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 6
SKIP-THE-LINE SIGHTSEEING
ROMAN GETAWAY
Taste of Rome
Around the World by Luxury Train
Rome, Florence & Venice by Train
1x 3 COURSE DINNER
NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE
Taste of Cinque Terre
Rome, Florence & Cinque Terre by Train
GLACIER EXPRESS
VATICAN
Classic Italy & the Swiss Alps by Rail
Explore our Italy tours 24
Explore our Italy cruise 17
SAVE $5800 PER COUPLE
INCLUDES DRINKS PACKAGE
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
CREDIT ONBOARD
Mediterranean Isles & Rome Escape
Discover the timeless beauty of the Mediterranean on a 12-night cruise journey from Rome to Athens aboard Enchanted Princess. Begin with a 2-night stay in Rome, where ancient history, iconic landmarks and authentic Italian cuisine set the scene for your holiday. Cruise through stunning Mediterranean destinations rich in culture, coastal beauty and historic treasures. A seamless escape combining immersive sightseeing with the comfort and style of Princess Cruises.
Interior Stateroom
Flights are additional
Departs 20 May 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 $2169 per person share twin Interior Stateroom
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 $2335 per person share twin Interior Bella Stateroom
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 $4965 per person share twin Deluxe Interior Fantastica Stateroom
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 $5594 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 Stateroom
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 $4605 per person share twin Interior Bella Stateroom
Hotel Service Charge & Port Tax Included
Click here for full itinerary and pricing details
Amazing Savings
Flights are Additional
Departs 2 Oct 2026
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 6 Jul 2026
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
ONBOARD CREDIT
Mediterranean Reverie - May 2027
Discover the heart of the Mediterranean on a 14-night journey from Barcelona to Rome. Travel through a tapestry of sun-drenched coastlines, historic ports and culturally rich destinations, from charming seaside villages to iconic ancient cities. Explore world-renowned landmarks, indulge in regional cuisine and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Southern Europe. A captivating escape filled with history, beauty and unforgettable Mediterranean moments.
Cunard staterooms are among the most spacious at sea with Penhaligon toiletries, twice-daily turndown service and sparkling wine on arrival. Princess and Queens Suites offer additional benefits including a personal butler. A host of activities are available onboard including open-air pools and gym facilities and the daily programme will have live music, theatre performances, guest speaker events and the famous signature Afternoon Tea and Gala Evenings.
Inside Stateroom
Flights are additional
Departs 14 May 2027
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
Mediterranean Isles & Icons
Enjoy two nights in historic Rome, where ancient icons, vibrant piazzas and world-famous cuisine set the scene for your Mediterranean escape. Then step aboard Oceania Marina, an elegant ship renowned for exceptional service and refined small-ship luxury. Set sail on an unforgettable voyage, from the historic streets of Naples and the dramatic beauty of Sicily to the fortified charm of Malta, the Mediterranean flavours of Sardinia, and the colourful harbours of Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza, before concluding with two nights in vibrant Barcelona.
Savour The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and enjoy exceptional value with Oceania’s Your World Included™, featuring gourmet speciality restaurants, in-suite dining, unlimited WiFi, gratuities and more — always included.
Inside Stateroom
Departs 12 Nov 2026
Classic Mediterranean
Enjoy three nights in captivating Istanbul, where the treasures of the Grand Bazaar and centuries of history set the scene for your Mediterranean escape. Then step aboard Oceania Allura, a captivating new ship offering exceptional service with two staff members for every three guests. Set sail on an unforgettable voyage, from the whitewashed charm of Mykonos and the medieval beauty of Dubrovnik to the dramatic shores of Kotor and the timeless icons of Italy, including Rome and Florence, before concluding with two nights in vibrant Barcelona.
Savour The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and enjoy exceptional value with Oceania’s Your World Included™, featuring gourmet speciality restaurants, in-suite dining, unlimited WiFi, gratuities and more — always included.
Veranda Stateroom
Departs 13 Oct 2026
10 GUIDED TOURS
AMAZING SAVINGS
Mediterranean Odyssey
Embark on a timeless journey through the Mediterranean, where history and culture await at every port. Explore the enchanting towns of Tuscany, the ancient wonders of Rome, and the iconic canals of Venice. Indulge in the glamour of the French Riviera, from the elegance of Marseille to the allure of Monte Carlo. Uncover the hidden treasures of Dubrovnik, a medieval gem. Throughout your voyage, enjoy exceptional hospitality and savor exquisite regional cuisine, immersing you in the heart of this remarkable region.
Deluxe Veranda Stateroom
Flights are additional
Departs 20 Feb 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 $39,425 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 4 Jul 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 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.
Sun, History & Shores
Departs 4 Jun 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 $44, 365 per person share twin Oceanview Bella
Click here for Availability & Best Fares
Flights Additional
Departs 5 Jan 2027
Venice & The Jewels of Veneto
Discover the soul of Northern Italy in style with Uniworld’s luxurious S.S La Venezia. Choose from 7- to 12-night itineraries — from a 7-night Venice Lagoon cruise to a more immersive Italian experience by combining your cruise with a stay in Rome or Milan, or book the Grande Italia to include both! And New for 2026! Enhance your cruise with a pre-cruise stay in Ljubljana, the beautiful capital of Slovenia. Ask us about this new itinerary!
View Venice 2026 Sailings
View Venice 2027 Sailings
This journey unveils the timeless beauty of Venice and the Veneto region, from the grand canals of La Serenissima to the charming islands of Burano, Mazzorbo, and the historic towns of Chioggia and Padua.
With Uniworld, travel feels effortless yet indulgent. Their boutique river ships are beautifully styled with a local flair and feature exceptional service, gourmet dining, and spacious suites. Every part of your cruise is thoughtfully included—from guided excursions to regional cuisine and top-shelf beverages. It’s all designed to let you fully unwind, while still connecting deeply with the places and people along the way.
Cruise Venice by Lagoon
Departs 12 Jul 2026
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.
Ocenaview Stateroom
Flights Additional
Departs 10 May 2027
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
Chris Fifield
House of Travel Christchurch City
Chris has travelled the globe several times over... with his 30 plus years' experience in the industry he is unquestionably efficient and knowledgeable when it comes to organising any form of travel!
Chris' passion for his career is evident in all holidays he organises. His personal travel experiences compliment his leisure travel background, as he can think outside the box logistically and ensure that all your travel needs are met, and you are guided throughout your journey.
"Whether your travel dreams are exploring the rugged West Coast of New Zealand to a luxury break in Fiji, I am 100% committed to ensuring you have the best experience planning and fulfilling your dream holiday."
Outside of work, you will find Chris in the great outdoors having fished his way throughout New Zealand, hiked the Inca Trail in Peru, skied the Canadian Rockies, just to name a few.
Work, save, travel, repeat.
Why I love travel:
There is so many different cultures to experience and history that goes way beyond New Zealand's few hundred years of course - stunning natural beauty can be enjoyed all over the world.
My travel tips:
- If you are there - do it. Travel is all about experiences that create wonderful memories, so don't regret not doing something because you were concerned about the price - the bank won't mind and you will talk about it for years to come.
- Pack light as you can always find a laundromat - though I do need to take me own advice!
- Find the most comfortable walking shoes you can find and break them in before you go. You will probably do lots of walking in some countries .... old European cobbled streets can take a toll.
- Be prepared to and learn how to tip so you don't get thought of as a bad tourist - most of the world tips for service and yet it's so foreign to us, but very important to do so.
My top 5 favourite destinations:
- Pacific Islands - a close tropical beach escape. The rest of the world dreams of these exotic locations and they are just there for us.
- Canada - amazing wilderness experiences on a grand scale.
- Italy - organised chaos! I just love the expressive personalities of the people, as well the fabulous food and drink and amazing history.
- Vietnam - a bit of everything from great beaches to amazing food and stunning rural scenery and different minority cultures.
- Mediterranean Cruise - why not take your hotel with you - wake up each day with a new culture and experience to be had - this is the place to cruise!
What's in my suitcase:
- Too much - I must do better!
- One universal adaptor and a 4 plug New Zealand multi box
Chris
Courtney McCormack
House of Travel Morrinsville
Travel is truly in my blood. My grandparents sparked the travel bug in my mum, and she passed that passion on to me. From the moment I took my very first holiday at age three, a magical trip to Disneyland, I was hooked. Growing up, I listened to my mum’s stories from her OE, my cousins’ globe-trotting adventures, and my sister’s explorations, all of which fueled my own wanderlust.
Over the years, I’ve lived in Scotland, as well as in England and Ireland, soaking up different cultures and ways of life. I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively, exploring incredible destinations including Jordan, Israel, the USA, Australia & Europe. I’ve experienced the security and ease of organised solo travel with Contiki and Topdeck tours, but I’ve also embraced the challenge and freedom of planning my own trips, like eloping in Denmark, which remains one of my most cherished adventures.
With a background in hospitality, I combine practical knowledge with genuine care to craft holidays that are personalised, meaningful, and seamless. I love getting to know your unique travel style and what matters most to you, whether that’s family fun, a romantic escape, or a bucket-list adventure.
I’m not just your travel consultant; I’m your travel cheerleader. I’ll celebrate every countdown with you, smooth out any bumps along the way, and be just as excited when everything comes together perfectly. My goal is to take the stress out of travel planning, so you can focus on making memories.
Let’s work together to create a travel experience that’s not only unforgettable but uniquely yours.
Courtney
Jo Coolen
House of Travel Kapiti Coast
For a long time, I've told people I have the best job in the world and I still stand by that.
What could be better than turning peoples dreams into reality? I never know what the day will bring and isn't variety the spice of life?
My travel journey started a bit later in my life, so I haven't been everywhere YET, but I am having a damn good crack at it, gathering local knowledge along the way.
Jo
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!
