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Cross every corner of Italy off your bucket list.
Relishing simple moments—say, enjoying a seemingly never-ending meal of pasta and wine in Rome—is a way of life in Italy. This feeling of la dolce vita is palpable from the winding canals of Venice and the cliffs of Cinque Terre, to the streets of Florence and the shores of the Amalfi Coast. On this immersive tour, each slice of ancient history, dreamy landscape, and fresh local flavor this showstopping country is known for is yours to experience.
Your tour package includes
16 nights in handpicked hotels
16 breakfasts
1 lunch
5 dinners with beer or wine
10 sightseeing tours
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Included highlights
Milan Cathedral
St. Mark’s Basilica
Balsamic vinegar tasting
Cinque Terre
Leaning Tower of Pisa
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Start planning today
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Welcome to Italy! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner this evening.
Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Milan
Included meal: Breakfast
Meet up with a local guide and embark on a sightseeing tour of Italy’s fashion capital.
Pass by the 15th-century Sforza Castle
Walk through the Brera District and see the statue of Leonardo da Vinci, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, and Piazza della Scala
Enter Teatro alla Scala and view the elegant concert hall
Visit the theater’s museum to see exhibits that highlight Italy’s historic connection to the opera
Step inside the Gothic-style Milan Cathedral, Italy’s largest cathedral
Please note: If there is a show or practice in session, travelers will not enter the concert hall.
Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Milan at your leisure.
Day 4: Free day in Milan
Included meal: Breakfast
Spend a free day in Milan or add an excursion.
Lake Como Boat Ride & Bellagio Lunch
From $119 per person
Venice2 nights
Day 5: 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 6: 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
Spend a free afternoon in Venice or add an excursion.
Gondola Ride: Venice Canal Cruise
From $89 per person
Private Gondola Ride: Canal Cruise for Two
From $165 per person
Italian Riviera2 nights
Day 7: Italian Riviera via balsamic vinegar villa
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
As you travel to the Italian Riviera, stop at a balsamic vinegar villa. You’ll sample the Modena province’s famous vinegar, known as Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena, and enjoy an included lunch of local specialties.
After, continue on to the Italian Riviera.
Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Cinque Terre
Included meal: Breakfast
Join your Tour Director to discover Cinque Terre, an idyllic cluster of five villages set on seaside cliffs.
Board a train to Monterosso and soak in views of the pebble beach that the village is known for
Hop about a boat to the village of Vernazza and admire the colorful houses that dot the waterfront
Continue by boat to the dramatic coastal village of Riomaggiore
Learn about Via dell'Amore, one of the area’s most famous hiking paths, which connects two of the five villages
Enjoy short walks through each village before spending free time exploring, shopping, and eating
Admire the Liguria regions’ varied landscape as you transfer back to your hotel by train
Please note: The boat ride is weather-dependent. In the case of inclement weather, you’ll visit the villages by train. In addition, the specific villages you visit may vary.
Florence3 nights
Day 9: Florence via Pisa
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Make a stop in Pisa as you travel to Florence today.
Walk through the Piazza dei Miracoli and see the famed Leaning Tower
Enjoy a tour of the adjacent cathedral and the Baptistery of St. John
Then, continue on to Florence and sit down for an included dinner this evening.
Day 10: 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, the burial site of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo
Enjoy free time in Florence or add an excursion.
Accademia Gallery
From $65 per person
Day 11: Free day in Florence
Included meal: Breakfast
Spend a free day in Florence or add an excursion.
Siena & San Gimignano: Tuscan Hilltowns
From $125 per person
Rome3 nights
Day 12: Rome via Assisi
Included meal: Breakfast
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
Then, continue on to Rome.
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 Palatine Hill, see where ancient Romans raced chariots at Circus Maximus, and view the Baths of Caracalla
Enjoy free time in Rome or add an excursion.
Pasta-Making Class & Dinner
From $119 per person
Day 14: Free day in Rome
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a free day in Rome or add an excursion.
This evening, enjoy an elegant, four-course dinner at a local restaurant with live musical entertainment.
Iconic Sights: Vatican City
From $125 per person
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.
Discover how Roman citizens lived 2,000 years ago, before Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D.
View the excavated Roman ruins of theaters, villas, temples, and baths
Then, continue on to the Sorrento peninsula.
Day 16: Sightseeing tour of the Amalfi Coast
Included meal: Breakfast
Enjoy a full-day trip to the scenic Amalfi Coast.
Drive along the coast to stop at the Madonnina viewpoint, which overlooks the town of Positano and offers magnificent views of the sea
Continue on to the breathtaking hilltop town of Ravello and enter the beautiful gardens at Villa Rufolo to soak in the Amalfi Coast’s most awe-inspiring views
Spend a free evening on the Sorrento peninsula or add an excursion.
Rustic Italy: Farmhouse Dinner & Wine Tasting
From $125 per person
Day 17: Free day on the Sorrento Peninsula
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
Enjoy free time on the Sorrento peninsula or add an excursion.
Celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner this evening.
Capri: A Day on the Iconic Island
From $119 per person
Flight home
Day 18: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the Naples airport for your flight home or continue on to explore Sicily’s Taormina region.
Extension to Taormina Region
“Picturesque” is the word that springs to mind when we think of the Taormina region’s pretty piazzas and ocean vistas (although “jaw-dropping” and “mesmerizing” work, too). Fly to Sicily and explore this lovely locale with an expert guide in the lead.
Taormina Region3 nights
Day 18: Flight to Catania
Included meal: Breakfast
Fly to Catania, Sicily. Then, transfer to the Taormina region.
Day 19: Sightseeing tour of Taormina
Included meal: Breakfast
Meet up with a local guide who will introduce you to Taormina, a scenic town perched high above the sea.
Enjoy views of Mount Etna, Taormina Cathedral, and Palazzo Corvaja, seat of the first Sicilian parliament
Visit the town’s 2nd-century Greek theater
Spend a free evening in the Taormina region or add an excursion.
Traditional Sicilian Dinner & Wine Tasting
From $109 per person
Day 20: Free day in the Taormina Region
Included meal: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day in the Taormina region or add an excursion.
This evening, raise a glass and toast to your tip with a farewell drink.
Mount Etna: Sicily's Volcanic Landscapes
From $95 per person
Day 21: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the Catania airport for your flight home.
Extension is available on select departure dates. Space is limited. Minimum of 10 travelers is required.
That's all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†
Reviews
4.5 star rating
Overall rating 4.5 out of 5
Based on 52 authentic traveler reviews
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4.0 star rating
Italy tour
10/12/23 by 1st-time traveler Elizabeth
The tour was very educational, cultural and I learned a lot about the geography, history, food and culture.
Luca and raphaela our tour director and Vincente our bus driver was also wonderful and helpful. Awesome group of people.
It took a while to get our flight itinerary figured out and when we ...
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5.0 star rating
10/12/23 by 1st-time traveler Debbie
4.0 star rating
Italy 16 day trip
10/12/23 by 1st-time traveler Olga
Everything was fantastic, tour guide was excellent and the group was exceptional. We made good friends. Hotels and hotel locations could be a bit better. Otherwise the experience was amazing.
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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.
Crowne Plaza Milan City
This urban hotel is located in the Isola Bosco Verticale area of Milan. Guests enjoy the fitness center, wellness area, and outdoor pool. Nearby you'l...
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Hotel Giorgione
This charming hotel is located in the Cannaregio district in central Venice. Guests enjoy a private courtyard, pool, and billiards area. Nearby, you’l...
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Best Western Hotel Regina Elena
This beachside hotel is located in Santa Margarita on the Italian Riviera. Guests enjoy the rooftop pool, beach access, and spa. Nearby you'll find th...
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Hotel Diplomat
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...
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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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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,...
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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
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 MIG.
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 total 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 and depart from Naples (or Catania on the tour extension). 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.
Water taxi rides in Venice are included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a flight from Naples to Catania.)
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 MIG.
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.
Italy operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, F, or L plugs with two or three small, round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
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.