Barcelona, Southern France & the Italian Riviera
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Chase the sun and catch up on history on a riviera-hopping tour of three Mediterranean destinations.
Discover the essence of the Mediterranean with a journey through the sun-kissed landscapes and distinctive cultures of Spain, France, and Italy—plus a glamorous surprise in the form of Monaco’s iconic coastline. Begin in Barcelona, Gaudí’s architectural playground, before meandering through medieval Avignon. Greet the Mediterranean, starting with Nice’s azure waters, before winding through the cliffside tapestry of Cinque Terre and reveling in the Renaissance in Florence. Extend your trip to Rome and fill your heart with the Eternal City’s living history.
Your tour package includes
- 10 nights in handpicked hotels
- 10 breakfasts
- 3 dinners with beer or wine
- 7 sightseeing tours
- Expert Tour Director & local guides
Included highlights
- La Sagrada Família
- Carcassonne
- Avignon
- Papal Palace in Avignon
- Cap Ferrat
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Day-by-day itinerary
Print itineraryBoard your overnight flight to Barcelona today.
Welcome to Spain! Need a little pick-me-up when you arrive? Dive right into Spanish culture with shareable small plates—tapas to locals—like croquetas: crispy, deep-fried rolls with a crunchy exterior and a savory, gooey interior. Wash it all down with an orxata—a sweet, milky drink known as horchata to the broader world but made with tiger nuts in Spain.
Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner, served with beer or wine.
You don’t have to be an architecture fan to enjoy Barcelona, but you may just leave as one by the end of your trip. Roman ruins, Gothic drama, and soaring odes to modernism fill the city with unparalleled architectural landmarks, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of La Sagrada Família, a testament to Antoni Gaudí’s genius. Inside, marvel at the intricate details and stained glass that bathe the space in confetti-like bursts of color.
- Drive along Passeig de Gràcia, where you’ll encounter Gaudí’s “House of Bones” (Casa Batlló) and the sculptural Casa Milà. Feel the pulse of the city as you traverse Barcelona and see how architectural modernism interacts with everyday life.
- Venture to Montjuïc, the hill overlooking Barcelona and site of the 1992 Olympic Games. At the Mirador de l’Alcalde, breathe in panoramic views of the city, the harbor, and beyond, perfumed by a Mediterranean breeze and surrounding gardens.
- Pass through the grandeur of the Plaça d’Espanya, a hub of Catalan culture. Look for the pair of towers, inspired by the campaniles of Venice, and a classically styled fountain at the center of it all.
If you’d like to deepen your newfound love for Antoni Gaudí, we recommend joining the excursion to Park Güell, where your eyes will joyfully bounce from colorful mosaics to the tops of whimsical residential rooftops. Savor every tiny detail in the stonework—you never know what surprises you’ll uncover when you take your time.
If you choose to spend your free afternoon in Barcelona exploring on your own, you can explore the Gothic Quarter and walk its narrow medieval streets. You’ll find charming squares like the Plaça del Rei and spot Barcelona Cathedral, a masterpiece of Catalan Gothic architecture built between the 13th and 15th centuries.
Park Güell & La Pedrera
From $109 per person
On your free day in Barcelona, you can opt to forge your own perfect day or add one (or two!) curated excursions to your itinerary.
If it’s cascading valleys and mountain views you’re after, opt for the journey to Montserrat. You’ll ride a high-flying cable car to the Santa María de Montserrat Abbey; on a clear day, you can peep the Pyrenees Mountains in the distance.
You can then choose to end your day with a romantic, passionate, and dramatic display of Andalusian culture at a flamenco dinner show.
If you do spend your free day winding through Barcelona on your own, go for some rest and relaxation at Barceloneta Beach, where you can take a leisurely stroll on the boardwalk and—if it’s warm—dip your toes in the Mediterranean. Or, pack a picnic and a bottle of cava (a Spanish sparkling wine) and head to Barcelona’s central Parc de la Ciutadella. Walk its lush gardens or sit by the Cascada Monumental fountain for some prime people-watching.
Montserrat
From $95 per person
Flamenco Dinner Show
From $125 per person
En route to Provence, France, take a captivating detour to explore the enchanting, fortified city of Carcassonne. This medieval settlement, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, takes you back in time from the moment you enter its imposing fortress gates.
Well-preserved ramparts and towers encircle the city and offer glimpses of the surrounding countryside. As you go, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of knights, nobles, and artisans that thrived within its formidable walls where every cobblestone tells a story.
Make your way to Nice and the French Riviera by way of Avignon, known as the “City of the Popes.” Sited along the Rhône River, Avignon’s place at the confluence of history and culture dates to it being the seat of the Catholic papacy in the 14th century. Discover Avignon’s legacy of architecture and art with a local guide leading the way.
- Stroll through the heart of the city, its historic center unfolding before you, past cobbled streets and imposing stone walls that still stand guard today.
- Step inside the magnificent Papal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant medieval Gothic buildings in all of Europe. From its cavernous chambers to its extensive courtyards, the enormous structure boasts fortress-like walls more than 160 feet tall—a surefire way to protect its residents.
You’ll then enjoy free time in Avignon for lunch. Try a light and refreshing salade niçoise with tuna, olives, and eggs. For a sweet treat, find a shop selling Papalines d’Avignon, liqueur-filled chocolate bonbons.
Embark on a sunny, salty exploration of the French Riviera, a region known for its glamorous resorts and azure coastlines dotted with yachts.
- Marvel at scene-stealing views of the Mediterranean Sea as you stand atop the cliffs of Cap Ferrat. Turquoise waters, washes of greenery, and coves peeking from the coastline combine to make the dreamiest vistas.
- Tour the opulent Villa Ephrussi, a magnificent mansion with lavishly decorated rooms commissioned by the Rothschild banking family. The real allure, however, lies in the meticulously landscaped, themed gardens surrounding the villa, each boasting its own unique charm—from the fragrant Rose Garden to the exotic Spanish Garden.
- Conclude your day with free time in Nice’s Old Town, a labyrinth of narrow streets that connect bustling squares, quaint cafes, and the vibrant Cours Saleya market, where you can shop for local specialties like tapenades and candied fruit.
Leave France for the Italian Riviera today. Stop en route to explore the tiny Principality of Monaco with your Tour Director, who will share glimpses into its storied past, its transformation from a strategic fortress to a haven of luxury, and the fascinating legacy of the ruling Grimaldi family.
- Begin your exploration by ascending Le Rocher, one of Monaco’s four quartiers, or quarters, nicknamed for the elevated rock that houses the historic Old Town. Gaze at the Monaco Cathedral, an exquisite example of Romanesque-Byzantine architecture. The cathedral is renowned for its white stones, stunning facade, and being the final resting place of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace.
- Pause outside the majestic Prince’s Palace, first built as a fortress in the late 12th century. The royal residence showcases a blend of architectural styles and enjoys an unmatched view of Monaco and its crystalline coastline.
This evening, sit down for an included dinner with your group, served with beer or wine.
Occasionally, even the glossiest travel books and the most glowing reviews can’t capture the overwhelming beauty of a place. Join your Tour Director today to discover Cinque Terre, Italy, an idyllic cluster of five villages set on seaside cliffs. Perched along a jagged six-mile strip of coastline, Cinque Terre’s arresting natural beauty prompted Italy to designate the entire area a national park.
- Board a train to Monterosso and feel your smile widening as you come across the pebble beach, punctuated with orange and blue umbrellas, that defines this village. Known for its cultivation of lemons, Monterosso celebrates the tart fruit with a festival each May.
- Traverse the sparkling Ligurian Sea by boat to Vernazza, a village adorned with a tapestry of pastel-colored waterfront houses. Let yourself fall under the trance of fishing boats gently bobbing up and down in its harbor.
- Continue your nautical journey to Riomaggiore, known for its rugged coastal scenery. Colorful buildings cascade down the cliffside and appear to spill into the small marina—a valley between two steep hills.
- Learn about the Via dell’Amore, a famous hiking path that connects two of the five villages. Along the Way of Love, visitors find the path strewn with nets suspended from the rocks—waiting for lovers to write their name on a padlock, attach it to the net, and throw the keys into the sea so they’re bound forever to one another.
- Enjoy short walks through Cinque Terre’s villages, savoring the unique atmosphere, traditions, and cuisine of each.
- Transfer back to your hotel by train and take in the changing landscapes of Liguria’s dramatic coastline and vineyard-covered slopes. Bookmark them in your heart to come back to again and again.
Please note: The boat ride is weather-dependent. In the event of inclement weather, you’ll visit the villages by train. In addition, the specific villages you visit may vary.
Travel to Florence—Tuscany’s capital and the world’s greatest treasure trove of Renaissance art and architecture. Get to know the city with a local guide.
- Head to Florence’s UNESCO-listed historic center and view its exquisite, 15th-century cathedral—the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, or Florence Cathedral. It remains one of the largest churches in the world and its trademark brick dome is, to this day, the largest masonry dome ever built.
- Learn about the cathedral’s distinctive, marble-clad facade and its instantly recognizable dome, the latter of which was built by Filippo Brunelleschi and has become a symbol of the Renaissance and Florence itself.
- Pass Giotto’s Campanile. This bell tower, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, rises nearly 280 feet above the city and features the same red, white, and green marble found on the Florence Cathedral’s facade.
- Walk past the Piazza della Repubblica, one of Florence’s main squares, to the medieval Ponte Vecchio, an iconic bridge that spans the Arno River and has been lined with shops since the 13th century.
- Stroll along the Arno and through the Uffizi Gallery’s courtyard to the Piazza della Signoria—a beautiful square that’s situated just outside the Palazzo Vecchio and home to several notable statues, including the Fountain of Neptune and a replica of Michelangelo’s David.
Since you find yourself in the heart of Tuscany, why not add a trip through the rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves of this cinematic setting? The excursion to San Gimignano takes you deep into the Tuscan countryside and into a town whose skyline is dominated by 14 medieval towers. Then, tingle your tastebuds with a tasting of local olive oils and balsamic vinegars.
Prefer to head out on your own and need inspiration for your free day in town? Escape the crowds and wander through the Boboli Gardens, located behind the grand Palazzo Pitti. Explore the extensive greenery, hidden pathways, and stunning sculptures of this peaceful oasis, then dive into the vibrant Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, serving locals for more than 100 years. Smaller than its more famous counterpart, the Mercato Centrale, you’ll get an intimate and authentic appreciation for how Florentines live. Browse market stalls bursting with fresh produce, regional delicacies, and traditional wares, and maybe join the locals for a coffee or a bite at the market’s lively cafes.
Later, celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner this evening, served with beer or wine.
San Gimignano: Medieval Sights & Tuscan Flavors
From $115 per person
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your trip with a stay in the Eternal City—Rome—where you’ll traipse across timeworn paths as the city’s monuments keep enduring watch. And if you have the chance to cap off a week of zesty, bright Mediterranean fare with a few days of gnocchi and gelato, seize it!
Depart Florence for Italy’s capital, Rome, whose entire historic center—including the Forum, Colosseum, Pantheon, and the religious and public buildings of Papal Rome—is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow in the footsteps of ancient Romans on a guided tour of the Eternal City.
- Soak up more than 2,000 years of imperial Roman history, viewing the fourth-century Arch of Constantine—the largest surviving Roman triumphal arch—and the Arch of Titus. The latter dates to the first century and became an inspiration for other triumphal arches, including the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
- Enter the Colosseum, the iconic amphitheater built between 70–72 A.D. to host events such as gladiatorial games.
- Stop at the ruins of the Forum, which served as a setting for parades, elections, and trials.
- Pass by Palatine Hill to the ancient chariot-racing stadium known as the Circus Maximus. Then, take in the Terme di Caracalla—a beautiful and luxurious public bath that functioned from the third to the sixth century.
On your free day in Rome, you can discover the hidden gem of Trastevere, a bohemian and mostly car-free neighborhood filled with narrow streets and delectable trattorias. Get your fill of pasta, pastries, and gelato when you add our bespoke (and finger-licking) walking tour through Trastevere’s eateries.
Need a moment of respite? Visit picturesque Aventine Hill, home to the peaceful Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) and the famous keyhole view of St. Peter’s Basilica—which you can visit by adding the guided tour of Vatican City to your day. Here, you’ll also experience the grandeur and serenity of the Vatican Museum, as well as the Sistine Chapel’s venerated ceiling fresco. The day is yours to seize.
Finally, join your fellow group members for a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip.
Food of Rome: Walking Tour of Trastevere
From $135 per person
Iconic Sights: Vatican City
From $125 per person
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Book for just $99 down
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Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Overall rating 4.5 out of 5
4 out of 5 stars
I had never been to any of these cities so I was amazed thankful everyday to be seeing all these beautiful places! I joined as a solo traveler and I was so thankful to be welcomed by so many nice people. Our tour director Alex was also kind, fun and a wonderful person.
5 out of 5 stars
A big reason i gave this tour is because of Alex! Out of the 3 EF tours, Alex was the best guide! I loved how she used the chat to help us all communicate better and also pass on interesting information. I believe it's because of her that everyone was on time and never late. She really made it fun a...
Thank you for sharing your feedback about your rec...
5 out of 5 stars
I enjoyed all aspects of this travel experience. We saw so many cultural and historical things, and the shared experiences definitely inspired wanting return visits. Our group was diverse and very compatible, and everyone was treated kindly, which added to the shared experiences. Our tour directo...
Traveler photos
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.This contemporary hotel is located in the Eixample neighborhood. Guests enjoy a gym, restaurant, and bar. Nearby, you’ll find the Plaça de Catalunya, ...
This modern hotel is located in Montpellier’s city center. Guests enjoy the bar’s terrace, luxury toiletries, and rotating art galleries. Nearby, you’...
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...
This stylish hotel is located in the center of Rapallo. Guests enjoy a restaurant, wellness center, and peaceful garden. Nearby, you’ll Rapallo Castle...
This charming hotel is located in Florence’s city center. Guests enjoy a restaurant, courtyard, and fitness center. Nearby, you’ll find the Uffizi Gal...
This classic hotel is located in the heart of Rome. Guests enjoy the bar, spacious rooms, and on-site coffee house. Nearby you’ll find the Trevi Fount...
Flights
- 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
Print FAQ- This tour visits Spain, 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.
- Beginning in 2025, 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’re 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 SFI.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Barcelona and depart from Florence (or Rome on the tour extension).
- 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 if they are arriving or departing on the standard day.
- When you arrive in Barcelona, 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 (more if you add excursions)
- All transportation by motor coach
- 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.
- Stone pathways and cobblestone streets can become slick when wet.
- Travelers should be prepared to encounter a significant number of steps and stairs in the Cinque Terre villages.
- 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 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 train, boat, and private motor coach. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts.
- Train rides and boat rides in Cinque Terre are included in the price of your 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- We recommend packing your Insurance Card (from your primary insurance provider) in your carry on luggage.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm.
- Accommodations are typically three to four star hotels.
- All accommodations include a private bathroom.
- Most rooms will include a safe for valuables.
- Your hotels will have Wifi, but it may be limited to common areas.
- Elevators in hotels are not guaranteed.
- Some hotels on this tour require travelers to walk with their luggage a few blocks as buses cannot drop travelers off right out front.
- 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.
- Spain and France operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
- Italy operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, F, or L plugs with two or three small, round pins.
- We cannot guarantee that your hotel accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with the hotel once they are confirmed about 30 days prior to departure.
- 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.
- 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 SFI.
- This tour includes three dinners. Included meals may be plated set menus, buffet or family style depending on the location. Dinners include one glass of beer, wine, or soft drink and water, coffee and tea.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- In Spain, 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.
- Catalan cuisine, which can be found in Barcelona, is markedly different from food in other parts of Spain. Nearly every restaurant will offer pa amb tomàquet—toasted bread with tomato and olive oil. Fresh seafood, hearty meat dishes, cheeses, and locally grown vegetables, such as wild mushrooms, are culinary mainstays.
- 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, which are primarily made from the Sangiovese grape. Well-known white wines are also made around the San Gimignano region.
- 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.
- Roman food, on the tour extension, 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).
- 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 $10-$12USD 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.
- 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.
- When you travel with EF 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 make an enormous socio-economic impact to communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at local businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: be aware of the 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.
- EF Go Ahead Tours encourages our travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single use plastics. You can avoid single use plastics 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.
- Environment: On this tour, we recommend the use of a reusable water bottle, as the local drinking water is safe for travelers. Your Tour Director can provide additional guidance on local water standards. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastics.
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.
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