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Overview Itinerary Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Barcelona, Southern France & the Italian Riviera

with Rome extension

When are you looking to travel?

This tour itinerary varies by year.

Duration: 12 or 14 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 186

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 amid ancient ruins in Nîmes, 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
4 dinners with beer or wine
7 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

La Sagrada Família
Carcassonne
the Arena of Nîmes
Pont du Gard
Cape Ferrat

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Day-by-day itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel to Barcelona, Spain

Board your overnight flight to Barcelona today.

Barcelona3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Barcelona

Included meal: Dinner

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

Day 3: Guided 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 time in Barcelona

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a full free day in Barcelona or add excursions.

Montserrat

Excursion (additional cost)

Flamenco Dinner Show

Excursion (additional cost)

Montpellier1 night

Day 5: Travel to Montpellier via Carcassonne

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Set off for Montpellier, France, today. Stop en route in the fortified city of Carcassonne to tour the medieval fortress settlement, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Later, sit down to an included dinner with your group.

French Riviera2 nights

Day 6: Travel to the French Riviera via Nîmes

Included meal: Breakfast

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

• See remarkably preserved Roman buildings, including the Maison Carrée

• Visit the Arena of Nîmes, built around A.D. 100 and seen in the film Gladiator

• Walk along the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO-listed Roman aqueduct

Day 7: Guided 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 de Rothschild and its gardens

• Stop to explore Nice’s Old Town on your own before returning to your hotel

Italian Riviera2 nights

Day 8: Travel to the 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

Sit down to an included dinner with your group this evening.

Day 9: Guided tour of Cinque Terre

Included meal: Breakfast

Discover Cinque Terre, an idyllic cluster of five villages set on seaside cliffs.

• Travel by boat along the coast for dramatic cliffside views (Weather permitting; you may travel by train instead of boat)

• Stop for free time to explore the seaside villages of Vernazza and Monterosso (Please note: Specific Cinque Terre villages visited may vary)

• Admire Liguria region’s varied landscape on a scenic train ride from Monterosso to your hotel in the Santa Margherita Ligure area

Florence2 nights

Day 10: Guided tour of Florence

Included meal: Breakfast

Set off to Florence, the city at the center of the Renaissance, and meet your local guide.

• 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 time in Florence

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a free day in Florence or add an excursion.

Later, join your group for a farewell dinner in Florence.

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

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 vibrant street life, no other city comes close.

Rome2 nights

Day 12: Sightseeing tour of Rome

Included meal: Breakfast

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 full 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

186

4.5 average

Great time in Southern Europe

07/19/2019 by 4th time traveler John S.

Go Ahead tour review, submitted 7-8-19: (My third Go Ahead tour; included the Rome extension.) Another one of Go Ahead's masterful Greatest Hits tours! And another long one, some thousand miles or more of travel through Spain, France, and Italy. Barcelona, to Carcassone, to Montpelier, to Nime...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 07/19/2019

Dear John, First of all, we want to thank you for ...

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07/10/2019 by 4th time traveler Anonymous

Disappointed with some choices of hotels and food. Hotel in Florence was poorly maintained with peeling wallpaper, plaster falling off ceiling, no working a/c. No water in the room. It was 98 F that day. We did call maintenance but they did nothing to fix the a/c Restaurant in Barcelona had a terr...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 07/10/2019

Dear Traveler, Thank you for your feedback regardi...

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A Trip Of A Lifetime

07/02/2019 by 3rd time traveler Jill C.

We had a wonderful time touring, eating, learning, laughing and experiencing Spain, France and Italy. We toured so many historical places that I can't even begin to list them all but my favorites were the Familia Sagrada and the Duomo in Florence. We saw artwork by famous artists and designers suc...

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07/01/2019 by 2nd time traveler Virginia K.

This trip was a first time to Europe for me. The group that we traveled with, there were 30 of us, was absolutely delightful. Our Tour Director was informed and organized. The only downside was in Florence. Our local guide rushed us and her information was uninteresting. She was very difficult to ...

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Great experience.

06/28/2019 by 2nd time traveler Peter F.

Well I went alone and expected the worst. Isolation and awkwardness. I got the opposite. The people and guides were terrific except for the guide in the Vatican who called me a bloody yank. I tipped well and enjoyed so much. The pictures I took I shared on Facebook and got many likes. I'll try to br...

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Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

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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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.

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Round-trip flight for your tour
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Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

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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 about 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.
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 Tourswill 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 Toursfor an additional cost.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
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.
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.
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.

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 use 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.orgfor the Accademia Gallery. Please note that the museums are closed on Mondays. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.

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70 Departures

Tour prices are per person, before flights, and based on two travelers per hotel room.