Grand Train Tour of Europe: London to Venice

• This tour visits the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, and Italy. In order to enter these countries, 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.
• 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.
• U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, 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.
• Travelers visiting Venice during peak season (from mid-April through July) must complete an online exemption form, which will generate a QR code as proof of staying overnight in the city. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
• 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 ORE.

• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in London and depart from Venice (or Verona 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 hall 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 high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to regularly be on the move throughout your trip.

Tour Pacing

This is a briskly paced tour. Tour pacing considers how often you’ll switch hotels, what you’ll do each day, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:

• Most days full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
• Most transportation by train
• Some transportation by motor coach, boat, and public transit

Walking, Terrain & Physical Considerations

• Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day across city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
• Cobblestone streets can become slick when wet.
• Venice is fully pedestrian, with many bridges throughout the city.
• 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 London, travelers can expect cool, cloudy, and rainy days throughout the year, with occasional heat waves in the summer months (June-September).
• For most of central Europe, temperatures range from 40 F in winter to the low 80s F in summer, with occasional heat waves in the summer months.
• In Italy, temperatures range from 50 F in winter to 90 F in summer. In the summer months, travelers can expect heat waves with temperatures consistently above 90 F.

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 whole 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 steady 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 pacing questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation by Train

• Rail travel is at the heart of this itinerary. Included train rides run from London to Paris, Paris to Lausanne, Lausanne to Milan, and Milan to Venice. The tour extension also includes a train from Venice to Verona.
• European train stations operate much like airports, with baggage and body scanners common at many terminals. Platforms can span large distances and may require you to manage luggage on escalators or stairs, as porterage isn’t available on train transfers. Keep in mind that trains may stop at stations for only a few minutes, so boarding and deboarding quickly is essential. For full details on what to pack and how to pack it, see the Baggage Allowance & Expectations section of the FAQ.

Other Transportation

• All other included transfers throughout this tour are handled by public transit, water taxi, and private motor coach, which use steps for boarding and do not generally offer ramps or lifts.
• Travelers will utilize the public transit trams/metro during the sightseeing tours of Milan.
• In Venice, water taxis are the primary way to navigate the city—these rides are included in your tour, though boarding typically requires stepping down into a gently rocking boat.

• As this tour relies on trains for the majority of your transportation, please pack with mobility in mind. Travelers are limited to one checked bag and one personal item per person, as storage on trains and motor coaches is limited.
• Make sure all bags are clearly labeled, and always keep valuables, medication, and important documents in your carry-on.
• Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout the tour, as porterage is not guaranteed—this includes at hotels, airports, and train stations.
• Contact your airline(s) directly for baggage size and weight restrictions prior to travel.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. You are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.

Train Baggage Allowances & Expectations

• Luggage storage on trains is extremely limited, and often requires travelers to lift their suitcases onto storage racks, sometimes above the seats.
• Each traveler is permitted one piece of luggage and one personal item on trains.
• Please note that porterage is not provided on any train transfer; travelers are responsible for managing their own bags on trains and at stations.

• 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 one built in.
• 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 may be located near train stations for smooth arrivals and departures. Others might be situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t always drop you off right out front, and you may need to walk your luggage to the property or to the station—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.
• England operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
• France operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Type C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
• Switzerland operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C or J plugs with two round pins or three round pins, respectively.
• Italy operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, F, or L plugs with two round pins or three round pins, respectively.
• 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 three 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 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.
• For traditional English fare at a reasonable price, order 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.
• 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 cuisines. Sip afternoon tea with delicious finger sandwiches and scones at Harrods for the ultimate in English tradition.
• For a picnic with French flair, stop at a small grocery store for cheeses, pates, cured meats, fresh-baked bread, and fruit. In the cities, sidewalk vendors are known for their steaming crepes, while mouthwatering pastries and hot cafe 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 2 p.m. in France, dinner is served from 7:30 p.m. onward. Those wishing to eat earlier can stop at a cafe, where light entrées and sandwiches are available throughout the afternoon and evening.
• Swiss food is varied and sophisticated, and some popular dishes include sausages, breaded veal fillets, freshwater fish, and cheese dishes such as fondue and raclette. Be sure to try Swiss chocolate, which is among the world’s finest.
• Venetian and Northern Italian cuisine is known for its rich, hearty flavors and emphasis on high-quality ingredients. Expect menus featuring risottos, polenta, cured meats, and Alpine cheeses, with dishes often influenced by neighboring Austria and Switzerland.
• In the Veneto region, specialties include sardines in saor, creamy baccala, and bigoli pasta served with duck or anchovy sauce. Both areas favor butter over olive oil, and desserts often highlight nuts, dried fruits, and sweet wines like vin santo or Prosecco.
• For the most 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 the equivalent of $10-$12 USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $4 USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2 USD 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 England, the Swiss franc in Switzerland, and the euro in France and Italy.
• Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit and 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 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.

• England is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and is five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• All other destinations on this tour are one hour ahead of GMT and six hours ahead of ET.
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5 p.m. in England and 6 p.m. in France, Switzerland, and Italy.

• 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.