Overview Itinerary Dates & prices Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Rome: The City Experience

with Florence extension

Duration: 7 or 10 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 116

Fall in love with Rome.

Step wholeheartedly into the Roman experience and make the Eternal City your home away from home. Explore legendary landmarks, mingle with locals who go about their lives in the shadow of ancient ruins, and learn how to craft fresh Italian cuisine during a cooking class. We promise, you’re going to leave feeling like an insider.

Your tour package includes

5 nights in a well-located hotel
5 breakfasts
2 dinners with beer or wine, including a signature farewell dinner experience with a cooking lesson
Expert Tour Director
Sightseeing tour with a local guide

Included highlights

Trajan’s Column
Piazza Venezia
Roman Forum
Temple of Venus and Roma
Colosseum

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Rome today.

Rome5 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Rome

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Italy! Transfer to your hotel and settle in. Then, gather with your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Rome

Included meal: Breakfast

Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a guided tour of the Eternal City.

Soak up over 2,000 years of history in Imperial Rome, viewing the Arch of Constantine and the Arch of Titus
Enter the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire
Stop at the ruins of the Forum, once the setting of parades, elections, and trials
Pass by Palatine Hill to see Circus Maximus, the stadium where ancient Romans raced chariots, and the Baths of Caracalla

Day 4: Free day in Rome

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Rome at your leisure or add excursions.

Ancient Rome: St. Paul’s Basilica & the Catacombs

Excursion (additional cost)

Rome Home-Hosted Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 5: Free day in Rome

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend another free day exploring Rome on your own or add an excursion.

Ancient Roman Ruins of Ostia Antica

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 6: Cooking class & farewell dinner

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Enjoy another free day in Rome or add an excursion.

(Please note: Iconic Sights: Vatican City excursion may be offered on day 3, depending on the day of the week.)

Later this evening, join your group for a special cooking class and dinner. You’ll craft handmade pasta with the help of a chef before tasting your creations and raising a toast to your trip with local wine.

Iconic Sights: Vatican City

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 7: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay in Florence.

Extension to Florence

It only takes one glimpse of the legendary Duomo to realize the Renaissance never ended in Florence. Take a few days to discover the city that gave life not only to the Italian language, but also to the artists and movements that define Italy to this day. And, for a well-rounded taste of Tuscany, head to the countryside to visit the hilltowns and vineyards that illuminate the region’s characteristic charms.

Florence3 nights

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Florence

Included meal: Breakfast

Drive north to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Once you arrive, get to know the city with a local guide.

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

Day 8: Free day in Florence

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in Florence or add an excursion.

Siena & San Gimignano: Tuscan Hilltowns

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 9: Free day in Florence

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy another free day exploring Florence or add an excursion.

Later this evening, gather with your group to celebrate your trip with a farewell drink.

Accademia Gallery

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 10: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.8 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Rome City on our own.

11/13/2019 by 2nd time traveler Peter W.

Our Rome City Stay was a wonderful way to experience the city. Since I had been there several times before, I was able to share with my wife many aspects of the city while choosing the options that fitted our goals including the Papal General Audience. We added the 2 day extension and took the trai...

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10/28/2019 by 3rd time traveler Sibly B.

Amazing experience! This was our 2nd Go Ahead tour, and they have not disappointed us in any way yet! Their tour directors are incredible (Emilio this time!). They are so organized, caring and prepared for everything. I love that we learn so much while on tour. I was already thinking about my next t...

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Amazing City Tour!

09/06/2019 by 5th time traveler Jennie S.

This was our 3rd tour with Go Ahead. Was initially disappointed as our guide was British, not Italian. However, David has lived there for a very long time and was so very knowledgeable about the history and so passionate about it that he made it come alive for us! We had a smaller group that was per...

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Roaming in Rome 2019

08/20/2019 by 2nd time traveler Myria R.

Everything was perfect! Go ahead took care of all the stressful planning and worrying so I could fully enjoy the experience. I loved our tour director David! We skipped the lines at the popular sights and were able to see everything easily and at our own pace. Every aspect of the trip was memorable ...

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Great trip

07/19/2019 by 2nd time traveler Anonymous

A great trip with an excellent tour director.

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.

Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio

This historic hotel is located in central Rome. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar and lounge, and fitness area. Nearby, you’ll find the train station, Te...

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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

Local weather

Florence, Italy

Weather averages

Today
High 95°F Low 70°F

Rome, Italy

Weather averages

Today
High 90°F Low 72°F

FAQ

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Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 2 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including cobblestone streets and dirt paths, with few hills and stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Rome (returning flights will depart from Florence on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
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 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).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Italy.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

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.
On the tour extension, Tuscany is world-famous for its wine, oil, sauces, and pasta. Menus favor subtle, lighter pastas and desserts made with nuts, fruit, and honey. Try a dish featuring the region's Chianina beef, perhaps the most prized breed of cattle in all of Italy. For wine, popular Tuscan reds include Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which are primarily made from the Sangiovese grape.

Electricity & air conditioning

Italy operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, F, or L plugs with two or three small, round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotel 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

Italy is 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 in 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/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 $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director andthe equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommendthe 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. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.

Dates & prices

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20202021

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