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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

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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Taylor Le Breton

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

Charlotte Coles

Charlotte Coles

House of Travel Riccarton

I absolutely love organising travel and turning every trip into a seamless adventure that’s perfectly tailored to you. My passion for travel is all about the details—whether it’s finding the best local spots, securing that perfect beachfront hotel or ensuring you have unforgettable experiences at every turn.

I’m all about creating stress-free, personalised journeys that suit your style, making sure every part of your trip is smooth, fun, and unforgettable. With me on your team, you’re in for a trip that’s as unique as you are!


Charlotte

Bridget Hanrahan

Bridget Hanrahan

House of Travel Prestons

Bridget has an amazing collection of knowledge from 21 years creating wonderful itineraries for all her clients. She takes the role of research very seriously from finding the finest cocktail to ensuring everyone has the best activity tips!

Her knowledge in cruising, as well as other adventure and family travel combined with her easy approachable manner takes the pain out of planning your trip of a lifetime. 

"Designing unique travel experiences is my passion. My attention to detail and always looking for exclusive options ensures that all client's experiences are seamless right from the initial enquiry". 

When Bridget is not pouring over brochures for inspiration, you can find her having a game of tennis, finding the next best HOT Chocolate, or spending time with her family. 

Years in the industry: 21+ 
No. of countries visited: 26
Favourite place to visit: Africa

"Travel is the healthiest addiction" - Anonymous


Why I love travel: 

For me life is about experiences, not things! I love exploring new places, cultures, environments. I see travel for me as an addiction - I just can't stay away and helping people is so rewarding. 


My travel tips: 

  • Travel as soon as you can, don't delay as life is too short. 
  • If you want an adventure head to Antarctica or the Arctic before anywhere else. 
  • Always carry a change of clothes, any valuables and medication in your carry-on luggage. The House of Travel online brochures are a great source of information when planning your journey then we can finetune your holiday for you. 


My top 5 destinations: 

  • Africa- Serengeti plains!!! Perfect place to go to create family memories with our young adult kids! Adventure to encounter wildlife and camping in the Serengeti!
  • Dubai- the mix of culture, sights, architecture, markets, desert and the malls - even though shopping is not my thing. 
  • Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska - I was incredibly fortunate to have a family holiday in Canada, Alaska, Las Vegas and California and I'll never forget rafting on the Nenana River, rounding a bend to see a moose and her two calves taking a drink …. we all forgot to keep paddling; it was an incredible sight!
  • Rome - the history and the chaos of a bustling city it offers so much culture with a cool vibe. 
  • Thailand - I lived near Chiang Mai as an exchange student many years ago and have been back to the country three times. It is great for families, couples, singles with so much to see and do. 


What's in my suitcase?

  • Happiness - I'm always in my happy place as soon as I travel.
  • Active wear - Our holidays always include adventure and plenty of travel. 
  • A copy of my passport and insurance policy number and phone number, in case I lose my carryon bag and phone. 

Bridget



Reuben Goldingham Newsom

Reuben Goldingham Newsom

House of Travel Palmerston North: Broadway


Having visited 32 countries (and counting!), I've been lucky enough to turn my passions of exploring the world into a career helping others do the same. I specialise in travel across Australia, the Pacific Islands, Cruises, and bring a wealth of knowledge from a six-month backpacking adventure across Europe that gave me first hand insight into travelling on and off the beaten track. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic getaway, or a once in a lifetime adventure, I’ll take care of every detail so that you can relax and enjoy the journey. Your travel will be made easy, memorable, and be perfectly suited to you.

Some of my most memorable experiences include hot air ballooning over the desert in Dubai, island hopping along Croatia’s stunning coastline, and something a little closer to home - Fiji! - A destination every Kiwi should experience at least once.

Travel is constantly evolving, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way — from planning and booking to those special insider tips. Get in touch via phone or email to start planning your next adventure. Video consultations are also available for your convenience.

Reuben

Travel Consultant - House of Travel Broadway, Palmerston North

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