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Guided group travel

Tours for first-time travelers

Whether it’s your first time abroad, your first time joining a group tour, or just your first time saying “yes!” to something new, we make it easy to feel prepared, supported, and excited from the moment you book.

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Our tours are ideal for first-timers who want to explore without the guesswork. Bring your curiosity—we’ll handle the rest.

Thousands of 5-star reviews

Our reviews say it all. These first-time-friendly tours have earned top ratings from travelers just like you who came home with new friends, great memories, and plans to do it all again.

Itineraries crafted by travel experts

We take the world’s greatest hits and build them into perfectly planned journeys, balancing must-sees like the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum with gems you won’t find in a guidebook, like vintage photo booths in Venice.

Value that goes the distance

Go Ahead makes it easy to go. Our travelers enjoy flexible payment plans, competitive pricing, plus all the essentials—hotels, meals, admission to landmarks, and transportation—are already built in.

You won’t go it alone

With Tour Directors who know every detail, you’ll always have someone in your corner. You’ll share the journey with travelers who’ll feel like instant friends—and you’ll have support if anything unexpected comes up along the way.

Loved by first-time travelers

London, Paris & Rome

When the world is your oyster, it’s hard to know where to begin, so we recommend starting with the icons. These European capitals never disappoint, so get ready to fill your camera roll with Buckingham Palace, the Eiffel Tower, and the Colosseum on this bestselling tour.

Your first trip to Europe, just as you imagined

From the classics to the hidden gems, these thoughtfully designed tours make exploring Europe’s most iconic destinations simple, seamless, and full of “I can’t believe I’m here” moments.

The best destinations for your first trip

Heading overseas for the first time? It can feel overwhelming, but we’ve got tips to make your first international trip easy so you can focus on the fun stuff.

7 reasons to go guided for first-time travelers

A Tour Director by your side. A 24/7 dedicated support team. Included admissions to everything you want to see. Going guided helps you enjoy your best trip ever, seamlessly.

What to know before your first trip to Europe

Valid passport? Check. Power adapter? Check. Learn a few phrases in the local language and you’re almost ready for your adventure. Check out the rest of our tried-and-true suggestions.

Signature experiences for your memory vault. Why don’t you...

Hot air balloons in a clear sky above a desert landscape with distant mountains and scattered buildings at sunrise.

Take to the skies high above the Nile

Indulge in the cool morning air—and the picture-perfect panorama below—as you float over the desert in a hot-air balloon. Try it on our Egypt & Nile River Cruise tour.

Roll your own fresh pasta in Rome

Link up with a trained chef and learn how to make homemade pasta the traditional way before feasting on your creations. Try it on our A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome tour.

Sail through a caldera in Santorini

Cruise the island’s awe-inspiring volcanic crater and spend the afternoon snorkeling, sunbathing, or swimming. Try it on our A Week in Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini tour.

Dip into the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

Unwind in the lagoon’s spa and soak in beneficial minerals as you float weightlessly in its ethereal, light-blue water. Try it on our Iceland: Reykjavik & the Northern Lights tour.

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Experiential travel made easy

You dream it. We’ll take care of every last detail.

Pick your perfect trip

We offer 200+ immersive, guided tours around the world. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll enjoy lots of advantages that make traveling with us different.

Put just $99 down

That’s all it takes to secure a spot on one of our group tours when you sign up for AutoPay. Plus, you can pay in interest-free, monthly installments.

Prep your packing list

While you’re deciding what to take, we’ll be busy arranging your hotels, meals, tickets, and more tour essentials. That’s what going guided is all about.

Go far (and get rewarded)

Take off on your big adventure— but why stop there? Every trip you book with us earns rewards that you can use to keep expanding your horizons.

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What travelers are saying about our bestselling tours

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5 out of 5 stars

Fall Foliage Tour

1st-time traveler Joseph

This was the first time that my wife and I took a group tour. Everything went very smoothly. We received very detailed pre-tour info, we had an excellent tour director in Ciaran...

5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding, Fantastic Tour Director!

1st-time traveler Rosemary

Monique, our Tour Director, was knowledgeable, personable, professional, and helpful in every regard! I can't imagine anyone else being better at this job! Wonderful experience...

5 out of 5 stars

Braw!

1st-time traveler Deborah

This was my first group tour type trip and it was fantastic. Not having to plan flights, hotels, and sightseeing gave me time to really enjoy just traveling. Our tour guide Diana...

5 out of 5 stars

Italy Tour 08/01/25 - 08/09/25

1st-time traveler Annie Martinez

For my very first tour, I had an amazing time in Italy! A special thank you to our tour director, Laura, who made sure we had everything we needed and kept us well-informed each...

5 out of 5 stars

First but not last visit to Peru

1st-time traveler Adriana

Highly recommended especially if it is the first time you are travelling. Hats off to all the people at EF that are involved in the process. The hotels were divine, the food...

5 out of 5 stars

Great First Experience !!

1st-time traveler Dennis

My first tour with Go Ahead was a hit!! I just finished the New England Fall Foliage tour along with 2 other family members. It was a great experience— from the Bus to the hotels...

5 out of 5 stars

See more than ever would on own

1st-time traveler Patti

We had such an excellent experience on our very first EF tour. I believe our tour guide, Roberto, was a definite asset and made an excellent trip over and above. It’s nice to have...

5 out of 5 stars

Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini Tour

1st-time traveler Kimberly

This was my first time traveling abroad and this was a perfect first trip! Our tour director, Vasilis, was excellent! In addition to the regular tours and extra excursions,...

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Discover more of our top-rated, most popular tours

These tours are bestsellers for a reason. Think famous landmarks, local flavor, or a touch of adventure, all with confidence built in.

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The Spring & Summer Flash Sale

Save up to $600 by 1/22

Now’s the time to book your spring or summer 2026 tour! Plus, lock in last year’s prices on this year’s journey.†

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