21 Day Mediterranean Delights Cruise & Italy Tour
✓ Small, intimate group experience, with no more than 20 people
✓ Return international airfares with world-renowned Emirates
✓ Return airport and port transfers
✓ 8 nights 4-star accommodation
✓ 10 night luxury Mediterranean cruise on the dazzling, top of the line Celebrity Edge
✓ Gratuities, Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses included on your cruise
✓ Daily breakfasts, 9 lunches, 11 dinners
✓ Fully escorted by an English speaking guide, from arrival in Venice to cruise departure from Rome
✓ Incredible sightseeing - Italy’s beautiful cathedrals and piazzas, the beauty of the Tuscany region, historic and beautiful port towns and glittering Greek islands on your Mediterranean cruise
✓ Dedicated private transportation throughout
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
You’ll be Europe-bound today, ready for your Mediterranean adventure.
Benvenuto! Welcome to Venice, an enchanting city built entirely on water.
Your guide will meet you at the airport for your private water taxi transfer to the hotel.
Built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, romantic Venice has no roads – just canals, including its famed Grand Canal thoroughfare. Given its unique architectural and cultural heritage, the city and its lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You’ll have some free time once you’re settled in. Venice can seem like a maze but is a lovely city to just wander. Make your way through its charming little streets and passageways, along the canals, through its bustling squares. Sip coffee in St. Mark’s Square, perfect for people watching, and admire the ornate buildings that frame the piazza.
Tonight you’ll join your guide and the rest of your group for a three-course welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
After breakfast, you’ll board your private vaporetto for an excursion of Venice islands this morning. You’ll stop at the charming lagoon island Murano, known for its glass production, and visit a glass factory. You’ll see Burano, a small fishing village famous for its coloured houses and lace production, and peaceful Torcello, where you’ll visit the Torcello Cathedral (entrance included).
After some free time for lunch, your guide will take you on a two-hour tour of Venice’s sights. You’ll visit famous gathering place St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) with the basilica, easily one of the most recognisable churches in the world. Admire its Italian Byzantine architecture, golden mosaics and magnificent golden altarpiece. You’ll also visit Torre dell’Orologio, Doge’s Palace and Rialto Bridge, a Venice icon and tourist favourite for photos.
The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you. Of course, a gondola ride is a must-do. You can relax as you’re rowed along the Grand Canal and under the stone-arch Rialto Bridge, admiring the grand palaces lining the canal.
Be sure to visit Harry’s Bar, the birthplace of the much-loved Italian cocktail, the bellini. You’re in good company – Ernest Hemingway was a regular.
After breakfast, we’ll board a private water taxi and say arrivederci to magical Venice. We’ll then board our coach and leave for Florence, birthplace of the Italian Renaissance movement.
Once we check into the hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure. Florence, the capital of the beautiful Tuscan region, is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. It’s a great city to explore on foot to admire the sights.
You’ll have a full day sightseeing in Florence with your guide today. In the morning we’ll see the city’s most important attractions, like the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi, the bell tower by Giotto and the 12th-century baptistery. See Piazza della Signoria, a favourite meeting place for locals and tourists alike. You’ll see Florence icon Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, home to high-end jewelry shops.
In the afternoon you’ll visit the Uffizi Gallery (entrance included) and admire artworks by Raffaello, Botticelli, Giotto and others. You’ll be amazed at the range and depth of works on display.
The rest of the day is yours to explore the city. You’ll see copies all over Florence, but to see Michelangelo’s David sculpture, head to the Galleria dell’Accademia, which also houses many other sculptures by this great Renaissance artist. If you have time, try to see the vast, varied art collection housed in Pitti Palace. You can tour the large 15th-century palace, or stroll through the Boboli Gardens behind the palace. These royal gardens are stunning, home to a large number of statues and fountains.
Piazzale Michelangelo is a terrace above the city that offers gorgeous sweeping city views. You’ll be able to appreciate how the dome of the cathedral dominates the landscape. You can walk here or take the bus. If you continue up to the church of San Miniato al Monte, the oldest church in Florence, you’ll discover a breathtaking view of Florence’s terracotta rooftops.
The Mercato Centrale (covered market) is where locals shop for food, so it’s a great place to people watch or pick up some items for a picnic. You’ll also find some great items to take home, like Tuscan olive oils, nougat and olives. Don’t forget to head up to the first floor for lunch!
We’ll leave for Cortona today.
On the way we’ll stop in Siena for a sightseeing tour of this medieval city. You’ll enjoy a walk through the historical city centre and visit the huge and lively Piazza del Campo, where the Roman forum used to be, one of Italy’s grandest squares. You’ll also see Palazzo Chigi Saracini, and Palazzo Salimbeni, the palace that is home to the Monte dei Paschi bank, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. This Gothic treasure is magnificent and the inside is just as stunning, with its marble pavement, ornate interiors and Piccolomini Library frescoes.
You’ll have some free time for lunch.
When we arrive in the hilltop town of Cortona, you can wander through the historical city centre. The afternoon and evening are free for you to relax or explore. Piazza della Repubblica is the heart of the town and home to the iconic Palazzo Comunale, a 12th-century Romanesque structure with a quaint clock tower. This bustling square is the perfect place for an aperitivo.
We’ll head for Rome today, with a stop on the way in Assisi. Enjoy a two-hour sightseeing tour. Visit the historical city centre and the two major basilicas of the town, the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Basilica of St. Clare.
When we arrive in Rome, the rest of the day is yours to wander the cobblestone piazzas and streets. There is a lot to discover in Rome – start with the food. Culinary delights abound here. Authentic pizza, hearty bowls of fresh pasta, excellent cheeses, wines, seafood and delightful desserts like tiramisu and gelato.
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of Italy’s capital this morning. You’ll discover the enormous wealth of culture and history in this city, a cultural mecca. Only a few cities in the world can boast such a well-preserved level of architecture, art and religious iconography.
We’ll visit iconic symbols of Imperial Rome; the ancient 50,000-seat Colosseum and the Roman Forum (entrances included). You’ll see the large sunny square Piazza Venezia, the central hub of Rome, and Capitoline Hill, the smallest of the seven hills of ancient Rome.
In Vatican City, you’ll visit the Vatican Museums and be able to gaze upon the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Of course, the sights will include St Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church.
There’s so much to see in Rome, we’ll have another sightseeing tour this morning. Enjoy four hours of exciting sights of Baroque Rome and its important squares, like Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish steps and Piazza del Popolo. The Pantheon, easily the best-preserved building from ancient Rome, is an architectural wonder.
The rest of the day is yours to see more of this fascinating city.
This morning, you’ll be taken to Civitavecchia port. Here you’ll board your luxury cruise, ready to set sail and see the glorious Greek Isles.
Welcome aboard! Celebrity Edge is a new, top of the line cruising experience boasting stylish, contemporary design. It’s luxury, redefined. Of course, there’s the gourmet dining that Celebrity is known for. You’ll find a variety of complimentary dining venues included in your cruise, and exciting culinary experiences in the specialty restaurants.
Relax in the world-class spa – there is a salt room and a rainfall water therapy room – or see a show at the theatre, with four stage areas providing an immersive experience. Hang out in the Grand Plaza, hit the high-end shops or enjoy an outdoor film in the Rooftop Garden.
We’ll dock at Messina today, an ancient place with a fascinating history, in northeastern Sicily on the slopes of the Peloritani Mountains.
Walk by the ruins of the 13th-century Church of Santa Maria Alemanna. Messina Cathedral, built in the late Norman period, includes a display of artifacts in its treasury, and the bell tower contains the biggest and most complex mechanical and astronomical clock in the world. The clock tower can be visited inside and at the top you’ll have a beautiful view over the city and its strait.
A cruising day is a great chance to recharge before your next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues onboard, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.
Santorini is exactly as you’d imagined – a classic Greek seascape, with whitewashed houses accented by sea-blue roofs. It’s beautiful, with the deep blue bay, high cliffs and stunning volcanic scenery, like its black and red sand beaches. Take a cable car to Fira and explore the old cathedrals and enthralling museums. Or visit Akrotiri, a Minoan city buried under volcanic ash.
For authentic Cyclades charm, visit the picturesque village of Oia. See the blue-domed St. Gerasimos Church, view Byzantine castle ruins and dine on fresh seafood in a waterfront taverna.
Discover Greece’s epic past in this ancient city, home to beautiful ruins and ancient delights. Discover the breathtaking treasures of the Acropolis, the citadel that has overlooked Athens for 2500 years. It will give you a feel for the sheer power and wealth of Athens in ancient Greece. Below, a park-like promenade links many iconic sights.
Not far from the Acropolis, you’ll find souvenir shopping easy in the Plaka area, with plenty of leather sandals, pottery and hand-painted ceramics. You can also find typical liquors like anise-flavoured Ouzo, and Greek olives, spices and capers.
It may be heralded as a party island, but this popular Greek island mixes sun, fun, glamour and tradition. It’s famous for its beaches, whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and iconic windmills. Relax at a beach and wander the maze-like streets of this scenic, chic port city.
The main town of Hora mixes classic Cycladic architecture and buzzing street culture. Admire the stark-white Panagia Paraportiani church and meet the town’s famous pelican, Petros.
Delos, a sacred inlet of antiquity, is a boat ride away. The mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, here you can comb the ruins of its ancient theatre, Doric temples and markets. Among the ruins, see the amphitheatre and the iconic Terrace of the Lions statues.
Today we’ll visit Rhodes, pronounced ro-dos, the largest of the Dodecanese Islands. The varied landscape with beaches, wooded areas and ancient ruins make this one of the most alluring of the Greek archipelago. This sunny retreat is home to many historic sites, such as the ruins of the Temple of Venus and the medieval Street of Knights. You’ll also find vibrant shops and great restaurants.
A visit here wouldn’t be complete without exploring the picturesque Old Town with its winding streets and Byzantine legacy. Step back in time and enter the gateways of Rhodes, or tour the restored Palace of the Grand Masters of the Knights of Rhodes and the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes (Hospital of the Knights).
Immerse yourself in the whitewashed romance of the archaeological site Lindos and climb to the ruins of its ancient Acropolis for sweeping views of the village and the blue seas beyond.
Like many ports in this part of the world, archeological ruins dating back to antiquity are found everywhere. There are also hundreds of gorges around the island of Chania and over 1500 land and sea caves, including the Cave of Elephants, noted for its remarkable white and red stalactites.
Over the millennia, this harbour city was conquered many times over by Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Turks. Chania remains crisscrossed with Ottoman architecture and historic Venetian mansions, many of which have been transformed into quaint shops, inviting cafes, and boutique hotels. A historic Venetian lighthouse still watches over the harbour.
Beyond its rich history, Chania is a beachcomber’s paradise, with some of the finest sands and most inviting waters in all of Crete.
Experience Cretan hospitality and history on your cruise to Chania with an optional visit to the traditional village of Vamos, the monastery in Karydi, the Braoudakis winery, and the Folklore Museum of Chania. Admire the local flora, the ancient homes, and time-worn old mill, with its 12 arches built in 1862. Stroll through Chania’s breathtaking Botanical Park, featuring 50 acres of exotic fruit trees, plants, and herbs. You’ll learn about the Cretan diet and prepare a traditional dish using local products, like its famed olive oil.
A cruising day is a great chance to recharge before your next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues onboard, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.
Framed by Mount Vesuvius along a dramatic skyline, the 2800 year-old port city of Naples is full of historical sites, churches, and museums that make it a fascinating place for you to explore.
Naples, with its historic city center deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has several important archeological sites and landmarks. Visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli for a world-class collection of Greek and Roman artifacts.
If you’d like to venture a little deeper, then exploring Naples from below the ground is a must. Start with a trip into the basement of the San Lorenzo Maggiore church where you’ll find a partially excavated Roman market and a little deeper, just below the Roman ruins, you’ll find remnants from the Greeks to discover.
In the region where pizza was first invented, you know the food is going to be incredible. Whether you’re looking for a thin, wood-fired Margherita pie, spaghetti alle vongole or a zeppole dusted with icing sugar, the bountiful edible treasures of Naples are sure to please.
Only 35 miles down the coast, Salerno offers you a rich history, but also boasts a marvellous collection of parks, natural wonders, and unique vantage points to take in the beauty of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Two cities. One incredible stretch of Italian coastline.
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast onboard this morning, before your Mediterranean adventure comes to an end. We’ll dock at Civitavecchia and you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!
Celebrity Edge deck plan can be found by clicking HERE.
Upgrades
DELUXE INSIDE STATEROOM - Included
These staterooms have ample living space with a sofa and sitting area - a home away from home. This stateroom class features a king-sized luxury mattress, 24 hour room service, robes, custom blended bath products, complimentary tote bag, hair dryer, mini bar, private safe, and flat-screen television.
OCEANVIEW STATEROOM- Additional $549 per person twin share ($1099 single share)
These staterooms have large windows and a sitting area where you can kick back and relax after a day that has been as busy or relaxing as you want it. This stateroom class features a king-sized luxury mattress, 24 hour room service, robes, custom blended bath products, complimentary tote bag, hair dryer, mini bar, private safe, and flat-screen television. Large full height picture window.
DELUXE VERANDA STATEROOM - Additional $1099 per person twin share ($2199 single share)
These staterooms are private sanctuaries where you'll enjoy both in and outdoor space - relax in the spacious lounge or step outside to linger over morning coffee or wonder at evening sunsets. This stateroom class features a king-sized luxury mattress, 24 hour room service, robes, custom blended bath products, complimentary tote bag, hair dryer, mini bar, private safe, and flat-screen television. Large porthole window
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
Deposit & Payment
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $1,800 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'. Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, please refer to the ‘Extra services’ section for pricing.
Dubai Stopover Package
Dubai Stopover Package - $670 per person ($1340 Single Share).
Includes:
3 nights superior room at the Pullman Jumeirah Lakes Towers Hotel or similar
Breakfast daily
Return private transfers
Resort Fee not included - approximately AED $20 (NZD $8) per night payable locally.
If you wish to book the Dubai stopover package before or after your tour, please select this under 'Upgrade Options' before completing your booking. You will then be invoiced for this in your final payment.
The $150pp extension supplement does not apply if selecting this option, however additional fare and tax difference may be applicable depending on your travel dates.
How to extend your stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
Please note, a supplement of $150 per person (plus any applicable fare and tax differences) applies to deviate from the standard itinerary. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension.
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 “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. 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. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Your guide will give you appropriate expectations in terms of the tipping amounts at the commencement of your tour. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. 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 $6,999 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Paired Solo Travellers
This package allows you to avoid paying a single supplement by booking as a Paired Solo Traveller.
This option must be selected at time of booking during the purchase path under "Select Your Room" and then choose "Paired Twin Room".
Regardless of whether an accompanying solo traveller is found, you are guaranteed to travel at no additional cost.
Solo travellers are matched only on the basis of gender and not on other factors such as age, nationality, religion or sexuality. We kindly ask that you disclose any requirements, medical or otherwise, that might disturb your matched traveller’s sleep (e.g. sleep apnoea or a CPAP machine). Unfortunately, with this in mind and in the interest of other travellers, we request that you proceed with your own private room with the resulting single supplement. Should a second solo traveller not be available, you are nonetheless guaranteed to travel at no extra cost and you will be placed into a single, twin share or double room by yourself. Your tour group may include multiple solo travellers who may or may not be paired. No changes will be permitted to any pairing arrangements.
Note that for some portions of some itineraries, the group sizes will vary. Some packages may operate on groups as small as 2 people and therefore, there may be time spent travelling only with your paired traveller. Should a package require a minimum number of 2 travellers and you are not paired, your booking may be cancelled.
You will be introduced to your matched solo traveller at the beginning of your itinerary and your personal details will not be shared as per our Privacy Policy. Should there be any dissatisfaction with your matched traveller, unfortunately we are unable to make any changes to your room arrangements or offer any refund. Inspiring Vacations takes no responsibility for and will not be held liable for any dissatisfaction with the matched traveller or for their actions.
All departures remain strictly subject to availability and may sell out prior to your tentative booking being confirmed, in which case the fee will be refunded in full. All other booking terms apply.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
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 your return.
A visa is not required for travel to the countries on this tour, for travel less than 90 days.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://safetravel.govt.nz/ for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
8-20 people.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
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.
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