Journey through Italy: Milan to the Amalfi Coast
18 days | 21 days with Taormina region extension |
Lace up Italy’s boot and travel from fashion-forward Milan to the sparkling Amalfi Coast.
“Visiting Italy” means something different depending on which region you see—but not on this tour. This trip admires each of the country’s facets: Venice’s spiderweb canals, Cinque Terre’s cascading villages, Modena’s unassuming balsamic villas, and beyond. Milan to Rome, Verona to Capri, you’ll build a complete picture of Italy—and to round it out, join us on the extension to Taormina, Sicily’s clifftop darling.
Your tour package includes
- 16 nights in handpicked hotels
- 16 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 5 dinners served with beer or wine
- 10 sightseeing tours, diving deep into Italian icons
- 1 expert Tour Director, your reference for all things Italy
- 7 local guides, your key to the country’s secrets
- Private deluxe motor coach for smooth, stylish transportation
- Entrances to museums, landmarks, and more—so you can skip the lines
Included highlights
- Marveling at the scale of Milan Cathedral, the largest church in Italy
- Settling into a gondola for a float down Venice’s canals on our best-selling excursion
- Counting the hues on the technicolor buildings of the Cinque Terre
- Leaning like the Tower of Pisa with the famed monument behind you
- Following pilgrims between the Upper and Lower Churches of the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
- Following pilgrims between the Upper and Lower Churches of the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
- Walking along the ancient stones of the Roman Forum, surrounded by temples and triumphal arches
- Sailing over the waves and spotting the cliffs that define the island of Capri
Itinerary
Overnight flight1 night
Day 1: Travel Day
Board your overnight flight to Milan today.
Milan3 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Milan
Included meal: Welcome dinner
Welcome to Italy! Transfer to your hotel and take some time to settle in. Tonight, you’ll meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner, served with beer or wine.
Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Milan
Included meal: Breakfast
A global capital of fashion. An international mecca of music and theater. Milan might be Italy’s second city, but it holds its own on the world’s stage. This morning, you’ll follow a local guide on a tour of its highlights.
- Stand in the courtyard of Sforza Castle. Once one of the largest fortresses in Europe, this sprawling complex now houses a variety of museums, spanning everything from Egyptian antiques to Italian violins. (Consider coming back here in your free time!)
- Walk through the Brera district to the Piazza della Scala, a pedestrianized square centered on a monument dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci.
- Enter the elegant Teatro alla Scala—a hub of Italy’s opera scene—and check out its museum to learn more about the genre.
- End your tour inside the Gothic confines of Milan Cathedral, the biggest church in the country. It took close to six centuries to complete; savor every detail before striking out into the city for a free afternoon.
If you’re someone who likes to plan ahead—and wants a close-up look at one of the greatest works of the Renaissance era—buy tickets in advance for an afternoon entrance to The Last Supper Museum. Its crown jewel: Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece of a mural, depicting Jesus and his followers sharing a meal.
Please note: If a show or rehearsal is in session, you won’t be able to enter the concert hall of the Teatro alla Scala.
Day 4: Free day in Milan
Included meal: Breakfast
If the pull of Northern Italy’s Alpine scenery is too strong to ignore, add today’s optional outing to cruise the welcoming waves of Lake Maggiore—complete with stops on the quaint Borromean Islands. Otherwise, hang back and explore on your own. To dive into Milan’s sporting heritage, make a point of touring the San Siro: This 75,000-seat stadium has hosted the city’s two biggest soccer teams, AC and Inter, since 1947. (Plans are in place to demolish it by 2031, so seize the chance to visit this world-famous ground!)
Venice2 nights
Day 5: Venice via Verona
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
En route to Venice, detour to Verona and follow your Tour Director on a walk through its UNESCO-listed Old Town. (It’s easy to fall in love in, and with, the city—with its maze of Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine architecture, no wonder it served as the backdrop for “Romeo and Juliet”!)
- Imagine your own “Oh, Romeo, Romeo” moment with a visit to Casa di Giulietta, the 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, explore the less-crowded Gothic architecture of Piazza Dante—named for Dante Alighieri, the Italian poet who penned the Divine Comedy.
- 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 roam Verona on your own before hitting the road once more. On the outskirts of Venice, you’ll transfer to a water taxi, or vaporetto, and zip across the Venetian Lagoon to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll join your groupmates for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Venice
Included meal: Breakfast
Sitting atop more than 100 islands, Venice is a lattice of historic churches and piazzas, all connected by hundreds of winding canals. With a local guide in the lead, get to know the Queen of the Adriatic and discover why the entire city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Step onto St. Mark’s Square and look at St. Mark’s Basilica—an opulent domed church built in the 11th century to house the body of St. Mark the Apostle.
- View the stately Doge’s Palace. Now a museum, this masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture once served as both the residence of the Doge (the supreme authority of the Republic of Venice) and the seat of the Venetian government.
- Marvel at the attached Bridge of Sighs. Built in 1600 to link the New Prison to the Doge’s Palace, the Ponte dei Sospiri (as it’s known in Italian) drew its name from the legend that prisoners would sigh at their last view of Venice before descending to their cells.
- See a traditional glassblowing demonstration and learn about Venice’s most celebrated art form, whose roots in the city date back to the 10th century.
Then, laze a free afternoon away at a canalside cafe, watching gondolas float by—or add an optional excursion to board one yourself and embark on a canal cruise with your fellow travelers. You can also enjoy a private float for two!
Italian Riviera2 nights
Day 7: Italian Riviera via balsamic vinegar villa
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tasting
Leave Venice how you arrived—on a vaporetto—and board your bus for the drive to the Italian Riviera. Along the way, make a pit stop in the vineyards outside Modena to visit a balsamic vinegar villa.
- Join your hosts for a leisurely lunch, served with two glasses of wine and paired with the region’s prized Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena.
- Learn how the villa crafts this velvety, sweet-sour elixir and taste some during your meal. (True Modenese balsamic vinegar takes at least 12 years to make—and some varieties are aged in wooden barrels for twice as long!)
Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Cinque Terre
Included meal: Breakfast
Sometimes, even the most glowing reviews can’t capture the overwhelming beauty of a place. And today, you’ll encounter a prime example: Cinque Terre, an idyllic cluster of five villages set atop seaside cliffs.
- Join your Tour Director aboard a train to Monterosso, the northernmost point of Cinque Terre. (You’ll know your close when its pebble beach comes into view.)
- Cruise the Ligurian Sea to the village of Vernazza, a patchwork of pastel-painted buildings ringing a humble harbor.
- Sail on to Riomaggiore, known for its rugged coastline. Colorful buildings cascade down the cliffside and appear to spill into the small marina—a valley between two steep hills.
- Learn about the Via dell’Amore, the “Way of Love” that connects two of the five villages. Nets hang from the rocks along this famous trail—waiting for couples to write their names on a padlock, attach it, and throw the keys into the sea, preserving their love for eternity.
- Take short walks through Cinque Terre’s villages, savoring the unique atmosphere, traditions, and cuisine of each, before returning to your hotel by train.
Please note: The boat rides to Vernazza and Riomaggiore are weather-dependent; in case of inclement weather, you’ll visit them by train. Additionally, the specific villages you’ll visit may vary.
Florence3 nights
Day 9: Florence via Pisa
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel through the rolling hills of Tuscany to Pisa and meet a local guide at the dazzling Piazza dei Miracoli—the aptly dubbed Square of Miracles. Why the divine name? Look up!
- Glimpse the Leaning Tower, the teetering campanile of the Pisa Cathedral. Because of weak foundations, this 11th-century structure tilts at a precarious four-degree angle—and thanks to the soft soil beneath it, it has survived multiple earthquakes.
- Pause in the Baptistery of St. John and marvel at its pulpit. Carved in relief by Nicola Pisano, its priceless marble panels illustrate scenes from the life of Christ.
Finally, finish the journey to Florence and dig into an included dinner, served with beer or wine, alongside your groupmates.
Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Florence
Included meal: Breakfast
Florence, the Tuscan capital, is home to the world’s greatest examples of Renaissance art and architecture. After meeting up with a local guide, set out on a sightseeing tour and get to know La Bella—one of the many adoring nicknames given to the city.
- Head to Florence’s UNESCO-listed historic center and view its 15th-century cathedral. Known simply as the Duomo—Italian for “cathedral”—the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore is the world’s third-largest church.
- Pass Giotto’s Campanile, 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 across 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 Arno River and through the Uffizi Gallery’s courtyard to the Piazza della Signoria. Just outside the Palazzo Vecchio, this beautiful square contains several notable statues, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David and the Fountain of Neptune.
- Explore the Basilica of Santa Croce. Along with its stunning collection of frescoes, this 13th-century Franciscan church is known for its ornate tombs—serving as the final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo, and other luminaries.
This afternoon, book a date with David—and even more of Michelangelo’s famous sculptures—by tacking our optional excursion to the Accademia Gallery onto your itinerary. Alternatively, dive into the vibrant Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio in your free time and sink into the pace of local life.
Day 11: Free day in Florence
Included meal: Breakfast
To strike out into the famous hills of the Tuscan countryside, add today’s excursion to the medieval settlements of Siena and San Gimignano. Or, hang back in Florence and recharge for a spell. One good recommendation: Escape the crowds and wander through the Boboli Gardens, located behind the grand Palazzo Pitti.
Rome3 nights
Day 12: Rome via Assisi
Included meal: Breakfast
Leave Florence and journey south through the mesmerizing landscapes of Umbria. Your destination: Assisi, the birthplace of Francis, one of the nation’s patron saints. There, you’ll follow a local guide on a tour of the UNESCO-listed Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi—the final resting place of the saint himself. Giotto, Cimabue, and other greats painted the church’s frescoes; admire their delicate strokes and colors before finishing the trip to Rome.
Day 13: Sightseeing tour of Rome
Included meal: Breakfast
From the Forum to the Pantheon to the holy confines of Vatican City, Rome bursts with UNESCO-listed landmarks. Today, you’ll follow in the footsteps of the ancients as you explore the capital of modern-day Italy on a guided sightseeing tour.
- Soak up more than 2,000 years of history in Imperial Rome, viewing the fourth-century Arch of Constantine—the largest surviving Roman triumphal arch.
- Stop outside the iconic Colosseum, a nearly 2,000-year-old amphitheater that’s both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.
- Follow the Via Sacra, the “Sacred Way” that runs along the foot of Palatine Hill, and pass through the first-century Arch of Titus into the heart of the Roman Forum.
- Marvel at the grand Basilica of Maxentius—once one of the largest buildings in the city—and pass the Temple of Vesta, where the holy flame of a Roman goddess burned for hundreds of years.
- View the Curia Iulia, where ancient Roman senators charted the course of an empire, and the Temple of Divus Julius, dedicated to Julius Caesar himself.
- Enjoy free time to wander through the Forum on your own, surrounded by ancient ruins and the echoes of a civilization that shaped the world.
The neighborhood of Trastevere is something of a hidden gem—an eccentric, mostly car-free district filled with narrow streets and delectable trattorias. If you choose to add our snack-filled walking tour to your itinerary, you’ll explore this art-filled haven while eating your way through pasta, pastries, and gelato. Or, enjoy some free time to yourself (and maybe scope out more landmarks you absolutely want to see).
Please note: You must confirm your passport information at least 30 days prior to departure to secure your tickets to the Roman Forum.
Day 14: Free day in Rome
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Some of the holiest places of the Catholic faith can be found in Rome—specifically in the sovereign Vatican City. Add this morning’s excursion to visit the blessed landmarks of the world’s smallest country (think: St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel) or stay in Rome and explore on your own.
This evening, sit down at a local restaurant with your groupmates for an included four-course dinner, served with beer or wine and accompanied by live music.
Sorrento Peninsula3 nights
Day 15: Sorrento Peninsula via Pompeii
Included meal: Breakfast
En route to the Sorrento Peninsula, stop at Pompeii for a guided walking tour of the city’s ruins, frozen in time since the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. This port town lay buried under ash for 1,500 years before being rediscovered, and ongoing excavation continues to uncover remnants of everyday life before disaster struck.
Discover how Roman citizens lived 2,000 years ago as you stroll through remarkably preserved temples, well-excavated amphitheaters, and the ruins of private villas and public baths. Then, continue to the Sorrento Peninsula, winding your way along the Costiera Amalfitana—the famed Amalfi Coast.
Day 16: Sightseeing tour of Capri
Included meal: Breakfast
Known around the world as a playground for jet-setters, chic Capri’s dotted with colorful cliffside hotels and lavish villas. This morning, meet a local guide and sail across the Bay of Naples for a tour of this famed isle.
- Boat around Capri, basking in the romance of the White Grotto, the Faraglioni, and other exquisite rock formations.
- Stroll through the winding alleys of the village of Capri, lush with Mediterranean flora—palm trees, umbrella pines, and bougainvillea.
- Ride a funicular to Anacapri, the island’s upper town, and watch as a seafront panorama unfurls below you.
- Explore the Gardens of Augustus—a botanical garden with an intimate setting, intoxicating blooms, and a dreamy view of the water.
End the day by adding an excursion to an agriturismo—or farm stay—where you’ll indulge in a four-course, farm-to-table meal, as well as a tour of its fertile grounds. Prefer to spend time exploring on your own? Enjoy your free evening in the Sorrento region by tracking down the best limoncello.
Please note: The boat ride to and around Capri is weather-dependent. If it can’t run, your visit to the island will be replaced by a tour of Vietri sul Mare, the UNESCO-listed gateway to the Amalfi Coast.
Day 17: Free day on the Sorrento Peninsula
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
The Amalfi Coast’s one of the most-loved stretches of shoreline in Italy, and by adding today’s excursion to your itinerary, you could hop from village to village, drinking in its highlights. Rather make the day your own? Many towns on the Sorrento Peninsula are connected via public bus. Ask your Tour Director for a recommendation on what to see—and, more importantly, what to eat!
Whatever you choose, you’ll come together as a group one final time this evening. Raise a glass of beer or wine during an included farewell dinner and swap stories before heading to bed.
Flight home
Day 18: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the Naples airport for your flight home or enjoy a few days in the Sicilian sun on our extension to the Taormina region.
Taormina region extension
The azure waves of the Ionian Sea. The ash-strewn face of Mount Etna. From its coastal perch, Taormina basks in all of Sicily’s color. This extension lets you explore its palette—and with a mix of structured sightseeing, ample free time, and a la carte excursions to volcanic vineyards and beyond, you can create a masterpiece of memories.
Taormina region3 nights
Day 18: Flight to Catania
Included meal: Breakfast
While some of your groupmates fly home, you’ll trade mainland Italy for the island of Sicily. You’ll touch down in Catania in the afternoon; transfer to your hotel in the area around Taormina and relax for the rest of the day.
Day 19: Sightseeing tour of Taormina
Included meal: Breakfast
Does Taormina look familiar? This gem of a coastal town featured prominently in “The White Lotus,” and understandably so. Its rugged cliffs, sea-view piazzas, and flower-lined streets were made for the silver screen, and today, a local guide will introduce you to its film-worthy highlights.
- Climb up to a panoramic viewpoint and bask in the sight that greets you: Mount Etna. One of the most iconic (and active) volcanoes in the world, it’s an ever-present companion in Taormina, inspiring myths, legends, and art in the region.
- Stroll along the city’s cobblestones to see the Cathedral of Taormina, its elegant bell tower rising proudly above the town’s skyline. Then, continue to the medieval walls of the Palazzo Corvaja, the home of the first Sicilian parliament.
- Step into the past during a visit to the Teatro Antico, an ancient Greek theater. For more than 2,000 years, this venue has hosted plays, film festivals, and other events, all set against the backdrop of the shimmering Mediterranean.
Mount Etna’s rich soil harbors thriving farms and vineyards, and tonight, you’ll head into the foothills for a little wine-and-dining—if you add our optional dinner to your itinerary. Otherwise, settle in for a restful night.
Day 20: Free day in the Taormina region
Included meal: Breakfast
If yesterday’s volcanic outing piqued your appetite, you can add today’s optional excursion to your itinerary to work your way up Mount Etna’s storied slopes. Setting out on your own for the day? We recommend a stroll along Corso Umberto for shopping, people-watching, and dining at a host of trattorias. You can also hike to Castelmola, an adorable hilltop village above Taormina that boasts epic views of the coastline.
Tonight, reconvene with your group for a farewell drink. Make a toast, clink glasses, and reminisce on your fondest memories before turning in.
Day 21: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the Catania airport for your flight home.
Start planning today
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.
Milan - UNAHOTELS Scandinavia Milano
This elegant hotel is located in Milan. Guests enjoy modern rooms with mahogany wood furnishings, a well-equipped fitness center, and a charming garden restaurant. Nearby, you'll find the historic Castello Sforzesco, the...
Venice - Hotel Giorgione
Just a few blocks from the Grand Canal, the four-star Hotel Giorgione still flashes the inimitable style of old Venetian architecture. Along with an elegant courtyard (featuring a saltwater whirlpool right in its center), the...
Italian Riviera - Mediterraneo Emotional Hotel & Spa
This elegant hotel is located in Santa Margherita Ligure. Guests enjoy beautiful views from the terraces overlooking the garden, a luxurious spa with indoor pool and hot tub, and delicious dining options. Nearby, you'll find...
Florence - Hotel Executive
This charming hotel is located in the historic center of Florence along the River Arno. Guests enjoy the beautiful lounge bar with live music, original frescoes, and fitness center. Nearby you’ll find the Opera House, Piazza...
Rome - Genova Hotel
This contemporary hotel is located in the Esquilino neighborhood of Rome. Guests enjoy the rooftop terrace, spacious rooms, and bar. Nearby you’ll find Colosseum, the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, and several dining options.
Sorrento Peninsula - Grand Hotel Cesare Augusto
This cozy hotel is located in Sorrento’s city center. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool, bar, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find Piazza Tasso, Marameo Beach Club, and the city’s many shops and restaurants.
Taormina Region - Excelsior Palace Hotel Taormina
This historic hotel is located in the city center. Guests enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, sun deck, and restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find Corso Umberto, the Greek Theater, and Taormina Cathedral.
Flights
Make your journey to and from your tour as smooth as possible by letting our travel experts handle your round-trip flights. We’ll select the best itinerary for you at a great rate, thanks to our airline partnerships.
Your Go Ahead flight package includes:
- A round-trip flight for your tour from your preferred home airport
- An EF representative waiting for you on arrival to whisk you to your hotel
- Your lowest price locked in, so you don’t have to track airfare
- 24/7 on-tour support from our dedicated flights team
- Complimentary luggage retrieval services through Blue Ribbon Bags
- Dedicated flight experts to help arrange early arrivals, longer stays, or upgrades, so every detail fits your travel style
- Stress-free rebooking if your tour itinerary changes
Find out more about flights
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.
- There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
- 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 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 MIG.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Milan Malpensa and depart from Naples (or Catania on the tour extension).
- Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have 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 Milan, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, 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 be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour.
Tour Pacing
This is a brisk-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- 3 full days of included activities in a row (more if you add excursions)
- Most transportation by motor coach, some by train
- Daily drive time varies and can be lengthy
Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day on city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
- Stone pathways and 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.
- Travelers should be prepared to encounter a significant number of steps and stairs in the Cinque Terre villages and to walk 4-5 miles—sometimes for extended periods of time.
- 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 the summer months (June-September), travelers can expect heatwaves with temperatures consistently above 90 F.
- Venice experiences the Acqua Alta, or high water, during the fall and winter months. During this time, travelers can expect the lower parts of the city to flood for a few hours during the day.
Physical Activity & Tour Pace 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 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 rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour 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.
- This tour utilizes various modes of transportation, including water taxis, boats, trains and private motor coach. To board some of them, you may have to climb raised platforms or steps.
- A water taxi ride in Venice, as well as boat and train rides in Cinque Terre are included in the price of your tour.
- In Venice, water taxis are the main form of transportation and typically require travelers to step down into a rocking boat.
- 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.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you 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 and airports.
- 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.
- Italy operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, F, or L plugs with two or three small, round pins.
- 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 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 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.
- This tour includes one lunch and five 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.
- Venice and Northern Italy are known for flavorful meats and pastries.
- On the Italian Riviera, a taste of the region’s famous basil pesto is a must. Delicious seafood dishes are popular along the shore, but true Ligurians favor simple, traditional recipes like minestrone soup and farinata, an unleavened chickpea pancake.
- Tuscany is world-famous for its wine, oil, sauces, and pasta. Menus favor subtle, lighter pastas and desserts made with nuts, fruit, and honey. Try a dish featuring the region’s Chianina beef, perhaps the most prized breed of cattle in all of Italy. For wine, popular Tuscan reds include Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which are primarily made from the Sangiovese grape. Well-known white wines are also made around the San Gimignano region.
- 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).
- 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.
- On the tour extension, Sicilian cuisine in particular is heavily influenced by Spanish, Greek, and Arab traditions. The Spanish brought New World influences to the region in the form of tomatoes, chocolate, and maize, while the Arab influence can be tasted in recipes that include rice, spinach, saffron, and citrus fruits. Regional specialties include arancini, cannoli, and granita.
- 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.
- 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 $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and $4USD per person per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend $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 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.
- 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 traveling 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 is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- 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.
- 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.
