Fountain. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the Roman catacombs with a visit to the Basilica of St. Paul.
Optional Excursions
Catacombs & St. Paul's $65* pp
Descend into Rome’s ancient catacombs, where early Christians buried saints and popes alongside commoners. A local guide will lead you through burial chambers before your visit to the Basilica of St. Paul, one of the four most important basilicas of Rome, originally founded by Constantine the Great. The Basilica also houses the tomb of St. Paul. Please note: Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted within the basilica. Also, this excursion involves extensive walking and may be inadvisable for claustrophobic travelers.
Day2
Do as the Romans do—relax, eat, explore, eat more
Breakfast
Enjoy another free day in Rome. You might choose to return to Vatican City and peruse the Vatican Library, a massive collection of ancient texts. Or join an optional excursion to the famed Borghese Gallery & Museum.
Optional Excursions
Borghese Gallery & Museum $69* pp
Today, take a guided tour of the Borghese Gallery, home to one of Italy's finest art collections. Situated in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana, the gallery consists of 20 rooms spanning two floors and features major works by Bernini, Raphael, Canova, Titian and Caravaggio. Please note: This excursion requires advanced booking at least 30 days before your departure.
About This Experience
Three legendary cities. One incredible tour. Try as you may, it’s impossible to choose a favorite among Venice, Florence and Rome. Each city is unique by its own right, with distinctive flavors, sights and sounds. Float along Venice’s meandering canals. Gain new respect for the Renaissance masters in Florence. Walk in the footsteps of the ancients in Rome. And eat like a king (or queen) no matter where you are. Everywhere you go, watch the Italy you’ve always envisioned spring suddenly and surprisingly to life.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
10 nights in hand-picked hotels
Breakfast daily, 3 three-course dinners with wine or beer
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Romantic strolls take new meaning in Venice
Florence is home to not just art, but masterpieces
You’ll follow Caesar’s footsteps in Rome
Wine, pasta, pizza—dining is an art form here
Tranquil countryside escapes between cities
Lots of free time to explore Italy on your terms
Overnight Flight1 night
Venice3 nights - hotel info
Day2
Welcome to Venice, postcard-perfect and ready to be explored
Dinner, Breakfast (in flight)
Welcome to Venice! A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and then escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to begin exploring Venice. At tonight’s included dinner, meet your fellow travelers.
Day3
By land or by gondola, uncover the romance of Venezia
Breakfast
Doge's Palace
Experience the romance of Venice during this morning’s guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Gothic Doges’ Palace, once the political heart of this powerful maritime empire. Wind through the maze-like streets and view several important churches. This afternoon, opt to join a gondola tour of the canals, complete with music.
Optional Excursions
Gondola Ride With Music $65* pp
More than 100 waterways crisscross Venice, and boarding a sleek black gondola to explore them has become a time-honored tradition. On this memorable excursion, join your fellow travelers for a tour through the canals of Venice. A musician serenades you as your gondola cruises through the city. Please note: This excursion runs as weather permits. A private two-person gondola ride is available for an additional $100 per person.
Optional Excursions
Gondola Ride for Two $165* pp
More than 100 waterways crisscross Venice, and boarding a sleek black gondola to explore them has become a time-honored tradition. On this memorable excursion, you'll enjoy a private, serenaded gondola cruise through the canals of Venice. Please note: This excursion runs as weather permits.
Day4
Leisure is a Venetian way of life, so go on and savor the day
Breakfast
You’ll have free time today to explore the city on your own. Find a hidden trattoria and enjoy a delicious Venetian lunch. Stroll across the Rialto Bridge or follow alleyways lined with boutiques of handblown glass treasures. Alternatively, enjoy an optional tour of the beautiful islands of Burano and Torcello.
Optional Excursions
Burano & Torcello $65* pp
Visit the islands of the Venetian lagoon, a favorite day trip for locals and travelers alike. First travel by water taxi to Torcello, where the story of Venice began. It was here that mainlanders sought a safe haven from invading barbarians. Step inside the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, whose famous mosaics depict The Last Judgement. The next stop is the tiny fishing village of Burano, where brightly colored homes greet visitors. Wander as you please throughout Burano, and be sure to stop in at the island's bakeries.
Florence3 nights - hotel info
Day5
Beyond the Apennines and under the Tuscan sun, waits Florence
Dinner, Breakfast
Chiesa di Santa Croce
Cross the Apennines Mountains to the timeless city of Florence, birthplace of the Italian language, the Renaissance and opera. A guided sightseeing tour of Florence introduces you to the city’s Renaissance splendor. You can marvel at Brunelleschi’s masterpiece—Florence’s massive pink, white and green Duomo, complemented by Giotto’s Campanile. Then discover the church of Santa Croce, where the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo as well as the Dante Memorial are displayed. You’ll also see the Palazzo Signoria, which serves as an open-air gallery of ancient and Renaissance statues. This Romanesque, crenellated fortress-palace is among the most impressive town halls of Tuscany. Dinner is included tonight.
Day6
Renaissance art or a glass of red, the choice is yours
Breakfast
During free time in Florence, choose to admire the world’s finest collection of Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery. Stroll along the romantic Arno River or visit the Accademia Galleria to view Michelangelo’s early masterpiece, the sublime statue of David, sculpted when the artist was 26 years old. You could also join an optional excursion to San Gimignano and Siena in the Tuscan countryside. You’ll begin in Siena, where you’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Siena’s glorious scenery and landmarks, including the cathedral and the famed Campo. Continue on to San Gimignano, where you might choose to visit the Palazzo del Popolo or the Citadel. On your way back to Florence, stop to sample some of the region’s finest wines.
Optional Excursions
Siena & San Gimignano $105* pp
Discover the essence of Tuscany on a full-day excursion. In Siena, a local guide introduces you to the town and its black-and-white marble duomo, where you'll find brilliantly colored 16th-century frescoes in the Piccolomini Library. You'll have some free time to explore the Campo, the square that serves as the center of civic life in Siena. Then, journey through the countryside to the town of San Gimignano, where you'll have some free time to explore the city's medieval towers or simply admire the Tuscan hills. As the sun begins to set, you'll head to a nearby vineyard, where an included wine tasting awaits. Please note: This excursion involves moderate walking.
Day7
Which are you leaning toward: Pisa, Fiesole or Florence?
Breakfast
Enjoy another free day in Florence. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Pisa, where you’ll see the 12th-century Leaning Tower and visit both the adjacent cathedral and the Baptistery. Tonight, travel to the hilltop town of Fiesole for an optional dinner and views of Florence.
Optional Excursions
Pisa $69* pp
Travel through the Tuscan countryside for a visit to Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles). You'll see the famed Leaning Tower and enjoy a tour of the adjacent cathedral and the Baptistery of St. John.
Optional Excursions
Dinner in Fiesole $65* pp
Take a scenic ride to the town of Fiesole, where you'll be treated to some of the region's best cuisine over a relaxing three-course dinner. Unmatched views of nearby Florence serve as the perfect complement to your indulgent meal. Fiesole sits on a hill overlooking Florence, and its views of the city have been prized since pre-Roman times.
Rome4 nights - hotel info
Day8
Ascending volcanic rock, enter the medieval city of Orvieto
Dinner, Breakfast
Funicular ride
As you journey to Rome, stop at the ancient Etruscan stronghold of Orvieto. Situated on a pedestal of volcanic rock, the lovely town of Orvieto boasts one of the finest Italian Gothic cathedrals in the country. Travel to this impressive Medieval city by funicular and take in views of the surrounding Volscian Mountains. Arrive in Rome, where dinner is included tonight.
Day9
Stand where Caesar ruled and gladiators fought
Breakfast
Colosseum
Follow in the footsteps of Caesar during your guided sightseeing tour of Rome. Highlights include the Colosseum, where 50,000 spectators cheered their favorite gladiators to victory, and the ruins of the Forum Romanum, from which the Caesars ruled their vast empire. This afternoon is free to further your explorations of ancient Rome. Visit the Pantheon, or tour one of Rome’s many important churches.
Day10
If you like what you see, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain
Breakfast
Spend a free day in Rome however you choose. Take in all the art and architecture that greet the eye at every turn—from relics of Caesar’s reign to treasures of Renaissance and Baroque art. Stroll across the Spanish Steps. See Bernini’s captivating Fountain of the Four Rivers and stop at the legendary Trevi Fountain, into which centuries of visitors have tossed coins to ensure their eventual return to Rome. You might also wish to join an optional excursion to Vatican City, featuring visits to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Opt to end the day at a Dinner with Tenors, an evening of food and live music.
Optional Excursions
Dinner with Tenors $79* pp
End your day with an elegant four-course dinner at one of our favorite Roman restaurants. While you dine, you’ll be treated to some of opera's best-loved arias…and you might even join the singers on stage. Don’t miss this lighthearted evening of food and fun!
Optional Excursions
Vatican City $85* pp
This guided tour takes you inside the world’s smallest state, Vatican City. Upon arrival, you'll first visit the Vatican Museums, which recently celebrated a 500-year anniversary and hold many of the world's most important Classical and Renaissance-era sculptures. Next, you'll visit the Sistine Chapel, where you'll gaze on what is perhaps Michelangelo's greatest masterpiece. Finally, you'll visit the enormous St. Peter’s Basilica, the epicenter of the Roman Catholic faith. The artists whose efforts have contributed to its glory are some of the best Italy has ever known, including Bramante, Peruzzi, Raphael and Michelangelo. Masterpieces await at every turn, from Bernini’s magnificent bronze canopy to Michelangelo’s Pietà. Please note: This excursion is not available on Sunday. Advanced reservation and booking is required prior to your final payment deadline.
Day11
Relax in the Eternal City or discover a city in ruins
Breakfast
Enjoy another free day in Rome or join a full-day optional excursion to excavated Pompeii, an ancient Roman city buried in volcanic ash in A.D. 79. Lunch is included on this optional excursion.
Optional Excursions
Pompeii with Lunch $165* pp
Travel to Pompeii for a guided tour of the famous ruins. Discover how Roman citizens lived 2,000 years ago, before Mount Vesuvius erupted in and smothered the town of Pompeii in a flood of volcanic ash. Visit the excavated ruins of theaters, villas, temples and baths. Lunch is included. Please note: Travel time to Pompeii is approximately 2.5 hours each way.
Extend Your Stay
Add Rome $299*
Only in Rome can you sip cappuccino at a cafe in front of the Pantheon, buy grapes at a centuries-old market, and have an audience with the pope—all in one morning. For a mix of spectacular art, grand history and exuberant street life, no other city comes close.
Rome2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Gelato in hand, you’re ready to take on Rome
Breakfast
Today is free to explore Rome’s plethora of piazzas and cafes. You might search for the city’s best gelato or people-watch at the Trevi Fountain. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the Roman catacombs with a visit to the Basilica of St. Paul.
Optional Excursions
Catacombs & St. Paul's $65* pp
Descend into Rome’s ancient catacombs, where early Christians buried saints and popes alongside commoners. A local guide will lead you through burial chambers before your visit to the Basilica of St. Paul, one of the four most important basilicas of Rome, originally founded by Constantine the Great. The Basilica also houses the tomb of St. Paul. Please note: Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted within the basilica. Also, this excursion involves extensive walking and may be inadvisable for claustrophobic travelers.
Day2
Do as the Romans do—relax, eat, explore, eat more
Breakfast
Enjoy another free day in Rome. You might choose to return to Vatican City and peruse the Vatican Library, a massive collection of ancient texts. Or join an optional excursion to the famed Borghese Gallery & Museum.
Optional Excursions
Borghese Gallery & Museum $69* pp
Today, take a guided tour of the Borghese Gallery, home to one of Italy's finest art collections. Situated in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana, the gallery consists of 20 rooms spanning two floors and features major works by Bernini, Raphael, Canova, Titian and Caravaggio. Please note: This excursion requires advanced booking at least 30 days before your departure.
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 home. 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. It is always advisable to check with your doctor or health-care provider for the latest updates and overseas travel requirements.
Cuisine
One of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling is the delightful variety of local cuisine. Most of the staples of the Italian diet have already become favorites in America, but on your tour, be sure to try those less familiar pasta sauces and the vast range of cured hams, cheeses, rustic breads and desserts. In Italy, the cuisine is often slightly varied by region, and many cities and towns have their own specialties Venice and Northern Italy are known for their meats and pastries, Tuscany for its wine, oil and sauces, Rome and Southern Italy for its pizzas. For more authentic meals, try local trattorias, small, family-owned restaurants that tend to be set away from the main piazzas and squares. Italians tend to indulge in long meals featuring wines and the occasional beer, followed by the requisite after-dinner drinks grappa or limoncello. American or English-style bars and pubs are not as common, although they can be found in the major cities and currently gaining in popularity, especially in Northern Italy and in Rome.
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 motor coach. 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.
Museums in Florence
The museums of Florence are popular attractions that you might consider visiting during your free time in the city. However, we recommend that you make reservations two months in advance, if you would like to visit any of the museums in Florence. For more information, go to the museums’ website at http://www.visitflorence.com/florence-museums/. If you are joining our optional excursion to Siena and San Gimignano, please note that you will not return to Florence in time to visit any museums that day. If you are joining our optional excursion to Pisa and wish to visit a museum after returning to Florence, we recommend booking your museum visit for later than 4pm. Please note the museums are closed on Mondays.
Clothing & Packing Tips
To ensure you’re comfortable while out exploring, we recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. For sightseeing, we suggest bringing a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers, as well as a lightweight sports jacket or rainwear. If you’re planning a visit to a high-end restaurant or performance, you may also want to bring dressier attire. Also, please remember that it’s preferable to avoid showing bare legs or shoulders during visits to churches or other religious sites (entrance may be denied on this basis).
Baggage Allowance
Airlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.
Currency
The euro is the currency you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in Italy, 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 informing your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so they don’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/ CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.
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Venice, florence & Rome
On this tour, David our tour director made all the difference in the world. He thought of everything for us. His entertainment alone was worth the trip. He even showed us how to cross through a stream of marathon runners. He was delightfull. I would rate him as a 10.
Venice,Florence and Rome
Very well done.Was pleased with every aspect.Wonderful guide.
Amazing
My husband and I decided to do this tour for our honeymoon. Our tour director Oda was AMAZING... she went above and beyond and was so much fun to be around. I definitely made life long memories and friends. The only thing was a little of a bummer was the Rome marathon going on the same day as the tour of the Colussium. The subway and foot traffic was so busy but I suppose it made it even more memorable. I will admit, most of the people on our tour were older.... but they still knew how to have a fun time!!! :)
Italian vacation
What a great trip! Each city that we visited offered something different and memorable. Venice was beautiful but definitely crowded (lots of cruise ships in port while we were there). We were happy to be staying across the water in Lido. Still lots to do and see there but definitely more laid back. You can even walk the beach there. We had no problems taking the water buses to the center of Venice. Florence and Rome were great for touring, dining and shopping. Ours hotels were very nice and centrally located.The tours to Siena and San Gimignano as well as Pompeii made for a long days but definitely worth experiencing. We loved it all!
Awesome Tour Director
Barbara, the tour director, was amazing. She was so knowledgeable on all things Italy and made the trip for my mother and I amusing as well as unforgettable. I can't wait to bring my kids. They will love her!!!
No Title
The trip was great. I enjoyed Florence the best especially since it was on dry land. Venice was not and I didn't realize it until I got there. The tour did have extensive walking and climbing stairs, which for me turned out to be beneficial and help to save me from having back surgery. It helped my new knee replacement and the walking helped in reducing my weight. Which helped to take the extra tension on my back. With that being said, the scenery was excellent, lots to take in each and every day. Our tour director was not only helpful on the tour but also during our free time with lots of valuable information and tips along with providing us with telephone numbers should anything happened. Great tour, next time I would rather spend more time in Florence than anywhere although Burano and Torcello were both very nice sans the water taxis to and from. Missia our tour director was wonderful and I must say exhibited lots of patience on several occasions.
Venice, Florence, Rome...Yeah!
I really enjoyed the entire trip. It was a great adventure. Venice, Florence and Rome were awesome. Our tour director was very dependable and also very knowledgeable about each city. She gave us a lot of "Heads Up" as to what to expect and about being careful. She was also very entertaining and has a great sense of humor When I return I would love to have her as our guide again. We had plenty of free time to do things on our own. The additional excursions were great. I will definitely use Go Ahead tours as my "go to" for future trips. Thanks for a great time!
Italy was Fantastic!
Your Go Ahead Tour was definitely a trip of a lifetime! I'm telling all my family and friends about it. Our tour director David Macchi was fantastic. He was smart, very knowledgable and funny and so very accomodating. I couldnt have expected more. And we were so surprised that additional tour guides were assigned to our various excursions. We expected our tour guide to be our only guide throughout the trip. I look forward to future trips with Go Ahead Tours. Thanks for a wonderful vacation!
Italy in 12 days
Italy is a beautiful country, and the cities of Venice, Florence and Rome are historical gems. The side tours were very well done, especially Sienna and San Giamianco. Sight seeing expectations were met. The Tuscany area is entrancing.
Good and bad
We just recently returned from our trip to Italy. I had an OK time while I was over there, but it was not as fantastic as I was hoping it would be. The Good Our tour director was pleasant and knowledgeable the sites were nice to see the food was good the people communicated well in English The Bad 1. We do not stay on the main part of Venice. We were in a hotel on a small island off of the main section of Venice called "Lido". Lido was nice and quiet, but very small. This means that if you want to go do anything it requires a water taxi ride and an additional expense and it's about a 20-30 minute ride each direction which means you lose about an hour of touring time simply by sitting on a boat. 2. The transfer busses from city to city and between some of the attractions in the city are extremely small. i am 6'4" tall and I could not get my knees together behind the seat in front of me because of the lengh of my legs. I had to sit with my legs in the aisle the entire time. I was not the only person in our group that had this problem. These buses are not "deluxe" motor coaches ad the literature suggests. 3. The first night in Florence was very long and fast paced. We ran past/through so many things that you literally had to walk while taking photos. The local guide was well informed, but seemed to be in a hurry. It would have been a better experience had she slowed down. It wasn't as if we had other deadlines/departure times to worry about nor was it getting dark outside. 4. The radio devices they pass out to communicate with the local guide were mediocre at best. If you got more than 25 feet away from the guide the connection was lost. When we were at the Vatican, there were so many people using the same frequency that we often times heard other tour guides and they heard us, it was a mess. 5. When we got to Pisa, we had a good time, the local guide was pleasant and went about the right speed and stopped and talked and advised, etc. Then it was time to go, everybody in the group indicated they wanted to stay for another hour, but we were told we couldn't stay. Why? The next meeting time wasn't until 6 or 7 pm. We had several hours to kill if we wanted to. Instead we raced back to the Hotel and had several hours of down time. Doens't make sense to push a group when everybody wants to stay and there's no pressing deadline/departure issues. 6. Rome was OK, but we had the same problem....the Colloseum and the Vatican were rush rush rush...and when we were finally told we had "free" time at those two locations to wander around, we were given about 15 minutes at each place. 7. Hotels were small, elevators were even smaller, not the greatest locations. Over all, I was a bit disappointed in the experience...I'm not sure if it was a Go Ahead Tours thing or an italy thing...perhaps it was a little of both
