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Overview Itinerary Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Venice, Florence & Rome (9 days)

with Sorrento Peninsula extension

Duration: 9 or 11 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 442

Feel the pulse of Italy's vibrant culture.

We've picked three iconic cities at the pulse of Italy's vibrant culture, both past and present. Venice brings romance to the forefront, with sprawling Baroque palaces and meandering, gondola-dotted canals. The Renaissance is tangible in Florence, where the presence of the world's greatest artists can still be felt. And in Rome, history is ever-present, from the crumbling Colosseum to the Forum. The people, the food, the way of life—experience what Italy is all about as you make your way from one city to the next.

Your tour package includes

7 nights in handpicked hotels
7 breakfasts
3 dinners with beer or wine
3 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

St. Mark’s Basilica
Florence Duomo
Ponte Vecchio
Piazza della Repubblica
world-famous Italian cuisine

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Day-by-day itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Venice today.

Venice2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Venice

Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to Italy! Transfer to your hotel and get settled in. Later, meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Venice

Included meal: Breakfast

Admire historic churches, winding canals, and picture-perfect piazzas on a guided tour of the city known as "the Queen of the Adriatic."

• Step into the iconic St. Mark's Square and enter St. Mark's Basilica

• View the stately Doge's Palace, built in the Venetian Gothic style in 1340

• Marvel at the Bridge of Sighs, the link between Doge's Palace and the New Prison

• See a glassblowing demonstration to learn about the city's most celebrated art

Enjoy a free afternoon in Venice or add an excursion.

Gondola Ride: Venice Canal Cruise

Excursion (additional cost)

Private Gondola Ride: Canal Cruise for Two

Excursion (additional cost)

Florence2 nights

Day 4: Transfer to Florence & sightseeing tour

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cross through the Apennine Mountains as you make your way to Florence. 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 Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 5: Free day in Florence

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Florence or add an excursion.

San Gimignano: Medieval Sights & Tuscan Flavors

Excursion (additional cost)

Rome3 nights

Day 6: Transfer to Rome & sightseeing tour

Included meal: Breakfast

Depart Florence for Rome, where you’ll 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 7: Free day in Rome

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Rome or add excursions.

Please note: Iconic Sights: Vatican City excursion may be offered on day 8, depending on the day of the week. Please call for more information.

Iconic Sights: Vatican City

Excursion (additional cost)

Rome Cooking Class & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 8: Free day in Rome

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy another free day to explore Rome or add an excursion.

Please note: Ancient Rome: St. Paul's Basilica & the Catacombs excursion may be offered on day 7, depending on the day of the week.

This evening, enjoy an elegant, four-course farewell dinner. While you dine, you’ll be treated to some of opera's best-loved arias sung by professional tenors.Please note: The opera performance is seasonal and runs from March through November. Dinner will take place at a local restaurant from December through February.

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

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 9: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or extend your stay to visit the Sorrento peninsula.

Extension to Sorrento Peninsula

Extend your trip with two nights on Gulf of Naples’ southern shores. Join an optional excursion to the Isle of Capri, savor fresh flavors from the sea, seek the perfect limoncello, or just work on your tan. The Sorrento coast’s charms can’t be rushed, so slow down and enjoy your time here.

Sorrento Peninsula2 nights

Day 9: Sorrento Peninsula via Pompeii

Included meal: Breakfast

En route to the Sorrento peninsula, stop at Pompeii for a guided walking tour of the city’s ruins.

• Discover how Roman citizens lived 2,000 years ago, before Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79

• View the excavated Roman ruins of theaters, villas, temples, and baths

Then, continue on to the Sorrento peninsula.

Day 10: Free day on the Sorrento Peninsula

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy free time to explore the Sorrento peninsula or add an excursion.

This evening, sip a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Capri: A Day on the Iconic Island

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 11: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Naples airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

442

4.6 average

Excellent Memories

06/18/2019 by 2nd time traveler Paul G.

A good mix of touring vs free time. Tour director was fantastic and made the trip informative, fun and memorable. She was appreciated by everyone in our group as she was so attentive and supportive of all in the group. She was fun to be with and funny. We had a lot of laughs. She made the trip be a...

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First tour review

06/18/2019 by 2nd time traveler Amber O.

This was our first time using a tour group package, but Italy seemed overwhelming and we figured we’d give it a shot. Go Ahead provided the perfect amount of structured planning and individual time. First, just know, there will be some whiners in the group. They can usually be easily avoided but we ...

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Wonderful tour guide and wonderful fellow travelers

06/11/2019 by 2nd time traveler Marjorie H.

The flight to and from Italy was very long Some of us had up to a 5 hour layover in Germany ,That was just too long. That being said, I did enjoy the trip very much I wish we had more time to linger at each place of interest but we were hurried through the Vatican, the Colleseum and so on. I wish we...

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Easter in Rome

05/31/2019 by 4th time traveler Anonymous

Once again, Go Ahead Tours provided a positive travel experience. We are repeat customers for may reasons. GAT offers high quality travel services at reasonable prices. Hotel accommodations are always adequate, safe and clean. Tour directors and local guides are always very knowledgeable and impart ...

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Great first trip!

05/30/2019 by 2nd time traveler Tim C.

This was our first Go Ahead tour and our first international trip. It couldn't have been a much better experience. Our tour director Barbara did a great job of planning everything out. The current and subsequent day's itinerary were clearly communicated and posted daily. We were busy with planne...

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Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

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.

Mercure Roma Piazza Bologna

This modern hotel is located in Rome’s Piazza Bologna. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a bar and lounge, and a fitness center. Nearby, you’ll find the 19th-c...

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Hotel Athenaeum

This plush hotel is located in the center of Florence. Guests enjoy a gourmet restaurant, fitness room, and billiard room. Nearby, you’ll find the Duo...

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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

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, with few hills or 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, as well as stepping between boats and uneven docks.
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 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 Venice and depart from Rome (or Naples 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 boat 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.
Water taxi rides in Venice 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 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

Venice and Northern Italy are known for flavorful meats and pastries.
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. Well-known white wines are also made around the San Gimignano region.
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.

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 on this 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 $7USD to $10USD 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. 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.

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153 Departures

Tour prices are per person, before flights, and based on two travelers per hotel room.