Grand Tour of Italy




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Immerse yourself in Italy’s history and beauty on a grand journey from Milan to Rome.
From wandering through medieval piazzas, to basking in postcard-worthy views of Naples and sampling antipasti in Umbria, a tour of Italy is a feast for the eyes—and your taste buds. Our enchanting two-week tour will guide you through the iconic cities you’ve been dreaming of, including Florence, Rome, and Venice, as well as the smaller treasures of Lake Como, Assisi, and Sorrento. Add a can’t-miss excursion and venture to Tuscan hill towns or the island jewel of Capri or use your downtime to experience the Italian art of dolce far niente—the sweetness of doing nothing. Not ready to leave? We wouldn’t want to, either. Take advantage of our two-day Rome extension—and take your time.
Your tour package includes
- 13 nights in handpicked hotels
- 13 breakfasts
- 6 dinners with beer or wine
- 7 sightseeing tours
- Expert Tour Director & local guides
Included highlights
- Villa Carlotta
- Roman Theater of Verona
- St. Mark’s Basilica
- Florence Duomo
- Assisi’s basilicas

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Day-by-day itinerary
Print itinerary
Board your overnight flight to Milan today.
Take a deep respiro, or breath—you’re in Italy! After arriving in Milan, you’ll transfer to your hotel in the Lake Como region. Relax and unpack before meeting your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner served with beer or wine.
Start your morning in the city of Como, perched on the southwest end of Lake Como. Surrounded by a verdant hillside, Como is known for its scenic locale, Romanesque churches, and, of course, its sparkling lake views.
- Spend free time this morning sightseeing, strolling through parks and gardens, and enjoying lunch on your own. We recommend trying a polenta dish made with bright yellow cornmeal
- Join your fellow travelers and transfer to Villa Carlotta, a lush botanical garden and museum with striking panoramic views
Please note: From November through March, an ascent by funicular to the village of Brunate will replace the visit to Villa Carlotta—another breathtaking way to take in a panoramic view of Lake Como and the Alps.
Enjoy a free evening in the Lake Como region or add an excursion.

Lake Como Cruise & Bellagio
From $105 per person
It’s easy to fall in love in, and with, Verona and its 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 this UNESCO-recognized city 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 tale of the ill-fated lovers
- Soak in the history in the oldest square in Verona, Piazza delle Erbe, then enjoy some free time to explore the less crowded Gothic architecture of Piazza Dante—named for 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 explore Verona on your own
Continue to Venice where you’ll wind down the day with your fellow travelers over an included dinner served with beer or wine.
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 the 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 by vaporetto, or water taxi.
- Feel the energy of St. Mark’s Square, with its thriving cafes and sumptuous buildings, before marveling at St. Mark’s Basilica’s mosaics and soaring domes
- See the Bridge of Sighs, named after the suggestion that prisoners would sigh at their final view of their beloved Venice through the window before being taken down to their cells in the New Prisons
- Watch a Murano glass blowing demonstration where artisans keep the Venetian glasswork tradition alive. Observe as they skillfully use the distinctive millefiori technique—where intricate patterns are created by fusing together tiny glass rods
Spend a free afternoon exploring Venice’s canals or add an excursion.

Gondola Ride: Venice Canal Cruise
From $89 per person

Private Gondola Ride: Canal Cruise for Two
From $165 per person
Sulla strada per Firenze (that’s Italian for “on the way to Florence”), stop in Ferrara, a city center wrapped in defensive walls and surrounded by agricultural land. You’ll immerse yourself in the Renaissance splendor of the city center as you wander along its cobblestone streets. Take in the majestic Este Castle—watch out for the moats—and the Palazzo dei Diamanti, named for the 8,000 pink and white diamond-shaped blocks that cover its facade.
End the day in Florence and linger with your fellow travelers over an included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Florence was the beating heart of the Renaissance period and is the final resting place of luminaries such as Galileo, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli.
- Admire the architectural masterpiece of Florence Cathedral (Duomo) with its iconic dome, complemented by the Gothic beauty of Giotto’s Campanile—a freestanding bell tower adorned with colorful marble panels and detailed relief work
- Wander across the iconic Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge lined with charming shops, offering stunning views of the Arno River
- Explore the renowned Basilica of Santa Croce, a 13th-century Franciscan church containing magnificent frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis and the tombs of Michelangelo and Niccolo Machiavelli
Enjoy free time in Florence or add an excursion.

Accademia Gallery
From $65 per person
The day is yours! Enjoy a free day in Florence or add an excursion to the Tuscan hill towns.
Need inspiration for your day in town? Escape the crowds and wander through the Boboli Gardens, located behind the grand Pitti Palace. Explore the extensive greenery, hidden pathways, and stunning sculptures in this peaceful oasis. Dive into the vibrant Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, serving locals for more than 100 years. Smaller than its more famous counterpart, the Mercato Centrale, you’ll get an intimate and authentic appreciation for how Florentines live. Browse through market stalls bursting with fresh produce, regional delicacies, and traditional wares. Join the locals for a coffee or a bite to eat at the market’s lively cafes.

Siena & San Gimignano: Tuscan Hilltowns
From $125 per person
The route from Florence to Assisi takes you through the picturesque landscapes of central Italy. As you leave Florence behind, you’ll journey through rolling hills, vineyards, and idyllic Tuscan countryside dotted with cypress trees and quaint farmhouses.
- Visit the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi and admire the stunning frescoes by renowned artists, including Giotto, depicting the life of Saint Francis
- Take in the serene and spiritual hilltop sights before ending the night with the included cena—dinner—served with beer or wine
Please note: The Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi is closed on Sundays for worship.
You’ll be so glad that you have more time in Assisi. Take time to lose yourself in the medieval streets of Assisi’s historic center, characterized by stone buildings, piazzas, and alleyways. Discover local artisan shops, cozy cafés, and hidden corners you’ll treasure. Looking for more guided exploration? Join the optional excursion to Perugia, brimming with Renaissance art and architecture, where you’ll enjoy an expert-led tour, Umbrian cuisine, and a visit to a cave wine cellar—with a tasting, of course.

Perugia: City Highlights & Wine Tasting
From $115 per person
On our way to the Sorrento peninsula, stop in Pompeii. Step into an ancient city frozen in time, where excavated ruins unveil the daily life and tragedy of a bygone civilization. Marvel at the well-preserved streets, houses, and public buildings that offer a glimpse into the life of ancient Romans.
Continue to the Sorrento peninsula and sit down for an included dinner served with beer or wine.
With the Sorrento peninsula as your stomping ground for the day, add an optional excursion to the resort island of Capri. Or, use this free day to journey to nearby Positano or Amalfi on your own for a hike up narrow, colorful streets or scenic coastal trails. Al fresco dining with a cliffside view is a must.

Capri: A Day on the Iconic Island
From $125 per person
Step into Rome, a living tapestry of contradictions where ancient ruins coexist with a vibrant, modern spirit. Lose yourself in a chaotic symphony of honking Vespas, busy markets, and secret alleyways.
- Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Imperial Rome, where history unfolds around every corner
- Experience the awe-inspiring Colosseum, the monumental amphitheater that echoes with the roar of ancient spectacles where you can walk in the footsteps of gladiators and feel the weight of history
- Traverse the evocative ruins of the Forum, once the pulsating heart of Roman life. Imagine the echoes of parades and gripping trials as you explore the remnants of this ancient marketplace
- See Palatine Hill, one of the oldest parts of the city and said to be the birthplace of Rome itself
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 Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) and the famous keyhole view of St. Peter’s Basilica—which you can visit on an optional excursion if you extend your stay in Rome. The day is yours to seize.
Finally, join your group at tonight’s farewell dinner, served with beer or wine. You’ll be treated to a multi-course traditional Italian meal and a lively helping of live traditional entertainment.

Iconic Sights: Vatican City
From $125 per person
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or resta ancora un po'—Italian for stay a little longer—to relish more of Rome’s unforgettable sites.
Use your free day in Rome to enjoy the city at your own pace. Be sure to ask your Tour Director for recommendations—there’s more to Rome than meets the eye, including beneath the city. Did you know that you can descend into eerie underground chambers adorned with bones and skeletal remains in a unique display of artistic macabre at the Capuchin Crypt, also known as the Bone Chapel? We recommend bringing a water bottle to fill at any of Rome’s nasoni—cast-iron water fountains and an authentically Roman way to stay hydrated.
Don’t feel like making decisions? Add an excursion.

Pasta-Making Class & Dinner
From $119 per person

Walking Tour of Rome's Iconic Sights
From $85 per person
It’s your final full day in Rome. You won’t want to skip the optional guided excursion to Vatican City where you can experience the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel’s venerated ceiling fresco.
Prefer to spend the day on your own? Whether you want to take it easy over a morning cappuccino or take in the beauty of the Galleria Borghese, the day belongs to you.
Celebrate your trip and raise your glass for a farewell drink with your fellow group members on your last night in Rome.

Ancient Rome: St. Paul’s Basilica & the Catacombs
From $89 per person
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Arrivederci e a presto—goodbye and see you soon.
Book for just $99 down
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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.
This scenic hotel is located in Lecco, on the shores of Lake Como. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a gym, and restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find walking paths, ...

This classical hotel is located in on the Venetian island of Lido. Guests enjoy a solarium, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find the Ve...

This charming hotel is located near the Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and a restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find t...
This traditional hotel is located near the city center of Assisi. Guests enjoy a restaurant, pool, and spa. Nearby, you’ll find the Basilica of Santa ...
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...

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...
Flights
- 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
Print FAQ- 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.
- Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
- Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination 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 MIT.
- You will walk for at least 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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 MIT.
- 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, don’t miss sampling both 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 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.
- 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.
- You will use the euro on 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.
- 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 $8USD 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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