17 Day Italy & Deluxe Mediterranean Cruise

• Return economy international airfares
• Partially escorted by an English-speaking guide 
• 7 nights accommodation in selected 3 and 4-star hotels
• 7 night cruise with MSC Cruises
• 14 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners
• Arrival transfer from Milan Airport to hotel 
• Ferry trip to the islands of Venice and Murano
• Guided city tours in Rome, Florence, Venice
• Entrance tickets included for Colosseum (November to February, pending availability) or Roman Forum (March - October), St Mark´s Basilica and Murano Glass Factory in Venice
• Train ticket Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa

• Milan - Spend time exploring the beautiful cobbled Piazza del Duomo, part of the Centro Storico famous for its lively cafes, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II mall, and home to the impressive Gothic cathedral of Duomo di Milano. 
• Pisa - Time to admire one of the most alluring and beautiful art complexes in Italy, including the well-known Leaning Tower of Pisa. 
• Rome - Scenic tour of the main sites of  “The Eternal city” including the tiny state of the Vatican with time to visit St. Peter’s Basilica and included admission to the Roman Colosseum. Evening transfers to Trastevere with time to stroll in the narrow cobbled streets.
• Florence -  Walking tour through the historic centre, taking in the city highlights such as the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and Plaza della Signoria. Visit the impressive Piazzale Michelangelo with views across the city.
• Venice -  Guided walking tour of St. Mark's Square with entrance ticket included to the Basilica as well as a boat trip to Murano Island to visit a glass factory with ample time at leisure to explore on your own.
• Kotor - Visit Montenegro’s port town of Kotor, set against a backdrop of breathtaking mountains.
• Mykonos - Explore the stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and picturesque whitewashed villages.
• Santorini - Enjoy this picturesque island, home to ancient archaeological sites, hot spring swimming, and stunning wineries.
• Ancona - Wander this bustling city, packed with historical landmarks such as the Roman ruins, Cathedral of Saint Ciriaco, and the Trajan Arch

At MSC Cruises, our love for the sea goes back many generations. And we are eager to pass this passion on to future generations. That’s why we are dedicated to making each of our cruises a voyage of discovery and unforgettable emotions for every guest. We offer an enriching, immersive and safe cruise experience, where you can enjoy international dining, world-class entertainment, award-winning family programmes and the latest user-friendly technology on board.

Cabin Inclusions & Upgrades

Interior Bella (IB) - Included

• Surface approx 12-13 sqm, deck 7-10
• Relaxing armchair
• Bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer
• Comfortable double or single beds (on request)
• TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar

Ocean View Bella (OB) - FROM an additional $299 per person, twin share (Solo travellers from $449)

• Surface approx. 12-13 sqm, deck 7-10
• Window with sea view
• Relaxing armchair
• Comfortable double or single beds (on request)
• Bathroom with shower, vanity area with hairdryer
• TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar

Junior Balcony Deck (BM1) - FROM an additional $899 per person, twin share (Solo travellers from $1,399)

• Surface 13 sqm, balcony 3 sqm, deck 9-10
• Bathroom with shower, vanity area with hairdryer
• Comfortable double or single beds (on request)
• TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar

Please note your upgrade request in the 'Special Request' field whilst making your booking. Once your upgrade has been confirmed, the additional amount will be added to your invoice and payable with your final payment.

This package includes international airfares or has the option of adding international airfares to your booking when selecting your departure city.

If international airfares are included this will be stated in the ‘Inclusions’ section

Alternatively, if international airfares can be added to your booking you will be able to select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’ and a cost will be stated next to your selected departure city. This cost will then be added to your booking and flights will be added to your booking.

Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:

• Flight Offer valid from select departure cities within the purchase path only
• Flights will be booked with the best available airline/s with luggage included. Low-cost carriers may be booked in conjunction with a full-service airline. Depending on the carrier, entertainment and meals may not be included but payable at an extra cost on-board. We cannot specify or guarantee the airline booked. If you would like a specific airline, please request this at the time of purchase. To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?  By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchases to make your request. 
• Flights may not be direct and may include multiple connections
• Due to disrupted airline schedules globally with the pandemic, stopovers/transit times may be longer than usual (up to 12 hours in duration in some circumstances).
• Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable; any changes will be subject to the airline rules, Airline change fees and an Inspiring Vacations change fee of $250 per person.
• Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required at the time of submitting your traveller booking form. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to an Inspiring Vacations name change fee of $150 plus any applicable fees charged by the airline, or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required. 
• If the required booking class is unavailable at time of booking, surcharges may apply. Total cost is final only at time of ticketing. Once issued, air tickets are subject to amendment and cancellation fees or may be non-refundable
• Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are outside of our control. It is important that you, as the customer, stay up-to-date with the latest airline schedule information prior to your departure. If a schedule change results in extended transits or an earlier/later departure from your destination, any additional accommodation or alternative arrangements will be at the traveler's expense.
• After booking, the price payable may be subject to change as a result of factors beyond the control of Inspiring Vacations. Inspiring Vacations reserves the right to increase the price payable and this will be reflected on the customer's invoice. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, airline taxes, airfare increases and fuel surcharges.
• Internal airfares (where applicable and included in the itinerary) will be using a local carrier and may include low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage will still be included for each passenger. Any additional baggage required is payable at time of check-in. 
• If you are travelling with another party on a separate booking, we cannot guarantee that the same flights will be booked for all parties, as this strictly depends on availability. 
• You will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included. If travelling over the recommended amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable directly.
• In the event of that you no-show on your scheduled flight, please be aware the airline will require you to pay a no show fee, Airline reissue fee plus any additional airfare and taxes. Inspiring Vacations will also charge a $250 admin fee to assist re accommodating you on the next available flight. Please note that depending on the airline's policy, purchasing a new ticket may be required.

Baggage

Included baggage differs based on your country of origin. Included baggage will be as per the following:

Baggage allowances provided by the airline might differ to the values stated above. However limitations are required due to transport storage restrictions on your selected tour or package.

Flight requests, amendments or preferences

We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalised quote tailored to your specific requirements.

To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?  By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchase to make your request.

We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:

• Airline Preferences - You may wish to fly with a particular airline
• Cabin Preferences - These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
• Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) - You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
• Meal Requests - You may request a specific meal for dietary requirements.
• Seat Requests - If you would like to request particular seating. However please note, not all airlines allow the selection of pre-purchased seat arrangements.

We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:

• Stopovers - Is where you might want to stop in transit for a certain amount of days prior to your tour or after your tour.
• One way flights
• Different start or end city to the tour - you may not amend the arrival or departure city of your itinerary. 
• Around the world tickets  - Is when a ticket includes multiple stops in different continents.
• Return home to a different city from the one you departed.
• Frequent Flyer point redemption - Is when an airline allows you to redeem points to pay for your flights or upgrade your ticket.  

If we can’t fulfill your request and you still wish to proceed with the booking, please select Land Only (excluding UK customers). This will allow you to travel on the land portion of the package without the included airfares. You will then be able to arrange your own flights separately.

FAQs

For more frequently asked questions please view our FAQs  section. 

Online check-in 

Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.

Rome Sightseeing
Due to restrictions limiting ticket availability, particularly for the months March - October, entrance to the Colosseum in Rome has been permanently removed from this tour.  Visits to the Colosseum may still be possible during the low season (November - February) but remain subject to availability.  When Colosseum tickets are not available for any departure, entrance to the Imperial Forums will be included as an alternative.  

Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.

This particular tour is categorised as a ”4"

Active Tour: A very good level of fitness and mobility is required for you to enjoy all aspects of the itinerary, as this is considered a fast-paced tour. While there is some free time scheduled either in the morning or afternoon, there are many full days of sightseeing with minimal rest and some early starts. You will be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.

Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.

Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Hotel list will be available 24 hours prior to trip commencement. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.

Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,953.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.

Triple Share
Not available.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.

We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.

 Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.

Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.

Visas may be required.

Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.

Group Size
Maximum of 55 people on Italy touring component

The group size will vary as you progress through different stages of your journey. Our carefully curated itinerary combines various components to create a seamless and continuous adventure. This means that you'll have the chance to meet and connect with fellow travelers along the way, as some individuals may join or depart throughout the trip.

Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels: 

• Partially Escorted - A portion of these packages runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is independent, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.

Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.

Language
This tour will be conducted in English, as well as various others in order to accommodate the various nationalities and languages of other travellers. Your Tour Director/Leader will be English speaking (potentially not as their first language).

You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:

Pre Tour Accommodation

• $228.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $201.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.

• Departure Transfer in Venice
• Visas
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Tipping
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Click HERE for more information on weather in Italy.