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Italy

La Dolce Vita, living the sweet life!

Venice

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!

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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.

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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.

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Time difference.

Italy is 10 hours behind New Zealand, so you’ll experience a substantial time difference upon arrival.

Our favourite things to do in Italy

Vespa

See Rome or Tuscany on a vespa

Want to explore Rome like a local?

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Ravioli Pasta

Learn to cook (and eat) like an Italian!

Go for an Italian Cooking class when in Italy!

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Pizza

Attend pizzafest in Naples

If you're borderline addicted to pizza, you're not alone.

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Vatican

Start your day with breakfast at the Vatican

Treat yourself to a VIP experience in Rome!

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Markets

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.

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Tuscany

Live like a local and hire a villa in Tuscany

One of the best experiences in Tuscany is to stay in a villa.

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View of Cinque Terre

Try the best basil pesto

Explore the stunning villages of Cinque Terre and taste the best basil pesto!

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Burano

Visit the outer Venetian islands

No trip to Venice is complete without a visit to its prized islands—Murano and Burano.

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Amalfi Coast

Hiking the Amalfi Coast

For something active and different - go for this popular hike on the Amalfi Coast!

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93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5

"She made me feel very welcome and this is the first time I’ve every done this and Kelly made me at ease!"

Janette Margaret

"Communication, flexibility, friendly personality, knowledge"

Charlotte

"Obliging, quick, understanding, what more can I say."

John

Meet our Italy specialists

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Shelley Rich

Shelley Rich

House of Travel Mount Maunganui

I have been a part of the travel industry for over 30 years and still love it!

I love to travel and I often joke with my clients that I live vicariously through them.

Planning the perfect holiday for my clients fills me with joy. I take pride in what I do and love sharing my passion of travel.

Many of my clients have become life long friends. 

Shelley

Brydie Forsyth

Brydie Forsyth

House of Travel Westport


Laura Simpson

Laura Simpson

House of Travel Taupo

When I first started in the travel industry, I didn’t even have a passport! Fast forward a few months, and that had all changed – I hit the ground running on my first overseas adventure, and I haven’t stopped since. Whether it’s getting immersed in the local culture, or ticking off bucket list moments, travel has a unique magic that stays with you forever. 

I love using my own travel experience to bring that personal, unique touch to your dream holiday, making a seamless experience from the planning stages right through to your return home. From navigating the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong to exploring the USA on a road trip, there’s a world out there just waiting to be discovered. 

Let’s have a chat, and make your travel dreams a reality!


Laura

Maree Thompson

Maree Thompson

House of Travel Mount Maunganui

From the first travel I did as a teenager I have wanted to travel the world, experience the food, absorb the culture and learn the history!!!

I have always been passionate about creating the ultimate holidays and feel that makes me the best planner of your holidays that I can be!! 

I had been selling travel for over 20 years when I felt something else was needed and to the leap to be the retail manger of House of Travel Papamoa. I feel I have never looked back and enjoy leading a fantastic group of people!!

I love my job!!! I love the fact that no one holiday is ever the same and also thrive on a challenge of a complex itinerary, round the world flight or something out of the norm. 

I think the benefit you get with me is the experience I have had planning and travel and the places I have travelled. 

I have travelled extensively and in particular done a lot around New Zealand, Australia, South Pacific Islands, USA and Europe and find that travel opens your mind to another world full of new experiences, new tastes and an appreciation for life in general. 

I have a rule that every trip I do I need to pick one unique thing to do on holiday that is un-usual or you would not do on another holiday .... I have been hot air ballooning, have been on a segway tour, have helicoptered out to an island etc.

My Travel Tips

* I am a bit of a IT geek so always travel with an adaptor that has USB ports for my IWatch, iPhone and iPad. 

*Have a store of great apps that help with travel, packing, maps, closest toilet etc.!!

*Always keep in touch with your travel agent so they can keep you up to date with deals that are out for your next holiday.

*Cash passports are a MUST as safe and easy way to travel. 

The best holidays are definitely created together so would love to get you in for an appointment and have a discussion about your travel dreams.

Maree


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