European Yearnings

Trace Italy's story from Rome's ancient grandeur to Florence's artistic brilliance. You'll soak up Capri's glamour, wander along Pompeii's frozen-in-time streets and explore the medieval towers of San Gimignano as Tuscan hills stretch out below.

From ancient ruins and atmospheric old quarters to thriving food scenes and sun-drenched beaches, our Mediterranean cruises offer the perfect combination of old-world beauty and modern charisma. Top sights such as the Vatican Museums in Rome and La Sagrada Família in Barcelona are easily at hand on a Mediterranean cruise.

Blaze a trail on this Spain and Portugal trip as you travel from Gaudí’s Barcelona to Portugal’s 'Golden Age of Discoveries' in Lisbon. See the tomb of Columbus, visit the Prado Museum and enjoy sweet sangria in Andalusia. 

Your Fly, Tour & Cruise Package Includes:

• $3,900 flight credit per person
• 12-night Best of Italy guided tour with Trafalgar, Rome return
• Includes accommodation, 18 meals, sightseeing highlights
• 2 nights 4-star accommodation in Rome with breakfast
• 7-night European Yearnings cruise onboard Allura, Rome to Barcelona
• Includes all meals & specialty restaurants, still & sparkling water, soft drinks, specialty coffee & tea, Wi-Fi plus more
• 2 nights 4-star accommodation in Barcelona with breakfast
• 8-night Great Iberian Cities guided tour with Trafalgar, Barcelona to Lisbon
• Includes accommodation, 12 meals, sightseeing highlights
• Select private transfers

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 18 June – 19 July 2027

Solo traveller pricing available

Best of Italy Tour Itinerary:

Day 1:  Welcome to Rome

Ciao Roma! Explore this imperial city of emperors and senators, gods and goddesses before joining your Travel Director for an introduction to the 'Eternal City'. Arrive at Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a private after-hours visit to the Mouth of Truth. See the church, crypt and relics of the famous saint of love, Valentine, and learn about the legend of the Mouth of Truth. This evening, enjoy dinner with your travel companions. 

Day 2: Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City

The Holy See takes centre stage today as you join a Local Specialist to explore the Vatican Museums. Admire the frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and see Michelangelo’s Pietà inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Then cross the Tiber into Ancient Rome for a guided visit to the Colosseum, once home to epic spectacles. View the Circus Maximus, where chariots once raced in front of thousands. This afternoon is yours to explore—relax at a sidewalk cafe, visit a local museum or enjoy a gelato in the Piazza Navona.

On some departures, access to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums may be restricted. You'll still enjoy the atmosphere of St. Peter's Square during your visit to the Vatican City, and if tickets are unavailable to the Vatican Museums, you'll instead explore the Capitoline Museums, home to iconic Roman art and archaeology.

Day 3: Explore the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento

Journey south to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. Here you join a Local Specialist who will share details of the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as you wander through the ancient paved roads of a city that was frozen in time. Later, arrive at your hotel in the town of Sorrento where you’ll dine tonight.

Day 4: Cruise to the Isle of Capri

Cross the Bay of Naples today by ferry to the glamorous Isle of Capri to visit some of its landmark sights. Wander past the chic boutiques and pavement cafes in Capri town in the company of a Local Specialist before taking your time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island. Later, return to the mainland.

Day 5: Onwards to Assisi

Journey north past Montecassino to the hill town of Assisi. Meet a Local Specialist for a guided visit of the magnificent Basilica of St. Francis. Stroll through Assisi's charming cobbled streets, lined with stone houses, artisan shops and sweeping views of the Umbrian countryside.

Day 6: Venture to Verona and Venice

Journey through the glorious countryside of the Emilia Romagna region. This area is renowned for its gastronomy and is credited with being the origin of tortellini, mortadella and parmesan cheese. Travel to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, to admire the ancient Roman arena and Piazza Brà. Arrive later into beautiful Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic', to spend time admiring this unique city.

Day 7: St. Mark's and More in Venice

Cruise your way through Venice by private launch to soak up the sights and sounds of what was once one of the world's greatest ports. Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing at a workshop, where you'll watch master craftsmen use centuries-old techniques to shape the delicate glass pieces Venice is famed for. From there, continue past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace to St. Mark's Square to view the impressive piazza and Basilica. Consider an optional experience to see the colourful fishermen's houses on the island of Burano or search for a cosy 'bacaro' and indulge in some tasty treats, starting with that refreshing Venetian Spritz, the local drink of choice.

Day 8: Stroll Around Milan and onto Lake Maggiore

Cross the green plains of Lombardy to sophisticated Milan, Italy's capital of design and fashion. See the intricate Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the famous Galleria. Later arrive in the Italian Lakes where you'll enjoy a dinner with your fellow travelling companions.

Day 9: On to Como and Scenic Lake Maggiore

The blue waters of Lake Como beckon this morning. Enjoy free time to take in the lakeside setting, or join an Optional Experience in Como to hear the stories behind Villa Olmo and the grand estates that line the shore, with time for a walk along the waterfront. Later, spend time in your lakeside resort or join an Optional Experience to discover the palace and gardens of Isola Bella. This evening, venture by private boat to a secluded island on Lake Maggiore to Connect with Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience. Join the Cinque family and hear the story of Villa Toscanini, once the hideaway of Arturo Toscanini, one of Italy’s most influential conductors.

Day 10: Admire Pisa and on to Florence

Tuscany lures you across the forested Apennine Mountains, past the marble quarries of Carrara to the famous city of Pisa and its Square of Miracles where you'll enjoy an opportunity to view the Leaning Tower. Your next stop is Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'.

Day 11: Experience Art and Architecture in Florence

Delve into the extravagant history of the Medici family, whose legacy of art and architecture is explored in the company of a Local Specialist. Visit Piazza della Signoria with its exquisite statues and palazzi and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the beautiful skyline of Florence, dominated by the elegant Duomo and the almost 700-year-old Ponte Vecchio, from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Day 12: Treasures of San Gimignano and Return to Rome

This morning, stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Continuing south, visit the charming Tuscan hill-town of San Gimignano, with its extraordinary medieval architecture and rich history. Venture to the centre of town to view the Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by medieval towers and 13th-century city walls. This evening in Rome, enjoy dinner in the company of newfound friends and your Travel Director.

Day 13: Farewell Rome

Bid a fond ciao to your newfound friends as your discovery of the best of Italy comes to an end.

Cruise Itinerary:

Great Iberian Cities Tour Itinerary:

Day 1:  Welcome to Barcelona

The fiery coastal city of Barcelona kicks off your mesmerising encounter with Spain and Portugal. Set your watch to the leisurely Mediterranean way of life, spending the day relaxing or connecting with a city that once inspired Gaudí's imagination. Later, join your Travel Director and fellow compañeros for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during dinner and an evening drive to see the city’s iconic sights.

Day 2: Discover Lively Barcelona

This morning consider joining an Optional Experience to Montserrat to see the shrine of the Black Madonna, affectionately known in Catalonia as La Moreneta. Afterwards, spend the day exploring a city whose great passions include football, fashion and fairy-tale façades by famed architect Antoni Gaudí. We'll admire the exterior of his masterpiece - the unfinished Sagrada Familia, as well as his creations on the Passeig de Gracia during our guided sightseeing with a Local Specialist. The rest of the day is yours to delight in Spanish culture and cuisine.

On some departures, access to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums may be restricted. You'll still enjoy the atmosphere of St. Peter's Square during your visit to the Vatican City, and if tickets are unavailable to the Vatican Museums, you'll instead explore the Capitoline Museums, home to iconic Roman art and archaeology.

Day 3: Journey to Madrid

Today, we drive through the valleys and pastures of Aragón towards Spain's capital where you will have lunch in Zaragoza. We arrive this evening in Madrid, renowned for its vibrant nightlife which we will have an opportunity to enjoy on our own terms.

Day 4: Explore Fiery Madrid

We join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Madrid, where we will see trendy Gran Vía and the Cibeles Fountain, before we Dive Into Culture visiting the world-famous Prado Museum. Admire the masterpieces of Velázquez and other Spanish greats in this extraordinary museum, said to house the largest collection of European art in the world. Spend the rest of your day exploring the city at leisure. Visit the Royal Palace or stroll through Buen Retiro Park at the heart of the city – the choice is yours.

Day 5: Onwards to Toledo and Seville

Journey south to the clifftop city of Toledo, where your Local Specialist reveals the layers of its history on a walking tour. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé to see El Greco’s celebrated The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, then continue to the former synagogue of Santa María la Blanca. Arrive in Seville this evening and settle into the vibrant spirit of Andalusia before a Be My Guest experience with Isaac, sharing dinner at his family’s olive farm.

Day 6: See the Sights of Seville

The charisma of Seville is unmistakable. Your Local Specialist will take you on a sightseeing tour past the symbolic Giralda Bell Tower, Maria Luisa Park and the architectural gems of Seville's 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. Later, we’ll stroll through the historic Jewish Quarter before visiting the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, where Christopher Columbus is entombed.

Day 7: Continue to Colourful Lisbon

Travel west to Portugal through the province of Huelva, renowned for its Jabugo ham. After crossing into Portugal's rural landscapes of the Alentejo – the world's cork capital – arrive in Lisbon. Spend the rest of the evening exploring the Portuguese capital.

Day 8: Discover Lisbon

Meet your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour that celebrates Portuguese achievements of centuries past. See the Monument to the Discoveries, the suspension bridge that spans the Tagus River, and Belém Tower, once the ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. Dive into Culture as you visit the Belém Quarter and enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém. This evening, enjoy dinner with newfound friends and your Travel Director, toasting to an epic Iberian holiday.

Day 9: Farewell Lisbon

Your journey through Spain and Portugal has come to an end. All that's left is to say a fond adeus at the end of an unforgettable holiday.

Prices listed are per person in NZD, 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 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 21-08-2026 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.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.