London, Paris & Rome: Exclusive Experiences
11 days | 14 days with Madrid extension |
- Group size
- 15–28 travelers
- Activity level
Celebrate as Windsor Castle, the Palais Garnier, and Colonna Palace open their doors to your group for three exclusive tours.
Perhaps no cities have influenced or shaped the world more over the last 2,000 years than London, Paris, and Rome. And while these European capitals all have cachet and clout, they couldn’t be more different from one another—in the best of ways. On this guided tour, get to know each in depth, from their storied pasts and culinary traditions to their pop-culture trends. Along the way, soak up the grandeur of Windsor Castle, the elegant residence of the British royal family; the Palais Garnier, Paris’ opulent opera house; and Colonna Palace, the 13th-century estate of one of Rome’s prominent families. (The best part? Each will open exclusively to your group.) For a taste of yet another cosmopolitan capital city with a rich history and modern offerings all its own, extend your tour and visit Madrid.
Your tour package includes
- 9 nights in handpicked hotels
- 9 breakfasts and 3 dinners, including a traditional, multi-course Italian meal
- 3 sightseeing tours, including a guided walk through the famed Colosseum
- 3 special, private events offering exclusive experiences
- 1 top-tier Tour Director, dedicated to making this your best trip yet
- 3 local guides, ready to share their expertise
- Pre-booked transportation, including 1 private deluxe motor coach and 1 on-tour flight
- 1 zippy ride under the English Channel on a high-speed Eurostar train
- Entrances to museums, landmarks, and more—so you can skip the lines
Included highlights
- Spotting the red tunics of The King’s Guard outside Buckingham Palace
- Drinking in the architectural perfection of Windsor Castle on a private tour
- Catching that first in-person glimpse of the Eiffel Tower
- Watching the sunlight twinkle on the Louvre’s glass pyramid
- Marveling at the magnificent Palais Garnier, open only to your group
- Walking past the ancient ruins scattered across the Roman Forum
- Admiring the galleries of Colonna Palace during an exclusive tour
- Pausing in the sprawling galleries of the Prado (if you add the extension!)
Itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day
Board your overnight flight to London today.
London3 nights
Day 2: Arrival in London
Included meal: Welcome dinner
Welcome to England! Settle in at your hotel, then join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner served with beer or wine.
Day 3: Sightseeing tour of London
Included meal: Breakfast
Join a local guide for a panoramic tour of London’s regal landmarks, soaking in centuries of history and culture along the way.
- Pass stately Trafalgar Square—a popular public plaza surrounded by museums, galleries, and historic buildings—and St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Baroque-style Anglican church whose history dates back to the seventh century.
- See Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century not only as a great monastery and place of worship, but also as a site for royal coronations, weddings, and burials.
- View icons like Big Ben and the London Eye, and marvel at the Tower of London, which has served as a royal palace and a prison and now houses the Crown Jewels.
- Stop by Buckingham Palace—the official residence of the ruling monarch—where you might catch the Changing of the Guard.
On a clear day, the London Eye reveals an incredible panorama that stretches 25 miles. Add today’s excursion to join us for a spin around this 450-foot-tall observation wheel, followed by dinner.
Not joining the excursion? Shop and dine in posh Covent Garden in the West End or head to Shoreditch for its vibrant art and street food scene. Your Tour Director is also your go-to source for recommendations.
Hearing Big Ben’s famous chimes and feeling the buzz of London all around you—alive with locals rushing by, red buses rolling past, and history at your feet.
Day 4: Private evening at Windsor Castle
Included meal: Breakfast
Palace, fortress, prison, zoo—the Tower of London has lived many extraordinary lives since being built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Visit this UNESCO-listed landmark with a guide and see the British Crown Jewels up close by adding our optional excursion to your itinerary.
To spend your free day on your own, head to Hampstead, a picturesque neighborhood north of the Thames. Wander cobblestone lanes, pop into independent bookstores, and finish with a walk across Hampstead Heath for panoramic city views from Parliament Hill.
Later tonight, join an expert guide on the first of your tour’s trio of exclusive experiences—a private tour of Windsor Castle, the grand residence of the British royal family. The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, it welcomes close to 1.5 million visitors each year. But tonight, you and your fellow travelers will have the run of this 13-acre property to yourselves.
Follow a dedicated guide across its grounds, delighting in the view as the architecture shifts from Georgian and Gothic to Victorian and Baroque, and listen as they detail episodes from Windsor Castle’s nearly 1,000-year history. (Fun fact: Charles II fully renovated it to rival the grandeur of Versailles.) After an evening of regal proportions, return to your hotel, chatting with your groupmates about your favorite moments.
Paris3 nights
Day 5: Eurostar train ride to Paris
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Make your way to St. Pancras International, a bustling railway station and shopping, dining, and cultural hub in central London. There, board a high-speed Eurostar train, which will whisk you under the English Channel en route to Paris’ Gare du Nord station.
This evening, join your group at a local restaurant for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Please note: You should be prepared for an early train departure. Also, porterage isn’t included for the train transfer. You should be comfortable lifting and carrying all luggage over steps, onto platforms, and into storage.
Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Paris & private tour of the Palais Garnier
Included meal: Breakfast
Meet up with a local guide, who will introduce you to the architecture, character, and history of the City of Light’s many neighborhoods (or arrondissements) and its most recognizable landmarks.
- Drive down the sycamore-lined Avenue des Champs-Elysees—a symbol of Paris that’s lined with majestic monuments, glitzy restaurants, and glamorous storefronts—and view the Arc de Triomphe.
- Pass Pont Neuf—the oldest stone bridge in Paris—and Notre-Dame Cathedral, built on an island in the Seine River.
- Make a photo stop at the Eiffel Tower, then view the Place de la Concorde, the city’s grandest square.
- Pass by the Louvre—with its iconic, I.M. Pei-designed glass pyramid—and marvel at the Hotel National des Invalides, a 17th-century, gold-domed structure that’s staggering in its size and scale.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your leisure in Paris before tonight’s exclusive event. Your destination: the legendary Palais Garnier. One of the world’s great opera houses, it stands as a symbol of the city, on par with Notre-Dame and the Louvre—and now, you’ll experience this national treasure without the clutter of crowds.
- Marvel at the grand marble staircase, shimmering in the light of chandeliers, and look up for a glimpse of Marc Chagall’s vibrant ceiling painting.
- Take in the atmosphere of the opera house itself—the velvet seats, gilded balconies, and perfect acoustics that inspired “The Phantom of the Opera”—empty except for you and your groupmates.
Looking up as the Eiffel Tower stretches impossibly tall above you and feeling that unmistakable mix of awe and disbelief—suddenly, you’re in Paris. Not the one from pictures or movies, but the one that feels impossibly alive and entirely yours.
Day 7: Free day in Paris
Included meal: Breakfast
If you need a break from the buzz of this electric city, seek royal refuge by adding an outing to the Palace and Gardens of Versailles. You’ll encounter gilded walkways, fresco-adorned ceilings, and close to 2,000 acres of immaculate green space—all just a few miles west of Paris. Prefer to stay in town? Take a stroll through Montmartre’s bohemian streets to peek into artists’ studios.
For an elevated evening experience, tack our optional dinner and Seine River cruise onto your itinerary. As the sun sets and the city’s streetlamps begin their nightly twinkle, you’ll see Paris’ monuments in a whole new light.
Rome3 nights
Day 8: Flight to Rome
Included meal: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport in Paris for a flight to Rome, Italy’s historic capital. Then, spend the rest of the day exploring the Eternal City at your own pace.
Day 9: Free day in Rome & Colonna Palace experience
Included meal: Breakfast
Enjoy a day exploring the Eternal City at your own pace. Seeking a little extra grandeur? Add our guided tour of Vatican City to experience the serene beauty of the Vatican Museum, as well as the Sistine Chapel’s venerated ceiling fresco. Or, spend your free time discovering the hidden gem of Trastevere, a bohemian (and mostly car-free) neighborhood filled with narrow streets and delectable trattorias.
As twilight embraces Rome, make your way to the Palazzo Colonna—one of Rome’s grandest private palaces—for a private visit with your groupmates.
- Enter the Baroque gallery and gaze at gilded ceilings, adorned with masterpieces by Carracci, Tintoretto, Guercino, and other renowned artists.
- Wander halls typically closed to the general public, where centuries of artistocratic history play out in art and architecture, cast in the gentle evening light.
- Enjoy privileged access to the Princess Isabelle Apartment—an intimate glimpse into Italian nobility, preserved exactly as the former Princess Colonna left it.
Please note: On some departures, the Iconic Sights: Vatican City excursion may take place on day 10, and the Rome sightseeing tour and Ancient Rome: St. Paul’s Basilica & the Catacombs excursion may take place on day 9.
Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Rome
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans—and soak up more than 2,000 years of imperial history—on a guided, immersive tour of the city.
- Meet your local guide at the fourth-century Arch of Constantine, one of three surviving ancient Roman triumphal arches in the city.
- Make your way inside 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.
- Stop at the ruins of the Roman Forum—a plaza that played host to parades, elections, and trials—and the first-century, honorific Arch of Titus.
- Continue exploring the city aboard your coach, passing by Palatine Hill, the Circus Maximus chariot-racing stadium, and the Baths of Caracalla, which are estimated to have been built in the third century and served as an important leisure and social hub in ancient Rome.
Use the rest of the day to explore Rome’s famed fountains and squares, or join us on a guided tour of St. Paul’s Basilica—one of Rome’s four major papal churches. Add it to your itinerary to view the final resting place of St. Paul and take a subterranean journey through Rome’s ancient catacombs.
This evening, join your group for a farewell dinner served with beer or wine. You’ll enjoy a traditional, multi-course Italian meal, as well as live musical entertainment.
Please note: On some departures, the Rome sightseeing tour and Ancient Rome: St. Paul’s Basilica & the Catacombs excursion may take place on day 9, and the Iconic Sights: Vatican City excursion may take place on day 10.
Standing before the Colosseum’s timeworn arches and feeling humbled not just by its sheer size and scale, but by the thousands of years of history and countless lives that have passed through its walls.
Flight Home
Day 11: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to Rome’s airport for your flight home, or extend your stay and visit Madrid, Spain.
Madrid extension
Keep the adventure going by adding another European capital to your trip. With its world-class museums (hello, Prado), elegant restaurants, sprawling plazas, and bustling food markets—not to mention its fascinating royal history—Madrid is one city you won’t want to miss.
Madrid3 nights
Day 11: Flight to Madrid
Included meal: Breakfast
This morning, fly to bustling Madrid, a city latticed with elegant boulevards and blanketed with vast, manicured parks. Spend free time exploring the city at your leisure or add a home-hosted dinner to your itinerary and enjoy eating like a true Spaniard — slowly, deliberately, and with gusto!
For an extra helping of high culture, spend your free day in the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza—a pair of museums that, together with the Prado, make up Madrid’s UNESCO-listed Golden Triangle of Art. For something more peaceful, amble through El Retiro Park—a huge swath of green space filled with ponds, rose gardens, and more.
Day 12: Sightseeing tour of Madrid
Included meal: Breakfast
Get acquainted with Spain’s cosmopolitan capital with the help of a local guide.
- View the 18th-century, Baroque-style Royal Palace (a.k.a. Palacio Real)—Spain’s largest royal residence.
- Pass by the Temple of Debod, a reassembled temple from ancient Egypt, given as a gift to Spain in recognition of the country’s aid in saving the Abu Simbel temples from destruction.
- View some of the city’s many squares, including Plaza de España and the bustling Puerta del Sol.
- Explore the Prado, a world-class art museum that began as the private collection of the Spanish monarchy and contains works by Goya, Velásquez, and more iconic artists.
Nightlife in Madrid starts late and goes well into the early hours. Hit the streets for the classic 10pm dinner or opt into our take on the traditional Spanish evening, where you’ll explore the city by the evening light—and enjoy a little traditional tuna music, too.
Stepping into the Prado, Spain’s most famous art museum, and feeling the intensity of each brushstroke as dark shadows, bold colors, and painted faces seem to follow you across the galleries.
Day 13: Free day in Madrid
Included meal: Breakfast
Interested in ticking another UNESCO World Heritage Site off your list? Join our optional trip to Toledo—a multifaceted town revered for its swordsmithing and known as the “City of Three Cultures” for the way Christians, Jews, and Muslims peacefully coexisted there in the Middle Ages. Otherwise, spend your free day in Madrid checking out the lively streets of La Latina or the trendy boutiques of Malasaña—two of the city’s beloved neighborhoods.
This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.
Flight Home
Day 14: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to Madrid’s airport for your flight home.
Reviews
Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

London - H10 London Waterloo
This stylish hotel is located in the Waterloo neighborhood in Central London. Guests enjoy an extensive buffet breakfast, rooftop bar, and a fitness center. Nearby, you’ll find the Waterloo Underground station, a variety of...

Paris - Hôtel Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse
This chic hotel is located in the heart of Paris’ Montparnasse neighborhood. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, a traditional streetside restaurant, and an on-site coffee house. Nearby, you’ll find the Luxembourg Gardens, the Rodin...
Rome - H10 Roma Città
This contemporary hotel is located in Rome's Marconi district. Guests enjoy the rooftop pool, beautiful views of the city, and fitness room. Nearby you’ll find the Tiber River walkway, Centrale Montemartini, and several dining...
Madrid - AC Hotel Carlton Madrid
This elegant hotel is located in the vibrant city of Madrid. Guests enjoy amenities such as a fitness center, a reading room, and an on-site café. Nearby, you'll find the Prado Museum, Retiro Park, and the Reina Sofia Art Gallery.
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 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
FAQ
- In order to enter the United Kingdom, France, and Italy (plus Spain on the tour extension), 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 2026, 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 2026, 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.
- U.S. and Canadian passport holders must purchase an individual visa from the United Kingdom's government’s Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) website or the UK ETA mobile app (Apple or Android) in order to enter the United Kingdom.
- On the tour extension, Spain requires specific traveler information be reported to the Ministry of the Interior. Please make sure that all travelers in your party have saved their full passport details, home address, phone number, and email address in their online accounts. This information will then be submitted to the Ministry by your hotel accommodations. Travelers who fail to provide this information may face a high fine from the Ministry for non-compliance.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code LP1.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in London and depart from Rome (or Madrid on the tour extension).
- Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who booked their own flights are responsible for securing their own airport transfers.
- When you arrive in London, a driver from a private chauffeur service will be standing at the arrival gate with your name on a message board. If you do not see your driver, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity Level
This is a moderate physical activity-level tour. You can expect casual walks and plenty of time to explore throughout your trip.
Tour Pacing
This is a steady-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:
- Most transportation by motor coach
- Occasional transportation by train and commercial flight
- About 1-3 hours of bus time daily
Walking, Terrain & Physical Considerations
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 2 miles per day on city streets and cobblestones as well as up stairs and hills.
- Cobblestone streets can become slick when wet.
- 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 your tour.
Climate Considerations
- In London, travelers can expect cool, cloudy, and rainy days throughout the year, with occasional heatwaves in the summer months (June-September).
- In Paris, temperatures range from 40 F in the winter to 80 F in the summer, with occasional heatwaves between June-September.
- For travelers on the Madrid extension, temperatures range from 50 F in winter to 90 F in summer.
- In the summer months (June-September), travelers can expect heatwaves with temperatures consistently above 90 F in Rome and Madrid.
Physical Activity & Tour Pacing Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage-handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The group can’t miss any activities because of an individual’s needs.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, wheelchairs and walkers will be difficult to use and aren’t recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring any mobility aids with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team.
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach. Private motor coaches use steps for boarding, and often don't provide ramps or lifts.
- This tour utilizes various modes of transportation, including planes, trains, and motor coaches. To board some of them, you may have to climb raised platforms or steps.
- A train ride from London to Paris and a flight from Paris to Rome are included in the price of your tour. The extension also includes a flight from Rome to Madrid.
- European train stations typically operate similarly to airports where security measures, such as baggage and body scanners, are common. Platforms are often spread out across large distances and require travelers to manage their luggage on escalators or stairs. Porterage services are not offered on train transfers and luggage storage on trains is extremely limited. Please keep in mind that trains may only be stopping at the stations for a few minutes; speed with loading and unloading may be imperative.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one personal item per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which include a train and flight.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
- 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).
- 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.
- Please note: Porterage isn’t included on train transfers, and storage space is extremely limited. You should feel comfortable lifting and carrying your bags over steps, onto platforms, and into storage. To make things easier, we recommend traveling with one suitcase and personal item (e.g. a backpack or purse) per person.
- 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 air conditioning in European hotels and buildings is often not as strong or cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- England operates on 240 volts and uses a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
- France and Italy (and Spain on the tour extension) operate on the European standard 220 volts and use Types C, E, or F 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's website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
- Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center for more information or contact our customer experience team. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
- The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
- This tour includes three dinners: They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, or a soft drink, as well as water.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- For traditional English fare at a reasonable price, try a pub meal of fish and chips or bangers and mash. Stilton cheese, steak and kidney pie, and Cumberland sausages are also worth a try. Sip afternoon tea with delicious finger sandwiches and scones at Harrods in London for the ultimate in English tradition.
- Modern-day London boasts an array of diverse international restaurants. Popular options for the adventurous palate include Indian, Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, Greek, and West African cuisine.
- For a picnic with French flair, stop at a small grocery store for cheeses, pâtés, cured meats, fresh-baked bread, and fruit. In the cities, sidewalk vendors are known for their steaming crepes, while mouthwatering pastries and hot café au lait beckon from cafes. In restaurants, the prix fixe option is a popular way to enjoy a set three- or four-course menu for a good price.
- Although lunch is generally served from noon until 2pm in France, dinner is served from 7:30pm onward. Those wishing to eat earlier can stop at a cafe, where light entrées and sandwiches are available throughout the afternoon and evening.
- 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.
- In Spain, on the tour extension, breakfast like a local with just a pastry and coffee. Then, tuck into a three-course lunch featuring a Spanish staple like savory seafood paella or grilled meat and fried potatoes. Dinner is less hearty than lunch and is served late, between 9pm and midnight. Snack on small plates called tapas any time of day.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $4USD per person per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- You will use the Pound sterling in the United Kingdom and the euro in France and Italy (and Spain on the tour extension).
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, but you may choose to order 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.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
- To help you feel prepared before going on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There’s no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will lead your group. Their role is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each day’s activities, and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and can’t provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is having access to our 24/7 Emergency Support Team.
- Our extensive network of global offices and our integration of ISO 31000 Risk Management Guidelines help this dedicated team anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible, iterative way.
- Using a combination of extensive training, thorough incident response planning, and decades of experience, this team assists travelers and Tour Directors in case of emergencies—stepping in for everything from personal health concerns and injuries to major world events.
- Our On-Tour Support team can also provide additional help to travelers on tour, arranging assistance from outside specialists and liaising with local and international authorities as needed. And if there’s an emergency on the road or at home, the team will facilitate and support communication between travelers and their families.
- The United Kingdom is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
- France and Italy (and Spain on the tour extension) are 1 hour ahead of GMT and 6 hours ahead of ET.
- When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm in the United Kingdom and 6pm in France and Italy (and Spain on the tour extension).
- 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.