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Provence, the Riviera & Tuscany

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Provence, the Riviera & Tuscany

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This tour itinerary varies by year.

Duration: 11 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 9

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Extended Risk-Free Booking Period

Book today and feel good about your decision. If you change your mind, you’ll receive a refund of your deposit through January 1, 2021.See terms

Sweeping ocean views and storied history are yours to savor.

Make your way from the seaside in Provence to the rolling hills of Tuscany, taking in some of France and Italy’s most striking vistas as you go. Stroll down picturesque, tree-lined boulevards in Aix before heading to the coast, where the Mediterranean traces your route from Cassis to Cinque Terre. From admiring stunning seascapes and Renaissance art to indulging in regional cuisine, you’ll slow your pace and slip into a more laid-back lifestyle on this immersive journey.

Your tour package includes

9 nights in handpicked hotels
9 breakfasts
4 dinners with beer or wine
5 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

Aix Cathedral
Sénanque Abbey
Hilltop Gordes
Calanques of Cassis
Villa Ephrussi

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Marseilles today.

Aix-en-Provence3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Marseilles & transfer to Aix-en-Provence

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to France! Arrive in Marseilles and transfer to Aix-en-Provence, where you’ll meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner this evening.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Aix-en-Provence

Included meal: Breakfast

Set off on a walking tour of Aix-en-Provence, a Roman-influenced city and hometown of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne.

Stop at Cézanne’s birthplace, the school he attended, and the studio where many of his famous paintings came to light
Visit Aix Cathedral, built on the site of a 1st-century Roman forum

Spend a free afternoon in Aix-en-Provence or add an excursion.

A Day in Arles

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 4: Sénanque Abbey & Gordes

Included meal: Breakfast

Start your morning browsing the stalls at Aix’s farmers’ market (seasonal). Then, admire stunning landscapes as you transfer through the Luberon Regional Nature Park on your way to the hilltop village of Gordes.

Stop to enter the 12th-century Sénanque Abbey with a local guide, and learn how the monks cultivate the lavender that grows around the abbey (seasonal)
Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping in Gordes, known as one of most beautiful villages in France
Stop to sample some regional olive oil as you travel back to Aix-en-Provence

Enjoy a free afternoon in Aix-en-Provence or add an excursion.

Provençal Dinner & Wine Tasting

Excursion (additional cost)

French Riviera2 nights

Day 5: French Riviera via Cassis

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to the French Riviera, stopping to discover the seaside village of Cassis on the Côte d’Azur.

Board a boat and take a cruise through Cassis Harbor
Soak in beautiful vistas of the surrounding coastline and calanques, narrow fjord-like inlets carved into the white limestone
Make stops to snap photos of the scenic harbor and calanques
Enjoy free time for lunch before continuing on to the French Riviera

Please note: The cruise is weather-dependent. In the case of inclement weather, the cruise will be replaced with another activity.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Cape Ferrat & Nice

Included meal: Breakfast

Set out to explore the French Riviera today.

Enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea from the cliffs of Cape Ferrat
Tour the Villa Ephrussi, a mansion built by a member of the Rothschild banking family, and stroll through the villa gardens
Stop to explore Nice’s Old Town on your own before returning to your hotel

Lucca Region2 nights

Day 7: Lucca Region via Cinque Terre

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to the Lucca region in Italy today. Stop along the way to discover Cinque Terre, a UNESCO-recognized collection of villages that hug the Italian coastline.

Board a train and take in breathtaking ocean views as you travel to one of Cinque Terre’s five villages (Please note: If time allows, you may visit a second village as well.)
Enjoy free time to eat lunch and wander through the village’s quaint alleyways

Continue on to Lucca and sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Lucca

Included meal: Breakfast

Known for its Renaissance-era walls, the town of Lucca sits in the heart of Tuscany. You’ll get to know it on a guided tour.

Walk along a section of the city’s walls and learn about their illustrious history
Take in impressive views of the classic red-tiled rooftops, medieval churches, and swath of cypress trees below
Descend into the center of town to view the Palazzo Pfanner, Guinigi Tower, and Basilica of San Frediano
Enter San Martino Cathedral and San Michele in Foro, a basilica known for its intricately inlaid facade

Enjoy a free evening in Lucca or add an excursion.

Medieval Lucca & Farmhouse Lunch

Excursion (additional cost)

Florence2 nights

Day 9: Transfer to Florence & sightseeing tour

Included meal: Breakfast

Transfer to Florence this morning. With a local as your guide, get to know the birthplace of the Renaissance as you make your way through the UNESCO-recognized historic center.

View the legendary Florence Cathedral, known as the Duomo
Pass Giotto’s Campanile, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture
Walk past Piazza della Repubblica to the medieval Ponte Vecchio
Stroll along the Arno River and through the courtyard of the Uffizi Gallery to Piazza della Signoria, center of Florentine life

Spend a free evening in Florence or add an excursion.

Fiesole Villa Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 10: Free day in Florence

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Enjoy a free day in Florence or add an excursion.

Tonight, celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner with your group.

Siena & Chianti Wine Tasting

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 11: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.3 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Never Disappointed by EF Student/Go Ahead Tours!

11/14/2019 by 1st-time traveler Ann

From start to finish Go Ahead provides an exceptional travel experience. The itinerary was amazing, the Tour Director was fabulous, and the discounts were very helpful. This was my 4th trip with EF Student/Go Ahead Tours and I am never disappointed by the quality and value for the money. It would be...

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11/03/2019 by 1st-time traveler Robert

11/03/2019 by 1st-time traveler Carolyn

Great Tour!

05/23/2019 by 3rd-time traveler David

A very good itinerary was greatly enhanced by the energy , enthusiasm, helpfulness, pleasantry and knowledge of both the tour director, Stefania, and the accompanying staff Jasmine . We have always been more than satisfied with our tour directors, but Stefania was the best yet, in or outside Go Ahe...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 05/31/2019

Dear David, An unforgettable holiday is about the ...

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05/20/2019 by 12th-time traveler Ann

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.

Grand Hotel Roi René Aix-en-Provence Centre MGallery

This upscale hotel is located in the Cours Mirabeau neighborhood. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool, restaurant, and fitness center. Nearby you’ll find the...

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Best Western Le Galice

This contemporary hotel is located in the city center of Aix-en-Provence. Guests enjoy a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a pool bar. Nearby, you’ll f...

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AC Nice

This modern hotel is located in the Gambetta neighborhood in the heart of Nice. Guests enjoy a rooftop terrace, an outdoor pool, and free Wi-Fi. Nearb...

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Best Western Grand Hotel Guinigi

The Grand Hotel Guinigi is situated near the historical center of Lucca and easily accessible to enjoy the wonders that the city offers. Our accommod...

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Sangallo Palace Hotel

This upscale hotel is located in the old center of Perugia. Guests enjoy a fitness center, restaurant, and summer terrace. Nearby, you'll find the Cor...

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AC Hotel by Marriott Ambassadeur Antibes

This contemporary hotel is located in the heart of Juan-les-Pins. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool, a sauna, and a restaurant and bar. Nearby, you’ll find...

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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

Find out more about flights

FAQ

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Passport & visa requirements

This tour visits France 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.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for at least 2.5 hours daily across uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with some hills and stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in included walks without assistance. Adding excursions may increase the amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of trains and boats.
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 mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Marseilles and depart from Florence. When you first arrive, a representative fromGo 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.
A boat ride in Cassis and train ride in Cinque Terre are included in the price of your tour.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

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.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a 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).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to any of the countries on this tour.
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 your 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.

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.
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.
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.

Electricity & air conditioning

France and Italy operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C or F plugs with two 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.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

France and Italy are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.

Currency

You will use the euro on tour.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
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.

Tipping

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 $7 USD to $10 USD 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.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

Museums in Florence

If you are interested in visiting any of Florence's many museums during your free time, we recommend that you make reservations in advance. See uffizi.org for the Uffizi Gallery or accademia.org for the Accademia Gallery. Please note that the museums are closed on Mondays.

Dates & prices

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202020212022

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2020