Grand Tour of Europe: London to Rome
16 days | 18 days with Florence extension |
Six countries. Ten cities. A once-in-a-lifetime journey. Meet and mingle with Europe’s best-loved landmarks and unexpected new favorites.
When Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, and the Pantheon are only a fraction of a tour’s highlights, you’re in for one magical trip. On this sweeping tour of Europe that whisks you from England to France, the Netherlands to Germany, and Switzerland to Italy, you’ll treat your eyes, ears, and tastebuds to a kaleidoscope of cultures you’ll never forget.
Your tour package includes
- 14 nights in handpicked hotels
- 14 breakfasts
- 4 dinners with beer or wine
- 1 food tasting
- 11 sightseeing tours
- Expert Tour Director & local guides
- Private deluxe motor coach
- 3 train rides
Included highlights
- Trafalgar Square
- Buckingham Palace
- Eurostar train ride
- Eiffel Tower photo stop
- Amsterdam canal cruise
- Schokoladen Museum
- Lake Como
- St. Mark’s Square
- Pantheon
Itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day
Board your overnight flight to London today.
London2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in London
Included meal: Welcome dinner
Welcome to England! If you arrive between noon and 6 p.m., we recommend treating yourself to afternoon tea—the traditional British meal of cakes, biscuits, dainty sandwiches, and, of course, tea.
Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner, served with beer or wine.
Day 3: Sightseeing tour of London
Included meal: Breakfast
London’s been settled for almost 2,000 years, and its history winds through Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Viking rule. Today’s guided tour will take you through the relics, landmarks, and stories of this cosmopolitan city of contrasts.
- Pass grand Trafalgar Square, commemorating a British naval victory over France and Spain in 1805. Keep your eye out for the square’s four bronze lion statues guarding Nelson’s Column, as well as the National Gallery art museum.
- Gaze up at the dome and spires of St. Paul’s Cathedral, perched atop Ludgate Hill. This Anglican cathedral, once the tallest building in London, has held services for state funerals and jubilee celebrations, as well as the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.
- See Westminster Abbey, the setting for royal coronations since 1066 and the final resting place of Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking and many other luminaries.
- View the city’s defining landmarks, including Big Ben—the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the Palace of Westminster. It's also become London's unofficial calling card. You’ll also pass the Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels of England and once a menagerie of exotic wild animals like lions and polar bears.
- Take in the contrast of old and new when you pass by Tower Bridge, once the largest drawbridge ever, and the London Eye—the larger-than-life observation wheel that’s quickly become symbolic of the city.
- Stop by Buckingham Palace—the official residence of the ruling monarch since Queen Victoria first called it home in 1837.
Can’t get enough of castles and kings? Add the excursion to Windsor Castle for a fascinating peek into royal goings-on at the world’s longest-inhabited castle, as well as the historic market town of Windsor.
If you choose to take the day to yourself, enjoy a free afternoon in London. Shop and dine in posh Covent Garden in the West End, or head to Shoreditch for its vibrant art and street food scene. Your Tour Director is also your go-to source for recommendations.
Paris2 nights
Day 4: Eurostar train ride to Paris
Included meal: Breakfast
Board the famed high-speed Eurostar train and travel beneath the English Channel (at speeds close to 186 mph) to the Gare du Nord train station in Paris, France.
Ready to hit the town? Take a stroll through Montmartre’s art-filled streets to peek into artists’ studios. As you explore, dip into a sandwich shop for the deceptively simple jambon-beurre: a crusty baguette slathered in butter and topped with freshly carved ham.
For a more elevated experience, opt into the evening’s dinner and Seine River cruise. As the sun sets and the city’s streetlamps begin their nightly twinkle, you’ll see Paris’ monuments in a whole new light.
Please note: Travelers should be prepared for an early morning train departure. Porterage is not included on train transfers. Travelers must be comfortable lifting and carrying all luggage over steps, onto platforms, and into storage.
Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Paris
Included meal: Breakfast
Ready to be dazzled by the City of Light? Begin your first full day in France with a tour of its splendid capital, Paris. With a local guide leading the way, you’ll get an overview of its most recognizable landmarks and a feel for the character of its arrondissements. (That’s French for “districts,” and it’s how Parisians refer to the city’s neighborhoods.)
Drive down the sycamore-lined Avenue des Champs-Élysées—an icon of France that’s lined with majestic monuments, glitzy restaurants, and glamorous storefronts. Continue to its western end and take in the magnificent Arc de Triomphe, originally built to commemorate one of Napoleon’s many conquests. A dozen different avenues spoke from this epic arch, making it Paris’ symbolic heart.
Pass the 16th-century Pont Neuf, the oldest stone bridge in Paris, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Watching over its arrondissement from an island in the Seine River, this French Gothic masterwork is one of the city’s enduring sights.
Make a photo stop at the Eiffel Tower (you know this one!) before viewing the Palais Garnier opera house and the Place de la Concorde, the city’s grandest square.
Pass by the I.M. Pei-designed Louvre Pyramid—the grandiose glass gateway to the world’s preeminent art museum. Then, marvel at the Hôtel des Invalides: Erected in the 17th century and built to a height of roughly 350 feet, this gold-domed structure is the largest church building in all of Paris and serves as the final resting place of its greatest military leaders.
If you need a break from the buzz of this electric city, seek royal refuge by adding an afternoon outing to the Palace and Gardens of Versailles. You’ll encounter gilded walkways, fresco-adorned ceilings, and close to 2,000 acres of immaculate green space—all just a few miles west of Paris. Or, stay in town and use your free time to amble to the Champ-de-Mars and savor a picnic in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.
Amsterdam2 nights
Day 6: Train ride to Amsterdam & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast
Ride a high-speed train to Amsterdam. Then, take to the water with a local guide, who’ll introduce you to the Dutch capital’s iconic waterways. Amsterdam’s 60 miles of grachtens, or canals, criss-cross the city, earning it a fitting nickname—the Venice of the North.
- Cruise by icons like the Dutch National Opera & Ballet building and beneath the Magere Brug—the famous “Skinny Bridge” that spans the River Amstel. You’ll also float by the Jodenbuurt, the former Jewish Quarter, and reflect on the city’s long association with Jewish culture.
- See the Dancing Houses, cockeyed structures painted in flashes of vibrant color, and keep an eye out for flower bikes. More than 300 of these bloom-bedecked cycles can be found around the city, decorated and placed by an American expat known simply as “the Flower Bike Man.”
- Disembark and make your way to the Rijksmuseum, the national art collection populated with the works of Dutch masters like Vermeer, Van Gogh, and Rembrandt.
Please note: Travelers should be prepared for an early morning train departure.
Day 7: Free day in Amsterdam
Included meal: Breakfast
Take your last full day in Amsterdam at your leisure. Ask your Tour Director for a recommendation or while the day away in a canalside cafe. If you’d rather add a bonus Dutch town to your trip, tack on the optional outing to Delft. Medieval architecture, postcard-perfect canals, eponymous pottery—it has the lot.
Heidelberg Region1 night
Day 8: Heidelberg Region via Cologne
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Dinner
Cross into Germany on your way to the Heidelberg region today, following the soft chime of Cologne's cathedral bells and the promise of medieval charm. But first, you'll pause in Cologne for a closer look at one of the country's most iconic cities, where Gothic spires meet modern energy along the banks of the Rhine.
- Follow your Tour Director through Cologne's Old Town, where narrow lanes and colorful facades hint at the city's 2,000-year history. You'll encounter lively squares and centuries-old architecture that survived wartime destruction.
- Enter Cologne Cathedral (Dom), a Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took more than 600 years to build, and the cathedral's team of 100-plus stonemasons continue maintaining the massive structure to this day—marvel at its soaring twin spires and intricate stained glass.
- Transfer to the Schokoladen Museum, perched on a peninsula in the Rhine. Explore 5,000 years of chocolate history before indulging in a tasting that'll satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Enjoy free time to wander Old Town Cologne at your own pace—perhaps grab a Kölsch (the city's signature beer) at a traditional brewhouse or browse boutiques tucked into historic buildings.
Continue to your hotel in the Heidelberg region, where you'll sit down for an included dinner this evening, served with beer or wine.
Swiss Alps2 nights
Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Heidelberg & transfer to the Swiss Alps
Included meal: Breakfast
Cradled by the Neckar River and the Odenwald mountain range, the university town of Heidelberg is famous for its Romantic aesthetics, Baroque architecture, and artistic heritage. Today, embark on a guided tour and fall for the charm of this UNESCO City of Literature.
- Wander into the heart of Heidelberg’s Baroque Old Town and take in the sights and sounds of the Marktplatz—the elegant Market Square, one of the oldest plazas in the city.
- Explore the campus of Heidelberg University. Founded in 1386, it’s the oldest university in Germany and one of the oldest in the world, with the reputation of producing some of history’s most accomplished professionals. Among its alumni: Dmitri Mendeleev, the creator of the modern periodic table of elements; Robert Schumann, the famous classical composer; and Wilhelm Wundt, a pioneer of modern psychology.
- Ride a funicular up to the Renaissance-era Heidelberg Castle. Protecting the city below from its perch on the slopes of the Königstuhl, this rose-colored ruin ranks among the area’s most iconic features.
Then, cross into Switzerland this afternoon and take the rest of the day for yourself.
Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Lucerne
Included meal: Breakfast
Set out into lakeside Lucerne (one of Switzerland’s most populated cities) for a guided sightseeing tour and enjoy a taste of Alpine life—complete with clear views of Pilatus, Rigi, and the rugged ridges of other neighboring mountains.
- View the Lion Monument, a tribute to the Swiss Guards who sacrificed their lives in Paris during the French Revolution.
- Pass the hand-painted facades that line the cobbled streets of the Old Town—the traditional core of the city that dates to medieval times.
- Cross the famous wooden Kapellbrücke (say it “ka-PELL-broo-kuh”), a 14th-century covered bridge that spans the Reuss River, and view the adjacent Water Tower. Octagonal in shape and made of stone—with a complicated past as a sentinel’s post, state treasury, and prison—it predates the Kapellbrücke by roughly 100 years.
- See the Jesuit Church, the first large Baroque building of its kind to be built north of the Alps in Switzerland.
If you’d like, add an afternoon journey to the top of Mount Pilatus and explore Lucerne’s surroundings by ferry, cogwheel railway, and cable car. Alternatively, hang back in town and treat yourself to some rösti: Pronounced “REU-shtee,” this dish centers on grated, fried potatoes—kind of like a Swiss hash brown. Top it with eggs or sausage to elevate it from a satisfying snack to a hearty meal.
Lake Como Region1 night
Day 11: Transfer to the Lake Como Region & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast
Make your way to the Lake Como region, where the Alps meet crystalline waters and centuries-old villas dot the shoreline. Upon arrival, meet a local guide who'll help you discover the heart of this lakeside town.
- Begin your exploration inside Como's historic walls, where the medieval Broletto (ancient town hall) presides over charming plazas. Stroll along the waterfront and soak in views of the lake, framed by mountains and Belle Époque architecture.
- Continue to the Basilica of San Fedele, a Romanesque church tucked into the city's oldest quarter, before passing the imposing Porta Torre, a medieval defensive tower that once protected the city.
- Step inside Como Cathedral, a stunning marriage of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles—keep an eye out for the intricate marble facade and soaring dome.
- Wander through cobblestone lanes as your guide points out historic houses and noble mansions, each one telling a story of Como's prosperous silk-trade past.
- Enjoy free time in one of the town's sun-dappled squares, perfect for grabbing lunch at a local trattoria, browsing artisan boutiques, or simply people-watching with a gelato in hand.
Get checked into your hotel, get freshed up, then reconvene with your group for tonight's included dinner, accompanied with beer or wine.
Please note: Groups larger than 25 will be split during the sightseeing tour.
Venice2 nights
Day 12: Venice via Verona
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
It’s easy to fall in love in—and with—Verona’s maze of ancient Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine architecture, tucked into the bends of the Adige River. (No wonder it served as the backdrop for Romeo and Juliet.) Join your Tour Director for a walk through its UNESCO-recognized center.
- Imagine your own “Oh, Romeo, Romeo” moment with a visit to Casa di Giulietta, site of the famous balcony built in honor of Shakespeare’s ill-fated lovers.
- Soak in the history of the oldest square in Verona, Piazza delle Erbe, then enjoy some free time to explore the less-crowded Gothic surrounds of Piazza Dante—named for famed Italian poet Dante Alighieri of The Divine Comedy fame.
- Marvel at the grandeur of the 2,000-year-old Verona Arena—still in use today—whose pink and white stones have stood witness to gladiator shows, opera productions, and modern concerts.
Enjoy free time to swoon through the streets of Verona before continuing to Venice, where you’ll sit down for an included group dinner, served with beer or wine.
Day 13: Sightseeing tour of Venice
Included meal: Breakfast
Surrender to the beauty of Venice’s labyrinthine canals, elegant bridges, and ornate Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Close your eyes and let the sound of lapping water and passing gondolas soothe you, but not for too long—there’s so much to see! You’ll meet up with your local guide and explore the heart of Venice on foot and (if you’d like) by vaporetto, or water taxi.
- Feel the energy of St. Mark’s Square, with its thriving cafes and sumptuous buildings, and marvel at the domes, mosaics, and arches of St. Mark’s Basilica— one of the symbols of Venice.
- See the windowed Bridge of Sighs, named after the legend that prisoners would sigh at their final view of their beloved city before being taken down to their cells in the New Prison.
- Watch a Murano glassblowing demonstration, where artisans keep the Venetian glasswork tradition alive. Observe as they skillfully use the distinctive millefiori technique to create intricate patterns by fusing tiny glass rods.
Spend a free afternoon exploring Venice on foot or board a gondola and cruise down the city’s famous canals on today’s optional experience.
Rome2 nights
Day 14: Train ride to Rome & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast
Travel to Rome by train, crossing the Apennine Mountains and basking in views of the Italian countryside. Upon arriving in the Eternal City, take a guided walk to discover its centuries-old squares and fountains.
- Stroll past the Spanish Steps, where Pietro Bernini’s Baroque-style Fontana della Barcaccia has stood since the 1600s, and head to the intricately carved Trevi Fountain. The latter, a Baroque beauty carved of Travertine marble, has served as the dreamy backdrop to La Dolce Vita and Roman Holiday.
- Step inside the Pantheon, home to the world’s largest unenforced concrete dome. There, you’ll learn about the engineering skills of the ancient Romans and how they created this well-preserved temple.
- End at Piazza Navona and see Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, commissioned by Pope Innocent X in the 17th century. It symbolizes the four major rivers of the four continents where papal authority had spread at the time.
Day 15: Free day in Rome
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
On your free day in Rome, you can discover the hidden gem of Trastevere, a bohemian (and mostly car-free) neighborhood filled with narrow streets and delectable trattorias.
Need a moment of respite? Visit the picturesque Aventine Hill, home to the peaceful Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) and the famous keyhole view of St. Peter’s Basilica—which you can visit by adding the guided tour of Vatican City to your day. Here, you’ll also experience the grandeur and serene beauty of the Vatican Museum, as well as the Sistine Chapel’s venerated ceiling fresco. The day is yours to seize.
Then, join your group at tonight’s farewell dinner. As you dine, you’ll be treated to a multi-course, traditional Italian meal with a side of live music.
Flight Home
Day 16: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your time in Italy with a few days in Florence—the beating heart of the Renaissance period—and final resting place of luminaries such as Galileo, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli.
Florence extension
Not ready to say arrivederci? Continue your trip under the Tuscan sun in Florence, where Renaissance beauty and really (really) good food are practically everywhere. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore Tuscany’s lush, cypress-dotted medieval hill towns.
Florence2 nights
Day 16: Transfer to Florence & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast
Cross through the Apennine Mountains as you make your way to Florence, whose Renaissance treasures and hidden piazzas bathe in the golden glow of Tuscan sunlight. Set off on a culinary-themed walking tour of the city with a local guide once you arrive.
- Head to Florence’s UNESCO-listed historic center and view its exquisite 15th-century cathedral—the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, or Duomo, which is the world’s third-largest church.
- Learn about the cathedral’s distinctive, marble-clad exterior and its instantly recognizable dome, the latter of which was built by Filippo Brunelleschi and has become a symbol of the Renaissance and Florence itself.
- Pass Giotto’s Campanile, or bell tower, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that rises nearly 280 feet above the city and features the same red, white, and green marble found on the Duomo’s facade.
- Walk past the Piazza della Repubblica, one of Florence’s main squares, to the medieval Ponte Vecchio, an iconic bridge that spans the Arno River and has been lined with shops since the 13th century.
- Stroll along the riverbank and through the Uffizi Gallery’s courtyard to the Piazza della Signoria—a beautiful square that’s situated just outside the Palazzo Vecchio. It’s home to several notable statues, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David and the 16th-century Fountain of Neptune.
Spend a free evening on your own, for leisurely exploration, you can’t go wrong with a starlit walk on the Arno’s banks.
Day 17: Free day in Florence
Included meal: Breakfast
The day is yours! Enjoy a free day in Florence or add an excursion to the Tuscan hill town of San Gimignano, home to a dramatic skyline punctuated by 14 soaring medieval towers.
Need inspiration for your day in town? Escape the crowds and wander through the Boboli Gardens, located behind the grand Palazzo Pitti. Explore the extensive greenery, hidden pathways, and stunning sculptures of this peaceful oasis, then dive into the vibrant Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, which has served locals for more than 100 years. Smaller than its more famous counterpart, the Mercato Centrale, it’ll give you an intimate and authentic appreciation for how Florentines live. Browse through stalls bursting with fresh produce, regional delicacies, and traditional wares. After, join the locals for a coffee or a bite to eat at the market’s lively cafes.
This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.
Flight Home
Day 18: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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Have a quick question about tipping or what to pack? Give us a call at 1-800-590-1161, or talk to a Tour Consultant.
Reviews
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.
London - Holiday Inn London - Regent's Park
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Paris - Hôtel Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse
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Amsterdam - The Manor Amsterdam
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Heidelberg Region - Leonardo Mannheim City Center
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Swiss Alps - Grand Hotel Europe
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Lake Como Region - NH Pontevecchio
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Venice - Hotel Giorgione
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Rome - Genova Hotel
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Florence - Hotel Diplomat
See detailsFlights
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 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
FAQ
- This tour visits the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, 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 to enter France, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, or Italy.
- U.S. and Canadian passport holders must purchase an individual visa from the United Kingdom's government’s Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) website or the UK ETA mobile app (Apple or Android) in order to enter the United Kingdom.
- Travelers visiting Venice during peak season from mid-April through the end of July must complete an online exemption form which will generate a QR code as proof of staying overnight in Venice. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code EUR.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in London and depart from Rome (or Florence on the tour extension).
- Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who booked their own flights are responsible for securing their own airport transfers.
- When you arrive in London, a driver from a private chauffeur service will be standing at the arrival hall with your name on a message board. If you do not see your driver, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity Level
This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to regularly be on the move throughout your trip.
Tour Pacing
This is a briskly paced tour. Tour pacing considers how often you’ll switch hotels, what you’ll do each day, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- Two 1 night stays
- Most days full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
- Most transportation by motor coach
- Some transportation by train and boat
- Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy
Walking, Terrain & Physical Considerations
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day on city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
- Cobblestone streets can become slick when wet.
- The city of Venice is fully pedestrian with 3-5 steps leading up and down the many bridges throughout the city.
- The terrain around the Roman Forum and the Colosseum includes inclines and uneven stairs.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on tour.
Climate Considerations
- In London, travelers can expect cool, cloudy, and rainy days throughout the year, with occasional heatwaves in the summer months (June-September).
- For most of central Europe, temperatures range from 40 F in winter to low-80 F in summer, with occasional heatwaves in the summer months (June-September).
- In Italy, temperatures range from 50 F in winter to 90 F in summer. In the summer months (June-September), travelers can expect heatwaves with temperatures consistently above 90 F.
Physical Activity & Tour Pacing Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage-handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the whole group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The group can’t miss any activities because of an individual’s needs.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, wheelchairs and walkers will be difficult to use and aren’t recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring any mobility aids with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pacing questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team.
- Private motor coaches use steps for boarding, and often don’t provide ramps or lifts.
- This tour utilizes various modes of transportation, including train, boat, and private motor coach. To board some of them, you may have to climb raised platforms or steps.
- Train rides from London to Paris, Paris to Amsterdam, and Venice to Rome are included in the price of your tour.
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
- European train stations typically operate similarly to airports where security measures, such as baggage and body scanners, are common. Platforms are often spread out across large distances and require travelers to manage their luggage on escalators or stairs. Porterage services are not offered on train transfers and luggage storage on trains is extremely limited. Please keep in mind that trains may only be stopping at the stations for a few minutes; speed with loading and unloading may be imperative.
- 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 trains.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotels, airports, and boarding trains.
- Luggage storage on trains is extremely limited, and often requires travelers to lift their suitcases onto storage racks, sometimes above the seats.
- 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).
- We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
- 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.
- In case of emergencies, we also recommend packing your medical insurance card in your carry-on.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, and local charm.
- Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-four-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
- Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
- Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
- Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- England operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
- France, the Netherlands, and Germany operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
- Switzerland operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C or J plugs with two round pins or three round pins, respectively.
- Italy operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, F, or L plugs with two round pins or three round pins, respectively.
- Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- 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.
- Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center for more information or contact our customer experience team. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
- The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code EUR.
- This tour includes one lunch and four dinners: They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, or a soft drink, as well as water.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- For traditional English fare at a reasonable price, try a pub meal of fish and chips or bangers and mash. Stilton cheese, steak and kidney pie, and Cumberland sausages are also worth a try.
- Modern-day London boasts an array of diverse international restaurants. Popular options for the adventurous palate include Indian, Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, Greek, and West African cuisines. Sip afternoon tea with delicious finger sandwiches and scones at Harrods for the ultimate in English tradition.
- 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.
- In the Netherlands, simply prepared meat and fish dishes, substantial soups, and hearty stews are local staples. Snack food traditionally features fish—you might try maatje, raw green herrings served with onions—but pancakes, french fries, doughnuts, and waffles are just as plentiful.
- German food is hearty and substantial. Among the specialties are dumpling stews, sauerkraut, sausages, smoked cheeses, and dark breads. Bavaria produces some of the world’s purest beers, and white German wines are exceptionally good.
- Swiss food is varied and sophisticated, and some popular dishes include sausages, breaded veal fillets, freshwater fish, and cheese dishes such as fondue and raclette. Be sure to try Swiss chocolate, which is among the world’s finest.
- Venice and Northern Italy are known for flavorful meats and pastries.
- Roman food 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).
- 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.
- On the tour extension, 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.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is 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 $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $4USD 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.
- If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- You will use the Pound sterling in England, the Swiss franc in Switzerland, and the euro in France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy.
- 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.
- 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.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
- To help you feel prepared before going on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There’s no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will lead your group. Their role is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each day’s activities, and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and can’t provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is having access to our 24/7 Emergency Support Team.
- Our extensive network of global offices and our integration of ISO 31000 Risk Management Guidelines help this dedicated team anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible, iterative way.
- Using a combination of extensive training, thorough incident response planning, and decades of experience, this team assists travelers and Tour Directors in case of emergencies—stepping in for everything from personal health concerns and injuries to major world events.
- Our On-Tour Support team can also provide additional help to travelers on tour, arranging assistance from outside specialists and liaising with local and international authorities as needed. And if there’s an emergency on the road or at home, the team will facilitate and support communication between travelers and their families.
- England is on Greenwich Mean Time Zone (GMT) and is five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
- All other destinations on this tour are one hour ahead of GMT and six hours ahead of ET.
- When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm in England and 6pm in France, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.
- When you travel with Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- Go Ahead Tours encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
