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Grand Tour of Italy

with Rome extension

Duration: 15 or 17 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 435

A land full of history and stunning sites.

The true question on a tour of Italy is, “Where not to go?” The country is bursting with personality and beauty, making the possibilities for cultural discovery virtually endless. On this sweeping Italian tour, you’ll see the best of the country, exploring legendary cities like Venice, Florence, and Rome and smaller-yet-iconic towns like Ferrara and Assisi.

Your tour package includes

13 nights in handpicked hotels
13 breakfasts
6 dinners with beer or wine
7 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

Villa Carlotta
Roman Theater of Verona
St. Mark’s Basilica
Florence Duomo
Assisi’s basilicas

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Day-by-day itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Milan today.

Lake Como Region2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Milan & transfer to Lake Como Region

Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to Italy! Transfer to your hotel in the Lake Como region. Then, gather with your group at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Como & Villa Carlotta

Included meal: Breakfast

Head out on a morning trip to explore Como, a city known for its mix of cultural and natural attractions.

• Enjoy free time in Como for lunch and shopping, while admiring the lakeside vistas

• Transfer to the beautiful Villa Carlotta to soak in spectacular views from the elaborate villa gardens

(Please note: If entrance to Villa Carlotta is out of season, you'll take a funicular to Brunate instead.)

Enjoy a free evening in the Lake Como region or add an excursion.

Lake Como Cruise & Bellagio

Excursion (additional cost)

Venice2 nights

Day 4: Venice via Verona

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

En route to Venice, stop in Verona and walk through the city with your Tour Director.

• Stroll through the city’s UNESCO-recognized historic center

• Admire the Roman arena, Piazza delle Erbe, and the balcony of Shakespeare’s Juliet

Enjoy free time before continuing on to Venice where you'll enjoy an included dinner.

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Venice

Included meal: Breakfast

Admire historic churches, winding canals, and picture-perfect piazzas on a guided tour of the city known as "the Queen of the Adriatic."

• Step into the iconic St. Mark's Square and enter St. Mark's Basilica

• View the stately Doge's Palace, built in the Venetian Gothic style in 1340

• Marvel at the Bridge of Sighs, the link between Doge's Palace and the New Prison

• See a glassblowing demonstration to learn about the city's most celebrated art

Enjoy a free afternoon in Venice or add an excursion.

Gondola Ride: Venice Canal Cruise

Excursion (additional cost)

Private Gondola Ride: Canal Cruise for Two

Excursion (additional cost)

Florence3 nights

Day 6: Florence via Ferrara

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

On your way to Florence, stop in Ferrara. There, you’ll have free time to eat lunch and explore the city’s historic center, home to beautiful Renaissance architecture including Este Castle and Palazzo dei Diamanti.

Continue on to Florence and sit down for an included dinner.

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Florence

Included meal: Breakfast

Set off on a guided tour of Florence, the city at the center of the Renaissance.

• View the legendary Florence Cathedral, known as the Duomo

• Pass Giotto’s Campanile, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture

• See the medieval Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria, center of Florentine life

• Step inside the Basilica of Santa Croce, burial site of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo

Later, enjoy free time to continue exploring Florence or add an excursion.

Galleria dell'Accademia Museum

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 8: Free day in Florence

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Florence or add an excursion.

Siena & San Gimignano: Tuscan Hilltowns

Excursion (additional cost)

Assisi2 nights

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Assisi

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Drive through spectacular Umbria to hillside Assisi, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the town’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.

• Visit Assisi’s lower and upper basilicas

• See Giotto’s magnificent frescoes and other late-medieval art

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 10: Free day in Assisi

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Assisi or add an excursion.

Perugia: City Highlights & Wine Tasting

Excursion (additional cost)

Sorrento Peninsula2 nights

Day 11: Sorrento Peninsula via Pompeii

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

En route to the Sorrento peninsula, stop in Pompeii for a guided tour of the city’s famed ruins.

• Discover how Roman citizens lived before Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D.

• View the excavated Roman ruins of theaters, villas, temples, and baths

Continue on to the Sorrento peninsula and sit down for an included dinner.

Day 12: Free day on the Sorrento Peninsula

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day on the Sorrento peninsula or add an excursion.

Capri: A Day on the Iconic Island

Excursion (additional cost)

Rome2 nights

Day 13: 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 14: Free day in Rome

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a full free day in Rome or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy an elegant, four-course farewell dinner. While you dine, you’ll be treated to some of opera's best-loved arias.

Please note: The opera performance is seasonal and runs from March through November. Dinner will take place at a local restaurant from December through February.

Iconic Sights: Vatican City

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 15: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay in 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 exuberant street life, no other city comes close.

Rome2 nights

Day 15: Free day in Rome

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Rome or add excursions.

Ancient Roman Ruins of Ostia Antica

Excursion (additional cost)

Rome Home-Hosted Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 16: Free day in Rome

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend another free day exploring Rome or add an excursion.

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

Ancient Rome: St. Paul’s Basilica & the Catacombs

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 17: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

435

4.8 average

05/14/2019 by 2nd time traveler Rick C.

Danielle was an excellent tour director. He was informative, knowledgeable and a very caring person. He helped everyone make the most of their time, sightseeing adventures and dinner choices. Our only regret was the lack of time in Assisi. Local guide didn’t spend hardly any time on the main St Fr...

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Fantastic Grand Tour of Italy

05/14/2019 by 2nd time traveler Corinne G.

This was our first trip to Italy and Europe and we really weren't sure if we'd like being in a tour group or not but our Grand Tour of Italy ended up being the ideal choice to see all the areas of Italy that were on our list. There were so many places we were interested in and this tour far exceeded...

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05/03/2019 by 3rd time traveler Brenda L.

Our tour guide MONIQUE was excellent, knowledgeable, well organized, extremely helpful.

05/03/2019 by 2nd time traveler Carol D.

The tour was amazing. The guides were very informative. The food was fantastic and the hotels were great. I have gained so much knowledge from this trip and made some great new friends

Wonderful Grand Tour

05/03/2019 by 2nd time traveler Sheila N.

I went alone as a single traveler. I worried I wouldn't fit in, but that wasn't the case. There was always something to do. You didn't feel left out. I met many wonderful people. Everything was well planned out and we didn't have to stand in long lines like other tour groups. I would recommend this ...

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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.

Best Western Hotel President

This modern hotel is located near Termini Station. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a minibar, and laundry center. Nearby, you'll find Arcibasilica di San Giov...

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Grand Hotel Cesare Augusto

This cozy hotel is located in the city center. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool, bar, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find Piazza Tasso, Marameo Beach, and...

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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

FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Italy, 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 your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 2 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with some hills and stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as stepping between boats and uneven docks.
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 Milan Malpensa airport and depart from Rome. 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.
Please note that the transfer between Milan Malpensa airport and your hotel in the Lake Como region is typically more than an hour drive. Please contact us with any questions regarding this transfer.
A water taxi ride in Venice is 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 Italy.
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

Venice and Northern Italy are known for flavorful meats and pastries.
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.
In Umbria, be sure to sample the reds and whites produced around Orvieto and Perugia.
The cuisine of Southern Italy is often what diners think of when imagining Italian flavors—pasta with tomato sauces, olives, and olive oil, zucchini, veal, and fish are all featured prominently on menus throughout the region.
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 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.

Electricity & air conditioning

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 hotel 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

Italy is 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 in 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.
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 tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for 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. 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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90 Departures

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