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Florence: The City Experience

with Florence extension
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This tour itinerary varies by year.
  • Duration: 7 or 9 days
  • Group size: 15-38
  • Reviews: 5
The food, the art, the architecture—this city leaves nothing to be desired.

Settle in and immerse yourself in the beauty of Florence, the gateway to the greater Tuscany region. This hub of modern culture and influential history is lined with cobblestone streets, is overflowing with masterpieces from some of the greatest minds in Renaissance art, and is the place to go for world-renowned food and wine. Unpack only once and discover why the city shines as the Tuscan capital.

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 at an Italian villa
  • Sightseeing tour with a local guide
  • Expert Tour Director
Included highlights
  • Accademia Gallery
  • Florence Duomo
  • Giotto's Campanile
  • Ponte Vecchio
  • Piazza della Signoria
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Day-by-day itinerary
Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Florence today.

Florence5 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Florence
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Welcome to Italy! Get settled in to your hotel, then meet your group at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Florence
Included meal: Breakfast

Set off on a guided sightseeing tour of Florence, the city distinguished as the birthplace of the Renaissance.

• Step inside the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's iconic statue, the David (Please note: Entrance to the Accademia Gallery may occur during the afternoon instead of the morning on day 3, or may take place on days 5 or 6.)

• View the legendary Florence Cathedral, known as the Duomo, and walk through the city’s UNESCO-listed Historic Center

• Pass Giotto’s Campanile, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture

• See the medieval Ponte Vecchio and the Piazza della Signoria, the center of Florentine life

Later, enjoy free time or add an excursion.

Tuscan Cooking Class & Dinner
Excursion (additional cost)
Day 4: Free day in Florence
Included meal: Breakfast

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

Siena & Chianti Wine Tasting
Excursion (additional cost)
Day 5: Free day in Florence
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in Florence or add excursions.

Michelangelo's Florence
Excursion (additional cost)
Florence Home-Hosted Dinner
Excursion (additional cost)
Day 6: Fiesole & farewell dinner
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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

Tonight, journey to the scenic Etruscan-Roman town of Fiesole to say goodbye to your group as you enjoy a signature farewell dinner experience on a villa terrace.

The Pitti Palace & the Boboli Gardens
Excursion (additional cost)
Flight Home
Day 7: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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 hill towns and vineyards that illuminate the region’s characteristic charms.

Florence2 nights
Day 7: Free day in Florence
Included meal: Breakfast

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

San Gimignano: Medieval Sights & Tuscan Flavors
Excursion (additional cost)
Day 8: Free day in Florence

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

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

Iconic Tuscany: Lucca & Pisa
Excursion (additional cost)
Flight Home
Day 9: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Dates and prices
Choose your dates to start a quote
14 Departures
Tour prices are per person, before flights, and based on two travelers per hotel room.
Sep 8–Sep 14, 2019
Extension available
Call to book
$2,899CAD
Oct 20–Oct 26, 2019
Extension available
$2,499CAD$2,099CAD
Last-minute special
Mar 22–Mar 28, 2020
Extension available
$2,199CAD
May 10–May 16, 2020
$2,499CAD
Jun 7–Jun 13, 2020
Extension available
$2,999CAD
Sep 6–Sep 12, 2020
Extension available
$2,899CAD
Oct 18–Oct 24, 2020
$2,499CAD
Nov 1–Nov 7, 2020
Extension available
$2,499CAD
Mar 21–Mar 27, 2021
Extension available
$2,199CAD
May 16–May 22, 2021
$2,999CAD
Jun 6–Jun 12, 2021
Extension available
$2,999CAD
Sep 5–Sep 11, 2021
Extension available
$2,899CAD
Oct 10–Oct 16, 2021
$2,499CAD
Oct 24–Oct 30, 2021
$2,499CAD
Reviews
4.4 average
A very successful trip
by 3rd time traveler 

This was my first trip to Florence and GoAhead did its usual excellent job of orienting me immediately so I could strike out and explore the city in depth. Katia was professional, friendly and a wealth of information. Her choice for a docent for the Pitti Palace was brilliant. The lady knew her I...

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Florence
by 3rd time traveler 

A good balance between guided tours and free time, freedom to choose your level. Our guide was extremely helpful with our individual needs and interests. Great hotel in a great location. I could have used a few more days. Loved every minute.

Immerse Yourself in Florence
by 3rd time traveler 

On a previous tour we spent 2 days here — NOT nearly enough time for all we wanted to experience. This tour allows for ample free time AND Go Ahead-led tours. I recommend you go on as many as possible. GAT tour guides are exceptional, especially Monica: friendly & well informed; you learn SO much. O...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 04/03/2018

Hi Laurel, Thanks for sharing more about your ex...

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Florence, Italy Was My Dream
by 1st time traveler 

When friends ask me about our tour, I begin by saying, "Beyond magnificent.!" Our first international trip was so much more than I dreamed it would be....and dream, and plan, I did! For 580 days, I counted down our Go Ahead Florence City Stay Tour. As newly retired teachers, we were ready for spect...

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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.

Hotel Pierre

This elegant hotel is located in the historic center of Florence. Guests enjoy room service, free Wi-Fi, and a bar. Nearby, you’ll find the Duomo, Pia...

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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
Print 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 each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
Tour pace
  • You will walk for about 2.5 hours daily across uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with some hills and stairs.
  • Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the 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 Florence. 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 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](https://www.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 My Account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
Cuisine
  • 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.
Electricity & air conditioning
  • 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 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 in Florence.
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 optional 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.
Choose your dates to start a quote
14 Departures
Tour prices are per person, before flights, and based on two travelers per hotel room.
Sep 8–Sep 14, 2019
Extension available
Call to book
$2,899CAD
Oct 20–Oct 26, 2019
Extension available
$2,499CAD$2,099CAD
Last-minute special
Mar 22–Mar 28, 2020
Extension available
$2,199CAD
May 10–May 16, 2020
$2,499CAD
Jun 7–Jun 13, 2020
Extension available
$2,999CAD
Sep 6–Sep 12, 2020
Extension available
$2,899CAD
Oct 18–Oct 24, 2020
$2,499CAD
Nov 1–Nov 7, 2020
Extension available
$2,499CAD
Mar 21–Mar 27, 2021
Extension available
$2,199CAD
May 16–May 22, 2021
$2,999CAD
Jun 6–Jun 12, 2021
Extension available
$2,999CAD
Sep 5–Sep 11, 2021
Extension available
$2,899CAD
Oct 10–Oct 16, 2021
$2,499CAD
Oct 24–Oct 30, 2021
$2,499CAD