Note : click titles for details of program
Itinerary 1
Highlights
Travel is always better with a friend. This incredible two-for-one journey by land and sea through Italy, France, Malta and Spain is no exception. For 17 unforgettable days, you’ll discover stunning natural beauty, fall in love with enchanting cultures, delve into rich history and much more!
Discover the iconic sights of ancient Rome, fall in love with the romance and history of Venice, wander the fashionable streets of Milan and gaze in awe at the imposing Duomo of Florence. After the tour, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ever-changing views of the Mediterranean aboard the 4.5-star 'MSC Grandiosa'. Cruise to colourful ports including Palermo in Italy, Valletta in Malta, Barcelona in Spain, Marseille in France and Genoa in Rome.
With return international flights, seven nights hotel accommodation, seven night MSC cruise, 27 meals, English-speaking tour guides and much more, this two-for-one Mediterranean discovery tour is an opportunity simply too good to miss!
Day 1 Cairo - Rome, Italy
Today depart from Cairo to Rome, Italy. Fly with full-service airlines such as Egypt Air, Alitalia, Air France, KLM, to name a few (subject to availability).
Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some customers may be required to depart on day 2, to arrive on day 2. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation, which you will receive 4 - 6 weeks prior to departure.
Meals included: In-Flight
Day 2 Welcome to Rome
Upon arrival, you will be met by your English-speaking tour leader and transferred to the hotel.
Overnight: Black Hotel Roma or similar, Rome
Meals included: None
Day 3 Rome City Tour
After breakfast, be met by your local guide and enjoy a guided tour of Rome - the Eternal City (approx. 3 hours). The tour begins at the Trevi Fountain, which has become an iconic spot thanks to the movie ‘La Dolce Vita’, directed by Federico Fellini. The tour will take you to the streets of the old town, visiting famous sites such as the Pantheon; the Palazzo Madama, which houses the Senate of the Italian Republic (entrance not included); and Navona Square, which was built on the ruins of the Domitian Circus. Once the tour finishes you can enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. If you have your sights set on visiting the famous Colosseum or Vatican Museum during your free time, we strongly advise pre-purchasing tickets to avoid excessive queue times.
Optional Activity: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tour: $90 per person
Includes entrance fees, guided tour and earphones.
Optional Activity: Dinner at a traditional Trastevere restaurant: $65 per person
4 Courses - Drinks not included
Overnight: Black Hotel Roma or similar, Rome
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 Rome -Venice (approx. 520Km)
After breakfast, you will continue your Italian journey to Venice. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic landscapes as you venture over mainland Italy. Upon arrival, be checked into the hotel and take the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Delfino Hotel or similar, Mestre, Venice
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 Venice Tour
After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the Tronchetto Pier where you will board a water bus to the city centre. Take the time to admire the beautiful buildings and architecture as you cruise the stunning waters of Venice. Upon arrival, be met by a local guide at Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) and begin your guided tour of Venice (approx. 2 hours). The tour starts at the iconic St Mark’s Square, regarded as one of the most intricate and beautiful town squares in the world - the hub of Venetian life. Surrounding the square, you will see the famous St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Bell Tower (entrances not included). The church (St Mark’s Basilica) was built to house the body of St. Marc which was transported from Alexandria in 828AD. Inside the basilica, you can admire over 8,000 square meters of glittering Byzantine Mosaics. The tour will continue onwards to Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge in the Grand Canal and an icon of the city. Upon conclusion of the tour, you may enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Delfino Hotel or similar, Mestre, Venice
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6 Venice - Milan (approx.270 Km)
After breakfast, depart for Milan. Upon arrival enjoy a guided city tour (approx. 3 hours). Celebrated as the Italian capital of fashion and design, Milan is a city rich in art, history and culture. The tour begins from Sforza Castle (entrance not included) before walking towards the Duomo.
On the way, admire elegant buildings along two of Milan’s iconic streets - the Via Dante and Via Dei Mercanti. Piazza del Duomo is the heart of Milan, and the Duomo - where German influences are softened by the finesse of Italian artists - is one of its most significant Gothic style monuments. From the Piazza Duomo, your tour continues through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Italy’s oldest active shopping mall and a major landmark of Milan, before arriving at the Piazza Della Scala, home to one of the most famous theatres in the world; La Scala (entrance not included).
Overnight: Devero Hotel and Spa Hotel or similar, Milan Area
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 Milan - Florence (approx. 300Km)
After breakfast, depart for Florence, home of the Renaissance. Upon arrival, take this afternoon at leisure in the city centre. You might like to take in some of Florence’s beautiful highlights such as the Piazzale Michelangelo, the medieval Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo or the Campanile Tower.
Overnight: The Gate Hotel or similar, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8 Florence Tour
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of this incredible city (approx. 3 hours). The tour will take you through some of the famous sights and attractions of Florence, including the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and Piazza del Duomo. Piazza del Duomo, together with Piazza San Giovanni, represent the heart of the city. The most important religious monuments of Florence are situated here, linked by their geometric design and characterised by the typical white, green and pink marble coating. You will see the Baptistery with its octagonal shape and three bronze doors; the Cathedral, built in Florentine Gothic style; and Giotto’s Bell Tower, regarded as one of the most beautiful towers in Gothic architecture (entrances not included).
The tour will continue through Piazza Signoria to the Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall of Florence (entrance not included). Admire the impressive statues that surround the piazza, before continuing to the Straw Market where the tour will conclude. Enjoy time at leisure for the rest of the day or alternatively take some of the optional tours available.
Optional Activity: Uffizi Gallery: $75 per person
Includes entrance fees, guided tour and earphones.
Optional Activity: Gallery of the Academy of Florence: $75 per person
Includes entrance fees, guided tour and earphones.
Please note: Only one of the (Uffizi Gallery) or (Academy of Florence) optional tours may be chosen today as they occur at the same time.
Optional Activity: Farewell Dinner at Traditional Florentine Restaurant: $65 per person
4 Courses - Drinks not included
Overnight: The Gate Hotel or similar, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9 Florence - Rome, Civitavecchia (approx. 250km) - Begin 7 Night MSC Med Cruise
After breakfast, be transferred to the cruise terminal in Civitavecchia to embark on your exciting 7-night Mediterranean cruise aboard the ‘MSC Grandiosa’. The cruise departs at 6:00pm this evening.
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Dinner
Day 10 Palermo, Sicily, Italy - 10am to 5pm
Dock for the day in Palermo, Sicily’s multicultural capital. A fascinating, bustling, colourful port, Palermo holds an unrivalled display of Norman art, architecture and Baroque churches, combined with a warren of medieval streets and markets. At the crossroads of civilisations for millennia, Palermo delivers a heady, heavily spiced mix of Byzantine mosaics, Arabesque domes and frescoed cupolas.
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Day 11 Valletta, Malta - 9am to 6pm
The UNESCO-protected port of Valletta, the capital of the island of Malta, is one of the must-see stops for every Mediterranean cruise of merit. You can admire this port, constructed in the second half of the 16th century by the Frenchman Jean de la Valette and moulded by the religious and military Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, from your ship even before disembarking.
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Day 12 At Sea
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Day 13 Barcelona, Spain - 9am to 6pm
Capital of the Catalonia region - Barcelona pulsates with life. There’s no other city in the country that compares to its style, energy, and good looks. The city centre will allow you to discover its world-class art galleries and museums, as well as its countless designer restaurants, bars, and shops. The extraordinary ‘Antoni Gaudí’ designed La Sagrada Família, a church which has been under construction since 1882, and the famous Ramblas boulevard, are just two essential sights of many worth taking in.
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Day 14 Marseille, France - 8am to 5pm
Enjoy a stop in the beautiful southern French city of Marseille. When you alight from the ship, discover the Vieux Port, where glistening fresh fish are sold straight off the boats on Quai des Belges (Belgian Quay). The many amazing French cafés are wonderful spots to observe city life.
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Day 12 At Sea
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Day 15 Genoa, Italy 8am to 6pm
A marvellously eclectic, vibrant and a rough-edged style city. Famous as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa is a bustling seaport. Enjoy the opportunity to learn about the city’s Renaissance heritage, which is preserved in splendid palaces overlooking the harbour. You might like to seek out the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, Palazzo Ducale, and the Renaissance palaces of Via Garibaldi, which contain the cream of Genoa’s art collections, as well as furniture and decor from the days of old when Genoa’s ships sailed to all corners of the Mediterranean (optional shore excursion).
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Day 16 Civitavecchia, Rome - Arrive at 7am - Australia
Enjoy your last breakfast on-board before disembarking. Today at the appropriate time make your own way to the airport for your return flight back home to Australia.
Please note: If the flight home is a night time departure. Luggage can be stored at Rome airport or city centre for approx. €6 per bag.
Meals included: Breakfast;In-Flight
Day 17 Arrive to Cairo
After breakfast will fly back to our hometown.
Note : click titles for details of program
Itinerary 2
Highlights
Travel is always better with a friend. This incredible two-for-one journey by land and sea through Italy, France, Malta and Spain is no exception. For 17 unforgettable days, you’ll discover stunning natural beauty, fall in love with enchanting cultures, delve into rich history and much more!
Discover the iconic sights of ancient Rome, fall in love with the romance and history of Venice, wander the fashionable streets of Milan and gaze in awe at the imposing Duomo of Florence. After the tour, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ever-changing views of the Mediterranean aboard the 4.5-star 'MSC Grandiosa'. Cruise to colourful ports including Palermo in Italy, Valletta in Malta, Barcelona in Spain, Marseille in France and Genoa in Rome.
With return international flights, seven nights hotel accommodation, seven night MSC cruise, 27 meals, English-speaking tour guides and much more, this two-for-one Mediterranean discovery tour is an opportunity simply too good to miss!
Day 1 Cairo - Rome, Italy
Today depart from Cairo to Rome, Italy. Fly with full-service airlines such as Egypt Air, Alitalia, Air France, KLM, to name a few (subject to availability).
Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some customers may be required to depart on day 2, to arrive on day 2. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation, which you will receive 4 - 6 weeks prior to departure.
Meals included: In-Flight
Day 2 Welcome to Rome
Upon arrival, you will be met by your English-speaking tour leader and transferred to the hotel.
Overnight: Black Hotel Roma or similar, Rome
Meals included: None
Day 3 Rome City Tour
After breakfast, be met by your local guide and enjoy a guided tour of Rome - the Eternal City (approx. 3 hours). The tour begins at the Trevi Fountain, which has become an iconic spot thanks to the movie ‘La Dolce Vita’, directed by Federico Fellini. The tour will take you to the streets of the old town, visiting famous sites such as the Pantheon; the Palazzo Madama, which houses the Senate of the Italian Republic (entrance not included); and Navona Square, which was built on the ruins of the Domitian Circus. Once the tour finishes you can enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. If you have your sights set on visiting the famous Colosseum or Vatican Museum during your free time, we strongly advise pre-purchasing tickets to avoid excessive queue times.
Optional Activity: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tour: $90 per person
Includes entrance fees, guided tour and earphones.
Optional Activity: Dinner at a traditional Trastevere restaurant: $65 per person
4 Courses - Drinks not included
Overnight: Black Hotel Roma or similar, Rome
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 Rome -Venice (approx. 520Km)
After breakfast, you will continue your Italian journey to Venice. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic landscapes as you venture over mainland Italy. Upon arrival, be checked into the hotel and take the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Delfino Hotel or similar, Mestre, Venice
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 Venice Tour
After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the Tronchetto Pier where you will board a water bus to the city centre. Take the time to admire the beautiful buildings and architecture as you cruise the stunning waters of Venice. Upon arrival, be met by a local guide at Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) and begin your guided tour of Venice (approx. 2 hours). The tour starts at the iconic St Mark’s Square, regarded as one of the most intricate and beautiful town squares in the world - the hub of Venetian life. Surrounding the square, you will see the famous St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Bell Tower (entrances not included). The church (St Mark’s Basilica) was built to house the body of St. Marc which was transported from Alexandria in 828AD. Inside the basilica, you can admire over 8,000 square meters of glittering Byzantine Mosaics. The tour will continue onwards to Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge in the Grand Canal and an icon of the city. Upon conclusion of the tour, you may enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Delfino Hotel or similar, Mestre, Venice
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6 Venice - Milan (approx.270 Km)
After breakfast, depart for Milan. Upon arrival enjoy a guided city tour (approx. 3 hours). Celebrated as the Italian capital of fashion and design, Milan is a city rich in art, history and culture. The tour begins from Sforza Castle (entrance not included) before walking towards the Duomo.
On the way, admire elegant buildings along two of Milan’s iconic streets - the Via Dante and Via Dei Mercanti. Piazza del Duomo is the heart of Milan, and the Duomo - where German influences are softened by the finesse of Italian artists - is one of its most significant Gothic style monuments. From the Piazza Duomo, your tour continues through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Italy’s oldest active shopping mall and a major landmark of Milan, before arriving at the Piazza Della Scala, home to one of the most famous theatres in the world; La Scala (entrance not included).
Overnight: Devero Hotel and Spa Hotel or similar, Milan Area
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 Milan - Florence (approx. 300Km)
After breakfast, depart for Florence, home of the Renaissance. Upon arrival, take this afternoon at leisure in the city centre. You might like to take in some of Florence’s beautiful highlights such as the Piazzale Michelangelo, the medieval Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo or the Campanile Tower.
Overnight: The Gate Hotel or similar, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8 Florence Tour
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of this incredible city (approx. 3 hours). The tour will take you through some of the famous sights and attractions of Florence, including the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and Piazza del Duomo. Piazza del Duomo, together with Piazza San Giovanni, represent the heart of the city. The most important religious monuments of Florence are situated here, linked by their geometric design and characterised by the typical white, green and pink marble coating. You will see the Baptistery with its octagonal shape and three bronze doors; the Cathedral, built in Florentine Gothic style; and Giotto’s Bell Tower, regarded as one of the most beautiful towers in Gothic architecture (entrances not included).
The tour will continue through Piazza Signoria to the Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall of Florence (entrance not included). Admire the impressive statues that surround the piazza, before continuing to the Straw Market where the tour will conclude. Enjoy time at leisure for the rest of the day or alternatively take some of the optional tours available.
Optional Activity: Uffizi Gallery: $75 per person
Includes entrance fees, guided tour and earphones.
Optional Activity: Gallery of the Academy of Florence: $75 per person
Includes entrance fees, guided tour and earphones.
Please note: Only one of the (Uffizi Gallery) or (Academy of Florence) optional tours may be chosen today as they occur at the same time.
Optional Activity: Farewell Dinner at Traditional Florentine Restaurant: $65 per person
4 Courses - Drinks not included
Overnight: The Gate Hotel or similar, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9 Florence - Rome, Civitavecchia (approx. 250km) - Begin 7 Night MSC Med Cruise
After breakfast, be transferred to the cruise terminal in Civitavecchia to embark on your exciting 7-night Mediterranean cruise aboard the ‘MSC Grandiosa’. The cruise departs at 6:00pm this evening.
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Dinner
Day 10 At Sea
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Day 11 Palma De Mallorca, Spain - 9am to 11pm
The port city of Palma, a Mediterranean cruise destination, lies on the south coast of Mallorca. Founded in 124 B.C., Palma is celebrated for its medieval streets, jaw-dropping architecture, and ancient fortified walls. See buildings such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria which features designs by Gaudí and one of the world’s largest stained-glass windows, or the Gothic Bellver castle with its circular centre and eye-catching towers.
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Day 12 Barcelona, Spain - 8am to 5pm
Capital of the Catalonia region - Barcelona pulsates with life. There’s no other city in the country that compares to its style, energy, and good looks. The city centre will allow you to discover its world-class art galleries and museums, as well as its countless designer restaurants, bars, and shops. The extraordinary ‘Antoni Gaudí’ designed La Sagrada Família, a church which has been under construction since 1882, and the famous Ramblas boulevard, are just two essential sights of many worth taking in.
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Day 13 Cannes, France - 8:30am to 5:30pm
Cannes, a jewel on the coast of France, will introduce you to the famous Film Festival. Away from the iconic seafront promenade of La Croisette, lined with chic boutiques and hotels, this destination offers remarkable heritage sites and the chance to visit exciting towns such as Monaco and the medieval village of Eze.
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Day 14 Genoa, Italy 7am to 6pm
A marvellously eclectic, vibrant and a rough-edged style city. Famous as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa is a bustling seaport. Enjoy the opportunity to learn about the city’s Renaissance heritage, which is preserved in splendid palaces overlooking the harbour. You might like to seek out the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, Palazzo Ducale, and the Renaissance palaces of Via Garibaldi, which contain the cream of Genoa’s art collections, as well as furniture and decor from the days of old when Genoa’s ships sailed to all corners of the Mediterranean (optional shore excursion).
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Day 15 La Spezia, Italy 07am - 6pm
Overlooking the 'Gulf of the Poets', lies the Italian naval city of La Spezia. Here, a maze of atmospheric streets lead to an impressive commercial harbour with glamorous yachts and pretty palm trees. This bustling Liguria port boasts historical churches, museums, and gardens. Nearby, Cinque Terre, Pisa, and Florence are just waiting to be discovered.
Cruises excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
• The National Park of Cinque Terre
• Pisa: The Town of The Leaning Tower
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Day 16 Civitavecchia, Rome - Arrive at 7am - Australia
Enjoy your last breakfast on-board before disembarking. Today at the appropriate time make your own way to the airport for your return flight back home to Australia.
Please note: If the flight home is a night time departure. Luggage can be stored at Rome airport or city centre for approx. €6 per bag.
Meals included: Breakfast;In-Flight
Day 17 Arrive to Cairo
After breakfast will fly back to our hometown.
Itinerary 1
HighlightsTravel is always better with a friend. This incredible two-for-one journey by land and sea through Italy, France, Malta and Spain is no exception. For 17 unforgettable days, you’ll discover stunning natural beauty, fall in love with enchanting cultures, delve into rich history and much more!
Discover the iconic sights of ancient Rome, fall in love with the romance and history of Venice, wander the fashionable streets of Milan and gaze in awe at the imposing Duomo of Florence. After the tour, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ever-changing views of the Mediterranean aboard the 4.5-star 'MSC Grandiosa'. Cruise to colourful ports including Palermo in Italy, Valletta in Malta, Barcelona in Spain, Marseille in France and Genoa in Rome.
With return international flights, seven nights hotel accommodation, seven night MSC cruise, 27 meals, English-speaking tour guides and much more, this two-for-one Mediterranean discovery tour is an opportunity simply too good to miss!
Today depart from Cairo to Rome, Italy. Fly with full-service airlines such as Egypt Air, Alitalia, Air France, KLM, to name a few (subject to availability).
Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some customers may be required to depart on day 2, to arrive on day 2. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation, which you will receive 4 - 6 weeks prior to departure.
Meals included: In-Flight
Upon arrival, you will be met by your English-speaking tour leader and transferred to the hotel.
Overnight: Black Hotel Roma or similar, Rome
Meals included: None
After breakfast, be met by your local guide and enjoy a guided tour of Rome - the Eternal City (approx. 3 hours). The tour begins at the Trevi Fountain, which has become an iconic spot thanks to the movie ‘La Dolce Vita’, directed by Federico Fellini. The tour will take you to the streets of the old town, visiting famous sites such as the Pantheon; the Palazzo Madama, which houses the Senate of the Italian Republic (entrance not included); and Navona Square, which was built on the ruins of the Domitian Circus. Once the tour finishes you can enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. If you have your sights set on visiting the famous Colosseum or Vatican Museum during your free time, we strongly advise pre-purchasing tickets to avoid excessive queue times.
Optional Activity: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tour: $90 per person
Includes entrance fees, guided tour and earphones.
Optional Activity: Dinner at a traditional Trastevere restaurant: $65 per person
4 Courses - Drinks not included
Overnight: Black Hotel Roma or similar, Rome
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will continue your Italian journey to Venice. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic landscapes as you venture over mainland Italy. Upon arrival, be checked into the hotel and take the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Delfino Hotel or similar, Mestre, Venice
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the Tronchetto Pier where you will board a water bus to the city centre. Take the time to admire the beautiful buildings and architecture as you cruise the stunning waters of Venice. Upon arrival, be met by a local guide at Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) and begin your guided tour of Venice (approx. 2 hours). The tour starts at the iconic St Mark’s Square, regarded as one of the most intricate and beautiful town squares in the world - the hub of Venetian life. Surrounding the square, you will see the famous St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Bell Tower (entrances not included). The church (St Mark’s Basilica) was built to house the body of St. Marc which was transported from Alexandria in 828AD. Inside the basilica, you can admire over 8,000 square meters of glittering Byzantine Mosaics. The tour will continue onwards to Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge in the Grand Canal and an icon of the city. Upon conclusion of the tour, you may enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Delfino Hotel or similar, Mestre, Venice
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, depart for Milan. Upon arrival enjoy a guided city tour (approx. 3 hours). Celebrated as the Italian capital of fashion and design, Milan is a city rich in art, history and culture. The tour begins from Sforza Castle (entrance not included) before walking towards the Duomo.
On the way, admire elegant buildings along two of Milan’s iconic streets - the Via Dante and Via Dei Mercanti. Piazza del Duomo is the heart of Milan, and the Duomo - where German influences are softened by the finesse of Italian artists - is one of its most significant Gothic style monuments. From the Piazza Duomo, your tour continues through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Italy’s oldest active shopping mall and a major landmark of Milan, before arriving at the Piazza Della Scala, home to one of the most famous theatres in the world; La Scala (entrance not included).
Overnight: Devero Hotel and Spa Hotel or similar, Milan Area
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, depart for Florence, home of the Renaissance. Upon arrival, take this afternoon at leisure in the city centre. You might like to take in some of Florence’s beautiful highlights such as the Piazzale Michelangelo, the medieval Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo or the Campanile Tower.
Overnight: The Gate Hotel or similar, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of this incredible city (approx. 3 hours). The tour will take you through some of the famous sights and attractions of Florence, including the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and Piazza del Duomo. Piazza del Duomo, together with Piazza San Giovanni, represent the heart of the city. The most important religious monuments of Florence are situated here, linked by their geometric design and characterised by the typical white, green and pink marble coating. You will see the Baptistery with its octagonal shape and three bronze doors; the Cathedral, built in Florentine Gothic style; and Giotto’s Bell Tower, regarded as one of the most beautiful towers in Gothic architecture (entrances not included).
The tour will continue through Piazza Signoria to the Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall of Florence (entrance not included). Admire the impressive statues that surround the piazza, before continuing to the Straw Market where the tour will conclude. Enjoy time at leisure for the rest of the day or alternatively take some of the optional tours available.
Optional Activity: Uffizi Gallery: $75 per person
Includes entrance fees, guided tour and earphones.
Optional Activity: Gallery of the Academy of Florence: $75 per person
Includes entrance fees, guided tour and earphones.
Please note: Only one of the (Uffizi Gallery) or (Academy of Florence) optional tours may be chosen today as they occur at the same time.
Optional Activity: Farewell Dinner at Traditional Florentine Restaurant: $65 per person
4 Courses - Drinks not included
Overnight: The Gate Hotel or similar, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, be transferred to the cruise terminal in Civitavecchia to embark on your exciting 7-night Mediterranean cruise aboard the ‘MSC Grandiosa’. The cruise departs at 6:00pm this evening.
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Dinner
Dock for the day in Palermo, Sicily’s multicultural capital. A fascinating, bustling, colourful port, Palermo holds an unrivalled display of Norman art, architecture and Baroque churches, combined with a warren of medieval streets and markets. At the crossroads of civilisations for millennia, Palermo delivers a heady, heavily spiced mix of Byzantine mosaics, Arabesque domes and frescoed cupolas.
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
The UNESCO-protected port of Valletta, the capital of the island of Malta, is one of the must-see stops for every Mediterranean cruise of merit. You can admire this port, constructed in the second half of the 16th century by the Frenchman Jean de la Valette and moulded by the religious and military Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, from your ship even before disembarking.
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Capital of the Catalonia region - Barcelona pulsates with life. There’s no other city in the country that compares to its style, energy, and good looks. The city centre will allow you to discover its world-class art galleries and museums, as well as its countless designer restaurants, bars, and shops. The extraordinary ‘Antoni Gaudí’ designed La Sagrada Família, a church which has been under construction since 1882, and the famous Ramblas boulevard, are just two essential sights of many worth taking in.
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Enjoy a stop in the beautiful southern French city of Marseille. When you alight from the ship, discover the Vieux Port, where glistening fresh fish are sold straight off the boats on Quai des Belges (Belgian Quay). The many amazing French cafés are wonderful spots to observe city life.
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
A marvellously eclectic, vibrant and a rough-edged style city. Famous as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa is a bustling seaport. Enjoy the opportunity to learn about the city’s Renaissance heritage, which is preserved in splendid palaces overlooking the harbour. You might like to seek out the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, Palazzo Ducale, and the Renaissance palaces of Via Garibaldi, which contain the cream of Genoa’s art collections, as well as furniture and decor from the days of old when Genoa’s ships sailed to all corners of the Mediterranean (optional shore excursion).
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Enjoy your last breakfast on-board before disembarking. Today at the appropriate time make your own way to the airport for your return flight back home to Australia.
Please note: If the flight home is a night time departure. Luggage can be stored at Rome airport or city centre for approx. €6 per bag.
Meals included: Breakfast;In-Flight
After breakfast will fly back to our hometown.
Itinerary 2
Travel is always better with a friend. This incredible two-for-one journey by land and sea through Italy, France, Malta and Spain is no exception. For 17 unforgettable days, you’ll discover stunning natural beauty, fall in love with enchanting cultures, delve into rich history and much more!
Discover the iconic sights of ancient Rome, fall in love with the romance and history of Venice, wander the fashionable streets of Milan and gaze in awe at the imposing Duomo of Florence. After the tour, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ever-changing views of the Mediterranean aboard the 4.5-star 'MSC Grandiosa'. Cruise to colourful ports including Palermo in Italy, Valletta in Malta, Barcelona in Spain, Marseille in France and Genoa in Rome.
With return international flights, seven nights hotel accommodation, seven night MSC cruise, 27 meals, English-speaking tour guides and much more, this two-for-one Mediterranean discovery tour is an opportunity simply too good to miss!
Today depart from Cairo to Rome, Italy. Fly with full-service airlines such as Egypt Air, Alitalia, Air France, KLM, to name a few (subject to availability).
Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some customers may be required to depart on day 2, to arrive on day 2. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation, which you will receive 4 - 6 weeks prior to departure.
Meals included: In-Flight
Upon arrival, you will be met by your English-speaking tour leader and transferred to the hotel.
Overnight: Black Hotel Roma or similar, Rome
Meals included: None
After breakfast, be met by your local guide and enjoy a guided tour of Rome - the Eternal City (approx. 3 hours). The tour begins at the Trevi Fountain, which has become an iconic spot thanks to the movie ‘La Dolce Vita’, directed by Federico Fellini. The tour will take you to the streets of the old town, visiting famous sites such as the Pantheon; the Palazzo Madama, which houses the Senate of the Italian Republic (entrance not included); and Navona Square, which was built on the ruins of the Domitian Circus. Once the tour finishes you can enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. If you have your sights set on visiting the famous Colosseum or Vatican Museum during your free time, we strongly advise pre-purchasing tickets to avoid excessive queue times.
Optional Activity: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tour: $90 per person
Includes entrance fees, guided tour and earphones.
Optional Activity: Dinner at a traditional Trastevere restaurant: $65 per person
4 Courses - Drinks not included
Overnight: Black Hotel Roma or similar, Rome
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will continue your Italian journey to Venice. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic landscapes as you venture over mainland Italy. Upon arrival, be checked into the hotel and take the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Delfino Hotel or similar, Mestre, Venice
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the Tronchetto Pier where you will board a water bus to the city centre. Take the time to admire the beautiful buildings and architecture as you cruise the stunning waters of Venice. Upon arrival, be met by a local guide at Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) and begin your guided tour of Venice (approx. 2 hours). The tour starts at the iconic St Mark’s Square, regarded as one of the most intricate and beautiful town squares in the world - the hub of Venetian life. Surrounding the square, you will see the famous St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Bell Tower (entrances not included). The church (St Mark’s Basilica) was built to house the body of St. Marc which was transported from Alexandria in 828AD. Inside the basilica, you can admire over 8,000 square meters of glittering Byzantine Mosaics. The tour will continue onwards to Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge in the Grand Canal and an icon of the city. Upon conclusion of the tour, you may enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Delfino Hotel or similar, Mestre, Venice
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, depart for Milan. Upon arrival enjoy a guided city tour (approx. 3 hours). Celebrated as the Italian capital of fashion and design, Milan is a city rich in art, history and culture. The tour begins from Sforza Castle (entrance not included) before walking towards the Duomo.
On the way, admire elegant buildings along two of Milan’s iconic streets - the Via Dante and Via Dei Mercanti. Piazza del Duomo is the heart of Milan, and the Duomo - where German influences are softened by the finesse of Italian artists - is one of its most significant Gothic style monuments. From the Piazza Duomo, your tour continues through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Italy’s oldest active shopping mall and a major landmark of Milan, before arriving at the Piazza Della Scala, home to one of the most famous theatres in the world; La Scala (entrance not included).
Overnight: Devero Hotel and Spa Hotel or similar, Milan Area
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, depart for Florence, home of the Renaissance. Upon arrival, take this afternoon at leisure in the city centre. You might like to take in some of Florence’s beautiful highlights such as the Piazzale Michelangelo, the medieval Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo or the Campanile Tower.
Overnight: The Gate Hotel or similar, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of this incredible city (approx. 3 hours). The tour will take you through some of the famous sights and attractions of Florence, including the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and Piazza del Duomo. Piazza del Duomo, together with Piazza San Giovanni, represent the heart of the city. The most important religious monuments of Florence are situated here, linked by their geometric design and characterised by the typical white, green and pink marble coating. You will see the Baptistery with its octagonal shape and three bronze doors; the Cathedral, built in Florentine Gothic style; and Giotto’s Bell Tower, regarded as one of the most beautiful towers in Gothic architecture (entrances not included).
The tour will continue through Piazza Signoria to the Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall of Florence (entrance not included). Admire the impressive statues that surround the piazza, before continuing to the Straw Market where the tour will conclude. Enjoy time at leisure for the rest of the day or alternatively take some of the optional tours available.
Optional Activity: Uffizi Gallery: $75 per person
Includes entrance fees, guided tour and earphones.
Optional Activity: Gallery of the Academy of Florence: $75 per person
Includes entrance fees, guided tour and earphones.
Please note: Only one of the (Uffizi Gallery) or (Academy of Florence) optional tours may be chosen today as they occur at the same time.
Optional Activity: Farewell Dinner at Traditional Florentine Restaurant: $65 per person
4 Courses - Drinks not included
Overnight: The Gate Hotel or similar, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, be transferred to the cruise terminal in Civitavecchia to embark on your exciting 7-night Mediterranean cruise aboard the ‘MSC Grandiosa’. The cruise departs at 6:00pm this evening.
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Dinner
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
The port city of Palma, a Mediterranean cruise destination, lies on the south coast of Mallorca. Founded in 124 B.C., Palma is celebrated for its medieval streets, jaw-dropping architecture, and ancient fortified walls. See buildings such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria which features designs by Gaudí and one of the world’s largest stained-glass windows, or the Gothic Bellver castle with its circular centre and eye-catching towers.
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Capital of the Catalonia region - Barcelona pulsates with life. There’s no other city in the country that compares to its style, energy, and good looks. The city centre will allow you to discover its world-class art galleries and museums, as well as its countless designer restaurants, bars, and shops. The extraordinary ‘Antoni Gaudí’ designed La Sagrada Família, a church which has been under construction since 1882, and the famous Ramblas boulevard, are just two essential sights of many worth taking in.
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Cannes, a jewel on the coast of France, will introduce you to the famous Film Festival. Away from the iconic seafront promenade of La Croisette, lined with chic boutiques and hotels, this destination offers remarkable heritage sites and the chance to visit exciting towns such as Monaco and the medieval village of Eze.
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
A marvellously eclectic, vibrant and a rough-edged style city. Famous as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa is a bustling seaport. Enjoy the opportunity to learn about the city’s Renaissance heritage, which is preserved in splendid palaces overlooking the harbour. You might like to seek out the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, Palazzo Ducale, and the Renaissance palaces of Via Garibaldi, which contain the cream of Genoa’s art collections, as well as furniture and decor from the days of old when Genoa’s ships sailed to all corners of the Mediterranean (optional shore excursion).
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Overlooking the 'Gulf of the Poets', lies the Italian naval city of La Spezia. Here, a maze of atmospheric streets lead to an impressive commercial harbour with glamorous yachts and pretty palm trees. This bustling Liguria port boasts historical churches, museums, and gardens. Nearby, Cinque Terre, Pisa, and Florence are just waiting to be discovered.
Cruises excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
• The National Park of Cinque Terre
• Pisa: The Town of The Leaning Tower
Overnight: MSC Cruises ‘MSC Grandiosa’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner
Enjoy your last breakfast on-board before disembarking. Today at the appropriate time make your own way to the airport for your return flight back home to Australia.
Please note: If the flight home is a night time departure. Luggage can be stored at Rome airport or city centre for approx. €6 per bag.
Meals included: Breakfast;In-Flight
After breakfast will fly back to our hometown.
