Mediterranean Escape

Travel from Rome to Venice during this 13-day guided tour of Italy. Experience ancient Rome: see the Colosseum, where gladiators once fought, and Circus Maximus, where chariots raced for sport. Cruise around Venice in a private boat, then step onto St. Mark’s Square and stand in awe of its gothic-style Doge’s Palace. Sail to Murano Island, where a glassblower will manipulate molten glass into a work of art in front of your eyes. View the southern cliffs of Sorrento and see majestic Mount Vesuvius in the distance. Discover the island of Capri with a Local Expert. Explore its charming alleyways and duck into a shop to purchase a memento. Celebrate a spectacular vacation with a delicious dinner featuring Roman flavours in the Eternal City.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of Europe on a voyage beyond your imagination with Celebrity. Explore the antiquities of Greece. Celebrity can fulfill your dreams of exploring the Old World on a European cruise—and you’ll only have to unpack once.

Your Fly, Tour & Cruise Package Includes:

• $3,200 flight credit per person
• 12 night Italian Escapade guided tour with Insight Vacations, Rome return
• Includes 19 meals, stylish hand-picked hotels, city tours plus more
• 5 nights 4-star accommodation in Rome with breakfast
• Underground visite of Trevi Fountain and Navona Square - Walking Tour
• Catacombs Guided Tour
• 10 night Italy, Greece & Croatia cruise onboard Celebrity Ascent, Rome (Civitavecchia) return
• All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues & selected non-alcoholic beverages
• A wide range of onboard activities & entertainment

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 30 June – 27 July 2026

Solo traveller pricing available, speak with your travel consultant for more details

Underground visite of Trevi Fountain and Navona Square - Walking Tour

Meet your guide at the Spanish Steps and start the tour in front of one of Rome's most famous fountains: Bernini's 'Barcaccia'. Reach the Trevi Fountain, the city's most iconic, and if you wish, try making a wish by throwing a coin into it.

Catacombs Guided Tour

This sacred site was not only a burial ground but also a place of worship for early Christians. Your expert guide will share fascinating stories, providing deep insights into the history and significance of this unique site.

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. Settle in before joining your Travel Director as you indulge in dinner with wine at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Vatican City and Rome with a Local

Your 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. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where Popes are elected, to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Cross the Tiber River to enjoy ancient Rome and 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.

Day 3: Siena and Medieval Florence

Head north to Siena, where winding medieval streets lead you into the heart of the city at the vast Piazza del Campo. Stand where the thunder of hooves fills the square during the famed Palio horse race, then admire the Fountain of Joy before walking up to the marble-striped cathedral that dominates the skyline. Continue through Tuscany’s cypress-lined hills and sun-drenched vineyards to Florence, your base for the next two nights. Spend the evening your way — perhaps unwinding at the hotel, exploring the historic centre or joining an Optional Experience featuring a traditional Tuscan dinner paired with local wines.

Day 4: Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance

This morning, join a Local Expert for a walking tour through Florence’s Renaissance heart. With Insight Choice, visit the Accademia Gallery to witness Michelangelo’s David up close before seeing the intricate marble façades of the Duomo, bell tower and baptistery, home to the gilded Gates of Paradise. Alternatively, join your Travel Director for a relaxed stroll to a nearby cafe to enjoy a traditional Italian treat. Continue through the Piazza della Signoria, where statues of Neptune, Hercules and Cacus stand guard over the historic centre of civic life. The rest of your day is free to uncover more of Florence or consider an Optional Experience to San Gimignano—Tuscany’s ‘medieval Manhattan’ where ancient towers tell tales of feuding families. This evening, rejoin your group for a traditional Florentine steak dinner.

Day 5: Pisa and the Italian Lakes

Stop in Pisa to see the incredible Leaning Tower from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity, as well as the splendid cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble. Your journey continues, past the marble quarries at Carrara, used since the time of Ancient Rome, through the dramatic Apennine Mountains to the fertile valley of the River Po. Continue to your lakeside resort on beautiful Lake Maggiore. As night time draws in, why not work up an appetite before dinner with a traditional evening stroll, or passeggiata as they say in Italy?

Day 6: The Italian Lake District

Today is set aside for you to relax and enjoy all the fantastic sights of this beautiful lakeland area. For your Dine-Around evening, choose from a selection of hand-picked restaurants for your dining pleasure.

Day 7: To Venice With Wine Along the Way

Follow the southern fringes of the European Alps to the vineyards of the Franciacorta wine region near the shores of Lake Iseo. Here, winemaking traditions run deep. Taste the delicious vintages produced by a master vintner at a family-owned estate. Continue to the unique city of Venice.

Day 8: The Magic of La Serenissima

A private boat ferries you to St. Mark’s Square. See the basilica, Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional workshop, where you can see how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding creative skills. Enjoy being serenaded on a gondola ride, gliding through the city's canals in romantic awe. Spend the afternoon as you wish. As night falls, why not savour the magic of St. Mark’s square with its orchestras and al-fresco cafes?

Day 9: Hilltop Assisi

Skirt the Venetian Lagoon and cross two of Italy’s most important rivers, the Adige and Po. The scenery will then change dramatically as you drive through the wild Apennines. Your destination is the stone-built, hilltop town of Assisi, home of St. Francis. See the Church of St. Mary of the Angels before continuing up Mount Subasio. Then, with our Local Expert, visit the beautiful Basilica of St. Francis.

Day 10: Sorrento on the coast

Journey along the clifftop road to the picturesque resort of Sorrento, perched upon the southern cliffs of the Bay of Naples and looking out to Mount Vesuvius. With the evening at leisure, why not try some of the local specialities during a regional dining experience?

Day 11: Capri, the Isle of Dreams

In the morning, cruise to Capri, known as the Isle of Dreams. With your Local Expert, explore the narrow alleyways of Capri town, browse in exclusive boutiques and wonder at the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Descend to the port by funicular railway and return to Sorrento for some relaxation time. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Positano and the Amalfi Coast?

Day 12: On to ill-fated Pompeii and Rome

Journey north to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, eerily preserved by the eruptions of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Your Local Expert walks you through cobbled streets to explore some of the shops, villas and temples. Witness the colourful frescoes that were hidden for centuries. Continue beneath the striking hilltop Abbey of Montecassino and back to Rome where your journey reaches its zenith in the evening. Take in the vibrant atmosphere of this charming neighbourhood as you indulge in fine food, wine, music and a private performance of enchanting operetta for your dinner.

Day 13: Arrivederci Roma

Bid farewell to the glories of Italy, savouring the memories of its enchanting cities, historic landmarks and stunning landscapes. Italy's unique allure will linger in your heart long after you leave.

Cruise Itinerary:

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 07-01-2026 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.