Sardinia & Corsica: Undiscovered Islands of Italy & France
15 days | 17 days with Nice extension |
- Group size
- 12–22 travelers
- Activity level
Journey through the Italian and French islands that continue to write their own rules.
This isn’t the Italy and France you thought you knew. Begin in Rome, then veer off the well-trodden path to Sardinia, where Catalan echoes ring through Alghero’s Old Town and wild thyme perfumes the grasslands of Gallura and Ogliastra. Meet shepherds in Sardinia’s famed Blue Zone, cruise the emerald waters of La Maddalena on a catamaran, and savor meals rooted in centuries-old tradition. Next, cross to Corsica—French for just two centuries, yet steeped in thousands of years of Indigenous culture. Its rugged villages, white cliffs, and haunting polyphonic songs (recognized by UNESCO) reveal a fiercely independent spirit. You’ll even spend a day in Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. End with the amber glow of Nice—and since we know you won’t want to leave, we’ve arranged an extension so you can continue basking in the French Riviera.
Your tour package includes
- 13 nights in handpicked hotels
- 13 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 7 dinners with beer or wine
- 1 cooking class
- 4 sightseeing tours
- Expert Tour Director & local guides
- Private deluxe motor coach
- 2 on-tour flights
- 1 ferry transfer
Included highlights
- Rome’s Pantheon
- The Spanish Steps
- Alghero’s sea walls
- Sardinian cooking class
- Ogliastra shepherd lunch
- Maddalena Archipelago
- Bonifacio Old Town
- Megalithic site of Filitosa
- Maison Bonaparte
- Corsican polyphonic singing performance
Itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day
Board your overnight flight to Rome today.
Rome2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Rome
Included meal: Welcome dinner
Welcome to Italy! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers over a welcome drink at your hotel. Afterward, head as a group to a nearby restaurant for an included dinner, served with beer or wine, and continue getting to know one another as you eat.
Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Rome
Included meal: Breakfast
Your journey in Italy begins not with a checklist, but with a feeling—the blush of morning light on cobblestones and the scent of espresso drifting from a nearby cafe. Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a guided walking tour of the Eternal City, where you’ll discover its centuries-old squares and fountains.
- Wander past the Spanish Steps and pause beside Bernini’s Fontana della Barcaccia, its soft gurgle echoing through the square like a whisper from the 1600s. Then, turn a corner and find yourself face-to-face with the Trevi Fountain, its marble figures caught mid-motion, water cascading like silk. Toss a coin, close your eyes, and make a wish—Rome has a way of making dreams come true.
- Step inside the Pantheon, where the air shifts and the light spills through the oculus like a spotlight from the gods. You’ll stand beneath the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome, marveling at the genius of ancient engineers who built something so bold, it still stuns two millennia later.
- End at Piazza Navona, alive with street artists, laughter, and the drama of Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi. Each sculpted river god tells a story of power, faith, and faraway lands—all commissioned by a pope who wanted the world to know Rome’s reach.
This afternoon, the city is yours. Add our optional excursion to explore the Capitoline Museums, where centuries of art and archaeology sit high above the Roman Forum. Or, slip into a slower rhythm with a visit to the Galleria Borghese’s hushed halls, or simply let Rome unfold around you—one piazza, or gelato, at a time.
Alghero3 nights
Day 4: Flight to Alghero
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, leave behind Rome’s golden light and timeless ruins, trading them for the sea-scented air of Sardinia. As your plane descends, the landscape shifts—terra-cotta rooftops give way to craggy cliffs, turquoise waters, and the sun-drenched coastline of Alghero, your home for the next few nights.
Once you arrive, settle into your hotel and take a moment to breathe it all in. Tonight, you’ll gather with fellow travelers for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Alghero & cooking class
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Join your local guide for a morning walking tour through the historic heart of Alghero, a city shaped by centuries of shifting tides and foreign rule. Originally a Phoenician port, Alghero later came under Catalan control—a legacy still visible in the language spoken on the streets and the architecture that lines them. As you walk, you’ll trace the city’s layered past in its stone walls, quiet chapels, and lively town squares.
- Wander through the Old Town’s narrow lanes, where ochre buildings lean into one another and balconies overflow with potted geraniums. The rhythm of daily life hums around you—shopkeepers chatting in Algherese, church bells marking the hour, and the scent of espresso drifting from corner cafes.
- Stand before the Torre di Sulis and the thick, weathered stone ramparts that once guarded Alghero from sea-bound invaders.
- Notice the Catalan Gothic flourishes—pointed arches, carved lintels, and quiet courtyards—that echo the city’s 14th-century transformation under Spanish rule.
- Pause at lookout points where the rooftops fall away to reveal the sea, shifting from deep blue to glassy green, with fishing boats bobbing just offshore and the limestone cliffs of Capo Caccia rising in the distance.
This evening, join a local chef to learn about traditional Sardinian cooking, including traditional pastas such as malloreddus, ravioli, macarrones, and more. After crafting your dishes, sit down to enjoy your masterpieces during an included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Day 6: Free day in Alghero
Included meal: Breakfast
Spend a free day soaking up the rhythm of Alghero at your own pace. Mornings here start slow—sea breeze on your skin, the sound of church bells echoing through the Old Town. Want to dive deeper into the region’s natural beauty? Opt into today’s excursion to Neptune’s Grotto and Capo Caccia, where you’ll descend into sea caves carved by centuries of tide and time, and stand at cliffside viewpoints where the coastline stretches wide and wild beneath you.
Prefer to stay local? Step into the Coral Museum to trace Alghero’s centuries-old connection to red coral, from ancient harvesting techniques to intricate jewelry still crafted by hand. Or, head to the Mercato Civico, where locals shop for just-picked produce, wheels of pecorino, and handmade goods that speak to Sardinia’s artisanal soul.
Please note: The excursion to Neptune’s Grotto and Capo Caccia includes walking over wet or slippery terrain inside the sea caves so be sure to bring a pair of sturdy shoes.
Gallura Region2 nights
Day 7: Gallura region via Ogliastra
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After bidding farewell to Alghero’s golden coastline, you’ll wind your way through Sardinia’s remote and rarely visited mountainous interior, where the island’s unique culture has been preserved for generations. The road carries you through Ogliastra’s raw, cinematic landscape—jagged limestone cliffs and valleys studded with ancient olive trees.
- Meet Sardinian shepherds, whose days are built on simple rhythms—tending flocks, gathering with neighbors, and sharing meals pulled from the land. In the Ogliastra region, part of Sardinia’s famed Blue Zone, longevity is woven into daily life. The air smells faintly of wild herbs as shepherds slice rustic bread still warm from the oven, layer it with tangy pecorino, and set platters of roasted meats before you.
- Lunch unfolds in the Supramonte style—hearty, unhurried, and meant to be savored. Between bites, you’ll lift a glass of cannonau wine, its deep ruby color catching the light. In this Blue Zone, locals credit their remarkable longevity to the land, the wine, and the laughter that fills every table.
After this feast, you’ll continue into Gallura, where wind-sculpted granite boulders, fragrant cork groves, and pristine beaches set the tone. Once you’ve settled into your hotel, the day closes with a leisurely dinner, complete with your choice of beer or wine in hand.
Day 8: Maddalena Archipelago boat tour
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After driving to its harbor, you’ll set sail from Palau and watch the shoreline melt away as the Maddalena Archipelago unfurls on the horizon—a scatter of islands so pretty they look almost make-believe. The water here is the kind of blue you’ll long to describe later, shifting from sapphire to glass-clear turquoise with every ripple.
Your boat glides into quiet coves and along rugged cliffs, where wind and waves have sculpted the rock into whimsical shapes. You’ll drop anchor off Spargi and Santa Maria, slipping into water so clear it feels like floating in liquid light.
Between swims, stretch out on deck with a freshly prepared lunch and keep your eyes opened for views that beg to be committed to memory: emerald hills tumbling into turquoise bays, secret beaches only the gulls seem to know, and that delicious sense of being far from everywhere. Day on the water complete, you’ll drive back to your hotel and rest up for the evening.
Southern Corsica2 nights
Day 9: Bonifacio & Southern Corsica
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Make your way to Santa Teresa di Gallura, then cross the glittering Strait of Bonifacio—just eight miles of sapphire water that separate Sardinia from Corsica. As Southern Corsica comes into view, the sight is cinematic: a fortress city clinging to chalk-white cliffs, its ramparts standing watch as they have for centuries.
Your day begins in Bonifacio, the island’s oldest and southernmost city, where pastel fishing boats bob in the harbor and the salty breeze carries hints of its medieval past.
- Stroll the lively quay and savor some free time for lunch. If you want to eat like a local, order aubergines a la bonifacienne—stuffed eggplant baked until silky, a dish that’s been perfected here for generations.
- Ride the petite tourist train as it chugs up to the clifftop citadel, revealing layers of history at every turn—from the Genoese who fortified the city to the pirates who once prowled these waters.
- Wander the Old Town at your own pace. Lose yourself in cobblestone lanes lined with artisan shops, or simply claim a spot on the limestone bluff and watch the water lap at the shore.
- Pause for one last jaw-dropping photo on your way out—Bonifacio poised above the waves like a stone ship, timeless and defiant against the horizon.
Continue to your hotel in Southern Corsica and freshen up for tonight’s included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Day 10: Free day in Southern Corsica
Included meal: Breakfast
Savor a full free day to immerse yourself in the soul of Southern Corsica. You can choose to rest up at your hotel or head inland to the storybook village of Sartene with its weathered granite facades and centuries-old plazas.
Interested in learning more about Corsica’s agricultural traditions? You can opt into today’s excursion to visit a working organic cattle farm nestled in the Corsican maquis—the dense shrubbery of this part of the Mediterranean. You’ll learn more about traditional farming practices and enjoy an included lunch featuring Corsican specialties.
Ajaccio3 nights
Day 11: Ajaccio via Filitosa
Included meal: Breakfast
Travel north along Corsica’s mountainous spine toward Ajaccio. En route, pause at Filitosa, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site that carries the island’s story back more than 8,000 years, and get to know it alongside a local guide.
- Walk among wind-smoothed granite statues carved into human forms, their features still faintly visible after millennia in the Corsican sun. These enigmatic figures stand alongside circular stone dwellings, the silent remains of a prehistoric community that thrived here long before the first Phoenician sails appeared on the horizon.
- Hear how Corsica and neighboring Sardinia house some of Europe’s most remarkable Bronze Age sites, preserving the beliefs, defenses, and artistry of early Mediterranean peoples.
Arrive in Ajaccio, where pastel facades line the harbor and fishing boats bob beside cafe terraces. You’ll have free time to wander the waterfront, browse markets for coral jewelry or chestnut flour pastries, and see the streets where a young Napoleon once played.
Day 12: Sightseeing tour of Ajaccio & polyphonic singing performance
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Begin your morning with a guided walk through Ajaccio, Corsica’s sun-warmed capital and the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte.
- Step inside the softly lit Cathedral Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, where a marble font still marks the spot of Napoleon’s baptism. The air carries the faint scent of incense, and light filters through small, jewel-toned windows onto the worn stone floor.
- Continue to Place d’Austerlitz, where a towering statue of Napoleon surveys the city he once called home. Hear how this square became a focal point for remembering Corsica’s most famous son—and the battles that carried his name far beyond the island.
- Linger among the palms and the chatter of outdoor cafes in Place Foch before stepping into Maison Bonaparte. Inside this townhouse-turned-museum, creaking staircases and family portraits tell the story of Napoleon’s youth and the Bonapartes’ strong influence over the island.
- Break for lunch in downtown Ajaccio—order a plate of wild boar charcuterie or a slice of fiadone, Corsica’s lemony cheesecake, and watch fishing boats drift in the harbor. In the evening, immerse yourself in the spellbinding harmonies of Corsican polyphonic singing. Once sung in fields and village squares to tell epic tales or mourn lost loves, these interwoven voices now fill concert halls, carrying an age-old tradition that still sends shivers down the spine. Following the performance, sit down for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Day 13: Free day in Ajaccio
Included meal: Breakfast
Today, you can choose to venture into the wild and scenic heart of Haute-Corse on an optional excursion that reveals a different side of the island—full of mountain charm, forest trails, and historic towns.
Prefer to stay local? Enjoy a full free day in Ajaccio, with time to follow your own curiosity through the city and beyond. You might step into the galleries of the Musee Fesch, where crimson walls and gilded frames showcase one of France’s most impressive collections of Italian Renaissance art outside the Louvre. Stand before canvases by Botticelli and Titian, then wander into the Napoleonic salon, where relics of the Bonaparte family add a personal twist to the museum’s grandeur.
Nice1 night
Day 14: Flight to Nice & farewell dinner
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
It’s time to bid farewell to the wild beauty of Corsica as you return to the French mainland with a flight to Nice. After arriving and settling in, enjoy some well-deserved downtime to relax or take a stroll along the sparkling Mediterranean coast on the Promenade des Anglais.
This evening, come together with your group one last time to celebrate your unforgettable journey during a farewell dinner, served with beer or wine.
Flight Home
Day 15: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home—or give in to the irresistible pull of the Mediterranean and linger a little longer on the tour’s extension in Nice. With its sun-drenched promenades, cafe-lined squares, and markets perfumed with lavender and fresh baguettes, Nice has a way of slowing time.
Nice extension
Nice has already dazzled you with its sparkle—but staying a few extra days means soaking up the full charm of the French Riviera. Stroll the iconic Promenade des Anglais, wander through the winding lanes of the Old Town, and savor the Mediterranean lifestyle with fresh seafood, Provencal flavors, and a glass of wine by the sea. Think: pastel facades, ethereal light, and postcard views that linger long after you leave.
Nice2 nights
Day 15: Sightseeing tour of Nice
Included meal: Breakfast
Nestled between Cannes and the Principality of Monaco on the Cote d’Azur, Nice is part cultural crossroads, part seaside escape, and wholly captivating. Fall for La Belle during a guided tour this morning and see which of its quarters steals your heart.
- Glide along the Promenade des Anglais, the palm-fringed waterfront cherished by locals for its morning walks and by visitors for its endless views. As your guide points out its icons—the opulent, pink-domed Hotel Negresco, the Art Deco Palais de la Mediterranee, and the whimsical iron sculpture La Chaise—it’s easy to see why this stretch is the city’s calling card.
- Head up to the refined Cimiez district to step inside a second-century Roman amphitheater, a lone survivor of the ancient city of Cemenelum. Then, wander the serene gardens of the Cimiez Monastery, where monks have tended olive groves and terraces since the ninth century. Pause here for a moment of quiet before diving back into the city’s hum.
- Conclude your day with free time in Nice’s Old Town, a labyrinth of narrow streets connecting bustling squares, quaint cafes, and the vibrant Cours Saleya market. (Looking for souvenirs? Here’s your last chance! Pick up tapenades, candied fruit, and other local specialties for the gourmand in your life.)
Day 16: Free day in Nice
Included meal: Breakfast
Make the most of your last full day on the French Riviera by tapping into its unbridled beauty—and unbelievable luxury—during today’s optional outing to Cap Ferrat and Eze. Alternatively, dig deeper into the area’s art scene by staying behind in Nice and roaming one of its museums. The Musee Matisse catalogs the works of one of the city’s most celebrated former residents, while the Musee d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain—MAMAC for short—showcases avant-garde creations.
Finally, rejoin your fellow group members in the evening for a farewell drink and celebrate your trip together.
Flight Home
Day 17: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the 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.
Rome - Genova Hotel
This contemporary hotel is located in the Esquilino neighborhood of Rome. Guests enjoy the rooftop terrace, spacious rooms, and bar. Nearby you’ll find Colosseum, the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, and several dining options.
Alghero - Hotel Catalunya
This modern hotel is located in Alghero, Sardinia. Guests enjoy panoramic sea views, a rooftop bar, and a Mediterranean restaurant. Nearby, you'll find Spiaggia del Lido beach, the historic Alghero Cathedral, and the scenic...
Gallura Region - Cala di Lepre
This relaxed hotel is located in the Gallura region of northern Sardinia. Guests enjoy a wellness center, sea-view terraces, and direct beach access. Nearby, you'll find Monte Altura Fortress, Spiaggia di Palau beach, and the...
Southern Corsica - Best Western Hotel San Damianu - Sartène
This charming hotel is located in Sartène, Southern Corsica. Guests enjoy hilltop views, a lounge bar, and spacious terraces. Nearby, you'll find Église Sainte-Marie, the Roccapina beach, and the Sartène Old Town walking paths.
Ajaccio - Hôtel Mercure Ajaccio
This contemporary hotel is located in Ajaccio, Corsica. Guests enjoy a rooftop pool, fitness center, and sea-facing rooms. Nearby, you'll find Plage Saint-François beach, Musée Fesch, and the Ajaccio marina promenade.
Nice - The Deck Hotel by HappyCulture
This modern hotel is located in Nice, France. Guests enjoy a rooftop terrace, a game lounge, and a daily happy hour at the bar. Nearby, you'll find the Promenade des Anglais, Place Masséna, and the Museum of Modern and...
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 Italy and France, 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 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 2025, 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.
- 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 SAR.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Rome and depart from Nice.
- 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 Rome, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, 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 be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour.
Tour Pacing
This is a brisk-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:
- One 1-night stay
- Most days full of included activities
- Transportation by motor coach and commercial flight and ferry.
- Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy
Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day - this includes city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
- Cobblestone streets can become slick when wet.
- 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 summer months, June-September, travelers can expect high temperatures from 70Fs -80Fs and lows from 50Fs-60Fs with occasional extreme heatwaves.
Physical Activity & Tour Pace 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 rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour 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. We’re here to help!
- This tour includes various modes of transportation, including plane, ferry, and motor coaches. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts.
- Flights from Rome to Alghero and Ajaccio to Nice, as well as a ferry transfer from Santa Teresa de Gallura to Bonifacio are included in the price of the tour.
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
- 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 on-tour flight for those on the Rome extension.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you 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 flight for the Rome extension may have more restrictive baggage limits.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotels and airports.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- Italy and France operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, E, F, or L 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 two lunch and seven 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, coffee, and tea.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- 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).
- In Sardinia, you’ll find meals are often vary by region and their landscape. Coastal cities will often treat you with seafood while in mountain areas dishes revolve around meat and cheese. Aperitivo is a big part of Sardinian culture and a great way to try some of the island’s best foods. Sardinia is also home to one of the world’s five blue zones where some of the island residents enjoy a very frugal diet of barley cereals and small amounts of fish and meat.
- 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.
- While in Corsica, expect hearty, rustic dishes that reflect the island’s mountainous terrain and pastoral traditions. Meals often feature wild boar, cured meats, chestnut flour-based specialties, and sheep’s milk cheeses. Don’t miss local favorites like figatellu (smoked liver sausage) and brocciu cheese, often used in both savory and sweet recipes.
- For a picnic with French flair, stop at a small grocery store for cheeses, pâtés, cured meats, fresh-baked breads, and fruits. 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.
- The town market plays an important role in daily French life. Peruse the stalls to find freshly baked breads, locally grown produce, handmade cheeses, cured meats and more.
- 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 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.
- 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 ensure you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend you download the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. The app is free and provides important deadlines, entry requirements, your detailed itinerary, packing tips and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the chat feature in the app.
- Wifi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wifi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- All destinations visited on tour 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.
- 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.
- When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
- If you feel we aren’t meeting any of these commitments, please let us know.
