ponte vecchio bridge over arno river in florence italy

Overview Itinerary Dates & prices Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Barcelona, Southern France & the Italian Riviera

with Rome extension

Duration: 12 or 14 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 211

Discover some of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

Enjoy memorable culture, architecture, and Mediterranean food on this guided trip, pausing to take sunny siestas in Barcelona and relaxing riposos in Italy. Sip sangria by La Sagrada Família, meander through medieval Avignon, and tour seaside villages, all while sneaking in opportunities to brush up on your Spanish, French, and Italian.

Your tour package includes

10 nights in handpicked hotels
10 breakfasts
3 dinners with beer or wine
Guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

La Sagrada Família
Carcassonne
Avignon
Papal Palace
Cape Ferrat

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Barcelona today.

Barcelona3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Barcelona

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Spain! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Barcelona

Included meal: Breakfast

Discover why Barcelona is touted for its unparalleled architectural landmarks, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Step inside La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s famous masterwork-in-progress
Drive along Passeig de Gràcia, past Gaudí’s “House of Bones”
Visit Montjuïc, site of the 1992 Olympic Games, and Mirador de l’Alcalde Park
Pass Plaça d’Espanya and the soaring monument to Christopher Columbus

Enjoy a free afternoon in Barcelona or add an excursion.

Park Güell & La Pedrera

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 4: Free day in Barcelona

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Barcelona or add excursions.

Montserrat

Excursion (additional cost)

Flamenco Dinner Show

Excursion (additional cost)

Provence1 night

Day 5: Provence via Carcassonne

Included meal: Breakfast

En route to Provence, France, stop in the fortified city of Carcassonne. You’ll tour the medieval fortress settlement, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

French Riviera2 nights

Day 6: French Riviera via Avignon

Included meal: Breakfast

Make your way to Nice and the French Riviera by way of Avignon, where a local guide shows you around the city.

Stroll through the historic town center, which is surrounded by the city's original medieval walls
Step inside the magnificent Papal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Enjoy free time in the city for lunch

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Cape Ferrat & Nice

Included meal: Breakfast

Set out to explore the French Riviera today.

Enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea from the cliffs of Cape Ferrat
Tour the Villa Ephrussi, a mansion built by a member of the Rothschild banking family, and stroll through the villa gardens
Stop to explore Nice’s Old Town on your own before returning to your hotel

Italian Riviera2 nights

Day 8: Italian Riviera via Monaco

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Leave France for the Italian Riviera today. Stop en route to explore the tiny principality of Monaco with your Tour Director.

Visit Le Rocher, or the Rock of Monaco, to see the cathedral and Old Town
Stop outside the Prince’s Palace, first built as a fortress in the late 12th century

This evening, sit down for an included dinner with your group.

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Cinque Terre

Included meal: Breakfast

Join your Tour Director to discover Cinque Terre, an idyllic cluster of five villages set on seaside cliffs.

Head to Sestri Levante, where you’ll board a train to Monterosso
Soak in views of the pebble beach that the village is known for
Travel by boat along the dramatic coastline to Riomaggiore
Learn about Via dell'Amore, one of the area’s most famous hiking paths, which connects two of the five villages
Take a train to Vernazza and admire the colorful houses that dot the waterfront
Enjoy short walks through each village before spending free time exploring, shopping, and eating
Admire the Liguria region’s varied landscape as you transfer back to your hotel

Please note: The boat ride is weather-dependent. In the case of inclement weather, you’ll visit the villages by train. In addition, the specific villages you visit may vary.

Florence2 nights

Day 10: Transfer to Florence & sightseeing tour

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to Florence and set off on a guided sightseeing tour of the city at the center of the Renaissance.

Visit the legendary Florence Cathedral, known as the Duomo
Pass Giotto’s Campanile, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture
Walk past Piazza della Repubblica to the medieval Ponte Vecchio
Stroll along the Arno River and through the courtyard of the Uffizi Gallery to Piazza della Signoria, center of Florentine life

Day 11: Free day in Florence

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Enjoy a free day in Florence or add an excursion.

Later, celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner this evening.

San Gimignano: Medieval Sights & Tuscan Flavors

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on to explore Rome.

Extension to Rome

Have your sights on more art, history, and street life? Rome is sure to deliver. Only in the Italian capital can you sip cappuccino in front of the Pantheon and have an audience with the pope all in one morning. See the city’s highlights during guided sightseeing, and then look to your Tour Director’s expert suggestions to uncover even more.

Rome2 nights

Day 12: Sightseeing tour of Rome

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to Italy’s capital city and follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a guided tour of the Eternal City.

Soak up over 2,000 years of history in Imperial Rome, viewing the Arch of Constantine and the Arch of Titus
Enter the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire
Stop at the ruins of the Forum, once the setting of parades, elections, and trials
Pass by Palatine Hill to see Circus Maximus, the stadium where ancient Romans raced chariots, and the Baths of Caracalla

Day 13: Free day in Rome

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Rome or add excursions.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Iconic Sights: Vatican City

Excursion (additional cost)

Dinner with Tenors

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 14: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.5 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

01/15/2020 by 7th time traveler Guadalupe G.

Good trip, good hotel and good food , ihighlyrecomend this trip

Barcelona, Southern France, Italy & Rome

12/16/2019 by 3rd time traveler Fonci R.

This was by far the best tour that I have been on yet. The Tour guide was exceptional , she knew her history, she was very knowledgeable and just a great host for our group. The trip was nice but our tour guide made the trip wonderful. By far my best experience ever.

Amazing Tour Director and great tour

10/28/2019 by 2nd time traveler Ana R.

Our Tour Director AnnaMaria is the best, she is absolutely amazing and knowledge. She did everything to make sure everything was right. The food offered in the dinner can be better. But we understand that we visit 3 different counties with different cultures. A lot of "bus" time, and walk, but at th...

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10/28/2019 by 2nd time traveler Marcella B.

I enjoyed the tour and itinerary very much. The only things I would change would be the time spent in Monaco, which was too long. Also, the day trip to the Cinque Terre was too long and tedious with little time actually spent in the two villages. Our driver Massimo was excellent and our tour guide F...

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Fun trip

10/29/2019 by 2nd time traveler Linda E.

Be ready to walk on this one, but if you can, it's a really nice tour of beautiful, historic areas. Our group of about 30 were always friendly, helpful and fun. Our tour guide had the patience of a saint and was always responsible and cheerful. (I nicknamed him "the Count," because he was always...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Pullman Skipper

This seaside hotel is located in the Vila Olímpica area of Barcelona. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, dry cleaning, and a restaurant. Nearby, you'll find Bar...

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Crowne Plaza Montpellier Corum

This contemporary hotel is located in Antigone. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool, fitness center, and a poolside terrace. Nearby, you'll find the Musée Fa...

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AC Hotel by Marriott Ambassadeur Antibes

This contemporary hotel is located in the heart of Juan-les-Pins. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool, a sauna, and a restaurant and bar. Nearby, you’ll find...

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Hotel Europa

This stylish hotel is located in the center of Rapallo. Guests enjoy a restaurant, wellness center, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find the Castle of ...

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Starhotels Michelangelo

This modern hotel is located in the Santa Maria Novella neighborhood. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a fitness room, and a wine bar. Nearby, you’ll find the ...

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Hotel Romanico Palace

This luxurious hotel is located in Rome's Ludovisi neighborhood. Guests enjoy a rooftop garden, spa and fitness center, and air conditioning. Nearby, ...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

Local weather

Barcelona, Spain

Weather averages

Today
High 50°F Low 45°F

Avignon, France

Weather averages

Today
High 45°F Low 38°F

Florence, Italy

Weather averages

Today
High 48°F Low 39°F

Vernazza, Italy

Weather averages

Today
High 49°F Low 42°F

Catalonia, Spain

Weather averages

Today
High 49°F Low 34°F

Carcassonne, France

Weather averages

Today
High 48°F Low 35°F

Nice, France

Weather averages

Today
High 52°F Low 47°F

Montpellier, France

Weather averages

Today
High 47°F Low 42°F

Monterosso, Italy

Weather averages

Today
High 53°F Low 40°F

Rome, Italy

Weather averages

Today
High 54°F Low 41°F

Riomaggiore, Italy

Weather averages

Today
High 49°F Low 42°F

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

This tour visits Spain, France, and Italy. In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for at least 2.5 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with some steep hills.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of trains and boats.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Barcelona and depart from Florence (or Rome on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. 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.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
Train rides and boat rides in Cinque Terre are included in the price of your tour.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to any of the countries on this tour.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

In Spain, breakfast like a local with just a pastry and coffee. Then, tuck into a three-course lunch featuring a Spanish staple like savory seafood paella or grilled meat and fried potatoes. Dinner is less hearty than lunch and is served late, between 9pm and midnight. Snack on small plates called tapas any time of day.
Catalan cuisine, which can be found in Barcelona, is markedly different from food in other parts of Spain. Nearly every restaurant will offer pa amb tomàquet—toasted bread with tomato and olive oil. Fresh seafood, hearty meat dishes, cheeses, and locally grown vegetables, such as wild mushrooms, are culinary mainstays.
For a picnic with French flair, stop at a small grocery store for cheeses, pâtés, cured meats, fresh-baked bread, and fruit. In the cities, sidewalk vendors are known for their steaming crepes, while mouthwatering pastries and hot café au lait beckon from cafes. In restaurants, the prix fixe option is a popular way to enjoy a set three- or four-course menu for a good price.
Although lunch is generally served from noon until 2pm in France, dinner is served from 7:30pm onward. Those wishing to eat earlier can stop at a cafe, where light entrées and sandwiches are available throughout the afternoon and evening.
On the Italian Riviera, a taste of the region's famous basil pesto is a must. Delicious seafood dishes are popular along the shore, but true Ligurians favor simple, traditional recipes like minestrone soup and farinata, an unleavened chickpea pancake.
Tuscany is world-famous for its wine, oil, sauces, and pasta. Menus favor subtle, lighter pastas and desserts made with nuts, fruit, and honey. Try a dish featuring the region’s Chianina beef, perhaps the most prized breed of cattle in all of Italy. For wine, popular Tuscan reds include Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which are primarily made from the Sangiovese grape. Well-known white wines are also made around the San Gimignano region.
For more authentic meals, try local trattorias, small restaurants set away from the main piazzas. A typical Italian meal includes wines and the occasional beer, followed by a few sips of after-dinner drinks like grappa or limoncello.
Roman food, on the tour extension, is typically freshly prepared and varies depending on the season. Must-try bites include cacio e pepe (*a simple dish of pasta, cheese and pepper) and *supplí (a fried rice ball similar to Sicily's arancini).

Electricity & air conditioning

Spain and France operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
Italy operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, F, or L plugs with two or three small, round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Spain, France, and Italy are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.

Currency

You will use the euro on this tour.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s 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 withdraw 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.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

Museums in Florence

If you are interested in visiting any of Florence's many museums during your free time, we recommend that you make reservations in advance. See uffizi.org for the Uffizi Gallery or accademia.org for the Accademia Gallery. Please note that the museums are closed on Mondays.

Dates & prices

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20202021

Starts

Ends

Price

Availability

2020

Barcelona, Southern France & the Italian Riviera

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