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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!

DID YOU KNOW?

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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

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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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Meet our Italy specialists

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Petra Otte

Petra Otte

House of Travel Wellington City

Having spent 40+ years, 30 owning my own HOT outlet here in the heart of Wellington, in this exciting and ever changing industry you could say that extraordinary resilience is at the top of my skite sheet given the many and varying challenges that have faced travellers over the years.

My clients and colleagues describe me as a passionate people person, who endeavours to get the best out of a traveller's investment.

It is important for me to be inclusive of everyone within a travelling party, to hear the voice of each traveller, and ensure everyone's wishes are met.

Having been to all continents bar Antarctica which is high on my list, I have also travelled in all styles from budget overland backpacking to luxury cruises which allows me to relate to all clients and work with you for what is best for you. 

Petra

Hayley Mundy

Hayley Mundy

House of Travel Tauranga: The Crossing

After more than 30 years selling travel, it still  gives me such a buzz to create fabulous holidays. I love watching my clients' anticipation build, being part of the planning, sharing in the excitement of their journey - and of course hearing all about it when they return. It's almost as good as being on the trip with them!

Travel has changed a lot in recent years, and that's exactly why it pays to have an expert in your corner. As a senior, award-winning travel consultant at one of New Zealand's best-rated travel agencies, House of Travel The Crossing, I'm here to take the stress out, and the fun in!!

From complex airfares and cruise itineraries to boutique stays, family getaways and once-in-a-lifetime adventures, I'll help you navigate this new era of travel with confidence - keeping an eye on the details, the fine print, and the "what ifs", so you can focus on the excitement. 

Let's create a holiday to remember - fabulous, seamless, and perfectly you. 


Hayley


Josephine Perera

Josephine Perera

House of Travel Masterton


Having been with House of Travel for 13 years I really enjoy how even after all this time every day is different. I can still find new destinations to learn about and expand on my knowledge through travel I have booked. Hearing about how my client’s travels went and what they experienced is always a highlight!

I encourage clients to keep in touch throughout their trip as I love receiving a photo now and then to see where their adventures are taking them. To me it's not just a holiday or a travel experience we are booking, it's memories we are helping create that will last you a lifetime.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain.

So don't wait, get in touch to plan your next big adventure today!


Josephine 

Sarah Martelli

Sarah Martelli

House of Travel Rotorua

My love for travel began early - at 19, I left New Zealand with a one-way ticket to London to start my OE, and I've never looked back. I spent eight years living overseas, including four incredible years in London, where I explored Europe extensively. (Barcelona still has my heart!) 

I began my travel career in Melbourne in 2004, and knew I'd found my dream career. Even know, I still smile every day coming to work - I truly LOVE what I do. 

I did step away from the travel industry for a few years to raise my family, but the pull of travel was simply too strong. Coming back confirmed what I already knew: there is nothing else I would rather be doing. No two days are ever the same, and helping to create someone's dream holiday is a true privilege. 

Helping clients plan their adventures brings me so much joy. I specialize in point-to-point Europe itineraries, and I'm especially passionate about tours and cruising. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a multi-generational family holiday, a tailor-made Europe itinerary or a cruising holiday, I'll work with you to create a trip that fits within your budget and needs.

I pride myself on attention to detail and prompt turnaround times with my work. I believe I also go above and beyond for my clients - many now see me more as a friend, because we've built such strong relationships. Whether it's your first trip or your tenth, I'm here to make your journey smooth, exciting, and unforgettable from start to finish.

I'm known for being friendly, bubbly, and a great listener. I'll take the time to understand your needs and offer thoughtful advice and suggestions to make your trip the best it can be. 

I live on our dairy farm in Reporoa with my Husband Mathew and our three young children, who go to school in Rotorua. We are a busy sporting family, so I understand the #mumlife juggle and the importance of taking time out for a well-earned holiday, either as a family or for a lush couples' getaway! 

Some of our favourite family trips have been around Vietnam and to the theme parks on the Gold Coast, and next on our list with the kids Hawaii. For my husband and I, our favourite recent couples getaway trips were to Bali and Malaysia - beachfront cocktails, yes please! Next on our wish list is the Maldives, I have been there 20 years ago so I think it’s time we went back!

Don't just dream about it - lets start planning. Get in touch today and let me turn your travel dreams into your next boarding pass.


Sarah

  • Top Retail Consultant Finalist 2024
  • Silver Sales Award 2025 
  • Gold Sales Award 2026


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