Best of the Iberian & Italy

Cruise topaz waters to iconic European cities and the sun-washed shores of Portugal, Spain, and Italy. Explore history in Gibraltar and iconic Rome.

Explore the best of Italy on this 10-night guided tour. In Rome, enjoy a VIP Vatican tour that includes access to the Bramante Staircase — a spiraling Renaissance masterpiece normally off-limits to visitors. As your travels continue along the Bay of Naples, stop on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius for lunch at a local farm still growing traditional produce unique to the region. In Florence, learn the secrets of leather making from a local leatherworker. Fall in love with Venice as you see churches and palaces from a private boat, and cruise its canals on a romantic gondola ride. Sail to Capri, where craggy mountains cascade into the Tyrrhenian Sea; a Local Expert will help you navigate its narrow alleys. But before you say arrivederci to Italy, enjoy one last experience: a private opera during a four-course meal that features local wine.

 Your Fly, Cruise & Tour Package Includes:

• $2200 flight credit per person
• 3-night accommodation in Amsterdam
• 14-night Iberian Peninsula cruise onboard Nieuw Statendam, Amsterdam to Rome
• All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues & selected non-alcoholic beverages
• A wide range of onboard activities & entertainment
• 10-night Best of Italy guided tour with Insight Vacations, Rome return     
• Private transfers throughout
• Port charges, fees & taxes onboard your cruise

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 04 September – 02 October 2024

Solo traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details

 Cruise Itinerary:

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1 | Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome

Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director at 17:30, and get to know your fellow travellers over a delicious Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.

Meals: Dinner with Wine

Day 2 | Vatican City and Rome with a Local

The day is devoted to The Eternal City. Join a Local Expert for an in-depth visit to the Vatican Museums, full of priceless art treasures collected by the Popes. Insight has arranged special priority entry and behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase, a marvel of Renaissance architecture, normally o-limits to visitors. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where Popes are elected, to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, to wonder at another of his works, the emotive ‘Pietà,’ and stand beneath the dome completed after his death. Cross the Tiber river to enjoy ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus. Admire the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine, walking on the ancient pavement. Discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum as you stroll around the exterior of this amazing structure. Later, perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon, the stunning Piazzas and fountains of Rome.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 | The Chianti Hills to Florence

Drive to the Chianti Hills and the city of Florence. On arrival, you will be privy to the secrets of traditional Florentine leatherwork and see a gold demonstration. This evening, indulge in a delicious meal at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 4 | Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance

Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo's David. Alternatively, wander through the market stalls on a guided shopping tour, enjoying all the Italian treats and finery on offer. Continue on foot to the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Visit Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. In the afternoon, perhaps visit medieval San Gimignano?

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 | Pisa to Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic

Journey to the coastal town of Pisa and see the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles, as well as the baptistery and colonnaded bell tower behind the cathedral. Relax and enjoy the scenery as you cross the spectacular Apennine Mountains, through the Emilia-Romagna region - one of Europe's most intensely farmed and fertile plains. Continue through the marshes of the Venetian Lagoon before crossing the causeway into the floating city of Venice. As evening falls, day-trippers desert the city to return to the mainland. Appreciate the peace and tranquillity of Venice from your centrally located hotel. This evening, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 6 | Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima

Your private boat takes you past historic churches and 13^th century palaces to St. Mark's Square. The first sight is the gilded facade of St. Mark's Basilica. Turn the corner, and view the pink marble of the Doge's Palace, connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. It was from here that Casanova made his daring escape. Afterwards, board a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional arts centre. See how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 | Assisi

Journey to the peaceful town of Assisi, dotted with medieval churches, colourful frescoes and shady courtyards. In the valley, see the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, much venerated as the place of St. Francis' death, then continue up Mount Subasio to the upper town.

With your Local Expert, step inside the huge Basilica of St. Francis, built in the 13th century. The frescoes painted by Giotto here heralded a new era in Italian art. Arrive at your hotel, located in the heart of the medieval Old Town. Enjoy the tranquillity of the historic old town during free time.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 8 | Sorrento on the coast

Travel south passing Cassino, the scene of a fierce battle during World War II. Follow the spectacular clifftop road to the picturesque resort of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples to Mount Vesuvius.  After checking in to your hotel, spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 | Capri, the Isle of Dreams

Cross the Bay of Naples to reach the beautiful Isle of Capri, a rock rising sheer from the Mediterranean! For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned visitors from Tiberius to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri town by one of the island's iconic open-top taxis. A Local Expert joins you for an exploration of the narrow alleyways. Browse in deluxe boutiques and wonder at the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Descend to the port by funicular railway and return to Sorrento, where you are at leisure for the rest of the day. Perhaps head to Positano for an exploration of the colourful Amalfi Coast?

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 | Pompeii, frozen in time and on to Rome

Continue to Pompeii, the opulent Roman town which was preserved by layers of ash from the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. A walk with your Local Expert through the cobbled streets and extensive excavations reveals the daily life of ancient Roman civilisation. Visit the Forum and peer into shops and patrician villas, decorated with colourful wall paintings. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Vesuvius National Park and visit Casa Barone. This small family run farm on the slopes of the volcano is one of the world’s only producers of Piennolo tomatoes, an endangered fruit that only thrives in the fertile volcanic soil. Each harvest is sustainably farmed and cared for by the extended Barone family, who all work here. Be sure to savour the unique flavours of this rare tomato during a truly unique Farm-to-Table lunch. Your journey continues to Rome. In the evening, enjoy an elegant four-course Celebration Dinner with local wine at a Roman restaurant. As you dine, enjoy a private performance of popular songs and arias from some of Italy's best-loved operas.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine

Day 11 | Arrivederci Roma

Bid farewell to the glories of Italy.

Meals: Breakfast

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown *on the lowest inside category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 22 August 2023 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated. Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included. Flight credit is applicable on airline of choice, subject to availability and subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.