New Year’s Eve in London with Paris & Rome
11 days | 14 days with Madrid extension |
Toast to the new year as Big Ben strikes midnight over the Thames.
There’s something truly magical about ringing in the new year in one of the world’s greatest cities. Picture yourself in London as the clock ticks toward midnight, watching the sky above the Thames erupt in a spectacular blaze of color and light. And it only gets better. From London, you’ll sweep across Europe to Paris, where golden boulevards and the glittering Eiffel Tower make everyday life feel cinematic, before arriving in Rome, where millennia of history unfold at your feet. Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum—these iconic landmarks are just the beginning of what awaits you on this unforgettable journey through Europe’s most beloved cities.
Your tour package includes
- 9 nights in handpicked hotels
- 9 breakfasts and 4 dinners with beer or wine, including a celebratory New Year’s Eve dinner with Champagne toast
- 3 sightseeing tours
- 1 expert Tour Director, your storyteller and cultural insider
- 3 local guides who can’t wait to share their knowledge with you
- Private deluxe motor coach for smooth travel between cities, 1 Eurostar train ride, and 1 on-tour flight
- Entrances to museums, landmarks, and more—so you can skip the lines
Included highlights
- Toasting New Year’s Eve in London
- Spotting the red tunics of The King’s Guard outside Buckingham Palace
- Eurostar train ride under the English Channel
- Catching that first in-person glimpse of the Eiffel Tower
- Standing in the shadow of the Colosseum, where gladiators once battled for glory
- Walking through the ancient ruins scattered across the Roman Forum
Itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day
Board your overnight flight to London today.
London3 nights
Day 2: Arrival in London
Included meal: Dinner
Welcome to England! If you arrive between noon and 6 p.m., we recommend you treat yourself to afternoon tea—the traditional British meal of cakes, biscuits, dainty sandwiches, and, of course, tea.
Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner, served with beer or wine.
Day 3: Sightseeing tour of London
Included meal: Breakfast
London’s been settled for almost 2,000 years, and its history winds through Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Viking rule. Your guided tour takes you through the relics, landmarks, and stories of this vibrant and cosmopolitan city of contrasts.
- Pass stately Trafalgar Square—a popular public plaza surrounded by museums, galleries, and historic buildings—and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Sitting atop Ludgate Hill at the highest point of the City of London neighborhood, this Baroque Anglican church dates to the 17th century and has hosted state funerals and royal jubilees over the years.
- See Westminster Abbey, one of London’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Since its consecration in 1065, it’s seen 16 royal weddings and 40 coronations. Plus, it serves as the final resting place of 18 British rulers.
- Catch a glimpse of skyline icons like the Elizabeth Tower (the clock tower known as Big Ben) and the London Eye observation wheel. Then, take some time to marvel at the Tower of London: a historic castle that has functioned as a royal palace and prison, and is now home to the Crown Jewels.
- Stop by Buckingham Palace—the official residence of the ruling monarch since Queen Victoria first called it home in 1837.
From there, depart for an optional, expert-led tour of the longest-inhabited castle on the planet. Or, enjoy a free afternoon in London proper. The 350-acre Hyde Park is a little over a half mile from Buckingham Palace; make the walk and roam its grassy fields, or maybe even rent a boat for a leisurely cruise on The Serpentine.
Day 4: Free day in London & New Year’s Eve celebration
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
It’s the day you’ve been waiting for. Take it easy today and rest up for tonight’s festivities or take advantage of our optional excursion to the UNESCO-listed Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels, followed by a gentle cruise down the Thames.
This evening, ring in the new year with your fellow travelers with a celebratory dinner and a Champagne toast. For getting around London on New Year’s Eve, look to public transportation, which runs overnight for free to get revelers home safely.
Please note: Due to strict ticketing limitations, fireworks tickets are not included in your tour. If you’d like to attend London’s official New Year’s Eve fireworks display, we recommend purchasing tickets directly through the Mayor of London’s website. Additionally, no additional activities are organized after the New Year’s Eve dinner, so you’re free to enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Paris3 nights
Day 5: Eurostar train ride to Paris
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Board the famed high-speed Eurostar train and travel beneath the English Channel (at speeds close to 186 mph) to the Gare du Nord train station in Paris, France.
The city slows down on New Year’s Day, so when you’re ready, hit the streets of Paris for a leisurely walk along the Seine. While you’re out, pop into an open bakery and look for a galette des rois—a flaky pastry filled with almond cream traditionally eaten in January.
Later, join your group for dinner, served with beer or wine.
Please note: Travelers should be prepared for early morning train departures. Porterage is not included for train transfers. Travelers must be comfortable lifting and carrying all luggage up and down steps, onto platforms, and into luggage storage.
Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Paris
Included meal: Breakfast
Ready to be dazzled by the City of Light? Begin your first full day in France with a tour of its splendid capital, Paris. With a local guide leading the way, you’ll get an overview of its most recognizable landmarks and a feel for the character of its arrondissements. (That’s French for “districts,” and it’s how Parisians refer to the city’s neighborhoods.)
- Drive down the sycamore-lined Avenue des Champs-Elysees—an icon of France hemmed by majestic monuments, glitzy restaurants, and glamorous storefronts.
- Take in the magnificent Arc de Triomphe, originally built to commemorate one of Napoleon’s many conquests. A dozen different avenues spoke from this epic arch, making it Paris’ symbolic heart.
- Pass the 16th-century Pont Neuf, the oldest stone bridge in Paris, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Watching over its arrondissement from an island in the Seine River, this French Gothic masterwork is one of the city’s enduring sights.
- Make a photo stop at the Eiffel Tower (you know this one!) before viewing the Palais Garnier opera house and the Place de la Concorde, the city’s grandest square.
- Pass by the I.M. Pei-designed Louvre Pyramid—the grandiose glass gateway to the world’s preeminent art museum.
- Marvel at the Hotel des Invalides. Erected in the 17th century and built to a height of roughly 350 feet, this gold-domed structure is the largest church building in all of Paris and serves as the final resting place of France’s greatest military leaders.
Use your free afternoon in Paris to forge ahead on your own, maybe taking a stroll through Montmartre’s art-filled streets and peek into artists’ studios. As you explore, dip into a sandwich shop for a deceptively simple jambon-beurre: a crusty baguette slathered in butter and topped with freshly carved ham.
Day 7: Free day in Paris
Included meal: Breakfast
On this free day, you might want to pay a visit to one of Paris’ many stellar museums. Take your pick from the Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay, or the Musee de l’Orangerie. There are dozens more that appeal to every taste, dedicated to everything from photography and hunting to even the city’s sewers.
Lucky for you, we’ve already planned a pair of excursions to make the most of your time. Add one or both to your itinerary!
First, find a royal retreat at 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.
Then, opt for the evening’s dinner and Seine River cruise, if you’d like. As the sun sets and the city’s streetlamps begin their nightly twinkle, you’ll see Paris’ monuments in a whole new light.
Please note: The Versailles Palace & Gardens excursion may be offered on day 6 if day 7 falls on a Monday.
Rome3 nights
Day 8: Flight to Rome
Included meal: Breakfast
Travel to the airport for your flight to Italy’s capital, Rome, whose entire historic center—including the Forum, the Pantheon, and more—is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tonight, use your free evening to explore some of the Eternal City’s monumental squares and fountains. (You’ll find that they’re especially lovely at twilight.)
Day 9: Free day in Rome
Included meal: Breakfast
The day is yours to seize! Seeking a little extra grandeur? Add our optional guided tour of Vatican City to your day to experience the serene beauty of the Vatican Museum, as well as the Sistine Chapel’s venerated ceiling fresco.
And since you’re going to have your fill of pasta, why not also learn how to make it from scratch? Add a cooking class to your itinerary and end the evening dining on your own fresh, sauce-laden creation.
To strike out on your own, look to your Tour Director for a recommendation.
Please note: Iconic Sights: Vatican City excursion may be offered on day 10, depending on the day of the week.
Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Rome
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
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 with a local guide.
- Step inside the iconic Colosseum, the monumental amphitheater where gladiators once battled for glory before roaring Roman crowds. Tour the nearly 2,000-year-old structure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.
- Follow the Via Sacra, the ancient Sacred Way that runs along the foot of Palatine Hill, leading you directly into the heart of the Roman Forum.
- Pass through the Arch of Titus as you enter the Forum, a first-century honorific arch that marked triumphal processions into the city center.
- Marvel at the grand Basilica of Maxentius, once one of the largest buildings in the ancient city, and pass the Temple of Vesta, where the sacred flame of Rome was tended by Vestal Virgins.
- View the Curia Iulia, the ancient Senate House where Rome’'s political elite debated the fate 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.
Later this afternoon, don’t miss the 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 its ancient catacombs.
If you’d like to stay above ground, use your free afternoon to treat yourself to a self-guided tour of the lively Trastevere neighborhood and its trattorias. Need a moment of respite? Use your free time to visit the picturesque Aventine Hill, home to the peaceful Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) and the famous keyhole view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Please note: You must confirm your passport information at least 30 days prior to departure to ensure we can secure your tickets to the Colosseum and Forum. Additionally, the Ancient Rome: St. Paul's Basilica & the Catacombs excursion may be offered on day 9, depending on the day of the week you arrive in Rome.
Tonight, celebrate your trip with your group at a farewell dinner, served with beer or wine.
Flight Home
Day 11: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to visit another iconic European capital—Madrid, Spain.
Madrid extension
Fly to Madrid to see how the city buzzes with energy on expert-guided visits to Puerta del Sol and the Prado. Stroll through one of Europe’s great art museums, then step outside into the crisp winter air—tapas bars warming up, locals filling the plazas, and plenty of time to take it all in at your own pace.
Madrid3 nights
Day 11: Flight to Madrid
Included meal: Breakfast
Fly to Madrid this morning and enjoy free time to explore the Spanish capital on your own. To snack your way through Spanish delights, head to the Mercado de San Miguel, a beautiful iron-and-glass market just off Plaza Mayor, perfect for grazing on jamon, cheese, and a glass of Rioja. Or, if you’re up for a walk, check out Retiro Park, an oasis in the heart of the city.
Day 12: Sightseeing tour of Madrid
Included meal: Breakfast
Take a closer look at Madrid today. This bustling city is latticed with elegant boulevards and blanketed with vast, manicured parks. Join a local guide and trace its path from a small medieval town into a 16th-century powerhouse.
- View the Royal Palace, Spain’s largest royal residence and a Baroque stunner complete with grand facades and sprawling gardens.
- Begin with a panoramic bus tour highlighting Madrid’s most famous squares. Pass Plaza Colón, named for Christopher Columbus, before rolling by Plaza Cibeles and Plaza de Neptuno, each one a masterclass in Spanish grandeur and home to iconic fountains.
- Explore the Prado, a world-class art museum that began as the private collection of the Spanish monarchy and contains works by Goya, Velázquez, Rubens, and Bosch.
Nightlife in Madrid starts late and goes well into the early hours of the morning. Hit the streets for the classic 10 p.m. dinner or sign up for our (earlier) excursion: a take on the traditional Spanish evening. On this optional outing, you’ll explore the city in the fading light—seeing landmarks like the Plaza Mayor, the historic center of Old Madrid—and enjoy a little traditional tuna music, too.
If you’d prefer to spend some time on your own, ask your Tour Director for a recommendation or make a beeline to La Latina, an old neighborhood known for its tapas bars. Patatas bravas, croquetas, jamon Iberico—these small plates are big on flavor.
Day 13: Free day in Madrid
Included meal: Breakfast
Trade modernity for medieval by choosing to add our optional excursion to the clifftop city of Toledo. As you traipse through its labyrinthian alleyways, you’ll encounter historic churches, synagogues, and more.
If you’re staying in Madrid, check out the lively streets of Malasana, one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods. Go for the laid-back charm, eclectic shopping, and street art.
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 the 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.

London - Hotel nhow London
In London’s ever‑trendy Shoreditch district, the four-star nhow London channels the city’s creative energy through bold design and a playful British twist. Designed by architect James Soane, this stylish lifestyle hotel...
Paris - Courtyard Paris Porte de Versailles
This modern hotel is located in Issy-les-Moulineaux, near Paris. Guests enjoy a gourmet on-site restaurant, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a cozy bar for evening relaxation. Nearby, you'll find the Eiffel Tower, the...
Rome - Saint John Hotel
This impressive hotel is located in the heart of Rome. Guests enjoy the bar, spacious rooms, and convenient location. Nearby you’ll find the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II.
Madrid - Hotel NH Madrid Zurbano
This stylish hotel is located in Madrid’s Chamberí neighborhood. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a relaxing bar. Nearby, you’ll find the Museo Sorolla, Museo del Prado, and the Gran Vía.
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
- This tour visits the United Kingdom, France, and Italy (plus Spain on the tour extension). 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.
- There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens to enter France or Italy (and Spain on the tour extension).
- 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 LP6.
- 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 high 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 the winter months (December–January), London lives up to its reputation—expect cool, grey, and drizzly days with temperatures hovering in the low-to-mid 40s F.
- Paris turns quietly romantic in winter, with temperatures dipping into the mid-30s to low 40s F. Light snowfall is possible, though rain is far more common.
- In Rome, winter days are mild compared to northern Europe, with temperatures generally ranging from the mid-40s to low 60s F. Rain showers are frequent, but clear days offer a golden opportunity to explore the Eternal City's iconic landmarks with far fewer fellow travelers in tow.
- For travelers adding on the Madrid extension, winters are cool and crisp, with temperatures typically ranging from the upper 30s to low 50s F. Snowfall in the city center is rare, though the surrounding Castilian plateau can bring biting winds.
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.
- You must be able to manage your own luggage while on tour, as porterage isn’t guaranteed. This includes when arriving at hotels or airports and boarding trains or ferries.
- Luggage storage on trains is extremely limited, and often requires travelers to lift their suitcases onto racks—sometimes located above their seats.
- You should be prepared to manage your bags during ferry transfers. This includes carrying them up and down boarding ramps, lifting them onto racks, and navigating spaces crowded with other people and motor vehicles.
- Elevators in hotels aren’t guaranteed.
- Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets, so 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 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 four 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.







































































