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
Sarah Henderson
House of Travel Christchurch City
Sarah's passion for her career and professional manner is reflected in her efficiency when taking care of your business travel arrangements. It is no surprise that Sarah is consistently recognised as one of the Top 10 Consultants for the House of Travel Group in New Zealand, including being one of the legends in the Hall of Fame!
"I love making travel simple for my client's. I know exactly where they like to sit on each aircraft type; their favourite hotels to stay and all the nitty gritty details to make travel less stressful."
Having recently celebrated working at House of Travel Christchurch City for 20 years, Sarah has extensive experience for all travel scenarios and is committed to finding the best possible solution for all her clients - even when issues are beyond her control.
When not at her desk, Sarah loves competing in the weekly pub quiz and on the weekends you will find her planting more roses in her 150-year-old Homestead garden.
Favourite place to visit: Disneyland
Next place to visit: Paris and someday, Russia
Sarah
Kelsey Mackay
House of Travel Hamilton East (formely Calder and Lawson)
|
Travel has always
been more than just getting from A to B for me, it’s about the experiences,
the memories, and the confidence that comes from seeing the world in a new
way. |
Kelsey
Tracie Thome
House of Travel Hamilton East (formely Calder and Lawson)
My travel career started in South Africa in the early 1990s and I have been involved in many different aspects of the travel industry since then. I thoroughly enjoy the diversity travel offers, especially learning about new and exciting destinations. I am very people focused and thrive on planning the perfect holiday experiences for my clients.
Tracie
Melissa Topp
House of Travel Christchurch City
Travel really is my passion and I perhaps love organising it just as much as the actual travelling. Being able to open up options for people they had no idea they could accomplish is truly exciting. I love the scope of what we can accomplish as a travel agent; our systems, knowledge and relationships with the right people all add up to being able to organise a truly memorable trip. I’ve done it all from tours, safaris, ocean and river cruises, adventure travel, self-drives, rail journeys, family travel specialising in all things Disney and I love to share my knowledge to help you achieve the trip of your lifetime.
Outside of the office I like to spend my time skiing, horse riding, tramping, scuba diving, getting outside on our lifestyle block with my two little girls or enjoying a glass of pinot with a side order of chocolate mousse.
Years in the Industry: over 20
No. of countries visited: 50+
Favourite place to visit: Niue, no wait Cuba, hmm no
maybe it’s Egypt….. Or Italy….
Next place on the list to visit: Disneyworld
· “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Augustine of Hippo
Why I love travel?
Travel gives us our greatest stories, our most cherished memories and countless irreplaceable learnings that we can choose to pay forward to others. It teaches us about ourselves and each other, it broadens our horizons and, just like a reset button, it forces us to refocus on what really matters.
My travel tips:
- Pack your patient pants; Don’t sweat the stuff you can’t control. Your trip is
much too short to stress. Did you miss your bus? No worries, there will be
another one.. ATM out of
money? Great! Take an unplanned road trip over to the next town and
explore. I know it can be hard sometimes, but just
take a deep breath and remind yourself that it could be worse.
- Focus on value over
deals. It’s so easy to not look past the initial $ signs when organising
your trip but how much extra will there be in added costs once you are at
your destination, lost time or enjoyment is that initial saving really
going to cost you once you are there.
- Wake Up Early To Avoid Crowds. Rise before sunrise to have the best attractions all to yourself while avoiding large tourist crowds. It’s also a magical time for photos due to the softer light and often providing great opportunities to interact with locals getting ready for their day. Sketchy areas are less dangerous in the morning too. Honest hardworking people wake up early; scammers and criminals sleep in…
My top 5 favourite destinations:
- Rio
De Janeiro – Such an incredibly vibrant city. Imagine, having dinner in a
local favela, no other tourists in sight and locals from ages 1-99 all
together, laughing, dancing to the live music, everyone talking to
everyone. A local group of young people came down the street performing
the traditional capoeira martial art/dance and everyone heads outside to
watch and cheer them on. It is always the people that make the place and
Brazil’s people are very bit as colourful as this amazing city.
- Europe
River cruise – A true holiday. Pull up each day in a different location,
right in the heart of things, wander off the boat and go for it. Return
when you feel like it to every luxury you could want, top class food and
drink and every room has a front row view. No crowds, most ships have
under 200 passengers and a great option for both first time travellers and
more experienced as you tend to visit many of the smaller and often less
visited towns.
- Rocky
Mountaineer train journey – Starting in Banff, which really feels like the
Queenstown of Canada and ending in Vancouver, a stunning city just a few
minutes’ drive and from the beautiful redwood forests this train journey
is must do travel experience. Seeing the spectacular scenery of the
Rockies from the comfort of your warmed up spacious leather seat, the
mountains are not just to either side but also above you through the glass
roof of the train.
- Borneo
– Here you can combine stunningly beautiful beach resorts with a visit to
the jungle; see the Proboscis monkeys, baby turtles being released into
the ocean and one of the only places in the world to see Orangutans in
their native habitat. One of the least explored areas on the planet with
many adventures to be had but you don’t need to skimp on luxury.
- East Africa Safari – It is a strangely exciting experience to be told not to wander too far from your tent at night because wild animals are really all around you. From elephants wandering through our camp one evening, to hearing bison grazing in the grass around us while sleeping, Africa really is as wild as you hope it will be. So many travel experiences these days are replicas – shows put together for your enjoyment. Africa definitely is not; it could not get much more real. Seeing orphaned baby elephants playing football with each other, wandering over to you reaching out their trunk so smell you as you stand behind only a rope fence watching their antics is just one of the incredible experiences on offer in this amazing location.
What’s in my suitcase?
- A
dog bed. I kid you not. These days I’m travelling with two little ones in
tow and as strange as this sounds it’s a life saver on long haul
flights-pair it with one of those big inflatable pillows that go where
your legs usually do and you have a comfortable bed for the little ones to
curl up in.
- A
dirty laundry bag. One easy spot to place all the worn things and easy to
take to the laundry with you while travelling or dump in the machine when
home.
- Earplugs. I need a good nights sleep be ready to do everything I have planned for the next day on my holiday and you just never know what noises you might want to shut out while travelling.
Melissa
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 3 May 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
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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 23 Apr 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 7 May 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 17 Apr 2026
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 2 May 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 10 May 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
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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
"Paul was once again very accommodating. He looked into multiple options for us and understood our circumstances. He was very punctual and as always highly detailed. thanks once again for booking our trip :-)"
Darryl"Prompt and practical responses to all our our concerns. Professional, resourceful and always reassuring"
Stephanie"Sharon has been our travel agent since we moved to Whangarei. She has a wealth of knowledge, expertise and experience in all aspects of travel. We find her very approachable, helpful and friendly. She is prompt in responding to any queries or requests and is proactive in informing us of any changes, options and special deals related to our travels."
GrahamOur Italy travel blogs
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