Hibernate in a cave in Puglia
Italy, Europe
If you’re looking for an experience that is as unique as it is authentic, then staying in the ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone cliffs in Italy’s magical city of Matera is for you!
Not the type of cave you might find Bear Grylls bunkering down for the night, but a plush cave hotel in one of Europe’s most unusual landscapes. The Italian city of Matera is renowned for its ancient cave dwellings. These intriguing stone residences are cut into rock faces within a labyrinth of narrow streets and tumbling lodgings chipped into the cliffside.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, between the stone churches and ancient alleyways, the caves have been carefully restored in full respect of the local cultural heritage. Fear not, with king size beds and ensuite bathrooms, these hotel caves offer every comfort!
Explore our Italy holidays 9
Flavours of Sicily Self Drive
An Alpine Adventure with Albatross Tours
Italian Grande with Albatross Tours
Taste of Rome
Around the World by Luxury Train
Rome, Florence & Venice by Train
Taste of Cinque Terre
Rome, Florence & Cinque Terre by Train
Classic Italy & the Swiss Alps by Rail
Explore our Italy tours 30
Explore our Italy cruise 14
From Gaudi to DaVinci
Exclusive Offer - Book a Norwegian Cruise Line sailing to Europe in 2027 through House of Travel and receive a FREE* JULY CARRY-ON SUITCASE valued at NZ$365. Limited to the first 40 bookings. Applies to new bookings made between 20 Jul 26 and 17 Aug 26.
Discover the western Mediterranean on this Fly, Stay, Cruise & Tour holiday, with a stay in Barcelona before cruising to the shores of Spain, Tunisia and Italy. Take in a blend of coastal beauty, ancient history and vibrant local culture, from Mallorca and Tunis to Naples and Rome. After your cruise, extend your holiday with a tour from Rome to Venice, visiting Florence, Pisa and Verona along the way.
Set sail aboard Norwegian Epic®, where a wide choice of dining, spectacular entertainment and contemporary onboard experiences combine to create an unforgettable Mediterranean voyage.
Inside Stateroom
Departs 29 Apr 2027
Taste of Greece
Discover the timeless beauty of the Eastern Mediterranean on a captivating journey roundtrip from Piraeus. Wander the iconic whitewashed streets of Mykonos, uncover the ancient wonders of Kusadasi, and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Istanbul.
After a relaxing day at sea, marvel at the breathtaking cliffs and sunsets of Santorini before returning to Athens.
Blending iconic destinations, ancient history, and stunning island scenery, this voyage is the perfect Mediterranean escape.
Flights Additional
Departs 12 May 2027
From Croatia to the Amalfi Coast via Sicily
The beauty of Croatia, Italy & Greece
Discover sun-soaked coastlines, ancient ruins and vibrant cultures on this unforgettable 9-night Adriatic and Mediterranean cruise.
Sail from Dubrovnik through Split and Hvar, across to Italy’s charming Puglia region, then on to Corfu, Sicily and the stunning Amalfi Coast. Your journey ends in Civitavecchia, gateway to Rome—an incredible finale to this scenic and culture-rich voyage.
Flights are additional
Departs 16 Oct 2027
Ultimate Mediterranean
Discover the timeless beauty of Italy, France and Spain with Azamara Cruises. From Florence’s historic treasures to the coastal charm of Marseille and the vibrant energy of Barcelona, this immersive voyage captures the essence of the Mediterranean.
Cruise on Azamara Onward, your boutique hotel at sea, where practically everything is included and the atmosphere is laid-back. You can relax onboard on sun-drenched decks, in the refreshing pool, and revitalizing spa. There's never a dull moment onboard with celebrations, cultural performances, and cocktails!
Interior Stateroom
Flights are additional
Departs 17 Jul 2027
MSC Grand Voyages
Why your next unforgettable journey could be with MSC Grand Voyages?
MSC Grand Voyages offer extraordinary itineraries ranging from 14 to 26 nights, giving you the chance to explore the world at a more relaxed pace. These unique voyages link continents, cultures, and coastlines, allowing you to create lasting memories along the way.
Stroll through the Mediterranean’s most captivating cities, from Barcelona to Rome, before crossing to the sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean. Or experience the vibrant spirit of South America with visits to iconic Brazilian gems like Salvador and Rio de Janeiro.
savings of up to 40%* on select MSC Grand Voyages — your perfect opportunity to see more of the world in comfort and style.
San Diego to Miami - 14 Nights onboard MSC Poesia
03 Oct 26 - 17 Oct 26
From $2209 per person share twin Interior Bella
Hotel Service Charge & Port Tax Included
Click here for full itinerary and pricing details
Los Angeles to Miami - 15 Nights onboard MSC Poesia
02 Oct - 17 Oct 26
From $2505 per person share twin Deluxe Interior Fantastica
Hotel Service Charge & Port Tax Included
Click here for full itinerary and pricing details
Palermo to Miami- 26 Nights onboard MSC Meraviglia
16 Oct - 11 Nov 26
From $3815 per person share twin Interior Bella
Hotel Service Charge & Port Tax Included
Click here for full itinerary and pricing details
Naples to Miami- 25 Nights onboard MSC Meraviglia
17 Oct - 11 Nov 26
From $3595 per person share twin Deluxe Balcony Fantastica
Hotel Service Charge & Port Tax Included
Click here for full itinerary and pricing details
Marseille to La Romana - 15 Nights onboard MSC Opera
01 Nov - 16 Nov 26
From $1835 per person share twin Interior Bella
Hotel Service Charge & Port Tax Included
Click here for full itinerary and pricing details
Southampton to Rio de Janeiro- 24 Nights onboard MSC Virtuosa
07 Nov - 01 Dec 26
From $4625 per person share twin Deluxe Interior Fantastica
Hotel Service Charge & Port Tax Included
Click here for full itinerary and pricing details
Amazing Savings
Flights are Additional
Departs 2 Oct 2026
Venice & The Jewels of Veneto
Any stateroom, on every cruise—bonus $2,000* per person off your Airfare or Save $2000 per person off your cruise fare.
Any Suite in Europe—bonus $3,000* per person off your Airfare or Save $3000 per person off your cruise fare.
T&C apply.
Discover the soul of Northern Italy aboard Uniworld's luxurious S.S. La Venezia. Cruise through Venice and the Veneto on a 7-night all-inclusive journey, exploring iconic canals, colourful lagoon islands and historic waterside towns. With immersive excursions, exceptional regional food and wine, and Uniworld's signature boutique luxury and personalised service, it's an unforgettable way to experience this captivating corner of Italy.
Classic Stateroom
Departs 15 Aug 2027
The Mediterranean with Explora Journeys
Sailing with Explora Journeys through the Mediterranean blends laid-back luxury with timeless elegance. Glide along sun-drenched coastlines, from charming seaside villages to storied ancient cities, all while enjoying bespoke experiences, world-class cuisine, and curated moments of discovery. With every port, the Mediterranean reveals a new layer of culture, history, and effortless beauty—perfectly complemented by Explora’s signature style and serenity.
View Mediterranean 2026 Mar to Jun Sailings
View Mediterranean 2026 Jul to Nov Sailings
All inclusive Ultra Luxury
Departs 7 Sep 2026
Mediterranean Island Voyage: Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica & Elba
Sail through the heart of the Mediterranean aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville, exploring the captivating islands of Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica and Elba, each rich in history, culture and breathtaking scenery. In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, this immersive voyage features expert-led insights and included shore excursions that bring every destination to life. With the signature luxury of Ponant, enjoy a refined small-ship experience that blends discovery, comfort and effortless travel.
Lower Deck Balcony
Flights are additional
Departs 18 May 2027
MSC World Cruise 2028
Step aboard the extraordinary 115-Night MSC World Cruise, an epic journey across continents, cultures and oceans. Departing from Genoa, this global itinerary travels through the Mediterranean to Marseille and Barcelona, crosses to the Canary Islands and the Caribbean, then continues through Central and South America — from Cozumel and Costa Rica to Peru, Chile and iconic Easter Island.
The route stretches across the Pacific to New Zealand, the islands of French Polynesia, Tonga and New Caledonia, before exploring Australia and Southeast Asia — including Bali, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. Sailing onward through India and the Arabian Peninsula, transiting the historic Suez Canal, and returning to the Mediterranean, the journey concludes in Rome (Civitavecchia).
A remarkable circumnavigation linking legendary cities, remote islands and world wonders in one seamless, bucket-list adventure.
115 Nights World onboard MSC Magnifica
Genoa to Rome
05 Jan - 29 Apr 28
From $39,085 per person share twin Junior Interior Fantastica
Click here for Availability & Best Fares
Flights Additional
Departs 5 Jan 2028
The Mediterranean with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Discover the timeless charm of the Mediterranean with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Glide past cliff-clinging villages, historic ports, and iconic landmarks, from the blue-domed churches of Santorini to the monumental treasures of Rome and the Vatican. Aboard your luxurious superyacht, unwind as you explore charming harbours, pristine beaches, and centuries-old traditions, all with the signature comfort and service of The Ritz-Carlton experience.
Sun-drenched Rivieras
Departs 7 Aug 2026
Cruises from Malta
Sailing from Valletta, Malta’s cultural gem, P&O Cruises UK takes you on an unforgettable Mediterranean journey. Explore the stunning coastlines and vibrant cultures, where ancient ruins, charming villages, sun-kissed beaches, and delectable cuisine await.
View Cruises from Malta
2026 Sailings
2027 Sailings
P&O Cruises UK combines British charm with modern cruising comforts. Enjoy elegant dining, West End-style entertainment, and a warm, friendly atmosphere throughout the fleet. Whether you’re relaxing poolside, sampling afternoon tea, or catching live music under the stars, every moment at sea feels effortlessly easy and wonderfully familiar.
Sun, History & Shores
Departs 3 Sep 2026
MSC World Cruise 2027
MSC’s world voyages take you across continents, linking together iconic cities, tropical islands, and lesser-known gems. From Mediterranean coastlines to vibrant South American ports, Pacific islands and the highlights of Asia, each itinerary offers a sweeping journey through culture, history, and natural beauty.
Onboard, MSC delivers a comfortable home at sea with all meals, drinks, and entertainment included. Relax with plenty of leisure space, dine on international flavours, and enjoy a lively social atmosphere while the world unfolds around you.
132 Night Cruise onboard MSC Magnifica
Genoa to Warnemunde
05 Jan - 17 May 27
From $40,425 per person share twin Junior Interior Fantastica
Click here for Availability & Best Fares
Flights Additional
Departs 5 Jan 2027
Mediterranean Icons
Set sail on an unforgettable 14-night Mediterranean adventure with Celestyal Cruises. Departing from Athens, these curated itineraries blend history, culture and stunning coastlines. Discover iconic destinations including Venice, Dubrovnik, Crete and Kusadasi, with overnight stays in Santorini and Mykonos to soak up the local charm.
View Mediterranean Icons 2026 Sailings
View Mediterranean Icons 2027 Sailings
Enjoy ultimate value with Celestyal One fares which include complimentary WiFi, meals and soft drinks throughout the day - amenities that are always included. For beverages from the bar and specialty dining there is CelestyalPay, your dedicated food and drink tab when you're onboard. Plus, when you pre-pay you'll get an extra bonus on Celestyal!
Fantastic Value
Departs 29 Aug 2026
Malta, Sicily & Amalfi Coast
Set sail on an unforgettable 9-Night cruise through the treasures of the Mediterranean, starting in Italy, at the seaport of Civitavecchia – gateway to Rome, the ‘Eternal City’. Immerse yourself in ancient times at the archaeological sites in Gaeta and discover the beauty of the legendary island of Capri and incredible vistas of the Bay of Naples from Sorrento. Soak up rich history along the picturesque streets of Amalfi, relax on the pristine beaches of Lapari and explore the charming town of Giardini Naxos on the stunning island of Sicily. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, historical wonders, or cultural immersions, this luxury cruise offers something for everyone.
Oceanview Stateroom
Flights Additional
Departs 10 May 2027
Shaunice Bray
House of Travel Hornby
Since 2016, I’ve been
helping travellers like you design unforgettable journeys – backed by my own
travel experiences across Europe, Southeast Asia, the USA, the Pacific Islands,
and Australia. I’m not just passionate about travel – I live it, and I bring
that energy to every itinerary I create!
With a calm approach under pressure and a sharp eye for detail, I make sure no
moment of your trip is left to chance. But most importantly, I take the time to
truly connect with you, so every adventure feels personalised, seamless, and
stress-free.
Let’s plan something incredible together.
Shaunice
Jared Wilson
House of Travel Christchurch City
No. of
countries visited: 40+
Favourite
place to visit: Anywhere in South America
Next
place on the list to visit: Kenya
Quote: “Never pass
up a bathroom”
About
me: With over 2 years of solo travel across 40+ countries,
I am passionate about immersing myself in new cultures and uncovering the
unique experiences each destination has to offer. Fluent in Spanish, Latin
America is my particular area of experience and expertise. Whether you're after
an exciting adventure or a peaceful getaway, I’m committed to designing a
memorable and seamless trip tailored specifically to you.
Why I love travel: It allows
me to escape the sometimes repetitive nature of daily life. I enjoy experiencing
new places or returning to ones that I love. I like making connections with
people from places around the world and having experiences that can’t be
replicated.
My travel tips:
- Meet the locals – Almost all of my favourite and most cherished travel experiences have involved meeting and making friends with the local people. It is a sure-fire way to have a more unique and intimate holiday experience.
- When in Rome – A cliché but one to that will enrich your travel, observe how the locals live and learn from it. Try the local brew or dish, join in on the fun. Also respect local customs and traditions, this will allow a richer and safer experience.
- Expect the unexpected- Be ready
for unforeseen circumstances that will inevitably occur at some point during a
trip. If you are expectant and prepared for troublesome scenarios you can save
yourself a lot of grief. After all, you want to make your break from reality as
stress free as possible.
My top 3 favourite destinations:
- Colombia- An up and
coming travel destination, a country cursed with the reputation earned from its
past. It is extremely geographically diverse and amazing bang for your buck. I
still haven’t found a country with warmer and friendlier people.
- Spain- A country full of amazing destinations to discover, with a rich history and a world class gastronomical scene. The fun loving people, the nightlife and the picturesque towns with uniquely their Spanish architecture are a must experience.
- Mexico- Mexico is
a country which is truly fascinating, an amazing place to get to know. It’s a
big country with lots to explore - like the US it is made up of states (32),
the more you see the more you’ll want to see. It is full of the most beautiful
places you’ve never heard of. The locals are extremely friendly and of course
the cuisine one of the best and most famous on the globe.
What’s in my suitcase:
- Spare phone, cables and a travel adaptor- Fact is electronics are a very important travel tool and to be prepared is important so you don’t have to go in the dark.
- A Journal- A
great way to record all the little details and memorable moments. When moving
fast and or experiencing a lot we naturally forget things. Writing it down will
help to recall in future and also to have what you’ve written forever is
something special.
- Travel cubes- Will help
you to keep your suitcase nice and organised for easy packing and ultimately
will save you time making things easier to find.
My most memorable travel stories:
- Walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain together with part of the Camino
Portugues from Lisbon to Porto – totalling 1200kms. My hiking shoes broke so I
did the last 1000kms in Sandals.
- Doing a 32 day Top Deck bus tour around Europe. Easily one of the best months of my life full of laughs and all round good times. I made some strong friendships and saw a lot in such a short space of time.
Jared
Angela Delany
House of Travel Taupo
Bula, Bonjour, Talofa, Konnichiwa – and welcome!
From the moment I could dream, I dreamed of travel. At just 17, I set out on
that path by diving into my first travel course, and I’ve never looked back.
For the first decade, I poured my heart into everything South Pacific – those
sparkling waters, warm smiles, and sun-soaked cultures became my world.
Now, my map has expanded far beyond the Pacific, and I’m proud to say I sell
the entire world. And what a breathtakingly vast world it is! Over the past 30
years, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to explore some of its most magical
corners – Samoa, Bali, Vietnam, Hawaii, Italy, and Switzerland are just a few
of the places that have left footprints on my soul.
But this journey isn't just about me. It’s about you – your dreams, your adventures, your once-in-a-lifetime moments. I’m here to ignite your excitement, guide your decisions, and help piece together your perfect travel jigsaw. Whether you’re hopping over to Australia, meandering through the Scottish Highlands in a small group, or gliding past alpine peaks on a Swiss rail tour – I’ll be right beside you, making it all seamless.
There’s nothing quite like nabbing that dream tour, then weaving in the best
flights, stopovers, and secret gems to create an itinerary that’s more than a
trip – it’s an experience. Over the years, I’ve learned something simple but
powerful: every place is unique, kindness connects us all, and life’s most
precious souvenirs are the memories we make.
So let’s start building yours.
Angela
Mike (Buzz) Thomson
House of Travel Hobsonville
With over 25 years' experience in the travel industry- both here in New Zealand and internationally- I bring a depth of knowledge and insight that helps turn great ideas into truly unforgettable journeys.
From hidden gems to seamless itineraries, I use my experience every day to design travel that's tailored, thoughtful, and practical.
I'd love to hear about your plans, whether you're just starting to dream or ready to book.
Together, we'll create a well-organised, memorable trip that's perfectly suited to you- so all you need to do is enjoy the journey.
Mike
Best. Holidays. Ever!
Start here
Let us help you find your perfect holiday! Here's how to get in touch...
Want the insider word on all things travel?
Sign up below and be the first to hear about our hottest holiday deals, flight steals, cruise deals and essential travel hints and tips from our team of travel specialists.
By signing up, you have read or have an opportunity to read the Privacy Policy, and you agree to the provisions of the Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up, we’ll be in touch soon!
Hold on a sec, adventurer! We didn't quite catch your email. Sign up again to unlock your travel dreams!
