Flight time.
Flying from Auckland to Italy usually takes around 24 hours, including a stopover. The journey is long, but the art, culture, and cuisine of Italy await you.
A land of timeless art, culinary delights, and scenic beauty
Ciao! Passion seeps into all aspects of life here – you can hear it in the opera, taste it in lovingly prepared pasta, and see it in action as the Italians promenade across their piazzas, talking loudly and proudly with their hands. In Rome and Milan, life zooms by on Vespas, while Venice and Florence dazzle with their unique charms. In the countryside, things slow down - ideal for savoring wine, long lunches, and sunflower fields. Enjoy Tuscany’s scenic hills, historic Pompeii, and pastel coastal villages. On the coast, villages washed in pastel colours cling to cliffs; and in the Italian Alps, elegant villas overlook tranquil lakes. No wonder Italy was home to so many inspired painters and composers.
Chat to our Italy travel specialists and let’s start planning your belissimo holiday today!
SKIP-THE-LINE SIGHTSEEING
ROMAN GETAWAY
Explore Taste of Rome
Rome
Taste of Rome
3 Nights
Sightseeing
Breakfast daily
from
$
979
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Around the World by Luxury Train
Vancouver to Singapore
Around the World by Luxury Train
60 Days
Luxury Rail Travel
Sightseeing
from
$
199,000
AUD
Per person share twin. Flights are additional
Europe's Hottest Picks
Trending destinations
Explore Rome, Florence & Venice by Train
Italy
Rome, Florence & Venice by Train
6 Nights
Rail Travel
Sightseeing
Contact us for the best price available
1x 3 COURSE DINNER
NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE
Explore Taste of Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre
Taste of Cinque Terre
3 Nights
Cinque Terre Park entrance
from
$
1480
per person share twin. Flights are additional
PESTO MAKING CLASS
Explore Rome, Florence & Cinque Terre by Train
Italy
Rome, Florence & Cinque Terre by Train
8 nights
Rail travel
Sightseeing
Contact us for the best price available
GLACIER EXPRESS
VATICAN
Explore Classic Italy & the Swiss Alps by Rail
Italy & Switzerland
Classic Italy & the Swiss Alps by Rail
14 Nights
Rail Travel
Sightseeing
Contact us for the best price available
Taylor Le Breton
House of Travel Invercargill
I‘m an active explorer, food lover, and fitness addict who is always chasing the next adventure! Travel is my way of diving into new cultures, exploring the past, and tasting my way around the world. I’m always curious about how others live, what makes them happy, and I love coming home with stories to tell and memories that stick.
Taylor
Ella Cotterall
House of Travel Takapuna
I believe that planning travel isn’t just about booking flights and hotels - it’s about creating memories that last a lifetime.
I’m not just here to book your flights and hotels - I’m here to turn your
travel dreams into something real, seamless, and extraordinary. I’ll take the
time to understand you – see what excites you, what comforts you, and what you
want out of every journey. My goal is to create experiences that feel perfectly
tailored to what you are after, never generic.
Having explored some of the world’s most incredible destinations, I love using
my firsthand experience to create holidays that truly suit you. Whether it’s
ticking off iconic landmarks, venturing off the beaten track, relaxing on a
luxury escape, setting sail on a river or ocean cruise, or planning the perfect
trip for couples, families, solo travellers or groups - I’m here to help bring
your next adventure to life.
Ella
Jason McKay
House of Travel Nelson
As the proud Owner Operator of House of Travel Nelson, I lead a small but passionate team dedicated to taking care of all your travel needs.
I primarily work on the Orbit World Travel side of our business, specialising in business and group travel. But as a traveller myself, I love chatting with customers and the team about their upcoming adventures — there’s nothing better than sharing in the excitement of a great trip!
Travel has played a huge role in my life. From years of family holidays to the Gold Coast and Fiji, where the kids spent hours in the pool or on the playground, to unforgettable highlights like Disneyland (they were 10 and 12 — the perfect age!), followed by a relaxing week in Mexico. These days, with older kids, we’re seeking more adventure. Our recent trip to Vietnam was a standout — from the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the peaceful beauty of Hoi An's lanterns and Halong Bay. If you haven’t been, it’s a must!
Next on my list? Europe. While I’ve done a couple of quick trips
in the past, I’m keen to take the time to explore the diverse cultures and rich
history of the places I’ve spent years helping others discover.
Whether your trip is big or small, come in and see us at House of Travel Nelson — we’ll make sure it’s your best one yet.
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
DID YOU KNOW?
Best time to go.
The best times to visit Italy are during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). These seasons offer mild weather, fewer tourists, and the chance to see Italy at its most beautiful.
Time difference.
Italy is 10 hours behind New Zealand, so you’ll experience a substantial time difference upon arrival.
Explore The Mediterranean with Explora Journeys
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
2026 Sailings
All inclusive Ultra Luxury
Flights are Additional
Cruising with
Explora Journeys
Departs 1 Jun 2026
Explore Discover the Best of the Croatian Coast
Discover the Best of the Croatian Coast
This incredible 14-night journey navigates the very best of the Croatian Coast, beginning and ending in the grand city of Venice. From secluded pebbly bays edged by majestic rocky inclines to ancient towns with narrow cobblestone streets and waterfront seafood eateries, this is a cruise of idyllic island days and a peek into Croatia’s fascinating past.
14 Night Luxury Yacht Cruise
from
$
26,850
per person share twin with Oceanview Stateroom
Flights Additional
Flights Additional
Cruising with
Emerald Yacht Cruises
Departs 15 Aug 2026
Explore The Mediterranean with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
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.
2026 Sailings
Sun-drenched Rivieras
Cruising with
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Departs 1 Jun 2026
Explore Cruises from Malta
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 of Italy, Greece, Croatia, France, Spain, and Turkey, where ancient ruins, charming villages, sun-kissed beaches, and delectable cuisine await.
View Cruises from Malta 2026 Sailings
View Cruises from Malta 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.
2026 & 2027 Sailings
Sun, History & Shores
Cruising with
P&O Cruises UK
Departs 4 Jun 2026
LAST MINUTE CRUISES
ALL INCLUSIVE LUXURY
Explore Regent Seven Seas Mediterranean Escape
Regent Seven Seas Mediterranean Escape
Cruises departing from Istanbul, Rome, and Barcelona invite travelers into a rich tapestry of cultures, coastlines, and centuries-old history. From the vibrant bazaars of Istanbul to the timeless beauty of Rome, and the colorful rhythm of Barcelona, each port offers a unique gateway to unforgettable Mediterranean journeys. Whether you're drawn to ancient ruins, sun-drenched beaches, or world-renowned cuisine, these voyages offer the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration across Southern Europe's most iconic destinations.
Captivating Canary Islands - 10 Night Onboard Seven Seas Voyager®
Lisbon – Malaga
23 Mar – 02 Apr 26
From $27, 715 per person share twin Voyager Suite
Click here to view full itinerary and pricing details
Passage to History - 14 Night Onboard Seven Seas Splendor®
Lisbon – Barcelona
27 Mar – 10 Apr 26
From $17,929 per person share twin Deluxe Veranda Suite
Click here to view full itinerary and pricing details
Pesto, Paella & Paradise - 9 Night Onboard Seven Seas Voyager®
Rome (Civitavecchia) – Barcelona (Tarragona)
17 Apr – 27 Apr 26
From $13,825 per person share twin Deluxe Veranda Suite
Click here to view full itinerary and pricing details
Journey to the Golden Horn - 14 Night Onboard Seven Seas Grandeur®
Barcelona –Istanbul
21 Apr – 05 May 26
From $15,895 per person share twin Serenity Suite
Click here to view full itinerary and pricing details
9 to 14 Night Luxury Cruise
from
$
13,825
per person share twin Deluxe Veranda Suite
Flights additional
Flights additional
Cruising with
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Departs
AMAZING SAVINGS*
Explore Greek Islands & Turkish Coastlines
Greek Islands & Turkish Coastlines
Embark on a luxurious 7-night cruise through the Greek Islands and along the coast of Turkey, setting sail from the ancient capital of Greece, Athens. Your first stop will be the sacred island of Delos, followed by the vibrant island of Mykonos, world-famous for its hedonistic lifestyle and hillside whitewashed architecture. Continue your journey to the serene island of Patmos, renowned for its religious significance and Kusadasi, gateway to ancient city of Ephesus, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kos, an idyllic island where you can relax on pristine beaches or explore ancient ruins. Then sail to Santorini Island and admire the iconic sights and picturesque Paros, where you can wander through the island’s charming villages and enjoy the Aegean Sea’s crystal-clear waters. Finally, you’ll return to the historic city of Athens, where your unforgettable cruise concludes.
7 Night Luxury Yacht Cruise
from
$
12,655
per person share twin
Balcony Suite
Flights Additional
Balcony Suite
Flights Additional
Cruising with
Emerald Yacht Cruises
Departs 18 Jul 2026
AMAZING SAVINGS
Explore Romantic Rhine with Swiss Alps & Lake Como
Romantic Rhine with Swiss Alps & Lake Como
Sail in style on this unforgettable Avalon Waterways journey, where fairytale villages, alpine charm, and timeless romance await. Begin your journey in the heart of Italy with 3 indulgent nights in stunning Lake Como, the jewel of the Italian Lakes. From there, venture into the majestic Swiss Alps, pausing for a magical overnight in Lucerne, before boarding your Avalon Suite Ship®.
Glide along the legendary Rhine River, experiencing the storybook beauty of towns like Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Rüdesheim, and Cologne. Marvel at castles perched on cliffs, wander medieval streets, sip world-class wines, and soak in the culture that makes this region one of Europe’s most iconic.
11 Night River Cruisetour
from
$
8915
per person share twin
Deluxe Stateroom
Flights are additional
Deluxe Stateroom
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Avalon Waterways
Departs 27 Oct 2026
SAVE UP TO 20%
Explore Sweet Mediterranean Escape
Sweet Mediterranean Escape
From the Cave of the Apocalypse and the charming hilltop town of Taormina, to the archaeological treasures of Delos, the spectacular Corinth Canal, and the ancient, picturesque city of Gaeta — experience the enchanting allure of the Mediterranean!
With just 132 staterooms & suites onboard your small luxurious ship, Le Boréal perfectly blends intimate and serene spaces with areas for lively social moments.
12 Night Luxury Cruise
from
$
15,035
per person share twin
Lower Deck Balcony
Flights are additional
Lower Deck Balcony
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Ponant Explorations
Departs 17 Jul 2026
Explore Mediterranean Icons
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
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!
2026 Sailings
Fantastic Value
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Celestyal Cruises
Departs 29 Aug 2026
Explore Europe with Virgin Voyages
Europe with Virgin Voyages
Wander your way through Europe with Virgin Voyages, where every port tells a different story. From the sun-soaked coastlines of Greece and Croatia to the cobbled streets of Belgium and the cultural gems of Spain, this is a continent made for slow mornings and late-night strolls. Cruise past Norway’s dramatic fjords, sip sangria in Valencia, or lose yourself in the art and architecture of Florence. With stops that span seaside villages, iconic capitals, and off-the-map treasures, these sailings serve up Europe’s greatest hits—with a few unexpected tracks along the way.
View Europe 2026 May to Oct Sailings
Step aboard Virgin Voyages and discover a cruise experience that’s refreshingly different. With over 20+ eateries included, Michelin-inspired menus, boundary-pushing entertainment, and adults-only spaces throughout, life on board is anything but ordinary. Expect elevated design, wellness at your pace, and a cheeky dose of fun from a crew that knows how to keep things light and lively.
2026 Sailings
Onboard Scarlet Lady or Resilient Lady
Wander the Wonders of Europe
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Virgin Voyages
Departs 7 Jun 2026
AMAZING SAVINGS*
Explore Malta, Sicily & Amalfi Coast
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.
9 Night Luxury Yacht Cruise
from
$
17,045
per person share twin
Balcony Stateroom
Flights Additional
Balcony Stateroom
Flights Additional
Cruising with
Emerald Yacht Cruises
Departs 30 Jul 2026
HOT EXCLUSIVE OFFER*
AMAZING SAVINGS*
Explore Croatian Coast and Best of the Adriatic
Croatian Coast and Best of the Adriatic
This epic journey over eight days follows the spectacular Croatian Coast, stopping over at some of the most beautiful islands and coastal cities of the Adriatic Sea. Your luxury cruise begins in the famed ‘City of Canals’, Venice in Italy and concludes in magnificent Dubrovnik, set along Croatia's stunning Dalmatian coastline. From secluded pebbly bays to ancient port towns revealing narrow cobblestone streets, historic squares and waterfront seafood eateries, set sail for a luxury cruise of idyllic island days and a peek into Croatia’s fascinating past.
7 Night Luxury Yacht Cruise
from
$
10,045
per person share twin Oceanview Stateroom
Flights Additional
Flights Additional
Cruising with
Emerald Yacht Cruises
Departs 1 Aug 2026
AVAILABLE IN 2025
ENJOY 80% OFF
Explore Virgin Voyages Europe Sailings for 2025
Virgin Voyages Europe Sailings for 2025
Virgin Voyages offers escape at sea, designed exclusively for adults looking to relax, rejuvenate, and explore in style.
Embark on a Mediterranean adventure from vibrant homeports in Barcelona, Spain, and Piraeus (Athens), Greece. Set sail between the iconic islands of Santorini and Mykonos, uncover the beauty of Croatia’s breathtaking coastline, or enjoy a glass of Chianti as you wander through the charming cobbled streets of Italy.
Scarlet Lady, 30 August 2025, 6 Nights, A Taste of Spain & Bordeaux, roundtrip from the UK
Portsmouth, La Coruna, Bilbao, La Verdon (Bordeaux), Portsmouth
FREE BAR TAB WORTH US$200 PER ROOM
From $1960 per person share twin
Click here for full itinerary and pricing details
Scarlet Lady, 18 May 2025, 7 Nights, Palma & Ibiza
Barcelona, Cannes, Ajaccio (Corsica), Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza (overnight), Barcelona
80% Off your 2nd sailor plus FREE BAR TAB WORTH US$200 PER ROOM
From NZ$2543 per person share twin
Click here for full itinerary and pricing details
Resilient Lady, 27 July 2025, 7 Nights Greece, Croatia & Montenegro
Athens, Kotor (Montenegro), Dubrovnik, Corfu, Mykonos, Athens
80% Off your 2nd sailor plus FREE BAR TAB WORTH US$200 PER ROOM
From NZ$2542 per person share twin
Click here for full itinerary and pricing details
Resilient Lady, 08 June 2025, 7 Nights, Greek Islands and Turkiye
Athens, Santorini, Rhodes, Bodrum, Mykonos (overnight), Athens
80% Off your 2nd sailor & FREE BAR TAB WORTH US$200 PER ROOM
From NZ$3052 per person share twin
Click here for full itinerary and pricing details
Scarlet Lady, 12 September 2025, 13 Nights, Spain, Portugal & Morocco
Portsmouth, La Coruna Lisbon (overnight), Casablanca, Malaga, Ibiza (overnight), Barcelona
80% Off your 2nd sailor plus FREE BAR TAB WORTH US$300 PER ROOM
From NZ$2860 per person share twin
Click here for full itinerary and pricing details
Sailing across Europe
from
$
1960
Cruising with
Virgin Voyages
Departs
Our favourite things to do in Italy
See Rome or Tuscany on a vespa
Want to explore Rome like a local?
Learn to cook (and eat) like an Italian!
Go for an Italian Cooking class when in Italy!
Attend pizzafest in Naples
If you're borderline addicted to pizza, you're not alone.
Start your day with breakfast at the Vatican
Treat yourself to a VIP experience in Rome!
Head to the markets
Experience Rome's oldest market at the Campo dei Fiori, which serves up fresh seafood, vegetables, fruit, spices and homewares daily from Monday to Saturday.
Live like a local and hire a villa in Tuscany
One of the best experiences in Tuscany is to stay in a villa.
Try the best basil pesto
Explore the stunning villages of Cinque Terre and taste the best basil pesto!
Visit the outer Venetian islands
No trip to Venice is complete without a visit to its prized islands—Murano and Burano.
Hiking the Amalfi Coast
For something active and different - go for this popular hike on the Amalfi Coast!
93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5
"Friendly and very informative. I wouldn't use anyone else. Full of great advice. Quick to respond to emails ??"
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Susan"I had to make a sudden trip to Sydney as a friend had passed away. The booking was done through a friend at Travel Managers Australia with whom I had worked for over 30 years. Maia issued an insurance policy for me over the phone at short notice which I appreciated greatly. I always told my clients if you can't afford travel insurance you shouldn't be travelling! So I do stick to my own principals."
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